Veniero's

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You can't talk dessert places without mentioning Veniero's, the venerable Italian-American café that's been around since 1894. You can choose from more than 150 different desserts, including cannoli, fruit tarts, and cookies (the pinoli are the best). I'm in love with the cheesecake, by far the best in the city. Unlike most cheesecakes, which tend to be weighted with too much dense cream cheese, Veniero's Italian cheesecake is made with ricotta, which lightens the load. It sits on a thin, delicate cakey crust that has just the right amount of lemon rind to provide a tangy jolt. With success come long lines and many a guidebook-toting tourist. But low ceilings and cavernous spaces ensure a quiet and intimate setting for you and your cheesecake. — Nick Pachetti