Termini Brothers

Termini Brothers Bakery

Type	Italian bakery
Address	1523 South 8th Street
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	South Philadelphia
Phone	(215) 334-1816
Website	Official site
Established	1921
Founder	Giuseppe Termini
Owner	Termini family
Hours	7 AM - 6 PM (varies)
Products	Italian pastries, cannoli, cakes
Status	Active

Termini Brothers Bakery is a legendary Italian bakery located at 1523 South 8th Street in South Philadelphia, operating since 1921. Founded by Giuseppe Termini, an immigrant from Sicily, the bakery has been family-operated for over a century and is famous for its authentic Italian pastries, especially its cannoli—widely considered the best in Philadelphia. Termini Brothers represents the enduring Italian-American heritage of South Philadelphia and remains a destination for celebrations, holidays, and anyone seeking genuine Italian sweets.^[1]

History

Origins (1921)

Giuseppe Termini opened the bakery in 1921:

Founding:

Immigrated from Sicily
Brought traditional Italian baking skills
Opened on South 8th Street
Served the Italian immigrant community

Giuseppe brought the recipes and techniques of his homeland.

Family Tradition

The Termini family has operated the bakery for over 100 years:

Generational succession:

Giuseppe Termini: Founder
Sons: Second generation
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Current operations
Family recipes preserved

The bakery has never left family hands.

South Philadelphia Anchor

Termini Brothers grew with the neighborhood:

1920s-1960s:

Heart of Italian South Philadelphia
Essential for celebrations
Wedding cakes, communion pastries
Daily neighborhood bakery

1970s-present:

Maintained traditions as neighborhood changed
Tourist destination
National shipping
Preserved authenticity

The Pastries

Cannoli

Termini's cannoli*** are legendary:

What makes them special:

Fresh shells: Crispy, not pre-filled
Ricotta filling: Fresh, creamy, not too sweet
Made to order: Filled when purchased
Perfect ratio: Shell to filling balanced

Varieties:

Traditional: Classic ricotta
Chocolate chip: With chips in filling
Dipped: Chocolate-dipped shells
Mini: Smaller version

Many consider these the best cannoli in Philadelphia.

Italian Cookies

Cookie selection:

Pignoli: Pine nut cookies
Italian butter cookies: Assorted
Biscotti: Various flavors
Rainbow cookies: Tri-color layered
Sfogliatelle: Flaky shell pastry

Pastries

Traditional Italian sweets:

Sfogliatelle: Lobster-tail shaped, filled
Rum baba: Rum-soaked cake
Éclairs: Cream-filled
Napoleon: Layered pastry
Cream puffs: Fresh filled

Cakes

Celebration cakes:

Italian rum cake: Soaked in rum
Cassata: Sicilian specialty
Ricotta cheesecake: Italian style
Custom cakes: For occasions
Wedding cakes: Traditional Italian

Holiday Specialties

Seasonal items:

Easter: Lamb cakes, Easter bread, wheat pies
Christmas: Struffoli, panettone, Italian nut cookies
St. Joseph's Day: Zeppole
Other holidays: Appropriate Italian traditions

The Experience

The Shop

Termini Brothers is old-school authentic:

Atmosphere:

Classic bakery cases
Pastries displayed
No-frills environment
Focus on product

Service

Traditional approach:

Counter service
Take a number during busy times
Staff boxes your order
Personal attention

Buying Cannoli

The ritual:

Cannoli shells and filling kept separate
Filled when you order
Ensures fresh, crispy shell
Don't let them sit - eat soon

The Line

Especially during holidays:

Lines out the door
Worth the wait
Plan extra time
Part of the experience

Location

South 8th Street

1523 South 8th Street

The neighborhood:

Historic Italian South Philadelphia
Near the Italian Market
Residential surroundings
Authentic setting

Getting There

Street parking (can be challenging)
SEPTA bus access
Walking distance from Italian Market
GPS recommended for first visit

Holidays at Termini's

The Rush

Holiday periods are intense:

Timing:

Easter: Line days before
Christmas: Weeks of rush
St. Joseph's Day: Zeppole lines
Weekends: Busier than weekdays

Strategy:

Order ahead when possible
Arrive early
Be patient
It's worth it

Easter

Easter specials:

Lamb cakes: Traditional symbol
Easter bread: Sweet, with colored eggs
Wheat pies (Pastiera): Traditional Neapolitan
Cookie trays: For family gatherings

Christmas

Christmas offerings:

Struffoli: Honey-covered dough balls
Panettone: Italian fruit bread
Cookie platters: Assorted Italian cookies
Rum cakes: Holiday favorite

Cultural Significance

Italian-American Heritage

Termini Brothers represents:

Immigration story
Family business tradition
Cultural preservation
Community continuity

Celebration Rituals

Termini's is part of family events:

Weddings: Cakes and cookies
Communions and confirmations: Pastry trays
Funerals: Traditional offerings
Sunday dinners: Dessert stops

Generational Customers

Many families have bought from Termini's for generations:

Great-grandparents shopped here
Traditions maintained
Same recipes they remember
Connection to heritage

National Shipping

Ordering Online

Termini's ships nationwide:

What ships well:

Cookies
Certain pastries
Holiday items
Gift packages

Website: termini.com

Cannoli Note

Cannoli don't ship filled:

Shells ship separately
Filling ships separately
Assembly required
Maintains quality

Tips for Visitors

Recommendations:

Get cannoli*** - non-negotiable
Order filled on-site*** - don't take them pre-filled
Try seasonal specialties*** when available
***Cookie trays*** for sharing
Come early*** during holidays

What to expect:

Modest, authentic bakery
Focus on pastries, not ambiance
Cash helpful (cards accepted)
Limited seating (take away)