What Is a Zeppole?
A zeppole (plural of zeppola) is a classic Italian pastry made from fried dough. Think light, airy, slightly crisp on the outside… soft and fluffy inside.
They’re usually:
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Dusty with powdered sugar
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Sometimes filled with custard, ricotta, or pastry cream
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Occasionally topped with cherries or chocolate
In the U.S., especially at street festivals, they’re often served as simple fried dough bites with powdered sugar. In Italy, they can be more refined and filled.
The Short Answer
A zeppole is an Italian fried dough pastry, similar to a donut, often sweet and sometimes filled.
A Quick History of Zeppole
Zeppole are most closely tied to southern Italy, especially Naples.
Here’s the story:
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Ancient roots
Fried dough has been around since Roman times. Early versions of zeppole were likely simple flour and water fritters. -
Religious tradition
Zeppole became strongly associated with the Feast of Saint Joseph.
This day celebrates Saint Joseph, and in Italy, it’s traditional to eat “Zeppole di San Giuseppe.” -
Why Saint Joseph?
According to tradition, Saint Joseph sold fried pastries to support his family while in Egypt.
So… fried dough became symbolic. -
Modern evolution
Over time, bakeries in Naples refined the pastry:-
Added pastry cream filling
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Topped with amarena cherries
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Created the iconic round, piped shape
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Chicago Connection 🍩
In cities like Chicago with strong Italian-American communities, zeppole became a festival staple. You’ll see them everywhere:
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Street fests
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Italian bakeries
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Church events around March
Usually served hot… in a paper bag… covered in powdered sugar.
Messy. Perfect. Impossible to eat just one.
Chicago’s Sweetest Bite
Where to Find Zeppole Across Chicago Neighborhoods
Crispy. Warm. Covered in powdered sugar.
That first bite?
Pure Chicago summer.
Zeppole are more than a pastry here.
They are a neighborhood experience.
And just like real estate…
Location changes everything.
The Short Answer
You can find zeppole all over Chicago, but the style, vibe, and experience vary by neighborhood.
Little Italy (Taylor Street)
Old school. Authentic. No shortcuts.
Start here.
Taylor Street is where Chicago’s Italian roots still live loud and proud. Especially around the Feast of Saint Joseph.
Expect:
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Traditional Zeppole di San Giuseppe
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Filled with pastry cream or ricotta
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Topped with a cherry
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Beautiful. Structured. Classic.
Local favorite: Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
This is not grab-and-go fair food.
This is heritage on a plate.
West Loop
Modern. Upscale. Slightly extra.
West Loop does not do basic. This is exactly what you experience when living in the West Loop.
Here, zeppole show up as a menu moment. Not a paper bag.
Think:
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Drizzled chocolate
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Citrus zest
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Paired with espresso or cocktails
Spotted at places like: Formento’s
This is zeppole… elevated.
A little polished. Still indulgent.
Street Festivals (Citywide)
Messy. Loud. The real MVP.
This is where most people fall in love.
Hot oil. Paper bag. Powdered sugar everywhere.
You know the scene:
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You’re walking through a fest
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You smell it before you see it
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You buy a bag “to share”
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You don’t share
Common at:
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Taylor Street Festa Italiana
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Taste of Randolph Street
No filling. No fork.
Just pure fried dough perfection.
Suburban Italian Bakeries
Quietly elite. Worth the drive.
Don’t sleep on the suburbs.
Places like New Star Bakery take this seriously.
You’ll find:
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Fresh batches
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Consistent quality
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Less chaos than festivals
This is where locals go when they want the real thing… without the crowd.
Why This Matters (Yes, Even in Real Estate)
Here’s the thing.
Food tells you everything about a neighborhood.
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Little Italy = history, tradition, community roots
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West Loop = reinvention, luxury, trend-driven living
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Festivals = energy, culture, connection
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Suburbs = consistency, family, legacy spots
Same pastry.
Completely different experience.
Sound familiar?
The Bottom Line
Zeppole in Chicago are not just dessert.
They are a neighborhood personality test.
Where you get them
…says a lot about how you live.
And honestly?
That’s the fun of this city.
Zeppole in Chicago: FAQ
What is a zeppole?
A zeppole is a traditional Italian fried dough pastry. It is typically light and airy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and often dusted with powdered sugar. Some versions are filled with custard, ricotta, or pastry cream.
Are zeppole the same as donuts?
Zeppole are similar to donuts but not exactly the same. They are usually lighter, less sweet, and often served without glaze. Traditional Italian versions may be filled or shaped differently than standard American donuts.
What is Zeppole di San Giuseppe?
Zeppole di San Giuseppe are a traditional Italian pastry made for the Feast of Saint Joseph. They are typically filled with pastry cream or ricotta and topped with a cherry. This version is especially popular in Naples and Italian bakeries.
Where can you find zeppole in Chicago?
You can find zeppole throughout Chicago, including:
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Little Italy on Taylor Street for traditional bakery versions
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West Loop restaurants for modern, elevated takes
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Street festivals like Taylor Street Festa Italiana for classic fried dough
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Suburban Italian bakeries for consistent, high-quality options
When are zeppole most popular in Chicago?
Zeppole are most popular around March during the Feast of Saint Joseph. They are also widely available in the summer at Chicago street festivals.
What do zeppole taste like?
Zeppole taste like light, fried dough with a slightly crisp exterior and soft interior. They are mildly sweet and often enhanced with powdered sugar or rich fillings like pastry cream.
Why are zeppole popular in Chicago?
Zeppole are popular in Chicago because of the city’s strong Italian American heritage. They are a staple at neighborhood festivals, bakeries, and cultural celebrations, especially in areas like Little Italy.
Are zeppole always filled?
No. Some zeppole are plain fried dough with powdered sugar, especially at street festivals. Others, particularly bakery versions, are filled with custard, ricotta, or cream.
What Chicago neighborhood has the best zeppole?
It depends on what you are looking for:
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Little Italy for traditional and authentic
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West Loop for modern and upscale
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Street festivals for classic Chicago experience
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Suburbs for consistency and less crowded options
Why do zeppole matter when choosing a neighborhood?
Local food reflects lifestyle. In Chicago, where you find your favorite zeppole can say a lot about a neighborhood’s culture, energy, and community. It is a small detail that helps define how people live day to day.
Let’s talk about what your ideal neighborhood looks like and how to position your next move with confidence.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christine Hancock is a Chicago Realtor with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, bringing more than 25 years of experience and over $200 million in closed sales in the downtown condo market. With 96 five-star Zillow reviews, Christine is recognized for her commitment to client satisfaction and market expertise.
She specializes in high-rise and luxury condominium sales in West Loop, South Loop, River North, and Streeterville—helping buyers and sellers navigate complex transactions with data-driven pricing strategies and deep neighborhood insight.
Christine partners with clients to evaluate market trends, position properties competitively, and make confident, informed decisions in Chicago’s vibrant downtown housing market.
Call or text 312-296-9300 to discuss current market conditions or your real estate goals.
