Nasto’s Ice Cream, 236 Jefferson Street – Established in 1939, you might recognize the name from the episode of the Sopranos where Tony remembers his dad coming home after being arrested one day and nonchalantly saying, "I stopped at Nasto's, got you some cherry vanilla."

This family-owned, old school ice cream shop boasts a variety of unique and seasonal flavors including Sweet Corn, Avocado, Holy Cannoli and Salted Caramel Pretzel. With a thick, custard-like consistency and big portions, the housemade ice cream is perfect anytime of year.

Sweet Retreat Boutique, 17-21 Academy Street – Cupcake shops are all the rage, but this Downtown destination keeps it interesting with one-of-a-kind flavors like Papaya, Mountain Dew, Ginger, Carrot, Red Velvet, Pineapple Cream Cheese, Caramel Corn and Banana Split.

Not too big and not too small, these moist and flavorful cupcakes are the perfect size for post-lunch snacking. Most have a surprise filling and a candy or cookie topping that takes these cakes to the next level.

Calandra’s Italian & French Bakery, 204 1^st Avenue – Native Newarkers know, when you’re looking for the perfect cake for a sweet celebration, head straight to Calandra’s! A Newark institution for over 50 years, Calandra’s boasts an amazing selection of seriously delicious baked goods.

Many come to Calandra’s for the fresh bread, but don’t bypass the cakes! Moist and full of flavor, you can’t go wrong with the cheesecake, carrot cake, chocolate cake, cannoli cake and tres leches cake…so yum! Pick one up for any occasion or no occasion at all.

Edo’s Dessert Lounge, 17 Academy Street - Located in the Academy Building in Downtown Newark, this newly opened sweet spot boasts amazing desserts and an even more fabulous ambiance.

Take a midday coffee break and enjoy a slice of cheesecake, a flaky lobster tail or a peanut butter brownie in the cozy atmosphere of this lounge. Edo’s even hosts special events like sip and paint parties and open mic nights with a confectionery twist. Delicious!

Suissa Bakery & Coffee Shop, 57 Pacific Street – This cute Portuguese coffee shop in the Ironbound was a well-kept secret, that is, until it was named one of New Jersey’s 20 best bakeries by NJ.com in 2014. The word is out but the product is the same: fresh, delicious pastries that are traditional to Brazil.

Our favorite? The “sonho” (or "dream" in Portuguese), a light-as-air, deep-fried doughnut with a sugar coating that melts in your mouth. Bet you can’t eat just one!