“The Electric City is home to many Italian establishments, but Perecca’s holds a special place in the hearts of many Schenectady residents. Located in the center of Schenectady’s Little Italy, the family-owned shop has been baking its signature Italian bread since 1914. For many years, owner Maria Perecca’s family made slices of juicy tomato pie and giant loaves of floured bread straight from the store’s bakery. In 2009, however, Perecca’s founded More Perecca’s, an Italian restaurant located just next door. The charming local eatery serves seafood dishes, freshly made pasta, and excellent pizza cooked over charcoal.
According to local stories, Jack Nicholson is said to have been a fan of Perekka’s freshly baked bread since he first tasted it while filming the movie Ironweed in the 1980s.
Are you in the mood for Italian cuisine? Come enjoy the best that Schenectady has to offer! Perreca Bakery and Italian Kitchen serves authentic Italian dishes to satisfy any stomach, Italian or not. Originally opened in 1914, the restaurant has been run by the same family for almost 100 years. Today it is run by the couple’s grandchildren, who use the same brick oven and cooking methods as their grandparents.
Food lovers come from far and wide to taste the magic of Perreca. Fresh ingredients, delicious extra virgin olive oil, and fresh garlic remind all visitors of any Italian grandmother’s kitchen. For breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, the menu features specialties that have become fan favorites. Some of the specialties include Eggs in Purgatory (eggs cooked in spicy marinara sauce), mushroom bruschetta, Reason To Live (French toast with nutella), Italian fries, and more. The bakery has even expanded into its own cafe, which serves certain dishes from the regular menu. The restaurant also offers a wine program that includes a selection of local wines, as well as wines from California and Italy. Craft and imported beers are also available.