Macri's Italian Bakery

If you're looking for a slice of authentic Italy in the heart of Indiana, Macri's Italian Bakery will be a real discovery for you. This cozy family-run establishment, located in South Bend, USA, was founded in 1978 by an immigrant family from Calabria. Here, "Old World" traditions blend harmoniously with modern hospitality.

The bakery is famous for its fresh desserts, biscotti, and cakes prepared according to old family recipes. The air here is always filled with the aroma of freshly ground coffee and pastries, and the display cases please the eye with classic Italian sweets baked daily.

Since 2006, the Carmela's restaurant has been operating alongside the bakery, serving famous thin-crust pizza, homemade pasta, and paninis. Thanks to the high quality of the dishes and the warm, almost home-like atmosphere, this place has become a favorite destination for foodies and one of the city's main gastronomic landmarks.

For those planning a visit, contact information for the establishment is provided below. You can stop by for breakfast or book a table at the restaurant for a cozy dinner.

At Macri's Italian Bakery, everyone will find something to enjoy. The main reason people visit is to taste authentic sweets: try the famous biscotti, cannoli, or one of the magnificent cakes. You can turn your visit into a pleasant ritual by enjoying coffee in a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a small Italian trattoria.

If you're hungry, stop by Carmela's restaurant, located on the same premises. Here you can order handmade pizza with their signature sauce or fresh pasta made daily. Watching the well-coordinated work of the team in this family-run establishment adds a special charm to the visit.

Don't forget to check out the deli section. Here you can purchase rare ingredients, from special pasta flour to premium Italian coffee, which connoisseurs in Indiana often find hard to find. This place is perfect for a quick snack, a long family dinner, or a romantic date.

The establishment is located in the heart of South Bend (Downtown South Bend district) at 214 N Niles Ave. Thanks to its central location, the bakery is convenient for pedestrians strolling along the riverfront or the business district.

If you are arriving by car, parking spaces are available near Niles Ave and on adjacent downtown streets. For public transport users, South Bend city bus stops are within walking distance.

A taxi or Uber ride from other parts of the city will take only 5–10 minutes. For those near the University of Notre Dame, a walk to the bakery can be a pleasant experience, taking about 15–20 minutes. Note that this is the establishment's only location, so there is no risk of confusing it with other branches.

The history of this place began in the 1970s when George and Iole Macri immigrated from the Italian region of Calabria to the USA. Initially, the family continued their grandfather's jewelry business, but Iole missed the flavors of her homeland so much and had such difficulty finding quality Italian products that she became inspired to open her own bakery. In 1978, their dream came true—Macri's Italian Bakery opened in downtown South Bend.

The opening was a triumph: all the pastries the family had prepared throughout the previous night were sold out on the very first day. Over time, a popular deli section was added to the bakery. In 2006, the second generation of the family expanded the business by opening the Carmela's restaurant. It was named after the family matriarch and focused on home cooking based on her unique recipes.

Today, the business is managed by the third generation of the Macri family. For nearly 50 years, the bakery has evolved from a small family business into a significant symbol of South Bend. This place embodies the continuity of traditions, a passion for culinary arts, and the spirit of "Old Italy," carefully preserved in the heart of Indiana.

A visit to Macri's Italian Bakery usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. If you plan to just stop by for fresh pastries or grab a coffee and dessert to go, it will take about 20 minutes. However, the atmosphere of the establishment invites a longer stay.

For a full lunch or dinner at Carmela’s restaurant, you should set aside at least an hour. Many guests also enjoy spending time browsing the deli section, where you can choose authentic Italian products, cheeses, and sauces to take a piece of Italy home with you.

Macri's Italian Bakery welcomes guests throughout the week, except Sundays. Standard operating hours are: Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 18:00.

The establishment is closed on Sundays. Since Carmela’s restaurant hours may differ slightly from the bakery itself or change during holidays, visitors are recommended to check the current information on the official website before visiting.

Exploring the surroundings of the bakery can significantly enrich your experience of the city. Downtown South Bend offers many interesting locations—from historic mansions to modern recreation areas—all within walking distance or a couple of minutes' drive.