“ Best Italian food in Harrisburg. It's family run and the owners are so nice. Definitely buy some of their sweet and savory pastries whenever you have a chance to stop by here - all of them are outstanding. ”

“ They are simply the best. My personal favorite are the stuffed shells, but literally everything is good. ”

“ You gotta love these guys. They put so much into their product. Make some homemade pastas but call and check first what they are making the day you want pasta. Bread is great and fun cookies and entrees are spot on, I like their new location on Front St, just such each parking and access walking in ”

“ "The happiest accident" is how I would describe my first visit to Alvaro Bread and Pastry Shop. After stopping by a coffee shop nearby, my partner and I submitted to the siren song of the Alvaro sign. Bread and pastry? Say less. The shop is small but clean and well decorated. The cases are long and everything in them looks delicious. We were the second people in the shop on a Saturday morning, and the cases held cookies, loaves, savory and sweet pastries and gelato. We opted for a cream puff with chocolate ganache (outstanding flavor, totally worth the messiness of eating it) and a pan au chocolat (exceptional, great lamination). We also got a boule of sourdough, which smelled divine and made the *best* toast for BLTs the next day. This is how checkout went: Cashier: $12, please. Me: Twelve?! That's it? Did you get the loaf and both pastries? Cashier: $20 goes a long way here, ma'am. And thank goodness it does, so I can go back and get more bread and pastries! Next time, I want to try one of their savory options; another customer recommended a tomato and Parmesan pastry. The only downside of this shop is that it's not accessible; the tables are very close, the area to move to/from the cash register is narrow, and there are steps up into the shop (if memory serves). So beware when planning your visit. ”

“ Ah...Alvaro's (contented sigh). This is another hidden gem in Harrisburg's Olde Uptown neighborhood and just over a block from the equally exquisite Little Amps coffee shop. Those establishments are a regular Saturday morning two-for-one treat after a run or brisk hike. Alvaro's offers a tempting mix of baked goods, sweet treats, and hot food selections. I have enjoyed absolutely everything I've tasted from there, including bread, Italian entrees, cannoli, and breakfast specialties. Their quality is demonstrated by the regular line of customers. Yum, yum, yum and my stomach rumbles as I write this. Service is quick and friendly, and the staff patiently answers questions about menu items and the goods on display in the cases. As is the case with its nearby neigbor (Little Amps), parking can be a challenge in this residential area if Victorian-era row homes. To me, that's almost a plus since the Alvaro's experience is best enjoyed with a walk through the pleasant neighborhood. ”

“ The new restaurant on front street is delightful. Facing the river one can sit outside drink one of their coffees and eat a delicious pastry. Or lunch on a variety of sandwiches on the most fabulous bread made in their kitchen. There are platters of various types. All so tasty. Can't wait till they open for dinner ”

“ Stopped in for the first time after years of intent. Worth the wait. Delicious, friendly, authentic. The atmosphere is charming, neighborhood vibe. We ordered pizza; one slice pepperoni and two slices arugula/moz/tomato. Both varieties were outstanding. Ate Al fresco since we parked our bikes out front. Will be back again for sure!!! ”

“ Good price, awesome portions, very family oriented, a must try. And they have a whole bunch of sweets! Will be back to try some more of their menu. Their pizza was delicious! ”

“ What an amazing find in the middle of Harrisburg. Stopped in for some quick lunch and found Sicilian pizza the size of my head while listening to Sinatra! The americano coffee was delicious too. Grabbed some mini loafs for dinner. This is such a hidden gem... Parking is tough but worth it. ”

“ This is one place that definitely should be on your list for breads and Italian dishes and desserts. And breakfast...and pizza, and pasta...the list goes on. I had been meaning to come here for months and my fried brain must have been in good shape this morning to think of coming here for lunch. (Yay, you go all few of you remaining neurons!) Had a giant slice of pizza and a small turkey sandwich. Half the slice came home due to it being enough for two. Everything about the slice is what you want: good dough and undercarriage with tasty sauce and the right amount of cheese all cooked to perfection. Turkey sandwich on their delicious bread came with arugula, tomato, provolone and balsamic reduction. Outstanding and just the right size to sample. Prices are reasonable and this is going to be a regular stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ”