Bella Christie’s & Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique

Cupcakes are $ 2.75 a piece but each one is adorable. The taste great but oh! The presentation! Each one is thoughtfully decorated. I brought a box of 6 to a friends house which included: the ho ho, strawberry lemonade, hot mess cookie (cupcake), crème brûlée, raspberries n cream, and the cake and ice cream flavors. They each have a mountain of sweet, light icing. The cakes themselves were airy but tender. I wasn’t blown away by any one flavor but each is well-​balanced and delicious. They’re quite sweet but that was okay with me — especially because they’re not heavy. The cake and ice cream cupcake has a cone with a mound of ice cream-​shaped icing on top. It tasted like a good plain cake. My favorite was the strawberry lemonade and hot mess cupcakes.
Definitely worth a visit. Would recommend as a host or hostess gift. I’d love to try their donuts $ 6/​dozen and other sweets (brownies, cookies, mini pies, etc.)

Incredible sweet spot, breakfast place and catering business. Love their custom cookies, cake pops plus much more! They have always done a great job with everything we’ve asked for. Beautiful work… Almost too pretty to eat… until you taste it ;) then you HAVE to eat it all! It’s so good!

Just grabbed a peanut butter brownie from the bakery truck — best one I’ve ever had! Husband agrees!

I’d walked by this place a couple times while exploring Lawrenceville, so I was glad when I finally got a chance to check it out. I stopped by this place Saturday at lunch as part of a food tour in a group of 9. We grabbed our cupcakes, some of us ate them there while standing and some saved them for later. We didn’t linger long.
I got a carrot cake cupcake. It was really rich, which is just something that happens when you have that much cream cheese frosting. Some of the other cupcakes that people in my group got included chocolate brownie and Cadbury Crème egg (!!!).
Next time I get a craving for a good cupcake, which happens with surprising regularity, I’ll put this place as one of my go to bakeries. It’s certainly better than the cupcakes Giant Eagle sells.

I’m not sure where the glowing reviews are coming from. I might have simply come in at a bad time — Thursday at around 2:30 — because the sweets, particularly the cupcakes, all looked dried out (mainly the cream). Which may be good if it suggests that they use natural cream, but wouldn’t be particularly appealing to eat.
I bought a peanut butter cup and tiramisu cup for $ 6.50 total, and both were of generic taste (despite these two desserts being typical/​average, I’ve had amazing ones in other places). The cream was definitely stale and chewy. Cake was average as well. Not much of a coffee taste in the tiramisu — most of it consisted of the odd cream. The cake stuck to the paper cup as well, so I recommend a utensil. I probably would try to go earlier next time to make a definitive judgment.

This shop and their staff are AMAZING! I’m based in NY and wanted to send a dozen donuts to a client located in Pittsburgh.
Dimitri was super helpful in putting my order together and best of all my clients LOVED THEM! They emailed me saying that Bella Christie’s and Lil Z’s donuts were «a godsend.»
I only wish I could head to Pittsburgh right now to try them. They look so good!
Come for the excellent service, stay for the incredible sweets!

Awesome most amazing desert shop I have seen in a while. Went for some birthday gifts for my wife and came away with a bag full. I really love the cake pops and the cupcakes were off the chart! Very nice staff and they took very good care of me! Recommended to any chocolate sweat treat lovers!

What a treasure to find! Over the years, I’ve ordered birthday cakes for my granddaughters from here. Whatever theme; they can do it beautifully. What talent in this bakery. Two years ago; we had a Lalaloopsy cake; last year; «Frozen» cake. This year I’m ordering 2 birthday cakes. Not sure of the theme.
The staff was very thorough and detailed. Made very good suggestions.
The wedding cakes are amazing! Just stop in this cute bakery, and look around. What a delight! And try their chocolate covered Oreo.
Or check out their website and the galleries.

I was quite partial to Dozen Cupcakes that occupied the space prior but was pleasantly surprised at how much I like Bella Christies. The décor is SO cute and the desserts are even better. I ordered sugar cookies for my son’s 1^st birthday and they were amazing. The look matched the theme and they tasted amazing. The perfect amount of sweetness for a sugar cookie!
We’ve gone back to get the mini macaroons, the chocolate covered marshmallows and donuts. I haven’t had a bad treat yet and doubt I will! And the last time we were there during the Lawrenceville spring blossom tour we got a couple of free sugar cookies. So kind! I know we’ll be back!

I stopped by Steel City Motors yesterday. Honestly I only went for the PGH Taco Truck, but noticed that Bella Christie had a food truck there so we decided to grab a snack after tacos. Bella Christie’s had a variety of small items. Only 2 types of cookies and damn near everything you could put on a stick. HoHo’s, Oreos, marshmallows, rice crispie treats, ect.
I decided to go with the plain olé chocolate chip cookie. They were massive! Looked ok, nothing fancy. I mean it’s a cookie. First, I get that it was a warm day. Sun was shining. So the chocolate chips were melty. Like you would want them, but as I bit into said cookie, I noticed they were raw. Like way undercooked. Normally, I’m one for raw cookie dough. Not when they’ve been sitting out for lord knows how many hours!
I, myself, am a pastry chef. I’m a little judgmental, but always willing to try new businesses. Give them a go so to speak. Honestly they weren’t anything to write home about. Flavorless as far as a cookie goes. Needed more vanilla, a pinch more of salt, and o yeah, to be baked thoroughly!!! Especially with as massive as these cookies were.
Thumbs down. Sorry Ladies.

I came in to this cute, little bakery for some delicious mini-​donuts and left with more than I anticipated… specifically a free and freshly-​made deep fried Oreo that made me completely forget it was only 10 o’clock in the morning. «Holy Moley is this good,» I thought as I sat at the small table near the entrance. Don’t get me wrong, the assorted mini-​donuts I purchased and ate afterwards were also very good, but they had some big shoes to fill at that point.
Another highlight here was the service. The girl behind the counter was very friendly and personable, always a plus in my book. And no, I’m not just saying that because she completely satisfied my morning sweet tooth. Thank you for starting off my Saturday with a smile. :)

Just used a groupon for a dozen little donuts and two coffees. The super friendly clerk went over all of the flavors for us (maple bacon, coconut, almond torte, pumpkin, blueberry, apple, and more!)
She also told us that since it was Small Business Saturday that we could each enjoy a free fried treat. We both picked fried Oreos and they were very tasty.
Only one suggestion, they are currently not open on Sunday and that would be great because we don’t live in the neighborhood and would like a Sunday treat :)

After a few more visits here in the past year or so, and the privilege of experiencing much better bakeries, I’m sad to say that my enthusiasm for this one has waned.
The service is definitely still superb, though. Everyone who works here has been nice and helpful on nearly all of my visits here. The shop also has a HUGE variety of options — cake pops, donuts, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, scones, muffins, and seemingly everything you could think of covered in chocolate.
But while their donuts and cupcakes are decent, I think there is for sure a quantity-​quality trade-​off going on at this place. Many of their items are way too sweet, in my opinion. And some of their items, like the scones, just don’t taste like what they are supposed to be. Today I got a scone that tasted like somewhere between the texture of bread and cake, molded into the shape of a scone. I found the texture so off-​putting that I threw it out after two bites… I like my scones more biscuit-​like, very buttery, flaky. And much less sweet. This is just one example, but there are plenty of other times I have gotten mediocre pastries here. I would much rather a bakery offer fewer items but for all of them to be executed very well.
To their credit, they do have some lunch options that are available on days when many other places in lower Lawrenceville are closed (e.g. Mondays) and a very lovely upstairs balcony where you can enjoy lunch, dessert, and a fun view of Butler street.

Just a fantastic little local bakeshop/​confectionary in the up-​and-​coming Lawrenceville neighborhood. (It’s their second location, actually.) I came here for a Unilocal Elite event, and I left in a cloud of delight, and a bit of a sugar buzz. What impressed me the most was that for the amount of volume that they do in terms of catering local events, their quality is absolutely superior. I don’t know firsthand what it takes to run a business like this, but I’m sure it’s easy to cut corners when you’re trying to expand, and based on what I saw and tasted, and what I heard from the owners, they will not compromise on quality. They sometimes even have to turn down orders to do so, and that is the sign of a business with integrity and commitment to delivering the best product.
The spread at the event showed off the sheer range of goodies that Bella Christie’s & Lil Z’s can produce; they do it all, from cakes to cookies to mini lemon custard parfaits to various «stations» that they can set up at events. I was really impressed and should I be in need of some sweet treats, I will definitely keep them at the top of my list!

What an adorable shop! While attending an event, I sampled several divine delights that would tempt even the stingiest dieters. It’s not just about the taste in the food world, it’s about the presentation! The wonderful women who run this now second location go above and beyond to make you love to look at what you are about to consume. I was so impressed by each item delicately placed for us, and the variety of samples for this event was remarkable.
A novelty to try is definitely the fruit or marshmallows dipped in liquid nitrogen and covered with your selection of toppings. So cool! I loooooved the blackberry fig fried pie-​my first bite contained an entire fig! What?! Unheard of. Lovely.
Another attribute to foodie class of Lawrenceville.
Oh! Wanted to mention that they have other food and coffee there, too. Check it out!

I liked this little sweet shop! I had the good fortune to be able to try a few things offered here. The nitrogen station was my favorite. Bananas chilled by nitrogen then dipped in chocolate. The chocolate was then chilled and dipped in Carmel, then chilled again and served. D-​lish! They also offered hot foods, drinks, and plenty of assorted sweets to chose from. I enjoyed the bacon chocolate covered pretzel and lemon meringue served in a small champaign glass. They also do fondant cakes and will travel with their stations for events!
Thank you to Rachel and the Unilocal team and also the team at Bella Christies for hosting! Be sure to check this place out for all your sweet tooth needs!

I love little hidden gems, especially in cute trendy neighborhoods like Lawrenceville. This shop is just that and more! From interesting sweets to sandwiches, they have you covered!
The shop itself is adorable. It’s not that big, but they take advantage of the space to display their beautifully designed sweets. Everything is so intricate down to the trays and tables. They also have a second floor with some tables and chairs that leads out I to an outdoor balcony.
The sweets are amazing! Everything that I tried was memorable! I tried the chocolate dipped Oreos on a stick, red velvet cake pops, chocolate covered pretzels with bacon and my favorite — the mini chocolate cupcakes that were decorated like the old Hostess cupcakes. It melted right it my mouth due to it’s freshness and how rich it was. They also have a liquid nitrogen station. It was the first time I tried anything like it! You pick something like a fruit to have dipped into various toppings. In other words, I had a banana dipped in chocolate and peanut butter. After the dipping, they put it in this frozen ice bucket-​thingy, and it freezes so there is no mess when you eat it!
I didn’t try any, but they also have sandwiches as well. From the menu descriptions, they all looked pretty tasty.
Next time I have a party, I would most definitely pick up some fun treats from here rather than getting a boring of dozen of chocolate chip cookies from the grocery store.

We went to an event here today and tasted dozens of delicious things, but this is just about the macaroons that we bought on our way out. I had purchased some previously at a bakery in squirrel hill and was astounded by the price as well as the extremely mild flavor. These were the exact opposite. At a dollar each they were much more reasonably priced and the flavors! Chocolate, vanilla, cappuccino, pistachio were all delicious. Strongly flavored and not too sweet, they were just what you expect with these delicate French pastries. However where I thought they really shined was with the lemon and the raspberry. Both were filled with curd — jam — jelly whatever you want to call it it was spectacular!
We will definitely be back. I am also very excited to hear that they do all kinds of desserts to order and do a lot of catering. I might have to create an event just for a cake!

You have to appreciate the whole vibe in here. Old reclaimed wood, with chocolate colored walls and beautiful crystal chandeliers. It almost is like it shouldn’t go together, but it goes so well.
I had heard they were serving lunch, so I wanted to check that out (along with something sweet of course), so I went with the Roast Beef sandwich. It was fresh and loaded with the good stuff. I definitely needed more mayo, but that’s totally a given knowing me and my condiment obsession. I loved the bun too, as it wasn’t too hard to bite into.
The downstairs is like a sweet treat wonderland. With glitter. Lots of glitter. Did you know there’s edible glitter? There is, and it’s home base is here and I’m totally okay with that!
So past the glitter is delicious looking treats in every nook and corner. From cakes, to cookies to bon bons and even ice cream sandwiches. It’s really an oasis of opulence when it comes to desserts.
I tried a doughboy, which is like a glazed donut and croissant. I love me a glazed donut, and was happy to see it wasn’t so massive that you couldn’t finish.
The upstairs is surprsingly spacious, with more seating and even a cute little balcony. I found myself racking my brain for people I knew who needed a cute space for bridal showers or baby showers. It would be the perfect spot for a small party like that.
And one thing’s for sure, you’ll be treated to something sweet!

As I approached my place of employment this harsh wintery morn, I fantasized about exacting revenge on difficult co-​workers by dipping them in vats of liquefied peanut butter by way of a harness, rolling them in sunflower seeds, wheeling them into the middle of a park, and letting a huge flock of pigeons have at them. In an attempt at pacifism, I opted to bomb them with donuts, but from where?
Riding along Butler Street, I noticed something peculiar.
Dozen was dead. Ding. Dong.
And a new, promising bakery was in its overrated stead.
I slinked inside the glimmering, azure storefront, asking innocently if this confectioner was ready to do business.
«Sure,» said the young gent minding the store. «I just made a fresh batch of donuts.»
«Just what I needed. Gimme an assortment. Two dozen. It doesn’t matter. They’ll eat ‘em. They’ll eat anything.»
And with a chuckle, the baker threw together a menagerie of freshly fried micro-​tori. Some were topped with maple glaze and bacon. Others were bedecked with bananas, cream, shaved, sugared almonds, and chocolate cereal puffs. They resembled and had codenames akin to that of a wacky 80’s action figure line. There was Glazed and Confused, Cinnaster, Maplin’ Bacon, Monkey ‘n ‘da Middle, and Ore-​OH! Were Larry Hama, Bob Budiansky, and Hasbro in on this?
Originating in Aspinwall, this is Bella Christie’s second location, and based on what I sampled upon sunrise, their crispy, fluffy, delicate, made-​to-​order breakfast treats are defeating Peace, Love, & Little Donuts with their own holds. I normally eschew cake donuts, but Bella Christie’s and Better-​Maid are converting me to the cause.
A pair of small, personal pie/​torte thingamabobs — one inspired by Snickers, the other a fudge brownie/​caramel chimera — dazzled Kay and I later in the day after dinner with pure saccharine, salt, crumb, texture, and chew.
This Bella Christie’s is also peddling candy and will be offering up savory food items (soup ‘n sandwiches, basically) in the future.
Dozen’s tyranny is no more. A humble bakery named after 3 cherubic young girls has crushed the serpent’s head with love and affordability. Shucks, 24 of those tiny pastries only set me back 12 bills, and man, did the fellas go ga-​ga o’er ‘em, including the ones who plot my burning demise daily. That Zinn fella was onto somethin’.