A new family-run bakery that also serves tacos has just opened at 926 Amsterdam Avenue, between West 105th and 106th streets.
“I’ve been baking since I was 19,” said Alejandro Diaz, 39, owner of D’lioz Bakery. “I’ve spent a lot of years working for somebody else, so now I decided to open my own business.” Diaz, from Astoria, was alongside his 14-year-old daughter, Camilla, who helps out at the shop.
Advertisement
The cooked food menu at D’lioz hits a variety of notes with tacos, tostadas, and sopes, all priced between $3.75 and $4.50 each, except the flautas taco, which is $9. Chicken, steak, Mexican sausage, and al pastor options are available for all. Although not currently on the official menu, Diaz told ILTUWS that he also makes quesadillas.
When asked about the inspiration to combine Mexican food and a bakery, Diaz smiled and said, “My best friend is Mexican, he was telling me we should do a bakery with tacos. He helped me with the idea.” They also have a variety of empanadas (chicken, cheese, corviche, and pan de yuca) priced between $3.00 to $4.50 each.
Owner Alejandro Diaz, his daughter Camilla, and Chef Lino
ILTUWS spoke with William Reilly Fernandez, 60, from West 105th Street. Born and raised in the neighborhood, Fernandez is a big fan of the new eatery’s fare. “I started with one chicken empanada and now I’m having tacos with the salsa verde and a nice coffee with cream. This is damn good!” Fernandez also noted the competitive price point and better-tasting options than other spots in the area.
ALSO READ: CA-Based Sushi Restaurant SUGARFISH to Open on West 75th Street
Diaz told us his favorite menu items are the chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and the vanilla mascarpone cake. They also specialize in custom cakes for special occasions, all baked in-house. ILTUWS tried their pan de yuca ($4.50), a wonderfully chewy bun made of cheese and cassava flour, a popular Ecuadorian appetizer. The pastry was beautifully packaged in a small black box with a ‘handmade’ sticker.
The pan de yuca
Advertisement
Other baked goods on display were the chocolate brioche ($5.00), chocolate scone ($5.00), chocolate chip cookie ($4.50), guava brioche ($5.00), loaf slice ($4.50), and coffee or banana muffins ($5.00).
You’ll also find an array of sandwiches, such as the turkey guacamole ($10) or pernil ($12.50), a beautifully seasoned slow-cooked pork. D’lioz also offers a wide selection of coffees ranging from an Americano ($4.00), to cappuccino ($4.25), and iced lattes ($6.00).
We asked Diaz what led him to choose the Upper West Side for his first owned and operated business. He told us he’s worked in the area for some time and has always loved the neighborhood. “I’m happy to be here.”
Congratulations, Alejandro Diaz. It’s the American, dream, baby! I’ll stop by for postres soon.
A pernil sandwich can be so tasty, almost a dinner!
Very sweet homey place with delicious food.