Hartford Avenue, through the years

The family
behind the window.

Buono’s striped Italian-colour awningEnlarge photograph ↗

The bakery’s story begins with the Monda family and two stone-built hearth ovens. Buono’s describes that history as “more than 90 years” — a tradition carried forward by the Buono family.

A new chapter.
May 1989.

In May 1989, Arnold Buono, his brother Frank and father-in-law Dan Amadio took over. The Mondas had retired two years earlier and helped them get started, passing on old-world methods and recipes.

Arnold later continued his training at The National Baking Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Buono’s says it “has become known as ‘The Best Italian Bread in New England.’”

  1. May 1989

    Arnold, Frank and Dan take over the bakery.

  2. October 2, 1997

    The bakery records a declaration from the Rhode Island House of Representatives for “Rhode Island’s Best Bread.”

  3. 2006

    The bakery imports ovens, mixers and racks from Italy, installed by master technicians.

The counter and display inside Buono’sEnlarge photograph ↗

Inside Buono’s

From our hands
to your table.

The bakery’s own film takes you from the back kitchen to the ovens and counter.

Watch the full bakery film ↗
A short look inside. Press play to watch; the full film is about a minute.

Words from the regulars

Bread worth talking about.

Selected Yelp excerpts shared on the bakery’s website.

“Great bread! Will make ricotta pies around the holidays. Can't wait to try one. Wish I could get here more often.”

Art F · Yelp

“The cannoli and chocolate croissant are now devoured, and the fudge brownie will be my breakfast tomorrow.”

Rick S · Yelp

“Buono's is a wonderful place. Their eggplant calzones are delicious. I like their breads and rolls the best.”

Peg C · Yelp

“Their bread is probably the best Italian bread you'll find in the state if not the region.”

Peter B · Yelp

“Easily my favorite bread in the state, and possibly New England.”

Tristan B · Yelp

The full bakery film. Open the video directly.