10 Best Bakeries in Rome and What They're Known For

Looking for the best bakeries in Rome, Italy? You’re in the right place!

This guide lists the best places for all sorts of authentic Italian pastries and baked goods in the Eternal City. Whether you’re searching for a fruit tart, a dark chocolate cake, pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), ice cream, or the best croissant in Rome, I can help!

Italian pastries at one of the best bakeries in Rome

Back up . . . pizza and ice cream at a bakery? Yup! In addition to crusty breads and fresh pastries, Rome bakeries often sell everything from fresh baked pizza to gelato.

As you might expect, since I’m a chef and a food travel blogger, my husband and I are big foodies. We’ve visited Rome many times, and most recently for a month.

One of our missions on this last trip: Find the best bakeries Rome has to offer. I have to say I think we’ve outdone ourselves! 

Best Bakeries in Rome

Exploring the best breads and pastries in Rome was definitely a highlight of my visit. I hope these cafes and bakeries will be a highlight for you as well!

1. Antico Forno Roscioli

Antico Forno Roscioli, the best bakery in Rome for porchetta sandwiches and pizza al taglio

The Roscioli family operates a number of restaurants and cafes in Rome; this is their flagship bakery. Every foodie in Rome should make a pilgrimage!

Located in the heart of Rome, Roscioli is situated in a convenient location close to the Campo de’ Fiori, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain.

From a wide variety of Italian breakfast pastries to some of the best pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) and porchetta in the city, everything is delicious and a good value. So much so that we think it’s one of Rome’s best cheap eats!

It’s no wonder Roscioli is a popular stop for Roman food tours. And, it is my pick for the all-around best bakery in Rome, Italy!

There are only a few stools outside, so if a eating at a table is important, try the nearby Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria.

Address: Via dei Chiavari, 34, 00186 Roma RM, Italy 

2. Le Levain Roma

Le Levain is the bakery in Rome for French-inspired pastries.

This cute little bakery is one of the best pastry shops in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood.

Le Levain’s products lean toward the specialties of France.

For French breakfast pastries like pain aux raisin and freshly baked croissants, as well as famous Parisian desserts like the Mont Blanc and macarons, this is THE bakery in Rome.

Le Levain also offers some limited savories like Quiche Lorraine and croissant sandwiches.

Address: Via Luigi Santini, 22, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

3. Il Maritozzaro

The best maritozzi in Rome can be found at Il Maritozzaro.

A little bit off the beaten path, Maritozzaro is the best bakery Rome, Italy, has for its signature pastry, the maritozzo.

The iconic Roman pastry is basically a brioche whipped cream sandwich. I haven’t had a bad one, but the ones at Maritozzaro are hands down the best.

If you pay close attention to the texture of the fluffy bread bun and the quantity of fresh whipped cream, I think you’ll agree.

One of the most popular street foods in Rome, maritozzi make a tasty snack any time of day. Luckily, Il Maritozzaro is open 24 hours a day, every day, and has great prices.

Address: Via Ettore Rolli, 50, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

4. Regoli Pasticceria

Cream puffs at the historic Pasticceria Regoli Roma

Located in the city center, Regoli Pasticceria has been an extremely popular bakery for decadent Roman desserts for over 100 years.

It’s best to go to this historic pasticceria in the early morning for the best selection. Everything is freshly baked, but they do run out of items as the day wears on.

This pastry shop is known for its maritozzi (the second-best in Rome), fruit tarts, and cream puffs. It also has some of the best cakes—take a peek at the drool-worthy special orders in the back refrigerator. And during the holidays, locals order their traditional Italian Christmas desserts from Regoli.

Regoli recently expanded next door, opening one of Rome’s newest coffee and gelato shops.

Address: Via dello Statuto, 60, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

5. Forno Campo de’ Fiori

Italian cookies at the popular Rome bakery, Forno Campo de’ Fiori

This popular spot in the Campo de’ Fiori is a great place for a few sweet treats or a light lunch.

If you are craving a savory morning meal instead of the typical Italian breakfast, a pizza al taglio should fill the bill.

This Roman bakery is known to have an amazing pizza bianca (a pizza crust with no toppings, just olive oil and salt) and a large variety of Italian cookies.

Forno Campo de’ Fiori opened in 1880 and is still going strong—strong enough that they opened a second shop right next to the original.

Address: Campo de' Fiori, 22, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

6. Pasticceria Boccione

Get a slice of ricotta and sour cherry tart at the oldest bakery in Rome, Pasticceria Boccione.

Culinary historians believe Pasticceria Boccione in the Jewish Ghetto is the oldest bakery in Rome, dating back to 1815. Today it’s one of the foodie favorites of the Jewish Quarter.

The Kosher bakery is best known for a single bakery item that they invented—crostata di ricotta e visciole. Today, this ricotta and sour cherry tart is imitated by many bakeries and pastry shops in Rome.

Legend has it that the tart was created during a time when those in the Jewish Quarter were forbidden to buy and sell cheese. The bakers layered fresh ricotta cheese with wild cherries and covered the entire tart with pastry dough so no one could see what was inside.

The second time I went to Pasticceria Boccione, I added a pizza Ebraica, or Jewish pizza, to my order. But this is not “pizza” pizza. Think of it this way: If biscotti and fruit cake had a baby, it would be pizza Ebraica. It made a delightful breakfast.

Address: Via del Portico d'Ottavia, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

7. Pasticceria Barberini

Pasticceria Barberini has some of the best pastries in Rome.

Pasticceria Barberini is the perfect place for anyone with a sweet tooth.

I love to come just to look at the fabulous selection of yummy-looking pastries and creamy gelato flavors.

The pastry chef bakes a combination of traditional and modern pastries. Everything tastes as good as it looks, including their gorgeous birthday cakes.

Pasticceria Barberini is also one of the best breakfast places in Rome. Grab a fruit pastry and some of their excellent coffee and cross your fingers for a table.

Address: Via Marmorata, 41, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

8. Dolci di Nonna Vincenza

Dolci di Nonna Vincenza, one of the best cafes Rome locals love

If you’re looking for authentic local experiences in Rome, the family-run Dolci di Nonna Vincenza is a great bakery in which to experience them.

This is one of the best cafes Rome locals frequent regularly. Some just do a shot of espresso at the coffee bar. Others indulge in sweet pastries with pistachio cream or the superb cannoli (better than La Cannoleria Siciliana) at a table.

It’s one of my favorite cafes not only for the delicious pastries but also for the people watching.

From the outside it looks like a nice enough place, but maybe not what you think of when you picture one of the best cafes in Rome. Go on in, you won’t be disappointed!

Address: Via dell'Arco del Monte, 98/A/B, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

9. Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti

Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti, one of the best bakeries Rome has for Italian cookies

When it comes to authentic Italian bakeries, this little shop is the bomb! Don’t look for the typical assortment of pastries. This is the best bakery in Rome for cookies!

Buy a bag of fresh-baked Italian biscuits to sample as you walk the streets of Trastevere, the bohemian neighborhood in which this bakery is located. For best results, try a variety: jam filled, chocolate dipped, sesame coated—you can’t go wrong!

Even if you don’t eat cookies, this lovely bakery is a nice place to visit; a stop here is like time travelling to a bygone era. You don’t see bakeries like this anymore!

Address: Via della Luce, 21, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

10. Forno Roscioli Pietro

A unique chocolate pastry made with fried dough at one of the best cafes in Rome, Forno Roscioli Pietro

The owners of Forno Roscioli Pietro are related to the Roscioli family that owns the more famous Rome bakery listed above at Spot #1 on our list.

In terms of recipes, there is some overlap between the two bakeries. However, they each offer products I haven’t found at the other.

Pietro’s feels like your neighborhood coffee shop. They have the nicest staff, great coffee, and delicious pizzas, breads, and pastries. One of the biggest differences with Antico Forno Roscioli: tables to sit at after you order at the counter.

Situated close to the Rome Termini train station, Pietro’s is one of the best breakfast restaurants in the Esquilino area. It’s also the perfect spot to catch a quick bite before or after a visit to the Piazza Vittorio Emmanuel.

Address: Via Buonarroti, 46/48, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Best Bakeries in Rome FAQs

1.What is the most famous pastry in Rome?

Tiramisu is the most famous pastry in Rome. Although it comes from Northern Italy, this popular Italian pastry is on almost every dessert menu in Rome. You won’t find it at bakeries, but there are some places dedicated wholly to tiramisu. 

Tiramisu, the most famous pastry in Rome

2. What is the secret bakery in Rome?

The bakery nicknamed “the secret bakery” because of its hard-to-find basement location, Dolce Maniera, is permanently closed.

3. What pastry is Rome known for?

The maritozzo, a fluffy brioche bun filled with whipped cream, is the quintessential Roman pastry.

4. What is a bakery called in Italy?

There are three terms for bakery in Italian: forno, panetteria, and pasticceria.

The terms “forno” and “panetteria” refer to bakeries that focus on breads and the like. Many times they sell pizzas and dough-based pastries like cornetti (Italian croissants). “Pasticcerie” (plural for “pasticceria”) are typically pastry shops. Some will also offer gelato.

Like the differences between osteria and trattoria, nowadays shops tend to blur the lines of distinction.

In Rome, you'll find breads at a forno or panetteria.

5. What is sorchetta doppio schizzo?

Sorchetta doppio schizzo is the creation of Pasticceria Lambiase. This custard-filled pastry is squirted with whipped cream and chocolate, the so-called “double squirt” or “doppio schizzo.” The “sorchetta” part of the name comes from an obscene term for a woman’s genitalia, which is what the inventor thinks the pastry looks like.

6. What is the most famous bakery in Italy?

If you measure by most visited or world renowned, the prize for the most famous bakery in Italy must go to Antico Forno Roscioli, in the Number 1 spot in our List of Best Bakeries in Rome. I even know bakers in California that have made the pilgrimage.

7. What is the best Rome coffee shop?

You can get a good cup of coffee at almost any caffè, but Sant' Eustacchio Il Caffè is considered the best coffee shop in Rome. The secret blend of Arabica beans makes all the difference.

8. Do they have gluten free bakeries in Rome? 

Yes! A few of the best gluten free bakeries in Rome are Le Altre Farine Del Mulino, New Food Gluten Free (in Ponte Sisto), and Celiachiamo Lab. These bakeries all offer gluten-free meals in addition to gluten-free pastries.