You probably already know that the Italian carb trinity is made up of bread, pizza, and pasta. Italians love carbs with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Venetians are no exception. Like every Italian, they wholeheartedly believe that the day can be improved with the right morning pastry or the perfect afternoon sandwich. And there’s no better place than Venetian bakeries to put this faith to the test. Read on to discover the best bakeries in Venice with us!
Tonolo
The first name that pops into every Venetian’s mind when you ask about bakeries is Pasticceria Tonolo. A point of reference in Dorsoduro, it strikes you for being such a small place. Always packed with tourists and locals, you won’t have to wait too long for breakfast. The barmen are so fast that you’ll be out of this pasticceria in just a few minutes.
Tonolo makes many types of baked goodies, but their specialty is the frittelle. A frittella is a little ball of fried dough, a sweet that will blow your mind. Traditional frittelle are seasoned with raisins and pine nuts, but we prefer the modern twist. Here you can try frittelle with a silky filling of pistachio cream, custard, zabaglione cream, and even Nutella!
The only time of the year when you can find frittelle is during Venetian Carnival. Even if you have a local nonna of your own, she’d never defy tradition by preparing them any other time.
Pasticceria Nobile
Pasticceria Nobile (Cannaregio, 1818) has everything you could want from a traditional bakery: croissants, jam-filled donuts, and even the traditional Pan del Doge—a crusty cake made with short-crust pastry, raisins, almonds, and hazelnuts.
But among all the bakeries in Venice, Pasticceria Nobile stands out for its pizzette. Unlike big pizzas, these pizzette are small and molded like little boats, so that the mille-feuille can contain more tomato sauce and a tiny piece of mozzarella. Every pizzetta is a small, heavenly bite.
There aren’t many places to sit outside at this bakery, but that’s not a problem in a beautiful city like Venice. Tuck into your pizzetta like a local, by enjoying this portable bite on the go!
Pasticceria dal Mas
Another one of the best bakeries in Venice, Pasticceria dal Mas, has exactly what you need to start your day on the right foot. Located a few steps away from the rail station, this small pasticceria will impress you with its drool-worthy showcases. You’ll find perfect little pastries, neatly arranged in tidy lines. They are all equally delicious, which makes it very hard to choose between flavors.
If you’re craving something more than a simple breakfast, you won’t be disappointed. Pasticceria dal Mas is not only the perfect breakfast spot, it’s also a chocolate shop. (In fact, they proudly claim that they make one of the best chocolates in the world!) But in their pastry shop, this raw material is turned into small works of art. Down to the smallest detail, every delicate chocolate praline has its own balanced flavor and design.
Pasticceria Italo Didovich
Did someone say fancy treats? You must come here if you want to have some refined pastry.
Pasticceria Italo Didovich (Campo Santa Marina) is a family business run by Giovanna and her dad, Italo Didovich. They specialize in sweets from the Austrian tradition, like Sacher, Kranz, and Strudel. Does that sound strange? Yet, it’s not: don’t forget that Venice and the whole Venetian area were under the domination of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the middle of the 19th century.
Regional Italian delicacies also have their place at this Venetian bakery. Nestled next to Austrian treats like Linzer cookies, you’ll also find Sicilian cannoli and classic Italian cornetto filled with cream.
But the real reason why you should choose Italo Didovich as your sweet spot is the unbeatable atmosphere. During summer days, you can sit in a little square for an experience that feels perfectly elegant and gorgeously decadent.
Pasticceria Rosa Salva
Do you have a sweet tooth? Then Pasticceria Rosa Salva should be on your radar. The bakery is a local institution, and one of the finest places to enjoy breakfast in Venice. And its long history proves it – this café dates back to 1876, making it one of the oldest bakeries in town!
Rosa Salva has different locations scattered around Venice, and each one of them has a beautiful view. Our favorite is the one in Campo San Pietro e Paolo, which has vistas overlooking one of Venice’s most beautiful churches. Since it’s off the beaten path, you’ll find a family atmosphere and a little haven of peace from the crowded calli in the city.
Want to upgrade your experience by exploring Venice alongside an expert guide? Join our Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour to discover local secrets and sample more of the city’s best bites!
Eliana Ferrari doesn’t like to stay put. She’s traveled all around Europe, excited by every encounter with people, food, and art. How did she end up in Florence? She fell in love: with the magnificence of every corner, with Bolgheri wine, and with the famous Florentine wit (one Florentine’s in particular!).