There’s a reason why bakeries are so buonissimo in Italy, in general, and Rome, in particular: pastries are a regular part of the Italian breakfast experience. Cornetti (aka croissants) are an edible institution here. Rome happens to be sprinkled with bakeries, some passable and others impeccable in their deliciousness. But don’t worry, our list of the best bakeries in Rome below fall into the latter category. Don’t waste your calories on subpar baked goods. Seek out the best and you shall be rewarded.
What's Included
1. Antico Forno ai Serpenti
Have no fear: the “serpents” in question refer to the street where this bakery is. Located in the charming central neighborhood of Monti, Antico Forno ai Serpenti has been helping the neighborhood get its gluten fix for several generations now. They make great zeppole, olive bread, and baguettes, among other sweet and non-sweet baked goods.
2. Antico Forno Roscioli
Since 1971, the Roscioli family have been baking up goodness. Located in the area between Campo de’ Fiori and Largo Argentina, Antico Forno Roscioli is part of the family-run empire that is headquartered in this part of Rome. The bakery makes all manner of sweet treats but the real edible accomplishment is in their pizza al taglio—pizza by the slice and sold by weight—which comes with tangy red sauce or just pizza bianca.
3. Biscottificio Innocenti
One of the most aromatic bakeries in Rome, Biscottificio Innocenti is located in Trastevere and specializes in—you guessed it—biscotti, the hard biscuit-like morsel that Italians enjoy pairing with their coffee. They bake their biscotti in a massive vintage oven from the 1950s. This family-run shop—they are on their third generation of bakers—makes several different flavors of biscotti and also some savory crackers and other cookies.
4. Casa Manfredi
Pastry chef Giorgia Proia is the baking talent behind this spot, a cobblestone’s throw from the Circus Maximus. Along with your espresso, you can nosh on better-than-average cornetti (or croissants), as well as various little cakes. At Casa Manfredi, Proia likes to shift between tradition and experimentation and is also influenced by French pastry.
5. Forno Campo de’ Fiori
One of the most popular bakeries in Rome—with locals and tourists alike. As the name suggests, this ambient bakery is near Campo de’ Fiori. Most tourists encounter it as they walk between the Campo and Piazza Navona. Forno Campo de’ Fiori has been here for as long as anyone living can remember. They sell excellent pieces of pizza, outrageously good olive bread, and remarkable ricotta cake.
6. Il Maritozzaro
Located in near the Trastevere train station and open 24 hours per day, seven days per week, Il Maritozzaro specializes in the creamy baked good of the same name. Romans have an insatiable appetite for these stout-but-rich creamy delights. Il Maritozzo really revs up in the latter part of the evening, when people on a pub crawl get in line to fill up the stomach with someone sweet in order to prolong a night of boozing.
Traveler’s tip: The maritozzo is truly a symbol of Rome. Check out where to find the top spots for the best Maritozzo in Rome
7. Panificio Bonci
Brought to you by Gabriele Bonci, the baker who became a household name in Rome thanks to his Pizzarium, where he practically reinvented pizza. Now he’s doing the same for bread and pastry. Located in Prati, Panificio Bonci serves up variations on the theme of bread, particularly with different kinds of artisanal flour, including pizza al taglio and muffins.
Traveler’s tip: Looking for Rome’s top pizza spots? Check out our guide on where to find the best pizza in Rome.
8. Pasticceria Regoli
Long set in Esquilino, a few blocks from Termini Train Station and Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Pasticceria Regoli is a favorite among Romans and visitors who love Italian pastries. They have a huge selection here. Since 1916, the Regoli family have been making topnotch cannoli, maritozzi, and other baked deliciousness. It used to be a narrow bar but they expanded next door and now this elegant, high-ceilinged space has tables and chairs so you can linger awhile.
As you explore Rome, you’ll find a bakery on every corner, but use our list of the best bakeries in Rome to find the freshest pastries, breads, cookies, and more. And if you want to diver deeper into all of Rome’s best places to eat, why not sign up for one of our small-group food tours? Led by expert guides, you can enjoy a day of exploring Rome with a stop in one of the city’s top gelaterias, or take a Testaccio food and market tour where you’ll taste the city’s most emblematic dishes.
David Farley is a West Village-based food and travel writer whose work appears regularly in the New York Times, National Geographic, BBC, and Food & Wine, among other publications. He’s the author of three books, including “An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church’s Strangest Relic in Italy’s Oddest Town,” which was made into a documentary by the National Geographic Channel. You can find Farley’s online homes here and here.