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The Best Places for Dessert in Rome

ZUMs classic tiramisu
ZUM's classic tiramisu | © Image courtesy of the venue

Italy is a country with a sweet tooth; from biscotti and tiramisu to cannoli and gelato, there are so many delicious treats to enjoy when you need a break from pizza and pasta. No matter what time of day, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Eternal City’s best bakeries and pastry shops have your sugar fix.

Pasticceria Regoli

Pastelaria, Pastry Shop, Pastries, Dessert, Italian

There’s something to be said for longevity—Pasticceria Regoli recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, so dolce afficionados should be sure to stop by to taste a piece of Roman history. The bakery opened in 1916, and they pride themselves on using traditional recipes to make classic desserts. Don’t miss the crostatine con fragoline, a pastry filled with Chantilly cream and tiny wild strawberries.

Pasticceria Linari

Restaurant, Dessert

Another old-school bakery with devoted patrons, Pasticceria Linari in Testaccio is buzzing at all hours of the day. In the morning, locals stop by the bakery for their morning cappuccino and cornetto, and in the afternoons, workers stop by on their lunch break to grab a slice of pizza or a sandwich. Want to make a good impression the next time you’re invited to a friend’s for dinner? Stop by Linari to pick up some mignons, miniature pastries of all shapes and sizes.

Pasticceria Dagnino

Pastelaria, Pastry Shop, Pastries, Italian

Located inside the ornate Galleria Esedra, near Rome’s Termini Station, this Sicilian bakery is a go-to for sweets, such as cannoli, cassate and marzipan. Pasticceria Dagnino opened in Palermo in 1896 but has operated a branch in the Eternal City since 1955. The décor hasn’t changed much since; it’s an elegant place with old-world charm. The pastries are eye-catching, as Sicilian sweets use pistacchio, candied fruits and lots of sugar, so everything pops with color in the store. With so many different cannoli fillings, you’ll have to taste them all to find your favorite.

ZUM Roma

Bakery, Pastry Shop, Dessert, Italian

A newcomer to the Roman dessert scene, ZUM Roma makes excellent tiramisu and other treats in the heart of Rome. The little pastry shop is located near Campo de’ Fiori and stays open late, so it’s a perfect stop during a post-dinner stroll through the center of the city. ZUM stands for Zabaione, Uova and Mascarpone, which are three of the ingredients used to make tiramisu. They have a number of tasty variations, including pistachio, hazelnut, berry and even amaretto with marsala. The pastry shop also has a “light” version made with ricotta instead of mascarpone, as well as a gluten-free option.

Grezzo Raw Chocolate

Bakery, Pastry Shop, Italian

One of Rome’s few raw and vegan dessert shops, Grezzo has a wide selection of sweets and gelato that are mouth-wateringly indulgent but remain dairy-free. They use high-quality ingredients—everything is organic and gluten-free—so it’s a wonderful stop for those who suffer from food intolerance, as well as true foodies. The emphasis here is on chocolate—you’ll find delicious truffles, raw brownies, puddings and a range of creamy gelato flavors made with almond milk.

Le Levain

Bakery, Pastry Shop, French, Pastries

If French pastries are your thing, don’t miss Le Levain, a superlative little bakery and pastry shop in the heart of Trastevere. Le Levain excels at both sweet and savory treats, so it’s great for a traditional French croissant (saltier and flakier than the sweet Italian cornetto) and for buttery French desserts, such as macarons, eclairs and little tarts of various flavors.

About the author

Livia Hengel is an Italian-American writer, photographer and traveler with a penchant for la dolce vita and a severe case of wanderlust. Originally born in Rome, she spent her life living around the world in Peru, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey and the US before moving back to her city of birth. She is passionate about all things cultural, existential, stirring and beautiful and is happiest when she is contemplating human nature over a glass of wine or wandering off-the-beaten-path in a new city. When she's not traveling around Italy, you can find Livia eating her way through the best restaurants in Rome or keeping up with Instagram. Livia is the author of The HUNT Guide for Rome and also contributes to Spotted by Locals.

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