LUDO Dine & Vibe 
3 Gluten-Free Pastry Shops in Milan 
Roman cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its specialities: carbonara pasta, “supplì al telefono” (fried rice balls with melted mozzarella), and “carciofi alla giudìa” (fried artichokes), to name just a few of the dishes highly favoured by visitors to the capital. But what about sweets? They are often unjustly overlooked, with attention usually limited to the famous “maritozzo” – an irresistible cream-filled delight, a real treat for the taste buds. However, in addition to its iconic osterias and trattorias, Rome also offers numerous historic patisseries and cafés just waiting to be discovered as you wander through the city’s timeless marvels.
If you’re someone who can’t give up a hearty breakfast, don’t worry – it’s easy to find places that will make your favourite time of day feel special. Just breathe in the scent of freshly baked goods, find a cosy spot, and settle in. A newspaper to browse, some light conversation, and a steaming coffee: the ritual of the Italian bar is served. And if even nutritionists repeat the mantra that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” then we can indulge in something sweet without too much guilt – ideally with a glass of fresh fruit juice.
Whether you favor the traditional Italian “cornetto” or you’re seeking something a bit different, here is our selection of the best patisseries for breakfast in Rome.
LE LEVAIN
Via Luigi Santini, 22
Le Levain has brought the classic charm of French boulangerie-pâtisseries to the heart of Trastevere. The name means “sourdough,” reflecting the type of artisanal goods on offer: handmade creations crafted with passion and care, using only the finest ingredients. Here, you’ll find croissants with various fillings, pain au chocolat, traditional Parisian madeleines, and more besides. The pastry chefs’ creativity extends to tarts, muffins, puff pastries, and cakes of all kinds. Choose your favourite drink and let yourself be charmed by the welcoming atmosphere. Le Levain’s aim? To evoke emotions with every bite.
CASA MANFREDI
Viale Aventino, 91-93
Photo Credit @ROMEDIASTUDIO
This café-patisserie on the Aventine Hill will make it worth venturing out for breakfast. Casa Manfredi is born of a family tradition and takes its name from the youngest member of the family. Manfredi is the son of Daniele and Giorgia, who decided to pursue their dream by focusing on quality. With professional baristas and a partnership with Lavazza, they satisfy even the most discerning palates with high-quality patisserie to accompany the coffee ritual. Alongside classic sweet croissants (also available in a savoury version), there’s an array of exquisite, handmade pastries both large and small.
FARO
Via Piave, 55
For lovers of speciality coffee, Faro is a must. This spot, reminiscent of the style of Northern European coffeehouses, is located in central Rome, just steps from Piazza Fiume. Dario Fociani has made it his mission to revive the culture of quality coffee, often overlooked. With partner Arturo Felicetta, another expert in the field, he has created a menu centred on the famous espresso, which you can enjoy at the counter or take home as a blend. Various types of drinks, including an impressive tea selection, pair well with typical Italian breakfast pastries – such as sourdough cornetti – along with cakes, brownies, and biscuits. This is an unmissable stop for anyone who can’t go without their morning coffee.
WALTER MUSCO
Largo Benedetto Bompiani, 8
Can a pastry be a work of art? Walter Musco, former gallery owner and owner of this patisserie, has no doubts: the answer is yes. His business is built on creativity and a keen aesthetic sense, without compromising on flavour. Premium ingredients and meticulous attention to detail make each creation a small masterpiece, ready to brighten customers’ mornings. Thanks to his technical skill, Musco prepares an array of baked goods daily, from Italian cornetti to French brioche, from maritozzi to his renowned cream-filled “bombes,” ideal with a coffeehouse drink. If you fancy something different, don’t forget that in 2019, Gambero Rosso awarded Bompiani as the Best Savoury Patisserie. There’s something here for every taste.
REGOLI
Via dello Statuto, 60
Since 1916, the Regoli family has run this pastry shop near Santa Maria Maggiore, preserving recipes passed down through generations. Here, time seems to have stood still, and yet the 1970s signage still sees queues of locals and tourists eager for their favourite treat. For breakfast, nothing is more quintessentially Roman than a maritozzo with whipped cream (the one with raisins and pine nuts is also famous) paired with a hot coffee or cappuccino. The counter display is so tempting, you’ll want to try the brioches and single-serve pastries as well. The shop is quite small, making it ideal for a “grab-and-go” breakfast – no less enjoyable for it!
CRISTALLI DI ZUCCHERO
Via di Val Tellina, 114
The go-to patisserie for Monteverde locals is without a doubt Cristalli di Zucchero. Known for its beautiful single-serve desserts, this pastry shop has become a trendsetter in the city. Not just takeaway desserts, but also fresh baked goods, prepared each day to allow customers to start their day with a sweet indulgence. Cornetti and brioches are made following original recipes, filled with creams, jam, or fresh fruit. Though not large, the shop has a charming outdoor seating area – a real treat on mild days.
PASTICCERIA GRUÈ
Viale Regina Margherita, 95-99
Marta Boccanera and Felice Venanzi’s success story is one of passion and courage. Close to graduating, they decided to take a leap of faith to devote themselves entirely to creating exquisite desserts. Their dedication has borne fruit in Pasticceria Gruè, which, with guidance from master pastry chef Iginio Massari, has become one of central Italy’s most advanced patisseries. In 2017, Gambero Rosso named Marta and Felice Italy’s top emerging pastry chefs. Their menu – both sweet and savoury – is rich and crafted with attention to every detail. If you’re not trying a cake for a special occasion, stop by for breakfast: a creamy cappuccino and soft brioche are just a hint of their quality.
ROSCIOLI CAFÈ
Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, 16
The Roscioli family, with years of experience in the bakery and restaurant business, opened this café in 2016, and it quickly became a central meeting point. No true Roman patisserie would be complete without maritozzi, made even more enticing here with fillings like chocolate, tiramisu, coffee granita, and even jar-baked versions. Breakfast here is a sure bet, with attention to croissant production and coffee, served as classic espresso or filtered. For variety, there are takeaway or single-serve cakes, rolls, and Venetian pastries. Roscioli also offers a cosy indoor seating area, ideal for a morning catch-up with friends.
ANDREOTTI
Via Ostiense, 54b
Andreotti is a historic café that, since 1931, has been a family-run business handed down through generations. Although recent renovations by owner Marco have made the space more contemporary, the kitchen and pastry lab retain their traditional authenticity. Passing by its display windows in the morning, you’ll be enveloped by the scent of freshly baked cornetti in all their variations, but you can also try their excellent maritozzi, mini-pastries, doughnuts, and small cakes. Fun fact: director Ferzan Ozpetek filmed a scene from his movie Facing Windows here, as seen in the photos adorning the walls. A trusted name, Andreotti was recognised by the city in 2012 as a “Shop of Historic Interest.”
