Last updated on February 24th, 2025
Rome is rich in terms of culture, art and history but it’s important to keep fueled up as you make your way to the Eternal City’s top attractions and sites.
May I suggest some iconic Roman desserts?
These are six desserts to try in Rome and where to eat each of them. They’re all easy to find and some can even be stashed in your bag for longer travel days.
Andiamo! Let’s take a closer look
Good To Know: Most of these desserts from Rome are goodies that you might be able to find in other Italian regions BUT they are going to be the best here.
- Maritozzi
Where To Eat It: Pasticceria Regoli or at the best places for maritozzi in Rome
Maritozzi are large, leavened sweet brioche buns split open and generously filled with whipped cream. Most Romans eat them for breakfast with coffee but you can really get them anytime of the day at bars and cafes throughout the city. You are unlikely to see them on restaurant dessert menus.
- Crostata con Ricotta e Visciole
Where To Eat It: Pasticceria Boccione
Crostata con ricotta e visciole is a type of Italian pie made with shortcrust pastry and filled with a mixture of sweetened ricotta cheese and sour cherries, in season in the spring (which is when I suggest you try it). The most famous place for this tart is from the kosher bakery in the Jewish Ghetto but I also like the individual pies from Bonci’s Pasticceria close to Vatican City.
- Gelato con Ricotta e Fichi
Where To Eat It: Otaleg
Gelato con ricotta e fichi is a seasonal gelato flavor that is particularly good in Rome where ricotta is a major ingredient and the figs grow incredibly well in the summer and early fall. The gelato is creamy and tangy with a hint of honey, depending on the gelateria.
- Pangiallo
Where To Eat It: Pasticceria Valzani
Pangiallo is a type of sweet, hard bread developed in ancient Roman times as a symbol of the sun in prospects for longer days to come. Made from dried fruit, nuts and honey, it’s then brushed with saffron, creating a golden round sun shape.
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- Tozzetti
Where To Eat It: Campo de’ Fiori Forno
Tozzetti are a twice baked cookie from Rome baked with various nuts and often served with a sweet wine such as passito for dipping. Look for these cookies in any bakery in Rome and bring them home as a souvenir or gift. They pack up well and last for a long time, similar to cantuccini.
- 6. Granita di Caffè
Where To Eat It: La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro
Granita di caffè is a blended frozen coffee and ice drink topped with whipped cream to try in Rome during the summer when you need to cool off. This is something you will see at cafes, gelaterie and bars throughout the city in the summer months except at La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro, where you can find it year round. Be sure to order it with whipped cream (panna montata)!
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