Bologna’s top pastry shops to try

The best pastry shops in Bologna

Old and modern pastry shops, traditional and single-serving cakes with a contemporary taste: you'll be spoiled for choice among Bologna’s pastry shops, taste temples where to stop for a hearty breakfast, a tasty snack or even lunch break, thanks to the savory offerings. Here the ones not to be missed according to the 2022 Pasticceri & Pasticcerie guide by Gambero Rosso.

Carosello

In business since 1965, it all began with Maurizio Gubbioli’s parents, its current owner. Here the day starts off with flaky croissants, and then continues with filled tartlets and biscuits (try the custard shortbread). Among its pièce de résistance, the Bolognese certosino and the warm savory panettone in crust, without forgetting the holiday desserts, from festive leavened products to Carnival fritters.

Carosello – via di Corticella, 184 – pasticceriacarosello.it

Gino Fabbri Pasticcere

In the temple of master Gino Fabbri, here haute pâtisserie is the quintessence. Authenticity and a great storytelling are the artisan’s strong suits, the benchmark for national pastry making, flanked by his wife Morena and daughters Valeria and Viviana. The breakfast boasts an extensive range of croissants, among which the wholemeal croissant with raspberry dough and red fruit jam stands out, but also the veneziana and the francese are worth tasting. The traditional cakes never disappoint, the mini tarts are always delicious, and the macaroons elegant and well-balanced. The savory offering is also excellent.

Gino Fabbri Pasticcere – via Cadriano, 27 – ginofabbri.com

Gamberini

One of the most loved spots by the people of Bologna and tourists that has been able to retain over the years its centuries-old charm. Small pastries are the shop’s flagship, in which simple and delicious mini fruit custard tarts catch the eye. The cakes and the savory offerings also satisfy the expectations, with the appetizers ideal for the aperitif time. Gamberini is a safe bet for breakfast as well, with flaky and fragrant croissants. Another location in Florence.

Gamberini – via U. Bassi, 12 – gamberini.eu

Pallotti

A city institution for over half a century, originally born as bakery serving baked goods. Still today, its specialties are traditional, starting from croissants and breakfast pastries to the range of small pastries (do not miss the mini custard tart). The biscuits are the highlight, but the cakes, both in their more modern version with mirror glaze and in their traditional versions, are also worth tasting. Homemade bread and fresh pasta are also available.

Pallotti – via del Borgo di San Pietro, 59 – fornopallotti.it

Regina di Quadri

Francesco Elmi is at the helm of one of the most trustworthy pastry shop in Bologna. Inspired by a vision that focuses on haute pâtisserie, without forgetting the recipes of the past, which he recounts each time with masterful executions or creative reinterpretations. Organic and seasonal ingredients are at the heart of the recipes, with a dairy-free line also available. Try the croissants, the maritozzi, the brioche col tuppo, and then small pastries (the sacher and the foresta nera are not to be missed). The cakes are always fresh and well-executed, from mille-feuille to meringue pie. The lunchtime offer is also worth trying.

Regina di Quadri – via Castiglione, 73 a – pasticceriareginadiquadri.it

Zanarini

Under the Portico del Pavaglione, there is a literary café with an illustrious past and a natural bent for hospitality. Run by the Antoniazzi family of Bagnolo San Vito, the pastry shop offers a wide range of breakfast pastries, small pastries, single-serving and regular cakes. Delectable the pistachio doughnut and the raspberry custard mini tart, as well as the tarte tatin and the lingotto africano. The chocolate corner with top-notch pralines and dragées also deserves mention.

Zanarini – p.zza Galvani, 1 – antoniazzi.biz

by Michela Becchi