Sicilian pastry

Blogger's Best Sicilian Pastry Shops in Rome

By Go City Expert

Rome is a foodie’s paradise, and it's no wonder bloggers flock to the city to sample the delicious sweets, savories and local delicacies. This month, we wanted to indulge our sweet tooth, so we got in touch with some local food bloggers to tell us which are their favorite pastry shops in Rome for some of the best cannoli, brioscia and granite.

Make sure you leave room to try them all!

Le Sicilianedde

Viale Parioli, 37, Rome
Giuseppina from Delicious Italy says... “In summer at Le Sicilianedde, the classic granite Siciliane are served in various sizes and are extremely popular with Romans and tourists alike. Where gelato is concerned, the pistachio di Bronte is as genuine as it gets in Rome while the cannoli with fresh ricotta are delicate and enjoyable all year round.

"You will also find cassata, Sette Veli and Frutta Martorana which are the traditional marzipan sweets in the shapes of fruit and vegetables. Le Sicilianedde pastry and gelato shop is next door to the larger coffee bar and tavola calda selling other classic Sicilian food products such as arancini, should you wish a change to savoury.”

I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza

Via dell’Arco del Monte, 98, Rome

Maite from Fabulous Cooking Day says... “I love the homegrown nuts and ingredients shipped directly from Sicily, like almonds and pistachios, for example. If you’re a fan of almonds, make sure you order the Olivette di Sant Agata, and for an intense pistachio taste, opt for the simple dry cake with very few ingredients aside from flour, eggs, honey and pistachios. You can’t miss the strong nutty flavors!”

Pasticceria Ciuri Ciuri

Via Leonina, 18/20, Rome

Alida from My Little Kitchen says... “Situated in the heart of Rome this little shop has a really large selection of Sicilian pastries, ice creams and desserts. Once you try them you will be unable to walk past without sinking your teeth into one of their cannoli. It’s one I always go back for - and recommend to those who haven’t tried!”

Pasticceria Siciliana Svizzera

Piazza Pio XI, 10, Rome

Igor from RomeCentral says... “You can’t beat a good cafeteria and pastry shop. Although I like sweet Sicilian cakes and pastries, you also can’t beat a salty rice-and-mozzarella-filled arancino ball.”

Mizzica!

Via Catanzaro, 30, Rome

Rick Zullo from Rick’s Rome says... “Mizzica is probably the only place in Rome where you find the homemade “brioscia,” which are large sweet rolls served with gelato and granita. The Sicilians will often have this for breakfast in the summertime, so if you find yourself down in Sicily, ask for a coffee-flavored granita with panna (whipped cream) and a brioscia and you’ll fit right in.”

Claudia from Gourmet Project also says... “There is no way I leave Sicily without having a Briosche & Granita. Every time I go this is the first thing I look for: it can be my breakfast, snack, even lunch... but I must have one. At least one! I usually go for the almond granita, but lately, pistachio flavor has won me over.

"When I’m not in Sicily and miss the sun, beaches and food, I make sure I go to find my fix of brioche and granita at Mizzica in Rome. You can’t beat it for a bite of Sicily. It’s right near Piazza Bologna, open late and fiercely traditional. Don’t miss it out and thank me later!”

If you want to explore more of Rome's food culture, read our other blog posts about the best gelaterias and the best food and wine in Rome.

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Our Guide to Unique Buildings in Rome

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Megan Hills
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A Guide to the Real Food and Wine of Rome

Whether you are a passionate foodie visiting Rome in order to broaden your culinary horizon, or a first-timer in the country, eating well in the eternal city is a must. Authentic, fresh food is at the heart of Italian culture and Roman cuisine is often based on seasonal, fresh produce. As with every region, in Rome there are some dishes that are well-established classics among the locals. Although you should steer clear of tourist traps around the Fori and historical centre, finding a decent eatery in Rome is not a difficult feat. There are many good and affordable restaurants near the Vatican, Trastevere area and Borghese gallery. If you are looking to stay closer to the centre, try visiting the Jewish Quarter, Campo de’ Fiori and the young and hip Monti area. Once you’ve found your spot, it’s time for the dining to commence! Mapping your Meal But before you dive into the delights of ‘La Cucina Romana’, it’s important to get your bearings. First things first: Antipasti. This is your pre-meal appetizer, and traditionally consists of local cured meats, cheeses, vegetables or fritti (fried food). At a more informal pizzeria or trattoria, try a true Roman antipasto: suppl ì. Not, as any proud Roman will tell you, to be confused with the Sicilian arancini, supplì are deep-fried, oval-shaped balls of risotto rice with a melted mozzarella centre. Another Roman fritto not to be missed is fiori di zucca (deep-fried courgette flowers in batter, often made with anchovies). After antipasti, you usually move on to primi. This is the first course of a classic Italian meal, but can be eaten as a main course. Pasta features heavily as a primo in Rome, along with soup and rice dishes. Next in line is secondi, which is the main, or ‘second’ course, normally a carb-free affair consisting of fish or meat, often ordered with a contorno (side). The Festival of Pasta Pasta is the staple of any Roman diet, and with basic, flavoursome ingredients, Romans do it well. Flawless pasta is not an arbitrary undertaking either. Pasta shapes, their cooking time and optimal sauce pairings are meticulously considered and rooted in Italian cuisine. One of the best examples of a simple yet fantastically tasty local dish is Bucatini all’amatriciana, a historic dish that first originated in Amatrice. In Rome, amatriciana is made with bucatini: thick, spaghetti-shaped tubes, which, in this recipe, are covered with a rich tomato sauce made with pork cheek (guanciale), pecorino and usually also onion, garlic and chilli. Spaghetti alla carbonara is a pasta dish that is known around the world, but you haven’t had it until you’ve had it in Rome. First brought to Lazio by coal men (carbonari, hence the name) from Umbria, it is now a staple dish on most Roman menus. Made with guanciale or pancetta (Italian bacon), eggs, parmesan, olive oil and pepper, this is a recipe with few ingredients, but one that is surprisingly difficult to get right. When it is, it’s delectable. Another Roman pasta dish that cannot be omitted is Spaghetti cacio e pepe. This is basically like macaroni cheese with a continental makeover. ‘Cacio’ is the ever-prevalent pecorino romano, while ‘pepe’ is pepper – these are the two ingredients that make this concoction mouth-watering. Pizza You simply can’t go to Rome and not have pizza. You cannot. Pizza romana, with its signature thin, crunchy crust is renowned as one of Italy’s best. However, it is worth noting that different regions have their own style of pizza perfection, one of the most famous being pizza from Naples (pizza napolitana) which has a much thicker crust. Pizza is often accompanied by beer rather than wine and is traditionally an evening dish. For pizza on-the-go, try bakeries and pizzerias that sell pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice). Secondi Piatti When ordering secondi, choose local produce that is made in true regional style, such as Abbacchio alla scottadito (charcoal-grilled, marinated lamb cutlets). ‘Abbacchio’ is little lamb in the local dialect, while ‘scottadito’ means ‘finger burning’. Perhaps not the most enticing name at first glance, it is actually a humorous take on the fact that the cutlets are traditionally eaten by hand and served hot. Another variation of this meal is Abbacchio arrosto (roast lamb with herbs.) For those with a more adventurous palette, try Coda alla vaccinara, also known as Roman oxtail stew, made with celery, carrot, herbs, tomato and pancetta. The coda itself has a sweet and sour taste, prepared using raisins or candied fruit. Roman cuisine features a lot of dishes based on offal, or ‘quinto quarto’, including Pajata (lamb, veal or goat kid intestines) and even Testarelle (whole roasted lamb’s or goat kid’s head). Not for the faint of heart. If you would rather opt for fish, a typical Roman dish to try is Filetti di baccalà fritti (batter-fried baccalà). Although this dish is available throughout the year in Roman restaurants, it is traditionally eaten only once a year, for Christmas, and is the result of several days’ work if using salted cod. Vegetarian Delicatessen With its fresh vegetables, legumes and cheeses, Roman cuisine is in fact a vegetarian wonderland. Vegetarian options can be found on almost all typical Roman menus and there are even a few common dishes that are suitable for vegans, such as gnocchi al pomodoro or pizza marinara. A great veggie appetizer is the simple but delicious bruschetta aglio ed olio (toasted bread with garlic and olive oil) or bruschetta alla romana (topped with fresh, chopped tomatoes and herbs). A great, typical Roman dish to look out for is Puntarelle, a variety of Catalonian chicory that is found exclusively in Rome. A seasonal green, it is usually available from November until February and is painstakingly prepared by cutting off the tender tips of the plant, which are then soaked and tossed. Although the traditional dressing is not vegetarian (it contains anchovies, along with garlic and vinegar), you can find vegetarian varieties. Another must-taste delicacy is Carciofi (artichokes). These come in two styles that reign in Rome. One is Carciofi alla romana (Roman artichokes), stripped, violet artichokes that are stuffed with a mix of oil, lemon, garlic, parsley and mint, then braised until tender. The other, Jewish-style artichoke dish, Carciofi alla giudia, uses globe artichokes and is deep-fried, salty and equally delicious. The latter is common in the historic Jewish ghetto of Rome. Desserts Now you’ve had your primo and secondo, it’s time for dolci (dessert). Italy is famous for some of the world’s most mouthwatering treats, and Rome is certainly no exception. Starting with their breakfast cornetti (cream or chocolate filled pastries), Romans don’t do things in halves when it comes to the sweet stuff. Of course, there’s gelato. We all know that one. But how about gelato made from ricotta cheese? A Roman specialty, this is more like a chilled sorbet-pudding made with ricotta, eggs and cognac. Decadence seems to be key concept for Roman pastries. Take for example the Bignè di San Giuseppe, also known as Zeppole. These are deep-fried or baked sugary dough balls, about the size of a fist, oozing (think volcanic quantities) with a cream filling. Another heart-stopping Roman classic is Maritozzi con la panna. Guaranteed to leave you with a creamy grin, these are a cross between bread and pastry, opened like a sandwich and filled with cream. The wine of Ancient Rome Historically, the areas around Rome have been important in the production of wine (particularly white wine) and there are many vineyards in the Lazio region, which has volcanic soil, lakes and a mild climate. Frascati wine is produced a stone’s throw away from Rome, in the Castelli Romani area, and is the most well-known wine of the region. The white wines especially are delicate and can be paired with fish, antipasti and cheeses. Near Montefiascone is where the famous and peculiarly named Est! Est! Est! wine is produced with the grapes of Trebbiano Toscano e Malvasia. This is an aromatic wine that goes well with appetizers such as artichokes and fritti. For a red variety, try Cesanese, cultivated towards the south of Lazio in the areas of Piglio, Frosinone and Zagarolo. This increasingly popular variety has a warm aroma of mulberry, blueberry and juniper. It can be served with meat dishes such abbacchio (lamb) and stews, or with gnocchi. Eat Like a Local To eat authentic, quality local food is one of life’s pleasures, and what better place to do it than in Rome? Not to mention that food in Rome is more than just an iconic red-checkered tablecloth and a bowl full of pasta. It is a social ritual, a tradition and an important part of a rich cultural heritage. It’s about sharing, chatting and possibly eating ‘til you burst at the seams. Buon Appetito!
Go City Expert
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Celebrate New Year's Eve in Rome

Celebrate New Year’s Eve, Capodanno, in Rome and wave goodbye to 2014 as you welcome what 2015 will bring. If you’re going to be in Rome for this special time, read on; we’ve got a list of things to do in Rome to help you celebrate the 31st December into the 1st January. In true Roman style, there are historic traditions and both contemporary culture to appreciate – so take your pick, and buon anno to you! Coliseum Celebrate in one of the oldest parts of Rome, at one of the oldest attractions, the Coliseum. Dating back over 2,000 years it’s one of the most iconic backdrops to spending New Year’s Eve and you’re guaranteed a great photo moment. At midnight, you’ll be able to enjoy views over the city’s fireworks display and can continue the street party at your leisure. Imperial Forum Slightly down the way from the Coliseum, the Imperial Forum is featuring its very own Vintage Party this year to celebrate 2014/2015. Expect everything themed from the '30s to '60s – from music to decorations. You’re invited to dress up, too! Hosted by Swing Circus, there will be an orchestra, DJ, dancers and Linda Hop the swing performer. Not least, a marching band and a clown for the kids. Definitely worth a visit! Circus Maximus This year Rome is pulling out all of the stops and visitors and locals alike can enjoy plenty of historic backdrops for their New Year’s celebrations. Another venue to head to is Circus Maximus to enjoy a real knees-up. With a full blown concert, starting with the Italian one-to-watch Mannarino, followed by local rappers and artists, it’s after midnight that it all kicks off. With a break for the impressive annual fireworks, the early hours of 1st January 2015 will see a DJ set by Daddy G and Grant from Massive Attack. Names not to be sniffed at. St Peter’s Basilica If you are looking for something slightly more quiet and reflective, why not head over to St Peter’s Basilica. Starting earlier than the evening revellers, the Pope will be hosting the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, at St Peter’s Basilica at 5pm. Here, the Pope will celebrate the First Vespers of the Solemnity of the Mother of God, followed by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the traditional singing of the “Te Deum”, and the Eucharistic Benediction. You will need to pre-book tickets as it’s a highly sought after event. Alternatively, the following day (1st January 2015) you can attend a Mass at 10am (tickets are also required). Gianicolo As Rome is such a romantic place, spending New Year’s with your loved one in this historic city can be a special moment. We suggest you head up to the Gianicolo, a hill that starts in Trastevere. Climb this winding summit and you’ll reach one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the city. Overlooking the city, you can see the iconic domes from St Peter’s Basilica to Piazza Victorio Emmanuele II not to mention you'll get a great panorama of all the firework displays around the city, illuminating the sky line. Don’t forget your camera as you’re guaranteed a breath-taking New Year’s Eve. Don't forget you can make great savings if you explore Rome with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card. Granting you free entry into the Vatican City and sights, as well as free entry into the Coliseum and many other historic attractions with the Roma Pass. Click here to find out how you can save.
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