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.

Go City Expert
Rome Travel Expert

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St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City
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Things to do in Rome at Night Time

A sightseeing Shangri-La during the day, Rome is arguably even more exciting after dark, when lights illuminate its spectacular ancient ruins, swoonsome fountains, imposing statues and vast Roman amphitheaters. It’s also a lot less hectic in and around the main attractions as the majority of tourists have already retired, footsore, to their hotels and apartments. Read on for our guide to all the best things to do in Rome at night time, including: Colosseum night tours People-watching on the piazzas Trevi Fountain The Catacombs of Rome The best rooftop bar views A night at the opera Gelato! Up on the Roof Let’s start our tour of night time Rome as we mean to go on: with a Campari cocktail at sunset in one (or two) of the Eternal City’s excellent rooftop bars. The sixth-floor terrace at Eitch Borromini Hotel is just about as good as it gets, with panoramic 360-degree views across the rooftops of Piazza Navona and beyond, and a list of cocktails as long as your arm. Watch the sun set over the Pantheon’s iconic dome from atop Hotel Raphael, see the illuminated Roman Forum from (where else?) Hotel Forum, and hit up the art-deco Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo for some of the finest rooftop views in Rome. Do be aware that you’ll be paying for the view as well as the drink so expect significantly higher prices than at most street-level Rome bars. The Colosseum by Night Fewer tourists, shorter queues, cooler temperatures, better views… there’s literally no downside to making your pilgrimage to the Colosseum at night, when light floods the world’s largest (and best-preserved) ancient amphitheater and you can almost hear the roar of the crowd baying for gladiator blood. Night tours need to be pre-booked and usually kick off around 9PM, so plenty of time to scarf down a pizza before you get there. Night tours are also a great way to get into the guts of the Colosseum and unleash your inner Russell Crowe as you step out onto the arena floor, activities that are traditionally waaay oversubscribed during the daytime. People-Watch on the Piazzas The evening atmosphere on Rome’s piazzas is second-to-none. This is the magic hour, when the sun sets, bars bustle, and street entertainers come out in force. Hit up Piazza Navona – home of the beautifully illuminated Bernini fountain – grab yourself a gelato and find somewhere to perch as you admire the fairytale churches and palazzos and, well, just watch the world go by. Piazza di Spagna is no less enchanting and has the added bonus of lying at the foot of the Spanish Steps, while the lesser-spotted Piazza Trilussa over in Trastevere is an unsung hero beloved of locals who meet and mingle by the fountain here, overlooking Ponte Sisto and the Tiber, nightly. A Night at the Opera For the quintessential night time Rome experience, book a performance of one of the greats at the historic Teatro dell’Opera. We’re talking nothing less than the likes of Turandot, La Traviata, Madame Butterfly and La Bohème, right here in Italy, the birthplace of opera. Between its grand opera-house setting and extraordinary open-air summer home at the Baths of Caracalla, the Teatro dell’Opera has hosted performances by Maria Callas, The Three Tenors and Joan Sutherland, as well as the world premier of Puccini’s Tosca way back in 1900. Quite the pedigree, then. The Catacombs of Rome Night time activities in Rome don’t come much spookier than a tour of the Catacombs. Brace yourself for thrills, spills and chills as you descend deep beneath the city streets for a blood-freezing meet-and-greet with the city’s oldest permanent residents. For down here in the Catacombs lie the mortal remains of thousands of ancient Romans, often arranged in bizarre and macabre displays. These creepy underground ossuaries are spread across the city, but most tours will include a stop at the famous Capuchin Crypts, where the bones of countless friars are displayed in weird, wonderful and frankly shiver-inducing ways. Chapels down here include the Crypt of the Pelvises, Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and Crypt of the Three Skeletons, and are very much not for the faint of heart. Trevi Fountain Photo Shoot Nothing says romance like an evening stroll to the Trevi Fountain. I mean, can you even say you’ve been to Rome if you haven’t flipped a coin into its waters at some point during your visit? No, dear reader, you cannot. And there’s really no better time to make your Trevi pilgrimage than at night after the crowds have dissipated, and when your chances of nabbing that essential ‘alone in Rome’ selfie for your Insta feed are at their highest. Pizza and Beer in Trendy Trastevere Bohemian Trastevere is one of Rome’s coolest neighborhoods, a medieval labyrinth of cobbled lanes and colorful piazzas chock-full of artisan stores, independent trattorias and hip brewpubs. The district really comes alive at night as locals gather for aperitifs on Piazza Trilussa before heading on for dinner and drinks at some of the best bars and pizza joints in town. Hit up local fave Pizzeria ai Marmi for a slice of the good stuff: wafer-thin, wood-fired and ultra-crispy with a kaleidoscopic range of toppings to choose from, then make for the likes of Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà or Bir & Fud for craft brews that go above and beyond the ubiquitous Peronis and Birra Morettis favored by less adventurous travelers than you, dear reader. Gelato! It doesn’t matter a jot whether you’re visiting Rome during summer or in the depths of winter: Italian gelato should be considered an utterly essential part of your experience. Still in Trastevere? Hit up Otaleg for some of the city’s more unusual flavors (artichoke sorbet, anyone?). Or head back over the Tiber, where the chestnut flavor at Ciampini near Piazza Navona, and tiramisu from Il Gelato di Claudio Torcè may prove life-changing. Gelato parlors stay open well into the evening for all your night-time frozen snack needs. And Finally… McDonalds Bear with us here. In the event you get an attack of the late-night munchies that only a Big Mac can satisfy, make for the branch at Termini station, where your burger and fries come with a large side order of Roman history. For inside this otherwise identikit restaurant you can view a section of the Servian Wall that defended the city against invading Carthaginians and Gauls in the 4th Century BC. We're lovin' it. Save on attractions in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with the Vatican and Rome Omnia Pass. Check out @omniavaticanrome on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Rome on wheels with Roma Cristiana Bus Tours

Although Rome is a relatively compact city you can explore quite easily by foot; there’s nothing better than a good old bus tour. You can’t deny it, sitting on an open-top (especially when it’s sunny!) and taking in the sights like a proper tourist is actually good fun! Obviously, the Roma Cristiana bus tour in Rome is a must-do on your trip. It’s an easy kill-all-the-birds-with-one-stone method of seeing all the important landmarks and monuments of the city, whilst learning interesting facts on the way. For example, did you know left handed people in Ancient Rome were considered unlucky? It’s where the word sinister comes from, from the Italian sinistra meaning left. With a three day hop-on, hop-off ticket you’re guaranteed to see all the major sights of Rome as the bus stops at 12 major points around the city, from the Coliseum and St Peter’s Basilica, to the great squares of Piazza Navona and Campo de’Fiori. Whether you choose to stay seated on the bus and sit on it for the full 2 hour tour, or whether you jump off and on at various points to explore the city in depth, this bus tour is a great way of discovering Rome at your leisure. Here are some of the best sights to see on the way: Coliseum As one of the most famous landmarks in Rome, the Coliseum is as deep-rooted in Rome’s history as you can get. Built in 70AD it has stood the test of time and is pretty much the world’s all time event arena! Hosting some of the most daring, controversial and undeniably entertaining events in history from gladiator fights to miniature boat races, the Coliseum is a must-see. Admire the imposing structure of the 156m wide amphitheatre and learn about its influential history. Hop off to explore the exhibitions and take a walk around the ancient architecture. St Peter’s Basilica As the most important landmark in the Catholic Church, St Peter’s Basilica symbolises the epicentre of their holy community. Its Renaissance and Baroque art history and decoration makes it a monumental masterpiece from its marble façade, to its interior opulence – featuring Bernini’s baldacchino and Bramante’s dome. Explore the underground crypts or climb up to the very top of the dome for sweeping views across the city. Don’t forget to cover up your arms and legs though, they’re quite strict when it comes to entry admission. Circus Maximus With a seating capacity of 250,000, Circus Maximus was the other main arena that staged popular events; the most popular were the chariot races. Circus Maximus is even older than the Coliseum and dates back to the 6th century BC, where a racing track was created between the two main peaks, the Aventine and the Palatine hills. After two fires destroyed the original construction, the arena was made in stone and marble, and stood at a height of 3 stories, measuring over 600m long! Unfortunately during the Medieval and Renaissance eras most of the material was stolen from the structure of the site for new builds, which is why so little of the architecture remains today. Piazza Navona One of Rome’s most famous Baroque examples, Piazza Navona, is in the heart of Rome and is a popular piazza for tourists and locals alike. Stop off at this marble masterpiece for a spot of lunch in one of the traditional Italian restaurants that spill onto outside tables on the cobbled square and overlook the fountains and statues that make Piazza Navona so beautiful. Why not go through Campo de’Fiori on your way back to the bus and walk through the famous artisanal food market. There’s everything from fresh produce to funny pasta shapes, as well as ingredients for the perfect picnic! With the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card you can explore Rome with the Roma Cristiana bus tour for free. The 3 day hop-on, hop-off ticket is included in the price of the package – just turn up and get your ticket from the stop at Piazza Pio XII, 9.
Go City Expert
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Baroque and Roll in Rome

Whether you’re a professional architect, history buff or just an amateur lover of European buildings, you’ve probably come across the baroque style that is prominent throughout the continent and especially throughout Rome. As Rome was the birthplace of this 17th century design, it’s not surprising that there are inescapable examples of the style wherever you look. It is believed – and widely heralded – that it was the creative genius of Gian Bernini, and so his consequent success meant that all ecclesiastical decoration over the period, including St Peters Basilica, was heavily influenced by this new theme. Bernini’s talents also influenced famous landmarks like the Trevi Fountain in later years, too. You can easily go on a Baroque-spot across Rome, but to make it simple and to make sure you head to the right spots, we’ve outlined our top five ‘Baroque Bests’ in the city. Sant'Andrea al Quirinale Known as the “pearl of the baroque” the Church of Saint Andrew's at the Quirinal is thought of as the best example of the baroque style in Rome. Constructed by 1661, Bernini himself considered the church one of his most perfect works, and was so humbled by what he had achieved that he spent countless hours inside the church in awe of what he had created as an artist. St. Peter's Basilica Although Michelangelo is mostly to thank for the brilliance and splendour of St Peter’s Basilica, Bernini played his hand in a lot of the interior décor and design – as well as designing the entire square at the front of the grand church, complimented by the ring of columns and 140 of Bernini’s personal favourite saints whose statues overlook the square. On the inside, the large bronze and gold baroque ‘canopy’, the Baldachin, the stands over the main alter marking the place of St Peter’s tomb is one of the main features of the building. A master of all trades, Bernini also worked on the marble floor, too, meaning there are baroque influences throughout if you look carefully enough... Trevi Fountain As the largest baroque fountain in Rome, and one of the most famous in the world, the Trevi Fountain was actually designed by Nicola Salvi and Pietro Bracci in 1732. However, 100 years earlier Bernini had submitted initial designs to the Pope Urban VIII. Although the original design was discarded, there are undeniable Bernini-baroque influences throughout what we see today with its huge marble statues and figures and the dramatic water cascading down. Borghese Gallery The Borghese Gallery is home to some of the finest examples of baroque statues and art, so make sure you stop in and see the statue of David which was sculpted by Bernini at the mere age of 25 – and whose face was even sculptured from a mould of Bernini’s own... Apollo and Daphne is another baroque masterpiece and perfect example of the emotive tones that run through the style. Piazza Navona & Piazza di Spagna Two of the most famous squares in Rome; Piazza Navona (surrounded by restaurants and glorified with two fountains) and Piazza di Spagna (at the foot of the iconic Spanish Steps), are another two examples of baroque architecture and its ungiving grasp on Rome. Just two of many squares influenced by the style, these two are central to Rome’s history and culture and are illustrative of the forms and techniques, such as the grandiose fountains and romantic detail. Look out for cupids and cherubs – they’re a tell-tell sign of baroque architecture. Make the most of your trip to Rome with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass and visit the Borghese Gallery and St Peter’s Basilica for free. Click here to learn more about how you can skip the lines with Fast Track Entry, travel throughout Rome with a travelcard and much, much more...
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