Did you know that the first chocolate in history was born in Turin? Yes, it was in Italy, during the 16th century, that this sweet was created. It was the “diablottino,” a dark chocolate praline sweetened and flavored with vanilla, very popular in European courts. Turin, to this day is a reference point for chocolate production (just think of the famous gianduiotto), but even in the capital there are pastry shops or chocolate shops where one can find exquisite pralines.
Today there are endless varieties of chocolates, from liqueur fillings to cremini, symbols of tradition and innovation in world confectionery. Let’s see where you can find the best chocolates in Rome.
Pasticceria Valzani – Trastevere
Founded in 1925, it is a historic institution located in the heart of Trastevere. It is renowned for its Sacher torte, but also produces pralines and other Roman treats to savor (such as pangiallo and panpepato). Stepping inside is like taking a dip into the past, as the environment retains the furnishings from the early 1900s. As for chocolates, the “Diavoletti al Peperoncino,” dark chocolate pralines with chili peppers (ideal for a spicy gift to your partner), are worth trying.
Where: Via del Moro, 37a/B, 00153 Rome. Closing day: Monday. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
La Dolceroma – Ghetto
Not everyone knows that the Ghetto is home to a renowned pastry shop founded in 1988. Its offerings of pastries and breads represent a unique blend of Austrian, American and Italian traditions. And here, in addition to finding sweets such as Krapfen, apple strudel, and brownies, we can also buy Mozart Balls (originally made in Salzburg). Mozartkugeln are made with pistachio marzipan (often colored green), gianduja cream and dark chocolate as a topping.
Where: via del Portico d’Ottavia 20/B, in the heart of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto. Closing day: Monday. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday closes at 6:30 p.m.
Grezzo Rome
Grezzo Raw Chocolate is a unique pastry and chocolate shop founded in Rome in 2014 by Nicola Salvi. It is the world’s first raw pastry shop, distinguished by the exclusive use of organic, plant-based (vegan), gluten-free and lactose-free ingredients, processed at low temperatures (never above 42°C). Find pralines, bars, truffles, as well as cakes and ice cream.
During the holidays he offers limited editions. For example, for Valentine’s Day he created Cuore Candido, small heart-shaped masterpieces that combine a dark chocolate shell and a citrus inner cream.
Where in Rome:
- Via Urbana 130 (Monti)
- Piazza Mattei 14 (Ghetto)
- Piazza Euclide 39 (Parioli)
Orders can also be placed online at Grezzo’s website.
Moriondo and Gariglio Confectionery – Centro
This historic artisan chocolate and pastry shop founded in Turin in 1850 by Agostino Moriondo is now located in the heart of the capital, near the Pantheon. The chocolate shop, in fact, opened a branch in the capital to serve the Roman and international elite.
Here you can find artisanal chocolates (pralines, truffles and bars), including the famous “Lacrime d’Amore” (tiny pralines filled with liquor) and marron glacé, considered among the best in Italy.
Where: via del Piè di Marmo 21/22. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday opens at 12 noon.
SAID – San Lorenzo
Founded in Rome in 1923, this is one of the most iconic places for chocolate lovers in Rome. Hot chocolate in winter, but also chocolate treats to enjoy all year round. Here too, depending on the season, there are different offerings. Pralines, bars (including spiced or Grand Cru), sugared almonds, spreads and chocolate citrus peel can always be found.
Where: 135 Tiburtina Street. Closing day: Monday. It is open from 10 a.m. to midnight.