When it comes to breakfast and Roman pastries, the first thing that springs to mind is the mythical maritozzo. A dessert that lately is becoming famous just about everywhere… even in Milan more and more bakeries are offering it, with its different variations. Not everyone knows, however, that in the capital there is another famous sweet for breakfast or snack: the Roman ciavattone. A great alternative for those who do not like cream.
The ciavattone is a puff pastry filled with custard, similar to the fan in texture (obviously the preparation procedure is different). The puff pastry is rolled and worked with sugar; it turns out well with coffee with a bitter flavor that contrasts the sweet one.
The ciavattone, as we said, does not involve cream but jam (often apricot), chocolate, cream or ricotta (also with chocolate chips).
Where can I find ciavattone?
If you feel like trying a different breakfast in Rome and abandoning (at least for a day) the cappuccino and cornetto pairing, here are some of the places that offer Roman ciavattone:
Faro – Caffetteria Specialty
We have often told you about this pastry shop, for us one of the best in town and famous for the maricordo, the maritozzo that resembles grandma’s cake. This place has also rediscovered the Roman ciavattone, including it among its pastry offerings, with cream and apple, cherry, apricot or chocolate filling.
Biscottificio Innocenti
Biscottificio Innocenti is a true Roman institution. This historic artisan store located in the heart of Trastevere, precisely at Via della Luce 21, was founded in 1940 by Sesto Innocenti. Today it is run by Stefania Innocenti, who carries on the family tradition, baking more than 100 types of cookies/sweets every day, including ciavattone with jam. One of the special features of Biscottificio Innocenti is its vintage tunnel oven, a full 14 meters long! Well worth a visit.
Inpiazza
Café Inpiazza, located at Largo Monreale 16-17 in Rome (in the Torrevecchia area ), is a popular spot for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service. This café is known for offering various products, including croissants and ice cream, which have left a lasting impression on customers. Visitors also praise the coffee, which is considered excellent. And you can find chocolate ciavattoni here.
Pastry Shop Meloni
Pasticceria Meloni is a historic landmark located in the Labaro neighborhood of Rome, known for its confectionery tradition and the high quality of its products. Founded in 1971, this pastry shop is run by the Meloni family, which for more than fifty years has been offering its customers artisanal sweets made with fresh and genuine ingredients, such as ciavattoni.
Walter Musco (Pasticceria Bompiani)
In the Tor Marancia area, Walter Musco’s pastry shop is known for placing modern offerings alongside great classics such as the ciavattone. It is prepared with custard or apricot jam.
Thus, the Roman ciavattone is a dessert that continues to be loved by Romans and can be found in several pastry shops in the city; if you can’t make it to one of the ones we suggest, try checking out the counter of your neighborhood pastry shop. Chances are, a ciavattone, blending in among the fans, is there waiting for you.