The Best Pasticcerie in Venice: A Guide for Travellers
Venice is a city of indulgence, and its pastries are no exception. From centuries-old recipes rooted in trade with the East to delicate, sugar-dusted treats enjoyed with an espresso, Venetian pasticcerie are a must-visit for any traveller with a sweet tooth. Here is our guide to the best pasticcerie in Venice!
A Brief History of Baking in Venice
Venetian baking traditions date back to the era of the Republic of Venice, when the city was a major hub for the spice trade. Ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg found their way into Venetian pastries, making them unique compared to other Italian sweets. The Republic’s connection with the Byzantine and Ottoman empires also influenced local baking, leading to the creation of delicacies that blended Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours.
One of the most famous historical pastries of Venice is the bussolà, a buttery, ring-shaped cookie from the island of Burano. Another beloved treat is the frittelle, a deep-fried dough ball traditionally eaten during Carnival, filled with cream, raisins, or zabaione. Baicoli, thin and crispy biscuits once carried by Venetian sailors, remain a specialty in local pasticcerie today.
If you’re visiting Venice, stopping at one of its historic pasticcerie is a must. Here are the top five spots to indulge in the city’s sweetest offerings.
The Top 5 Pasticcerie in Venice
1. Pasticceria Tonolo
Dorsoduro 3764, near Campo San Pantalon
Tonolo is a Venetian institution, beloved by locals and travellers alike. Known for its frittelle during Carnival and exquisite cream-filled pastries year-round, this cozy pasticceria offers high-quality treats at reasonable prices. Their millefoglie (Venetian-style Napoleon pastry) and tiramisu are also must-tries. Arrive early, as their best pastries sell out quickly!
2. Pasticceria Dal Mas
Cannaregio 150/A, near the train station
Perfect for those arriving or departing from Venice, Dal Mas has been serving delicious pastries since 1906. Their sfogliatelle (a crispy, ricotta-filled pastry) and zaleti (cornmeal cookies with raisins) showcase Venetian tradition at its best. Their window display is always filled with beautifully crafted pastries that make it hard to choose just one!
3. Pasticceria Rosa Salva
Several locations, main shop: Calle Fiubera, near Piazza San Marco
Rosa Salva has been around since 1870 and is one of the most historic pasticcerie in Venice. Famous for its elegant cakes and petit pastries, it’s an excellent stop for a quick espresso and a baicoli or a slice of the classic Venetian torta greca (almond and pastry cream tart). Their St. Mark’s Square location is perfect for a refined break while sightseeing.
4. Pasticceria Rizzardini
San Polo 1415, near Campo San Polo
A tiny, old-world pasticceria hidden in San Polo, Rizzardini is one of the oldest in Venice, dating back to the 18th century. Their frittelle and marzipan pastries are legendary. The atmosphere is charmingly traditional, with wooden interiors and a counter lined with classic Venetian sweets.
5. Colussi Venezia
Calle Lunga San Barnaba, Dorsoduro 2867
Colussi is a paradise for lovers of traditional Venetian cookies. Their bussolai, baicoli, and esse di Burano (S-shaped butter cookies) are all handmade with high-quality ingredients. The scent of freshly baked pastries fills the air as you enter, making it impossible to leave without a box of treats.
Experience Venice Through Its Pastries
Beyond sightseeing, tasting Venetian traditional pastries is one of the best ways to experience the city’s history and culture. Whether you’re enjoying a bussolà with coffee at a historic café or indulging in a freshly made frittella during Carnival, Venetian pastries are an essential part of the journey.
And don’t forget to book a once-in-a-lifetime boat tour with Vidal Venice Tours while you’re here by dropping us a message here! Buon viaggio e buon appetito!