Rome’s Nocturnal Bakeries Will Satisfy Your Late Night Cravings

When you think of breakfast foods in America, a platter of bacon and eggs probably comes to mind. In Italy, throw that out the window and indulge your sweet tooth. Italians prefer a sweet breakfast and eat treats like bread, butter, marmalade, and particular Italian breakfast pastries like cornetti and maritozzi. Pair with the perfect cappuccino and you’re ready for the day. But what happens if your day starts at the wee hours of dawn (or your night hasn’t yet ended) and you’re craving a bite to eat? In Rome, you’ll find late night bakeries to help satisfy your cravings. Rome’s nocturnal bakeries provide an unexpected way to end great nights, no matter what happens when the sun comes up. 

The tradition of eating pastries before sunrise isn't random for Romans. It's quite common for locals in the area to visit “cornettari” — bakeries with croissants and other goods — after a night of drinking. You might be wondering why these bakeries remain open so late (or so early depending how you look at it). Many “cornettari” keep their doors open to prepare products for surrounding restaurants that will be serving breakfast early the following morning. If you're in the know or hanging with locals, you can get a taste of these treats before the rest of the Eternal City gets out of bed.

This ritual re-emerged since bakers arrived to work in the early morning hours, long before tourists and visitors were out of their hotel rooms. The late night crowds could smell the bakers’ ovens filled with a sweet aroma and swarm the doors. Many of these bakeries kept standard hours, but as the long lines began to form each night, the “cornettarit” decided to keep their doors open all night long to serve hungry customers. 

The next time you’re in Rome, check out these late night bakeries:

Il Maritozzaro

Located in Trastevere and open 24 hours a day - 7 days a week, Il Maritozzaro is busiest around 11:00 pm. They’re well known for their namesake, maritozzi, that they sell year-round. Il Maritozzaro is best known for their straightforward and simple pastry. 

Il Cornettone

Just a few blocks from Il Maritozzaro, Il Cornettone is known for selling cornetti (Italian croissants) for over 30 years. Unlike their French cousins, cornetti are made with margarine, making them light and fluffy. You’ll find them filled with things like pistachio cream, strawberry jelly or even apricot marmalade. 

Dolce Maniera

Steps away from the Vatican Museums, this legendary late night bakery serves delicious cornetti, arancini, pizza and more. Many suggest trying their artichoke pizza.

Il Sorchettaro

Another famous late night spot is near Porta Pia and the British Embassy. Il Sorchettaro has a popular specialty called, “Sorchetta doppio schizzo” or which is more like sfogliatella type pastry.