Forno Degli Amici

Tucked away in Rome’s Esquilino neighborhood, Forno Degli Amici is the kind of unpretentious bakery that rewards curious eaters. This isn’t your average Italian forno—the team here has a knack for dreaming up flavor pairings that sound unusual on paper but taste absolutely right. Think sun-dried tomatoes meeting toasted hazelnuts in a crusty loaf, or turmeric playing off lemon and ginger in fragrant bread that begs to be torn into.

The savory offerings alone are worth the trip. Their pizza al taglio comes out impossibly crisp and light, piled high with combinations like tender shredded pork and creamy potato. It’s the kind of simple-yet-perfect Italian food that reminds you why bakeries matter. Each bite has that signature Roman touch—quality ingredients handled with care and just the right amount of restraint.

Don’t sleep on the sweets either. The almond cookie stuffed with pistachio cream walks the line between chewy and decadent, while the brutti ma buoni live up to their name—they may look a bit rough around the edges, but the crunchy, nutty payoff is anything but ugly. If you happen to visit during the holidays, their panettone is a must.

For a quick lunch or an afternoon snack while exploring Rome, Forno Degli Amici delivers exactly what you want from a neighborhood bakery: honest, inventive food at friendly prices. It’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself wandering back to.