Forno Monteforte

Tucked away on Via del Pellegrino in Rome’s historic Parione neighborhood, Forno Monteforte is the kind of neighborhood bakery that makes you wish you lived around the corner. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the intoxicating aroma of fresh pizza dough baking and the gentle clatter of espresso cups being set down on saucers.

The star of the show here is the pan suisse—golden, flaky squares of laminated pastry that shatter at first bite to reveal pockets of molten dark chocolate and silky cream. These beauties come out of the oven throughout the day, and timing your visit to catch them warm is worth the effort. The buttery croissants are textbook perfect, and the classic Roman-style pizza makes for an ideal quick lunch.

Save room for the apple cake, a dense and wonderfully moist creation that tastes like something a grandmother with a backyard orchard might have made with love that very morning. When carnevale season rolls around, the bakery fills with traditional Italian treats that draw locals in droves.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast before a day of exploring or ducking in for an afternoon sweet, Forno Monteforte delivers an authentic Roman bakery experience at remarkably friendly prices. It’s the perfect pit stop for anyone craving genuine Italian baked goods in a lively, unpretentious setting.