Pangocciolaio Balduina

Tucked away in Rome’s Balduina neighborhood sits a modest bakery with a singular mission: crafting the perfect pangoccioli. This unassuming spot doesn’t try to be everything to everyone—it simply focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well.

The star of the show is unmistakably the pangocciolo, a soft, pillowy bread roll studded with chocolate chips that Romans have been enjoying for generations as a morning ritual. When these golden parcels emerge fresh from the oven, still warm and fragrant, they’re nothing short of transcendent. The dough has that ideal balance of airiness and substance, while the chocolate chips hit that sweet spot between melty and intact.

For pocket change, you walk away with one of Rome’s most satisfying breakfast experiences. There’s something beautifully honest about a place that knows exactly what it does best and commits to it completely. No frills, no pretension—just exceptional baked goods at prices that feel almost too good to be true.

Whether you’re fueling up before a day of exploring the Eternal City or simply craving an authentic taste of how Romans start their mornings, this little bakery delivers. Grab a bag, find a bench, and savor one of the simplest pleasures Roman cuisine has to offer.