There are places in Rome that locals don't like to talk about. Not because they're bad — but because they want to keep them to themselves. Il Maritozzaro in Trastevere is one of those places. Since 1960 this little bar has done the same thing: the best Maritozzo in the city.
What is a Maritozzo?
Rome's oldest sweet pastry: a soft, lightly sweet brioche bun, split open and generously — very generously — filled with fresh whipped cream. Originally an Easter pastry, it became Rome's daily breakfast tradition. The name comes from marito — husband. Legend has it that a groom would give his bride a Maritozzo the night before the wedding, sometimes with a ring hidden inside.
At Il Maritozzaro there's no ring. But the best version of this pastry in the whole city.
The Pastry
The star is the Maritozzo con Panna: the bun, split, packed with fresh whipped cream. The cream is fresh, lightly sweetened, creamy without being heavy. The bun has a thin, lightly caramelised crust and is so soft inside that it yields slightly on the first bite.
The ratio of pastry to cream is absurdly generous — first-timers are briefly puzzled how to eat it elegantly. The answer: not elegantly at all. Just bite in.
Prices
Maritozzo con Panna: €2–3 · Espresso: €1–1.20 · Cappuccino: ~€1.50
Two cappuccinos, two maritozzi — under €10. For Rome that's not just fair, it's exceptional.
Hours & Info
Monday: 18:00–00:00 · Tue–Sat: continuous until midnight · Sunday: 00:00–19:00 · Via Ettore Rolli 50, 00153 Roma (Trastevere)
More desserts in Rome: → Two Sizes – the best tiramisu in the city · → Pasticceria Boccione