Where to eat the best desserts in Vicenza, Italy
Did someone say dessert! In this post, I want to share with you where to find the best desserts in Vicenza. If there’s one thing I never tire of when in Italy, it’s starting the day with something sweet for breakfast. Whether it’s a cream-filled or jam croissant, the choice is immense and ridiculously good.
Where is Vicenza? Best dessert places in Vicenza
The city of Vicenza is a small city in the northeast of Italy, in the region of Veneto. Though small and lesser known than neighboring Verona and Venice, it’s nonetheless a charming city to see. Vicenza’s also a place that’s become almost like a second home. Padua architect, Andrea Palladio, designed many of the city’s landmarks, include Basilica Palladiana and the closed-air theater, Teatro Olimpico.
Being in Italy, good places to eat and drink are aplenty. And In the historic center of Vicenza, there are several patisseries and bars that serve up delicious eats
The best desserts to try in Vicenza
1. Pasticcerica Venezia SNC — top dessert places in Vicenza
Pasticceria Venezia is one of the oldest — and also one of the best — patisserie places in Vicenza. In fact, the shop stretches back to 4 generations of the Ferracina family, and the quality’s evident in the products. Take my word and visit on an empty stomach.
The range of croissants, which they call brioche, is varied and tastes heavenly in the mouth. Flavors range from brioche with cream, marmalade, and my favorite, almond. Be sure to arrive earlier than later, as once they’re gone, they’re gone.
The patisserie is also famous for its selection of artisan chocolates and fragrant mille-feuille. One of the sons learned his craft in France and Belgium; countries known for their excellent patisserie. The dainty macarons are bite-sized pieces of deliciousness, and the cappuccino keeps me coming back for more.
Contra Pescaria 4, 36100 Vicenza
2. Best desserts in Vicenza — Antica Pasticceria Sorarù
Stepping through the front door of Antica Pasticceria Sorarù is akin to walking into a sweet shop from the past. The locals know it as Sorarù so there’s no need to repeat the full name. As the name suggest, its antique look and design is a sweet slice of nostalgia. In fact, it almost reminds me of the sweet shop from the classic film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Small in size, the patisserie gets very full, very quickly. Glass jars filled with boiled sweets line the brass shelves. On the wooden counter are even more goodies with which to tempt you. Sorarù also sells sweet brioche type bread rolls with prosciutto and cheese, or simply cheese. The danger here is that they’re small enough in size, you’ll want to eat more than one.
Sorarù also sells cakes that make an ideal gift for loved ones, or for yourself. The plum cake here is moist, bursting with fruit, and a good accompaniment with coffee or tea.
Piazetta Palladio 17, Vicenza
The neighboring city of Verona is around 30 minutes away from Vicenza. While in the historic city, be smart and skip the lines by booking ahead for some of the top attractions.
“Be sure to arrive earlier than later, as once the brioche is finished, it’s finished.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
“…the danger here is that they’re small enough in size, you’ll want more than one.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
3. Pasticceria Bolzani — best dessert places in Vicenza
Pasticceria Bolzani is a patisserie shop local to Vicenza, with 3 branches in the city. Founder Carlo Bolzani was originally from Bologna, but moved to Vicenza after finishing school. He opened the first shop in 1963 on Contra XX Settembre, followed subsequently by 2 more.
Inside, the atmosphere’s always warm and welcoming, and the sweets worth every calorie. My favorite brioche here is the ricotta con uva (ricotta with raisin): flaky, buttery and with the perfect amount of sweet cheesy filling.
During the festive season, Bolzani also sells holiday classics like pandoro and panettone, as well as handmade cakes to take home. In case you’re in the mood for something savory, try the tramezzini on offer. These small sandwiches are made using the store’s freshly baked bread and come in a variety of fillings. It’s a salty alternative to the many sweets on display.
4. Fiaschetteria Da Renzo — where to find the best desserts in Vicenza
One of the best pastimes in Italy is the art of aperitivo. Frankly speaking, there’s not much art involved — more eating and drinking — but it’s something Italians do very well. And when in Vicenza, the best place for tartina is Fiaschetteria Da Renzo.
This no-frills bar with wooden tables and chairs is a local favorite to take a quick aperitivo. Its laid-back atmosphere is ideal for having a spritz, prosecco, and of course for trying a few tartina. These small delicate sandwiches are a gastronomic work of art in itself. Toppings range from prosciutto and mushroom, to truffle and white asparagus.
The homemade mayonnaise they put on the bread is a real talking point here, simply because it’s that delicious. To keep the tartina from getting soggy, they only add the mayonnaise once you place your order.
You can eat a tartine anytime of the day, but a visit here’s really ideal for an early evening aperitivo. When in Veneto, a perfect pairing is a few tartina with an Aperol spritz or a glass of prosecco.
36 Contra Frasche Del Gambero, 36100, Vicenza
“…I adore the atmosphere in this bar, and am always happy to return.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
5. La Meneghina — best desserts in Vicenza
A slightly bigger and crustier version of the tartina, La Meneghina offers a mouthwatering selection of panini. Very close to the Basilica Palladiana, I adore the atmosphere in this bar, and am always happy to return.
The staff are friendly, helpful, and the service always comes with a smile. During summer, take the opportunity to sit outside, and partake in a little people watching. In colder temperatures, there’s an intimate seating area in the back that’s seriously cozy, you won’t want to leave.
I haven’t yet tried all the different variations of panini, but so far, I’ve not been disappointed. Toppings vary day to day, but there will be something to entice every palate.
Have you tried any of the patisseries or bars in Vicenza? If so, are there any you’d add to the list? Leave a comment below, and I’ll be sure to try it (for research purposes of course!).
Contrà Camillo Benso Cavour, 18, 36100 Vicenza
Till next time, happy boutique travels x
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Lisa Rivera
Founder
Welcome to my site! I'm Lisa, founder of Following the Rivera. I write primarily for a ‘flashpacker’ audience; a demographic (late 20s onwards) that enjoys glamping over camping, staying at boutique/luxury boutique hotels, sampling the local food and wine, cultural activities, and indulging in a spot of wellness on their travels. Read more here…
First I wanna say that your theme is really nice. How much the averange price for those snacks? maybe will be nice if you put in there.
Thank you! It depends on what you choose. A brioche costs €1.50 and the patisserie is around the same 🙂
Wow, so many delicious food in this post! I’m yet to visit Italy, but reading this post I’m very sure I’m going to spend a good amount of time raiding the eating joints. Thanks for sharing all these amazing places!
You’re welcome! I hope you get to visit one day, and try some of these places for yourself 😀
I love finding the somewhat hidden gems located near their more “famous” and touristy neighbours, and Vicenza looks amazing! I’m definitely saving this post for my trip planning so i don’t miss out on these amazing foods 🙂
That makes me happy to read Bruce! I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself, and all the delicious foods there.
One thing I really love about Italy is the cheap food as well as delicious coffee and of course all the sweets! I’ve never been to Vicenza or Venice but Cinque Terre and Rome – I love the relaxed Italien way of life!
Oh yes, you’ve hit the nail on the head! Italy food is all these things and more!
These photos were absolutely amazing. I’m ready to go there now. We’re planning on Rome for the summer, so I’ve been looking at amazing places to eat. Thanks for sharing.
Rome is quite far from Vicenza, but if you do have time to head north, please do visit and try these places for yourself!
My sweet tooth is carving for a bite into those delicious chocolates. The spread really looks so interesting in Vicenza. I am not sure if I were to try it, it would still be snack bar. I would definitely end up overeating 🙂
Don’t worry, it happens to all of us! Everything’s delicious in Italy, I always go straight on a diet when I leave 😀
Wow all this food looks incredible! NOW I am hungry! Love love love that pizza too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
It’s a great choice for the best Italian pastries!
Despite having been to northeast Italy before, I’ve never heard of Vicenza. It sounds like just the kind of place I like – small, with amazing architecture, and delicious. It sounds like a place where I could really indulge. I’ll have to look it up the next time I’m in Italy!
You’ll love Vicenza! It’s small in size, but with less tourists, and of course great pasticcerias too!
Who else thinks Lisa should go into marketing? I thought I was going to favorite Pasticceria Venezia, not until I read about other snack bars. Vicenza is a must visit while in in Italy. I can’t let any of these goodies pass me by at an opportunity I have if I visit Italy.
Ha, thank you Lydia! It’s my mission to make my readers drool at the sight of the amazing sweets on offer. I’m certain you’ll really enjoy all of them.
Oh my goodness, I just seeing your introductory picture made me drool. I’m a huge foodie and that’s what travel’s all about for me! I pinned your post so I have it for future reference!
That’s great to read Melanie! I hope you enjoy your trip, and the pastries there too 🙂
I’m just sitting here with my morning cup of coffee looking at all of these sweet goodies and thinking, “why am I not in Vicenza right now?!” Haha! These places look and sound so good. For me, though, they’d have to be “senza glutine” — without gluten — so most of the treats would be off limits for me! (Although Italy is definitely one of the better countries for gluten-intolerant travelers, I must say!) However, for now I’ll just live vicariously through you and your beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing!
I was really surprised at how many gluten-free desserts they have now in Italy! Yet they’re still delicious, and you’ll love the offer they have in Vicenza!
i have a sweet tooth and then i stumble upon ur post..hehe..ur post is yummiliscious ..looks like i need to soon plan Vicenza to shut my craving for sweet…
That’s great to read, you’ll really love a trip to Vicenza!
This is undoubtedly for someone sweet lovers like me. Looks so delicious and lip smacking . I am sure you have had fun munching them and your post makes me run and grab them fast 😀
That’s great to read! They’re very moreish and tasty too!
I am going to Italy in April. I will be trying all these beautiful snack bars. I might have to take a bigger size pants after looking at all your photos; I think I will need it hehe.Vicenza is definitely on my list now. Thank you for all the great recommendations.
Don’t worry, I always need looser clothing when I’m there! Enjoy Italy, it’s beautiful!
“…the danger here is that they’re small enough in size, you’ll want more than one.” ahahaha I could definitely relate to this…Being I love italian food and food in general, it is not easy to not indulge when in such a region. I’ve been to Vicenza once and true that it is not as popular as Venice, but it doesn’t fare behind being beautiful and picturesque in its own right!
Aw that’s amazing to read that you’ve been! It’s a stunning city, and one that I return to frequently.
Your post is so appealing and appetising that I can’t take my eyes off it, also its a very helpful post as I am planning to visit Italy very soon, will bookmark the page so that even I can visit these amazing places and try out these delicious pastries and sweets
That’s amazing! I really hope you enjoy when you visit, you won’t be disappointed 🙂
Such a sweet variety of options! Vicenza seems to be a great place to visit for people who loves to indulge their sweet-tooth from time to time. 🙂 I know I’d love a bite or two on those pastries myself!
There’s so many great things on offer, and you’ll want to try them all!
Thank you for introducing me to Vicenza! I’ve never heard of it, but really, I will travel anywhere just for food! The croissants at Pasticcerica Venezia sounds delicious. The marmalade would be my top choice, but I will try your suggestion on almond!
The almond is so moreish and very very good! Come and visit and see for yourself 😀
Freshly baked breads, pastries and desserts are my weakness. I have heard about the Italian pastry shops but did not know about Vicenza. Thank you for this post. Now I definitely know where to go for the snack bars and pasticcerias in Italy. Everything looks tempting.
If it’s your weakness, you’ll really love the pastries and sweets here! Hope you visit one day.
I haven’t been here yet but I am always on the hunt for new places to visit in Italy so I’m going to pin this for later! And Im of course always looking for good snacks and pastries so this is very helpful. I don’t even like mayo but homemade, fresh mayo even sounds good!
Ha, trust me, it really is that good! Happy to know you’re adding it to the list 😀
So little is known about Vicenza to the outside world. Glad you gave Vicenza its due by writing this post. It’s amazing that even small places like this can boast of world class pasticcerias and snack bars. I am tempted to give Pasticceria Venezia a try. I am partial towards home run places. And oh, it is also one of the oldest. What’s not to love?
Absolutely! It’s my second city pretty much, and I want to give it the love and respect it deserves 😀
I never even thought about going to Vicenza. Now you mention it I have to go! Italy is already on my summer list 🙂 I just look at google maps for Vicenza and the history and architecture not to mention everything else looks amazing! Thanks!!!
That’s amazing to read, and makes me happy to know that other travellers are adding it to their list. I hope you have a wonderful time!
Just one of the other million reasons I loved Italy! Never got to visit Vicenza, but now I regret it because I am a sucker for all things sweet! Brioche is sooooo good! And I love how you said get there early because when it’s done it’s done! I’ve made this mistake by waiting until the last minute in Venice for this really amazing pastry and it was gone by the end of the day!
You would really love the sweets here, they’re the best! I hope next time you include Vicenza on your itinerary 😀
Nice to know I’m the only one guilty of eating ice cream for breakfast. I absolutely love sugary foods, so this post hits home for me. Everything looks so delectable. Now I just need to visit Italy!
Then you’ll totally love Vicenza! It’s great for sweets and you won’t know when to stop!
Oh my gosh! I would go to Vicenza just to eat! Forget taking pictures for the ‘gram. I would be in those patisseries all day- their stuff looks simply scrumptious. On an unrelated note, the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is one of my all-time favorite movies!
It’s a great film, and one with so many catchy songs too 😀 Don’t worry, I didn’t spend too much time photographing the sweets either!
Oh wow! This is amazing, that you decided to write about Vicenza and its awesome pasticcerias etc, because It’s not that popular. Italy is truly awesome but there are still smaller towns that are less touristy and I guess Vicenza is one of them. Sending the link to my friends who live in Italy, also in a small city up North – I am sure they will be interesting in exploring Vicenzta and its cafes, restaurants and bakeries 😉
Aw thank you!! Honestly, Vicenza is so pretty, charming and with less tourists. And, these places are amazing for the best local sweets and snack!
Yummy! I actually planned to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon on the sofe but now I will just have to go out again to get some sweets 🙂 those amazing photos make it look so delicious. Too bad I can’t go to Italy this afternoon…
I’m sorry Mike! I hope you managed to get something tasty to satisfy your craving 😀
OMG! All mouthwatering sweet items and my fave brioche. Great to know about Vicenza for the first time. Italy is truly classy!!
You’re welcome! Yes, it’s a wonderful city, and plenty of sweet things to try.
I always love to read about Italy, especially when it’s about the less known places. Vicenza sounds like all these beautiful middle sized cities that are not completely overrun by tourists.
During my stay at the Biennale this summer, I spent one day in Padova, which reminds me a bit of Vicenza.
By the way – although the sweet treats look beautiful, I rather go for the hearty pizza and focaccia. Buon appetito!
Padova isn’t so far by car from Vicenza; another beautiful city! No worries, the savory panini is just as good!
I never knew of Vicenza but it looks so tempting because of sugar popping delicacies. These bars and Patisseries looks vibrant and full of energy. I would love to try desserts from the oldest shop running from four generations… really a historical eat out.
It is, and it’s so nice that everything is in the family and still very traditional.
Have never heard of this city and it’s always fun to discover places that are not the usual list of cities you see when you visit a country! All these snacks are way too awesome. Totally could create a foodie tour just from all of it!
I couldn’t agree more! It’s a lovely city, and one that deserves a place on the Italy travel list 🙂
Had never heard of Vicenza before. I am a big fan of desserts and this will surely be my favorite place whenever I will visit it. Pasticceria Venezia has so many different varieties of desserts to offer. And everything looks yummy. Makes my mouth water. I would certainly gain wait after having visited this town. Great photographs and lovely post. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! Don’t worry, I always put on weight when I’m here, but you can walk it off and look at the wondrous sights of the city 😀
Those treats are absolutely mouth-watering. Just when my 2018 resolution is to each less sugar, this thing pops up. Your post is a great test to my temptation of breaking the resolve. wish me luck!
I’m sorry! I want to show the best of my second city, and the sweets are a good place to start 🙂
OMG mouth watering photos! Everything here looks divine! I’ve traveled through Italy quite a bit but not yet made it to Vicenza. Will definitely keep a note of Pasticcerica Venezia on your advice that it’s the best; macarons are my favorite!
They’re very good here, and if you like coffee, try the cappuccino, it’s excellent!
Mmmh – mouth watering! I know Vicenza, it’s on my ‘must return to list’, as it is an undervalued beautiful city – let’s hope it remains this way! This post went straight onto my Pinterest board as a reminder.
Actually, in the past I used to travel regularly to Italy (for business). I never bothered with breakfast in hotels, which mostly consists of bad coffee and dry bread rolls with some butter and jam. Instead I always went to the nearest pasticceria to have a couple of cappuccinos and fresh brioches at the counter – the typical Italian way. So I remember many of the temptations you mention and show.
You’re clearly like one of the locals Juergen! The pasticcerias and cafes are much better than the hotels. I’m glad Vicenza’s on your return to list!
Wow, this is totally the way that we would do Italy – one sweet shop after another. We’ll need to make sure that we plan plenty of exercise along the way because these all look too good not to eat. Of course, all of the food in Italy sounds amazing. I wonder if there is a bike and gorge tour that will allow us to peddle away our dietary sins.
Omg that sounds amazing, I would join this tour! Yes, there’s a lot of good things to eat, and unbelievably delicious too.
We only drove through Verona on the way to Venice and had loved the city so much and we are sure Vicenza would be equally beautiful with lots of history and architecture to explore. These pasticcerias and sweets look very tempting and delicious we would love to try some in Pasticcerica Venezia and Antica Pasticceria Sorarù. The ones in the pictures of Pasticceria Bolzani look like Kremna Rezina the famous ones from Slovenia are they the same?
I’ve not yet been to Slovenia, but I can imagine they’re similar, as the border’s nearer to the north of Italy. I hope you get to experience the sweets for yourself one day!
Each of them looks so yumm, I really want to taste each. These food pics increase craving and hunger.
When it comes to sweets I like to be little cautious just thinking of the calorie counts but these are beyond control.
I’m a firm believer in that life’s too short, so a little bit of everything, but in moderation 😀
Oh my god this post is not good for me, I have a love hate relationship with sugar. I do like it of course and I cant stop eating! LOL. Thanks for these great recommendations!
Ha, no worries Tom, I think most of us do!
I’ve not visited the north of Italy at all, and I’m actually keen to visit Vicenza now after reading this – I much prefer quieter places. Actually I’d just visit for a taste of that ricotta con uva at Patisserie Bolzani – all the food looks great – I put on so much weight when I travelled some of Italy last year!
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! I have to try everything here, life’s too short right?! You’ll really enjoy Vicenza, it’s very quiet and less touristy 🙂
I’ve never been to Vicenza but would love to visit this area of Italy. All food I ever tasted in Italy has been divine, and I’d love to try some snack bars. Thanks for the suggestions.
You’re not wrong! Food here is wonderful, and everything is worth one try 😀
Everything sounds delicious! This sounds like a nice place to visit.
It really is!
Just a minute ago I was almost sure we are doing a road trip in Scandinavia this summer but reading your post we might drive to Vincenza! OMG lucky I have a couple of cookies hidden and my daughter is in bed now so I could just take one while I imagine eating one of those goodies from Vincenza!
I’m glad I’m influencing your travel plans! Yes, your little girl and you too will really enjoy the treats here, they’re very good!
So, I visited Vicenza years ago. Now I realized what I missed, but, somehow, your writing is so evocative that I could almost taste all that cornetti, tartine, pandoro… A true carnival for the senses, Vicenza seems to be able to seduce even the most exigent taste!
Thank you for the lovely comment! Trust me, all these sweets are really good, and yes, you’ll need to run a lot to work it off, but it’s all worth it.
I imagine I would be very fat if in Italy for very long! lol I love sweets and pastries, so all of these are looking very delicious and enticing to me! I have a hard time deciding which would be best to visit first.
Trust me, I always leave a little heavier, everything’s so delicious!
Many years ago I spent a summer in Italy teaching English in summer camps. At the end of the camp, the camp director’s family invited me to stay with them in Vicenza and I jumped at the chance. Just seeing the name of this town makes me smile as they were amazing. Not only did they put me up, drive me to the station each day to visit Venice but they also dropped me in Lake Como after my stay and made me a birthday cake on my birthday. How hospitable is that? I definitely tried a bunch of new treats while I was there and was bowled over by how welcoming can be. Hopefully I am now going to be able to pay that forward as I am in discussions with Max, the Blind Blogger to help him come to the UK and Europe to travel.
That is a wonderful story Anne! I’m there with my partner, so I experience hospitality from his family and friends. So lovely that you get the chance to pay it forward. Happy 2018!
I think you need to have a disclaimer at the top of your post, warning readers of severe mouth-watering ahead. I love Willy Wonka, so a visit to Antica Pasticceria Sorarù would be my first stop. I love walking into smaller patisseries and seeing the beautiful pastries and such on display. It’s like sensory overload! Haha. My friend and I were on a kick a while ago to try all the “current” bakeries in Salt Lake City (back before my blogging days, sadly). We realized really quickly that we needed to arrive fairly early. Like you said, if you show up later, you won’t have as many options!
Haha, I’ll definitely take that into consideration! It’s really like Willy Wonka inside, but I was too busy eating to take good enough pictures! I’d like to know about the bakeries there, maybe one day!
Oh my!! For someone with a sweet tooth, I could dig into all of these on the same day! I particularly like the collection at Pasticceria Bolzani. It’s good to see them reel up some new flavours for the festive season. Cheers!!
That’s great to read! You’d really enjoy the choices on offer here 😀
I loved reading such a sweet post! My mouth is watering already! I remember my days of consulting Giani ice cream chain in India. I would suggest them changes in website to make it more user friendly and easy to navigate. I would have to go through all the ice cream pages and my mouth would water. Your post makes me feel the same right now. Well, that also means- well written!
Aww thank you! I’ve never heard of Giani ice cream, but it must be good if it grabbed your attention so well!
Mamma Mia, that brioche looks like something I’d like to have RIGHT NOW! I haven’t heard of Vicenza, to be honest (I am ashamed of my lack of geographical knowledge), but it seems like just the kind of place I could visit, because of the sweet tooth that I have. Thanks for putting together this great guide for snack bars and pasticcerias!
Ah, you’re so welcome! It’s pretty much my second home, and yes, I put a lot of weight when I’m here!
OMG! This looks amazing ??
I really did enjoy your article, as I am myself a major foodie! ? every trip I take needs to also have a food component, as I enormously enjoy trying out new things! I particularly like your review of the smaller shops, since it is clear that those are the best. I also have a couple of favorite such places around the world, so I would most likely put some of these on the bucket list as well ?? I will certainly contact you for some more trips or tricks, if I ever find myself in Vicenza 🙂
That’s amazing to read Iulia! I’d be more than happy to recommend more places in Vicenza, just give me a shout!
Vicenza sounds like a place i need to visit. I am a big foodie and all those pictures made me really hungry. Thanks for the recommendations. The Cornettos sound so delicious. Can’t wait to try them.
It’s definitely one place to leave the diet behind!
I have a major sweet tooth so this post is right up my alley! I am obsessed with all these sweet treats – I think I need to book a trip to Vicenza asap! I love both the sweet and savory options here!
Then you will really love Vicenza! There are plenty of great places here 😀