I think that I can officially declare an American bakery trend in Rome. How many places does it take to start a trend? Who knows, but when you’ve got a half dozen cupcake joints in a city as small as Rome, I’d say you’re on your way.
The newest (or at least the newest that I’ve visited) is Officina Dolce. A few friends had told me about this place, located in Parioli, but I hadn’t gotten by until a few weeks ago.
I wrote a round-up of American Style bakeries in Rome recently. And, like Sweety Rome, Perfect Bun and Dolce Roma, Officina Dolce leaves behind Roman tradition, and embraces muffins, brownies, pound cake and – of course – cupcakes.
But Officina Dolce goes one step further. Rather than stick to the tired and true recipes Monica (the owner and chef) starts each morning with a blank slate, and whips up variations according to whim. Brownies are studded with pistachios and hazelnuts, apple season brings mini versions of crumble and cake. Don’t expect to find the same goodies each time, since pastries are made fresh every day and change accordingly.
They do special order cakes, for birthdays and parties, and usually have a selection of gluten free sweeties.
Recent favorites included a selection of mini tartlettes: apple crumble, crema di riso and sour cherry, and sacher. I love their tea cakes, which range both to the sweet (pumpkin spice) to the savory (capers and sun dried tomatoes.)
The space, which used to be a mechanics shop, has a pleasingly retro feel. The kitchen is open to the store, with large steel and glass windows, and the cabinets are all restored industrial display cases. Let’s hope they take advantage of the extra space and add a few cafe tables to enjoy the sweeties in this cozy space. Let’s start a petition here. 
Officina Dolce
Via Savoia 52
06.841.6279
Mon-Sat 8:30-8
Sun 8:30-2
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Uh oh.
It’s close by… So much for the diet.
American bakery trend definitely on a roll (no pun intended). Thanks for the heads up, I’ll have to go scout this place out.
Baci
E xx
Eleonora: be careful…..
5€ for a cupcake!
My friend and I also think an American style diner would do some serious business in Florence…
Robbin said exactly what I was thinking! Looks good but I can’t really get past the prices.
Robbin and Sara: Actually, it was just the Valentine’s Day cupcakes that were so expensive. If you notice, the brownies are only 1.50 and all the ‘normal’ cupcakes were only 2.50. So, do try it!!!! (or, you can just view high prices as a form of forced dieting?)
If we’re really going to go global, whose making bagels in Rome?
Convenient but costly! Think I’ll stick to home-baked sweets!
I love the space and the yummy goodness located within said space.
Magnificent photos-I just got the inspiration to make chocolate chip cookies tomorrow morning…while everyone else in my town is doing dolci di Carnevale.
What prices ! almost like Babington’s which is also out of my range.
Tom: The Perfect Bun Bakery is doing fantastic bagels! Actually made by this nice jewish guy out on the Cassia…
http://www.elizabethminchilli.com/2010/12/american-bakeries-in-rome.html
About the prices! Really, it was only that Valentine’s Day cupcake that was so expensive! Everything else was pretty reasonable. Especially for Rome.
I’d love to try those bagels made with fine Italian flour. Is that pancetta cornbread in the picture? What a great idea. Italian + American = delicious.
I know them well because I’m from Rome and I live 200mt far.
Superb.