Taliani: Your Roman Breakfast Destination

Experience Authentic Rome

On my recent trip to Rome, there was one local treat I absolutely had to try: Maritozzo. This iconic Roman dessert features a soft, sweet bun generously split and overflowing with a mountain of fresh whipped cream.

I sought out a highly-rated Maritozzo spot and found myself at Taliani bright and early. Here's my take on this delightful Roman institution.

1. Taliani: Where Romans Start Their Day

Before my Rome adventure, I had planned to visit Pasticceria Regoli, another famous Maritozzo spot. However, fate had other plans, as it was closed on the day I intended to go. That's when I discovered Taliani as my alternative.

Initially, I was a bit disappointed about missing out on the 'famous' spot, but Taliani quickly proved there was no need for regret! Arriving early in the morning, the place was already bustling with locals grabbing their breakfast. It felt wonderful to witness such an authentic slice of Roman daily life.

As you can see from their operating hours, Taliani opens incredibly early. It's the perfect stop if you're an early bird keen to get a head start on your Roman itinerary.

2. Indulging in Rome's Beloved Maritozzo

Taliani has been a local favorite for about 50 years, operating as both a bar and a bakery. It has that quintessential neighborhood vibe where locals pop in for a quick coffee and pastry before heading to work.

Even though I arrived early, it was already packed, and finding a seat was impossible. So, I did as the Romans do and enjoyed my breakfast standing at the bar. It felt like a truly authentic European experience!

Here's a quick tip for ordering: first, head to the cashier-like counter to place your order and pay. They'll give you a receipt, like the one pictured above, which you then hand to the serving staff to receive your items.

The Maritozzo itself is quite a sight! This soft, pillowy bun is sliced open and generously stuffed with fresh whipped cream. It looks almost too beautiful to eat, and you might wonder where to even begin!

While the sheer amount of cream might seem overwhelming, it's surprisingly light and not at all heavy. It was absolutely delicious, though I'd recommend sharing one if you're not a huge sweet tooth! Interestingly, many Italian pastries I've tried, including the Maritozzo here, have a subtle hint of citrus, almost like lemon zest. It's a distinct flavor that seems to be a common thread in Italian baked goods.

What I particularly loved about Taliani is that they offer more than just sweet treats like Maritozzo. Their display cases are filled with a wide variety of savory options too, from croissants to sandwiches and paninis.

My husband and I ordered one Maritozzo and a savory pastry with ham and cheese. Paired with our coffees, it made for a truly satisfying and hearty breakfast.

3. A Roman Gem Worth Seeking Out

While Taliani wasn't my original plan, I ended up being incredibly pleased with this local find. The authentic atmosphere, bustling with Romans, and the delicious Maritozzo (plus their other tasty offerings) truly made it a memorable experience.

For two pastries and two coffees (a cappuccino and an espresso), we paid around 16 Euros, which translates to approximately ~$17. Considering Rome's prices, this felt like a fair deal for such a delightful breakfast.

If you're looking to skip the tourist traps and immerse yourself in a genuine Roman morning, experiencing a local bar filled with residents, then Taliani comes highly recommended!