Best croissant in Venice, Italy
Hey traveler, do you want to know which is the best croissant in Venice? We at Venice Insider Guide have made a careful selection.
Yes, Venice is not just spritz and cicchetti, but also a city where breakfast can become a golden and fragrant dream. Whether you’re a flaky pastry lover, a albicocca jam fan or a crema pasticcera aficionado, we have prepared for you an unmissable guide.
Discover everything about the best croissant in Venice in Italy in this guide by Venice Insider Guide:
- where to find and when;
- description;
- tastes and tips;
- why we chose them.
Croissant in Venice, Italy
Are you visiting Venice for one day or a week?
Don’t miss the best places in the city to enjoy the best croissant in Venice. Whether you arrive at Santa Lucia train station or near Campo San Luca, there’s a bakery waiting for you.
Start your morning with a quick breakfast of croissants, maybe filled with apricot jam, custard, or melted chocolate. Some places even offer deep fried cream kraftens, a local twist on the classic.
If you’re in the Dorsoduro district, try a pastry shop known for its special breads and high quality flours. Most bakeries offer coffee to drink on the spot, or you can sit down for a relaxing moment.
Want something savory? Look for options with ricotta and spinach, or ham and cheese. These delicious combinations are perfect for a snack between sightseeing.
From biscuits to tarts, slices of cake, and soft focaccia, the food scene here is amazing. You’ll find everything from homemade pasta and lasagna to local dessert specialties.Whether it’s your first time in the city or your tenth, don’t miss these awesome spots. Some are run by the same family for generations, keeping traditions alive. And yes, some shops are busy, but the taste is worth it.
In Venice, even a bit pricey croissant is an amazing experience. After all, you’re not just eating—you’re living the Venetian dream.
And then there’s the croissant culture in Venice: a mix of Italian and French tradition. While espresso and cornetto are the classic Italian breakfast duo, Venice has managed to reinterpret this sweet treat and take the croissant to new heights. Whether you prefer the classic butter one or a filled one with pistachio cream, orange marmalade or even dark chocolate: Venice has options for everyone.
Walking through the calli and campielli, every district has a hidden gem, a small artisan bakery that produces these treats every morning. Venetian croissants are often made with local ingredients, like lemons from the Garda, Sicilian figs or acacia honey from the Dolomites.
In the heart of the city, you’ll find shops that open before dawn to prepare fragrant doughs, naturally leavened and decorated with icing sugar, toasted almonds or chocolate shavings. Every croissant has a story and in this guide we’ll take you to try them all, one by one.
The morning scent in Venice is not just the one of the lagoon and the boiling coffee. It’s the one of the artisanal bakeries that every day, before dawn, produce hundreds of fragrant croissants, perfect to eat still warm with a espresso or cappuccino. The Venetian scene is varied: there are historic cafes near St. Mark’s, family-run shops hidden in the alleys and taste boutiques that experiment with new flavors like pistachio, ricotta and chocolate, or fried cream.
5 Best croissant in Venice
Venice is a city that rewards those who explore. The best croissants in Venice are not necessarily near the most famous attractions, but in the neighborhoods where the locals live. Here you’ll find bakeries where the morning line is made up of locals who know exactly what to order.
Among the best croissants in the city we can’t not mention the pistachio ones (rich, creamy, slightly salty), the chantilly cream ones (light as a cloud) and the wholemeal ones with bitter orange marmalade. Some even dare to fill them with exotic ingredients like mango, passion fruit or matcha cream.
Many shops also offer vegan options made with coconut oil and alternative flours. The result is surprising: a light, fragrant croissant that melts in your mouth.
But it’s not just the taste that makes these croissants the best: it’s the atmosphere. Whether you eat them sitting by a canal, in an elegant cafe or standing at the counter with a boiling espresso, every bite is an authentic Venetian experience.
So here’s our selection of the best croissant in Venice. We tested everything incognito, like real foodies: from the softness of the dough to the quality of the flours, from the crunchiness outside to the most delicious fillings.
1. Pasticceria Dal Mas
Founded in 1906, Pasticceria Dal Mas is an institution. Located near the Santa Lucia train station, it’s often the first taste of Venice for those who arrive by train. But don’t be fooled by the location: the quality is for connoisseurs.
Their most famous croissant? The pistachio one, with homemade cream and a dusting of powdered sugar. But the chantilly cream and fresh strawberries one is also worth an applause.
Dal Mas stands out for using organic ingredients and a laminated dough made with French butter. The atmosphere is informal but refined, with a counter always full of traditional Venetian pastries, but it’s the freshly baked croissant that wins.
Insider tip: go early in the morning, between 7 and 9 am. You’ll have the widest choice and you can still eat it warm.
Where: Rio Terà Lista di Spagna, near Santa Lucia train station
Since: 1906
A must-visit for those arriving in town: just a few steps from the train station, Pasticceria Dal Mas is a heaven for those looking for a quick breakfast before exploring the city. The window is a showcase of croissants, Venetian brioche, and seasonal breads to try.Recommended flavors? Pistachio croissant with apricot jam, or filled with custard or chocolate chips. You can’t resist the butter and sugar smell that fills the street.
Why we selected
One of the few places in Venice where the dough is always fresh, fragrant and perfectly leavened. They use high quality flours and have a variety of creative and delicious fillings.
2. Pasticceria Marchini Time
In the heart of Venice, between Campo San Luca and Piazza San Marco, you’ll find Pasticceria Marchini Time, a modern shop that combines innovation and tradition. Their croissant is a work of art, visually perfect, golden and shiny, with a perfect lamination.
Marchini Time offers croissants filled on the spot: you can choose between custard, dark chocolate, apricot jam or a homemade hazelnut cream that is pure poetry.
The shop also has a gourmet coffee corner where you can pair your croissant with selected blends. The philosophy here is clear: every breakfast should be a pleasure and a beauty.
Another detail? They offer gluten-free and vegan options, always fresh and handmade.
Where: Campo San Luca
Since: 90s
In the heart of the city, a few minutes from Rialto Bridge and San Marco, Marchini Time is perfect for a sweet snack in a modern and dynamic environment. The croissants? Huge, fragrant, always warm.
We recommend: the hazelnut cream or raspberry jam croissant, with coffee served in old-fashioned cups.This place combines artisanal tradition and modern style. Perfect for someone looking for a famous but not touristy spot to enjoy pastries in peace.
3. Caffè del Doge
We are in one of the historic coffee shops of Venice: Caffè del Doge, near Rialto Bridge. Here coffee is the star, but the croissant is not far behind.
The proposal is simple but perfect: high quality butter croissant, often with homemade jam served on the side. The dough is fragrant, slightly caramelized on top and crispy in the right places.
The atmosphere is international but authentic, with a strong connection to Venetian traditions. Sitting here for breakfast is like traveling back in time to a genuine corner of Venice.
Extra tip: pair the croissant with a 100% Arabica Venetian blend cappuccino. An experience not to be missed.
Where: Calle dei Cinque, San Polo
Since: 1952
Besides their artisanal coffee (try the espresso roasted on site), Caffè del Doge also serves croissants filled on the spot with jam, custard or melted chocolate.
Pro tip: Order a chocolate croissant with a Venetian macchiato for a royal breakfast.
Why we selected
One of the best “coffee + croissant” experiences in the city, perfect to sit for a moment and enjoy the Venetian morning. Fresh ingredients, handmade pastries and warm atmosphere.
4. Pasticceria Rizzardini
Pasticceria Rizzardini is a hidden gem in the San Polo district. Founded in 1742, it’s one of the oldest in Venice. The shop is tiny, with a counter that looks like it came out of a 18th century novel and a loyal clientele that comes back every day for its treats.
Here the croissant is rustic, authentic, with a strong butter flavor and a dough that melts in your mouth. Fillings change daily: you might find figs and walnuts, ricotta and lemon, orange bitter cream or simply a sprinkle of sugar.
Sitting outside, maybe with a view of a small Venetian field, is a luxury. It’s one of those places where time stands still and taste reigns.
Where: Calle del Lovo
Since: 1742
One of the oldest pastry shops in Venice, run by the same family for generations. Famous for its deep fried cream kraftens and sweet focacce, but the croissants are not to be missed.
Try: the one with cream and caramelized sugar. To be paired with a macchiato.
Why we selected
Because every croissant tells almost 300 years of history. Every morning the local bakers hand mix, using fresh eggs, high quality butter and unrefined sugar.The shop is simple but cozy, with a visible laboratory where you can watch the pastry chefs at work. All products are super fresh and the croissant dough is made with stone ground flour.
5. Pasticceria Nobile
Nobile also offers great cappuccinos and fresh juices. Perfect to start a day of exploring the bridges and islands of Venice.
Where: Calle delle Rasse, near San Marco
Since: 1940 approx
This little pastry shop is a hidden gem. Famous for its tarts, cake slices and Venetian biscuits, it also offers a great croissant with ricotta and spinach (yes, a savory one that surprises).
Don’t miss: the savoury filled with ham and cheese.
Why we selected
Because it offers something different and unique, perfect for those who want an alternative to the usual sweet croissant.
2 Best croissant in Venice, San Marco
San Marco district is not only the home of the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica: it’s also the place where you can find some of the most refined croissants in Venice.
Here locals focus on elegance, quality and impeccable service. If you want to live like a king, San Marco is the right district.
The San Marco area is famous, but many avoid eating here because of the prices. Yet, there are two must-try places for a breakfast or a sweet break.
1. Caffè Florian
Caffè Florian, founded in 1720, is the oldest café in Italy and perhaps in the world. Located under the arcades of St. Mark’s Square, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a croissant in a timeless atmosphere.The croissant is a real treat: filled with diplomatic cream or peach jam, served on a porcelain plate with silverware. Prices are high, but the experience is worth it.
Enjoy your croissant at an outdoor table, with live music and the view of the most iconic square in Venice. A moment to remember.
Where: Piazza San Marco
Since: 1720
Elegance, history and perfect croissant: the Florian is a Venetian icon. A bit pricey, yes, but worth every cent.
Try: cream filled croissant, served hot with milk and coffee on a silver tray.
Why we selected
For the unbeatable quality and atmosphere. Sitting here is like going back in time. The croissants are soft, warm, with a filling that melts in your mouth.
2. Rosa Salva
The Rosa Salva chain, with several locations in the city, has a very popular store near San Marco. Here the pastry shop is an art form and the croissants are among the best you can find.
Rosa Salva’s secret? Select ingredients, slow and artisanal processing and a variety to please every palate: honey, gianduja, vanilla bourbon... each one is a small masterpiece.
Service is fast but polite and the possibility to eat the sweets in elegant surroundings makes Rosa Salva a must-visit.
Where: San Marco and Cannaregio (several locations)
Since: 1879Famous all over Venice, Rosa Salva offers showy croissants, cakes, desserts and lasagna if you want a quick lunch. Perfect for those looking for the best balance between tradition and taste.
Top picks: pistachio or chocolate croissant, maybe with hot tea or espresso.
Why we selected
One of the best bakery in town, where every sweet is a small work of art. Ingredients are carefully selected, the result is always amazing.
Best croissant in Venice, Italy: conclusion
Dear food explorers and Venetian lovers, we have traveled together through the most famous pastry shops, tasted croissants of every shape, flavor and tradition.
From Pasticceria Dal Mas to the historic Rosa Salva, each place has something unique to offer.
Whether you want to eat something sweet, take a break between museums or simply enjoy the Venetian morning with a good coffee, now you know where to go.
The secret? Follow the scent, sit where history and taste meet and let yourself be conquered by one of the best breakfasts of your life. Because yes, the best croissant in Venice is also a matter of the heart.
Now that you know the best places for the best croissant in Venice, go and try them all!
Each pastry shop we mentioned has its own personality, style, special croissant. Our advice? Try at least three different places: compare the flavors, the textures, the atmosphere. You’ll feel like you’re traveling.
And if you want more insider tips on where to eat, drink and live Venice like a local, keep following us on Venice Insider Guide.