Located just down the street from Circo Massimo, and a short walk from the offices of FAO, Casa Manfredi is a family-run pastry shop that takes its sweets seriously.

Most of the shop on Viale Aventino is actually given over to make space for the glass-walled kitchen. Starting at 7:30 am every day, you can see the bakers hard at work creating little bits of deliciousness.

While I have an obvious soft spot of Italian pastries, what I love most about Casa Manfredi is their more French approach to morning offerings. Here you will find cornetti, but also croissants.

When I went this morning, I actually ordered a second pastry because I couldn’t resist how pretty the “cestino” topped with cream, pistachios, and a little strawberry looked when it was brought out fresh on a new tray. Honestly, why limit yourself to just one Rome breakfast?

The pastries pair perfectly with the Lavazza coffee (which is my favorite independent Italian coffee brand when more specialty coffee isn’t available). The coffee served at Casa Manfredi is 100% Arabica single origin espresso grind.

It is also hard to resist the collection of tiny tarts that sparkle like little gems, sitting atop buttery crust, and/or made with rich Valrhona chocolate. The small versions are just €1 (making the indulgence fully justifiable from a price standpoint), and larger versions ring in around €6. For even more special occasions, you can order full-sized cakes.

While I completely understand the decision to use most of the small space to actually bake and make the gelato – it does mean that there is zero indoor seating. Luckily, there are tables outside on Viale Aventino (but keep in mind that there is a small surcharge for table service).

It is worth it for this small taste of Frenchy-Italian sweetness.

Casa Manfredi

Viale Aventino, 91/93
Rome, Italy (San Saba/Aventino)

Open Monday – Saturday from 7:30 am – 10 pm, and Sunday from 8 am – 8 pm.

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There are two airports in Rome, but the most improved (by far) is Fiumicino. The main Rome airport has a new international area with seriously good food. Top of my list to try was Attimi by Heinz Beck.

The chef is most famous for La Pergola, which is the only restaurant in Rome with three Michelin stars. Running a Michelin starred kitchen is no joke, so Heinz Beck’s only other Roman eatery happens to be Attimi at Fiumicino Airport.

Yes. Super crazy gourmet, and an airport restaurant.

I cannot exactly afford dinner at La Pergola, but I can swing the prices at Attimi so I stopped by on a trip out of Rome.

“Attimi” means “moments” in Italian, and the menu is divided by the number of minutes you have. You can try a 30-minute or a 60-minute tasting menu.

I sort of love that concept for an airport restaurant because it is a setting where you have to be constantly vigilant about time or risk missing your flight. They even brought an hourglass to my table to keep track of time.

I am a pretty seasoned international traveler and I have my airport routine DOWN. While I loved the timed tasting menu in theory, in practice I realized that terminal three was now gigantic and I worried about making it my gate in time.

For that reason, I skipped the tasting menu at Attimi and I ordered a la carte.

The gnocchi with pumpkin, mushrooms, and chestnuts was easily the best thing that I have eaten at an airport.

Attimi is located after passport control, which means that it is only an option if you are flying out of the EU. Flights to the US tend to be super early in the morning, so there is a pastry counter next to the sit down area in case you are desperate to try a bite.

I loved the little sweets that came gratis after my gnocchi at the restaurant. However, last time I was there I didn’t have time for a meal because, well, baby.

I can say that the sandwiches are excellent if you are in a rush.

Have you ever tried a fancy airport restaurant? This was definitely my first time!

(And in case you are planning on flying in or out, here is also how to get from Fiumicino to Rome).

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