Pane & Olio

At Otowa bakery Pane & Olio, choosing among Italian breads is part of the pleasure. Pagnotta, cornetto and ciabatta each bring a different character to the table. One visitor described the country-style pagnotta as large but light, with a plain, wheaty flavour, and enjoyed it warmed slightly. The cornetto, they found, was lighter and crisp yet soft, with less colour on the crust than a French croissant. Another diner said the ciabatta was light, too, and became chewy when warmed. Pagnotta or ciabatta might suit a meal, while a cornetto makes a good snack; the choice depends on the moment.

Focaccia is another draw. Visitors report a changing range of toppings, including Margherita, mushroom, Genovese, formaggi and fruit. Some have chosen Gorgonzola, while another particularly liked the fig version. One visitor also noted that the salted focaccia was sold in half portions and in a 1/4-size portion. That makes it easier to choose an amount when sampling different varieties.

For something sweet, try the custard-filled bomboloni. Visitors have praised the contrast of a crisp exterior and dough with an orange-like aroma, paired with the cream; another described the dough as soft and filled with custard. Chestnut cornetti, custard cream buns and lemon melon bread are among the other sweet options mentioned. One visitor noted that the bread selection varies by day and time, so arriving earlier may be worth considering if you have a particular item in mind. The bakery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.