Pasticceria Walter Musco

We went there on March 4th, partly out of curiosity and partly because Walter Musco's maritozzo keeps appearing on a ton of lists for the best in Rome. Mission: to verify.

The place makes a good impression, that's for sure. Refined aesthetics, elegant presentation, everything designed to make a good impression. It works.

So, let's start with the pain au chocolat because that's what disappointed me the most. It was good, eh, but it was a chocolate pastry bag, let's be honest. No crunchiness, you couldn't taste the butter, and the chocolate inside looked like a homogeneous cream instead of the classic two bars. Well, okay, fair enough, but let's not call it a pain au chocolat.

The maritozzo, on the other hand... is small, smaller than you'd expect for the price. But the cream is beautifully fluffy, fresh, very sweet — maybe a bit too sweet, but I liked it. The dough is soft, airy, baked just right. Really good. The best in Rome? No, come on. It's definitely among the best, but the throne is still up for grabs.

Oh, we also got a mini St. Joseph's pastry and special coffees. The prices are a bit high, I won't deny it, but all things considered, they're appropriate for what they offer.

We left, the two of us, with €16.50. Will I go back? Yes, but for the maritozzo.