What Makes a Great Tiramisu?

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I don’t think anyone could argue with me when I say tiramisu is the best of the best when it comes to Italian desserts. This layered specialty, which regularly features on my Rome food tours, is made of coffee-drenched ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, cocoa powder, and sometimes a dash of liqueur. It’s a sweet treat that many Romans enjoy after a meal. 

The word tiramisu translates to ‘pick me up,’ as it’s supposed to give those who eat it an energizing kick, which is why it’s such a popular Roman food

Tiramisu is a light and rich recipe that hails from the north of Italy in Veneto, but it has become a firm favorite on many dessert menus in Rome and other parts of the country. A perfect serving of tiramisu should be made fresh and balanced without being too sweet.

If you were to ask a local where to get the best tiramisu in Rome, you’d get all sorts of answers, but this guide will point you in the right direction.

Where to Try the Best Tiramisu in Rome

Pompi

For anyone who’s just landed and wondering where to eat tiramisu in Rome, check out Pompi near Piazza di Spagna. Between the mix of options like strawberry and pistachio and big portions, there are so many reasons why I keep coming back to this small counter with a handful of seats for more.

I always go for the traditional tiramisu to keep things classic. It comes in a takeaway box and isn’t overly sweet, just the right balance with a light texture.

Pompi (€€) – 00187 Roma RM – Open every day from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm

Two Sizes

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Photo credit: Two Sizes

Two Sizes in the Parione Rione is my next pick for this Rome dessert guide. Famed for its gourmet five-flavor menu, Two Sizes offers visitors a wide selection of tiramisu, with the peanut option being my favorite for its salty, creamy finish.

The last time I was at this lively, hole-in-the-wall spot, they gave me a choice between a big or small portion, and I went for the large, but I couldn’t finish it because it was so big.

Two Sizes (€) – 00186 Roma RM – Closed every Monday, and open every Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm

Tiramisu’

Tiramisu’ in the Aurelio district on the outskirts of the city center might just be one of Rome’s best-kept secrets. This grab-and-go spot has a real local vibe, offering tiramisu made with a classic recipe with a bitter, slightly sweet kick. Be sure to order one of their aromatic coffees when you’re there for something to wash it all down with.

Tiramisu’ (€€) – 00187 Roma RM – Open every day from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm

Mr. 100 Tiramisù

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Those staying in Sant’Eustachio who search ‘tiramisu near me in Rome’ will be treated to 100 different flavors at Mr. 100 Tiramisù. Widely known across the capital for its vast menu, where each option is perfectly balanced and made with precision, eating at this half wine bar, half dessert shop is a foodie experience like no other.

After tossing up what to order for quite a while, I opted for the Nutella and banana and tiramisu, and wasn’t disappointed. From the smooth chocolaty flavors to the generous portion, I’ve never had anything else quite like it.

Mr. 100 Tiramisù (€€) – 00186 Roma RM – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Tiramisú Merisù

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Photo credit: Tiramisú Merisù

You’ve got to try Tiramisù Merisù in Trastevere for their family recipe, which they use on the spot. Not only do they sell this signature specialty, but they also have six more flavors as well as gluten- and lactose-free options.

Since I had heard so many great things about the traditional recipe at this modern dessert bar, I had to give it a go. Although the portion was on the smaller side, it was totally worth the price for its silky texture.

Tiramisú Merisù | Trastevere (€) – 00153 Roma RM – Open every Sunday to Friday from 10:30 am to 12:00 am, and every Saturday from 10:30 am to 12:30 am

Classic vs Creative: What’s the Difference?

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Tiramisu has been passed down through generations and has evolved a lot since it was first created. Originally, the way to make it would be with ladyfingers, mascarpone, espresso, and cocoa, but it’s not strictly done this way anymore. 

Nowadays, many innovative chefs have come in and put their own creative twist on it, making all sorts of versions like pistachio and strawberry versions, some with layered cups, and even options with vegan cream. This way, everyone can enjoy some tiramisu.

It’s becoming more common to see places infuse different liqueurs into tiramisu. Some cafes are also branching out, using espresso blends from artisan roasters to boost the flavors. While it’s always good to try the traditional version, I do recommend you branch out and give one of the creative options a shot, as you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

When to Eat Tiramisu in Rome

Sampling tiramisu in Rome is more than just going out for any old dessert, it takes a bit of preparation to make it a truly memorable experience. Here are some helpful tips for when you try it.

  • Many establishments have tiramisu on their menus, but that doesn’t mean they’re all made equally. The quality of recipes varies from place to place, so ensure you do proper research to have the best tiramisu in Rome.
  • Make sure you eat somewhere that’s known for selling dessert and is famous for its tiramisu in Rome, rather than just a standard restaurant. Alternatively, if you join a Rome food tour, this dessert will likely be featured, and you’ll visit some great places to try some.
  • There’s never a bad time to have tiramisu, whether you want to have it as a midday snack, an after-lunch treat, or an evening bite.
  • If you’re in a rush, you can always order tiramisu in a to-go cup, which goes down nicely when getting lost amidst Rome’s quaint cobblestoned avenues.
  • When deciding what to have your tiramisu with, many like to pair it with a strong espresso, a flavorful dessert wine, or a serene walk through the Trastevere district.

Final Thoughts: Sweet, Creamy, Unmissable

No Italian dessert comes close to rivaling tiramisu. It’s a national treasure loved not only in Italy but abroad, too. Simple yet oh so rich, it’s an indulgent treat that foodies could ever say no to. There’s always space after a meal for some tiramisu!

You’ll see tiramisu sold all across Rome, with plenty of variety, but only a select few spots do it properly, which I’ve already mentioned in this article. Whether you want a quick snack or a sugary delight for two at a restaurant, this guide will lead you to the best tiramisu in Rome, far from the mediocre spots.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Rome food tours. Retrieved October 16, 2025, from https://schnell-fit.today/rome/%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3Ca href="https://schnell-fit.today/rome/"> Eating Europe

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Best food in Rome guide. Retrieved October 16, 2025, from https://schnell-fit.today/guides/best-food-in-rome/%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

Bar Pompi. (n.d.). Pompi Roma Via della Croce. Retrieved October 16, 2025, from https://barpompi.it/pompi-roma-via-della-croce/

Two Sizes. (n.d.). Instagram. Retrieved October 16, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/twosizes/?hl=en

Pasticceria Tiramisu Roma. (n.d.). Prodotti artigianali. Retrieved October 16, 2025, from https://www.pasticceriatiramisuroma.it/prodotti-artigianali/

Mr-100 Tiramisu. (n.d.). Retrieved October 16, 2025, from https://mr-100-tiramisu.restaurants-world.com/

Merisù. (n.d.). Retrieved October 16, 2025, from https://www.merisu.it/