Searching for the Best Artisan Panettone from Italy - Our Top Picks

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As avid travellers and passionate foodies, we’re always on the hunt for the finest panettone Italy has to offer. Whether wandering through the charming streets of Milan or exploring hidden gems in small towns, our love for this iconic holiday bread has led us on countless adventures.

From traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative artisan twists, we’ve tasted (and savored) it all. Here, we’re sharing our top artisan panettone picks—the ones we’ve personally tried, tested, and recommend for their unbeatable flavor, texture, and festive spirit. Join us on our journey and discover the best panettone that Italy has to offer!

If you’re visiting Italy during the holiday season, you can’t miss trying panettone! This traditional Milanese sweet bread is a festive favorite, known for its fluffy, airy texture and delightful mix of candied fruit and raisins.

Typically enjoyed at Christmas and New Year's, it's often served with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of coffee. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of cream, panettone is a true taste of Italian holiday tradition you won’t want to skip!

A glimpse of panettone: Golden, soft, aromatic and full of flavour

For the people of Milan, panettone is the essential Christmas dessert. Known for its tall, dome-like shape, this soft and airy "dough cloud," filled with raisins and candied fruit, is adored by everyone.

Expert bakers craft this treat through a careful and extended process using the finest natural ingredients, completely free of additives. Characteristics such as color, aroma, dough texture and consistency, crust appearance, and flavor balance are key elements that set artisan panettone apart from the widely available commercial versions.

Although new culinary innovations constantly emerge, nothing can replicate the aroma of traditional panettone, featuring candied oranges and enriched with the taste of high-quality butter, citrus, and honey.

Over the centuries, Panettone became an essential part of Italian celebrations, symbolising joy, warmth, and family gatherings. Today, it remains a staple of Italian Christmas feasts, enjoyed not only in Italy but across the world.

You can buy panettones through Italy. La Rinascente department store near the Piazza di Spagna, is our favourite spot for buying panettone and other foodie souvenirs in Rome.

We also love panettones from Tre Marie in Milan and Leonardo Firenze - a boutique bakery from Florence.

Our favourite panettones are from Tre Marie in Milan and Leonardo Firenze in Florence.

A slice of soft panettone is a true treat for foodies!A slice of soft panettone is a true treat for foodies!

Is Panettone Bread or Cake? Let’s Settle the Debate!

Panettone is a bread, but the way we eat it is more like a cake. The sourdough base is incredibly rich, made of eggs, sugar, softened butter and dried fruits. It can also be flavoured with chocolate drops, pastry or pistachio cream and topped with chocolate or other glazes.

Read also: Best Cooking Classes in Florence


How do Italians eat their panettone?

Traditionally, Italians eat a slice of panettone at breakfast. Slice yourself a pillowy piece of panettone and enjoy with a strong espresso first thing, for the true Italian experience.

The simplest and perhaps most traditional way to enjoy panettone is to cut it into wedge-shaped slices and eat it as is, savouring its soft, sweet crumb and the bursts of candied fruit or chocolate chips, depending on the variety. It’s important to smell it before you eat it, to get the full flavour profile.

Creative ways to serve panettone: more ideas to enjoy this festive treat:

  • Our favourite is a simple slice on a plate served with a few tablespoons of lemon or orange curd (the sweetness of panettone goes well with tanginess of citrus curd).

  • We also adore spreading pistachio (or other nut) spread over a slice of panettone for a very special treat.

  • Warm your panettone in the oven, then cut into individual portions and serve with a dash of double cream and a dollop of jam for a real winter warmer.

  • Enjoy a slice of panettone alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or a sweet wine like Vin Santo. Just tear a piece of panettone and dip it into the drink.

  • Toast the slice of panettone lightly, then spread a bit of butter on top. The heat warms the fruits inside, releasing their aromas, and makes the crust a little crispier. The butter adds an extra layer of richness to the already rich bread.

  • Panettone can be used as a base for desserts. Transform it into luxurious bread and butter puddings or serve the slices with a scoop of gelato.

Read also: Best Food Cities in Italy


How long does panettone stay fresh?

Panettone keeps far longer than other baked goods. Classic panettone can be kept for 4-6 months, while flavoured one lasts for 2-3 months. Just check the best before date on the pack. Place your panettone back in its plastic bag between cutting a portions, to keep it fresh and moist.

Read also: What to Buy in Italy


Our Favorite Spots to Buy Panettone in Italy:

Tre Marie panettone

Tre Marie is one of our favourite panettone brands in Italy!Tre Marie is one of our favourite panettone brands in Italy!

We stumbled upon Tre Marie café/store while walking along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Located close to San Babila metro stop, this place offers their own panettone, baked in the centre of Milan.

Panettones they bake, are soft and rich and comes in various flavours - classic with candied citruses and soft raisins, with chocolate and pastry cream, with chocolate drops and chocolate glaze, coffee flavoured, lemon and almond paste flavoured... Tre Marie panettones melt in your mouth! They are not expensive at all - prices start from €20. We grabbed few panettones for only €11 for 750g (they were on January sale!).

Leonardo Firenze bakery from Florence

Every time I visit Florence, Leonardo Firenze Bakery is a must. Their artisan panettone is next-level—light, fragrant, and full of flavor. What I love most is that they offer a variety of flavors, from the classic with candied fruit to more creative ones like chocolate or pistachio. Each one is handmade with care, beautifully wrapped, and absolutely delicious. Taking one home has become my favourite Florence tradition.

More to Discover in Italy

Best Food Tours in Florence
Best Cooking Classes in Rome
Spending One Day in Milan