Ah, tiramisù—Italy’s most iconic dessert. Creamy, delicate, rich with espresso, and dusted with bitter cocoa powder, it’s a dessert that truly lives up to its name: tiramisù literally means “pick me up” in Italian. And in Venice, you’ll find some of the finest versions of this sweet classic.
But where did it come from? And where should you go to taste the best tiramisù in Venice? And—why not?—how can you recreate it at home?
Grab your spoon. Let’s dive in.
🍮 A Short & Sweet History of Tiramisù
Contrary to popular belief, tiramisù isn’t an ancient dessert passed down from Nonna’s kitchen since Roman times. It’s actually quite modern, with most food historians agreeing that it was created in the 1960s or early 1970s in the Veneto region.
The most frequently told origin story credits the restaurant Le Beccherie in Treviso, just a short ride from Venice. The recipe is said to have been invented by pastry chef Roberto Linguanotto and his apprentice Francesco Redi, combining simple ingredients—eggs, sugar, mascarpone, espresso, savoiardi (ladyfingers), and cocoa—into a dessert that feels almost luxurious in its lightness.
Of course, other regions like Friuli-Venezia Giulia also claim the title. But one thing is clear: the first tiramisù was Venetian in spirit, if not in exact geography.
☕️ Where to Eat the Best Tiramisù in Venice
If you’re in La Serenissima and craving the real thing, here are our top picks for the most delicious tiramisù in town:
1. I Tre Mercanti – Near Campo San Giovanni e Paolo
A tiny gourmet shop with a cult following for its tiramisù, made fresh every day in a dozen flavors, from classic to pistachio to matcha. You can watch it being prepared behind glass. This is one of Venice’s best-kept foodie secrets.
📍 Campo dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, Castello 5364
🥄 Try: The classic or Nutella tiramisù
2. Ristorante Al Covo – Authentic & Elegant
A local institution run by the husband-and-wife team Cesare and Diane, Al Covo is known for refined Venetian cuisine, and their homemade tiramisù is a silky, perfect ending to your meal.
📍 Campiello della Pescaria, Castello 3968
🍷 Pro tip: Pair it with a glass of sweet Recioto wine
3. Majer Venezia – Tiramisu on the Go
This stylish café and bakery chain has a few locations around the city and makes a mean individual tiramisù that’s ideal for a sweet pit stop.
📍 Multiple locations (Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, Cannaregio)
🍰 Try: The take-away tiramisù cup—light and flavorful
4. Rosa Salva – Historic Pasticceria
Founded in 1879, Rosa Salva is one of Venice’s most beloved pastry shops. Their tiramisù is traditional, creamy, and made with top-quality ingredients. Bonus: you’re tasting a bit of history along with it.
📍 Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo & Campo San Marco
🕰️ Great for: A mid-morning espresso + dessert combo
🍽️ Make It at Home: Traditional Tiramisu Recipe
Want to recreate the magic of Venice in your kitchen? Here’s a classic tiramisù recipe, just like Nonna would make.
📝 Ingredients:
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3 large eggs, separated
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100 g (1/2 cup) sugar
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250 g (1 cup) mascarpone cheese
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200 g (approx. 24) savoiardi (ladyfingers)
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300 ml (1 1/4 cups) strong espresso, cooled
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2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
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Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
👩🍳 Instructions:
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Beat the yolks with sugar until pale and fluffy.
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Gently fold in the mascarpone until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks and fold gently into the mascarpone mixture.
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Combine espresso with liqueur (if using). Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee—don’t soak!
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Layer dipped ladyfingers in a dish. Spread half the mascarpone mixture on top.
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Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, then mascarpone.
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Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and serve cold.
Buon appetito!
In Conclusion: Venice, Coffee, and Creamy Bliss
Tiramisù may not be ancient, but it’s certainly timeless. Whether you’re enjoying a slice by the Grand Canal or recreating it in your own kitchen, there’s something irresistibly comforting about this elegant little dessert.
Next time you’re in Venice, don’t just admire the palazzos and gondolas—follow your fork, and let tiramisù lead the way.
