This North Carolina Italian Bakery Makes Pastries That Could Give Rome A Run For Its Money
Rome is thousands of miles away, but your sweet tooth may not care.
Behind one North Carolina bakery counter, Italian pastry traditions are getting the full old-world treatment without requiring a passport or a painfully long flight.
The ingredients even make part of the journey from Italy.
That kind of dedication becomes particularly dangerous when you planned to buy just one treat. Suddenly, the glass case starts making very persuasive arguments.
Locals have already caught on, although the bakery still carries that wonderful feeling of discovering something other people somehow missed.
Greensboro may be the address, but your appetite could swear it took a detour through Italy.
Mamma mia, good luck choosing just one.
Start With A Classic Cannoli Filled With Sweet Ricotta Cream
Every Italian bakery gets judged by one pastry first, and that pastry is the cannoli.
Think of it as a crunchy, fried shell rolled into a tube and packed with creamy, sweet ricotta.
When it is done right, you get a crackle and then a soft, cool center.
At Dolce&Amaro Italian Artisan Bakery, the cannoli come in a few versions.
You can stick with the classic sweet ricotta, or try pistachio for a twist. Fans often mention that the desserts here are not overly sweet.
One regular even called the cannoli very delicate, which is a nice change if sugary treats usually feel like too much.
Pistachio lovers should look closely at the ends, where green nut pieces often add a little crunch. Here is a fun bit of history.
Cannoli come from Sicily, the island at the toe of Italy’s boot, where they were once made as a special treat for Carnival season.
A smart tip is to eat your cannoli soon after buying it. The shell stays crispiest when the cream has not had time to soften it.
The shop sits at 1310 Westover Terrace #110, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Try A Flaky Lobster Tail Stuffed With Chantilly Or Pistachio Cream
No seafood here, promise.
A lobster tail is a pastry made of thin, crispy layers shaped like a shell, and it gets its name from that ridged look.
Inside, you will find a rich cream filling. Among the most talked-about items at Dolce&Amaro Italian Artisan Bakery, the lobster tail shows up again and again in customer reviews.
Choices include Chantilly cream, which is a light vanilla whipped cream, plus pistachio and berry versions.
One first-time visitor tried the pistachio cream and described it as light, tasty, and not too sweet.
Another guest named the berry version a top pick. So you really cannot go wrong, but your choice says a lot about your taste.
Also, grab extra napkins.
Those flaky layers love to scatter crumbs everywhere, especially if you are eating in your car.
Save Room For Tiramisu Cheesecake When One Italian Dessert Is Not Enough
Why pick between two great desserts when someone already combined them?
That is the whole idea behind the tiramisu cheesecake.
It blends the coffee and cocoa flavors of tiramisu with the smooth, thick feel of cheesecake.
Visit Greensboro has pointed to this treat as a reason to stop by Dolce&Amaro Italian Artisan Bakery.
If you prefer the original, the bakery also serves traditional tiramisu. Tiramisu is a big deal in Italy.
Its name roughly means pick me up, likely because of the coffee soaked into the ladyfinger cookies.
Most food historians say it became popular in Italy in the second half of the 1900s, so it is younger than many people guess.
The bakery’s tiramisu has made a strong impression on customers.
One mom ordered a full tiramisu cake for her daughter’s wedding shower, and she said it became the star of the party. Got a celebration coming up?
Think about calling ahead to ask about whole cakes.
Otherwise, a single slice makes a perfect treat to share with a friend after lunch nearby.
Browse Croissants, Éclairs, Macarons And Other European-Style Pastries
Picture a pastry case that feels like a quick trip across Europe.
Italy gets the spotlight, but France sneaks in too, with buttery croissants, glossy éclairs, and pastel macarons lined up in neat rows.
Variety is a strong point at Dolce&Amaro Italian Artisan Bakery. Croissants come in flavors like almond, chocolate hazelnut-almond, and cherry-almond, while éclairs include tiramisu and Belgian chocolate versions.
Macarons are a crowd favorite, with dozens of mentions in online reviews.
These little sandwich cookies are made from almond flour and egg whites, so they are crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle.
A regular customer also praised the éclairs for being low on sugar, which lets the filling shine.
The menu goes deeper than the usual suspects, too.
Look for sfogliatelle, cream puffs called bigné, zeppole, millefoglie, and biscotti. Morning visit?
Pick a croissant for breakfast and a box of macarons for later.
They travel well, and they make a cheerful thank-you gift for a teacher, neighbor, or coworker who deserves a treat.
Look For Gluten-Free Treats Among The Packed Dessert Cases
Anyone who avoids gluten knows the sad feeling of staring at a bakery case full of things they cannot eat.
Usually, the only option is a lonely cookie in the corner. That story plays out differently here.
Gluten-free options are one of the most mentioned topics in reviews of Dolce&Amaro Italian Artisan Bakery.
One excited customer wrote that she could not believe how many choices there were, so she bought two.
The bakery is hidden into a shopping strip at 1310 Westover Terrace #110, Greensboro, NC 27408.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Some people get sick from it because of a condition called celiac disease, while others simply feel better without it.
Baking tasty pastries without wheat flour takes real skill, since gluten helps doughs stretch and hold together. Before ordering, ask the staff which items are gluten-free on that day.
Selections can change, and workers are known for helping guests understand the options.
If you have a serious allergy, also ask how the treats are prepared.
A shared kitchen may have flour in the air, so it pays to double-check before you take that first happy bite.
Pair Something Sweet With An Espresso Or Specialty Coffee
In Italy, coffee and pastry go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Locals often stand at a counter, sip a tiny espresso, and nibble something sweet before heading off for the day.
Coffee gets serious attention at Dolce&Amaro Italian Artisan Bakery.
The menu includes espresso, cappuccinos, and specialty drinks such as the house Dolce&Amaro blend and a popular pistachio latte.
That pistachio latte has fans who call it the best they have ever had, though tastes differ. A longtime customer also noticed the cappuccinos follow a traditional style with stiffer foam, closer to what you might get in Rome than at a modern chain.
Not into caffeine? Kids and coffee skippers can try the refreshers, which one reviewer recommended.
Savory stuffed bread rolls are another nice pick if you want something less sugary.
The space is cozy and charming, but seating is limited. Plan to take your drink to go if the tables are full.
On a calmer afternoon, though, it can be a lovely spot to read, sketch, or chat over a warm cup.
Choose A Cake Or Fruit Tart That Looks Almost Too Pretty To Cut
Some desserts are so beautiful you almost feel guilty eating them.
Shiny fruit, neat swirls of cream, and perfect layers turn a simple cake into a little work of art.
Cakes and tarts fill a big part of the cases at Dolce&Amaro Italian Artisan Bakery.
The lineup includes Neapolitan cake, carrot cake, key lime pie, New York cheesecake, chocolate mousse cake, and white chocolate and lemon Caprese cake. Fruit tarts are a standout for many guests.
A buttery crust holds smooth cream, and fresh fruit sits on top like jewels.
One reviewer even called the tarts out of this world.
Here is a cool fact about Caprese cake.
It comes from the island of Capri in Italy, and the classic chocolate version is traditionally made without wheat flour, using ground nuts instead. Shopping for a birthday or special event?
Ask about whole cakes and how far ahead to order.
For an everyday treat, a single slice of mousse cake or a mini tart lets you enjoy the artistry without a giant price tag.
Give Yourself Time To Study The Display Before Picking Just One
Walk in hungry and in a hurry, and you might regret it.
The cases are packed, and choosing just one treat can feel like picking a favorite star in the sky.
Small but stylish, Dolce&Amaro Italian Artisan Bakery looks quiet from the outside of its strip mall spot.
Inside, the mood is warm, with Italian pastry chef certificates on the walls. Hours are generous.
The bakery’s official site currently lists 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday and 8 AM to 9 PM Friday through Sunday.
Weekday afternoons tend to be a calmer time to browse.
Not sure what to get? Ask the staff for their favorites.
One shopper let the workers choose treats for his grandfather, and the whole box was a hit.
Fun picks people mention include the ugly but good meringue cookies and the dulce de leche biscotti.
Prices run a bit higher than a grocery store, so set a budget first.
Then build a small sampler box.
That way, everyone at home gets a taste, and you can plan your next visit.
