Sampling my first cannoli in Rome was a messy experience.
Ok, so technically I ate cannolo because I only ate one.
But before we get to that, let’s rewind a little.
I remember reading a post by Adventurous Kate a few years ago. I couldn’t tell you what the post was about, only that she swore that if you were to ever eat cannoli, you should never opt for ones that have been pre-filled. Instead, the filling in a cannolo should always be piped fresh.
This advice stuck with me through the years and across countries.
You see, I read the post in England but in my neck of the words European bakeries are not common. Think more along the lines of Greggs. But regardless, I love trying foods in the country where they were most notably conceived. Some people have bucket lists, I have whatever the name is for the food equivalent. So, with a lack of options in England and a desire for the above, I decided to wait until I was in Italy to try my very first cannolo. I would have loved to of eaten cannoli where it originates from (Sicily) but I was in Rome, so this wasn’t really an option.
![](https://amymorgan.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/St-Peters-Square-13-1024x683.jpg)
I’d been strolling St Peter’s Square, taking in the sights when hunger struck. I didn’t want anything too filling because I had dinner plans in two hours, and I’d already had my fill of gelato for the day. Which is when I decided that now was the time to hunt down some cannoli. After a quick search on Google I found a few places that were selling them. Two were closed, one had terrible reviews but the other was reasonably rated and was close to both where I was (Vatican City) and where I was going (Ragno D’oro) so was perfect.
Side note: I just remembered that the Vatican City is a country.
So technically I changed countries to get dessert.
I wish I could say it’s the first time this has happened, but I drove to Belgium because I fancied waffles once, so we both know it’s not.
![](https://amymorgan.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/St-Peters-Square-8-1024x683.jpg)
ANYWAY.
The place was called L’Involtino and its tagline said that it made Sicilian street food. The cafe itself is tucked away from the main path, but I didn’t take a picture of the shopfront because I was too keen to get inside. #Hunger
L’Involtino was quiet. It’s location didn’t have much foot traffic going it’s way so was pretty empty at our time of arrival, but this was a welcome break from the crowds I had been subjected to during my time in Vatican City.
![](https://amymorgan.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/St-Peters-Square-2-1024x683.jpg)
But the quiet nature of the store shouldn’t put you off. Because when you step inside you can see the counter, and it is filled with empty tube-shaped cannoli shells. Perfect pieces of fried pastry dough just waiting to be filled with whatever sweet, creamy filling goes into those things.
Side note: I googled.
The filling is typically made with ricotta, candied fruit and icing sugar.
Every day’s a school day!
As I stared at the empty shells waiting for my turn to order, Kate’s advice popped back into my head. They were unfilled. This has got to be a good sign, right? I ordered my cannoli filled with pistachios and dark chocolate sprinkled on top. It looked great, so I sat down on a table to tuck in.
![](https://amymorgan.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cannoli-Rome-3-1024x683.jpg)
The pastry was crispy, messy to eat and I got crumbs, cream and chocolate everywhere. But it was worth it. I couldn’t finish the whole thing (gasp) because it was huge, but the half that I ate, I enjoyed.
All in all, I’d say that it was a lovely thing to try, and L’Involtino was delicious.
But tiramisu and gelato are still my favourites!