Pain au Chocolat
Pain au chocolat, also known as chocolatine in parts of southern France, is a laminated pastry made from butter-based dough rolled into layers and filled with one or two bars of dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Its origins trace to 19th‑century France, where bakers adapted croissant techniques to include a chocolate insert. A great version is distinguished by a crisp, deep‑golden exterior with clearly separated, flaky layers; the interior should be tender and airy, with the chocolate melted into distinct pockets that contrast against the delicate crumb. Key ingredients are high‑fat butter, flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and quality chocolate. Regional variations abound. In Roma, Triticum Micropanificio has been praised by *So Hungry Italy* for maintaining traditional lamination while sourcing local ingredients. In Paris, Cedric Grolet Opéra (recommended by *Jana Food Porn*) offers a refined take, while Boulangerie Criminel received a positive nod from *Franchino Er Criminale*. In London, Pophams (*Cosa mangiamo oggi?*) and Cédric Grolet London (*Qui si Taffia*) are noted. Milan’s Egalitè (*Giovanni Fois*) and Pan (*Qui si Taffia*) feature Italian variations that may use different chocolate or fillings. Even in New York, Nick and SS Bakery (*Pratt*) adapts the classic. The pastry remains a benchmark of a baker’s skill, with success measured by the integrity of its lamination and balance of butter and chocolate.
Mentions
8
on camera
Venues
8
Cities
7
4 countries
Loved
100%
What Cosa mangiamo oggi? says
8 on-camera moments, most recent first.
Allegra· BolognaLoved“Allegra is one of the best bakeries in Bologna. The croissants and pastries are excellent, with creative variations like the miso caramel rose cake and the rhubarb and pollen variant. A breakfast not to be missed, but you have to come early because there's a queue.”
La colazione da Allegra, una delle migliori bakery di Bologna.
Pophams· LondonLoved“Pophams is a cute bakery with several branches in London — great pastries, chill vibe, but if you're not nearby, there are similar spots in central London.”
Mangiare BENE a LONDRA senza spendere una fortuna
Plank· ParisLoved“Plank is a top-tier Parisian pastry boutique where everything is incredible, from the flaky croissant to the vanilla flan and the chocolate basket.”
La pasticceria migliore di Parigi 🥐 #parigi #croissant
“Maicol Vitellozzi in Turin is a trendy pastry shop that went viral for its Crubik 2.0 and other high-quality pastries, but it's takeout only so you need to find a bench nearby.”
La nuova colazione di Torino da Maicol Vitellozzi 🥐
“The historic Caffè San Carlo, reopened under the Costardi brothers, is one of our favorite breakfast spots in Turin — buttery pastries and a charming location.”
La colazione al CAFFÈ SAN CARLO a Torino 🥐☕ #colazione #croissant #torino
“Love in Rome is the ultimate breakfast spot, with perfect croissants and pastries that are both beautiful and delicious, especially the iconic Moon and the apple turnover.”
La migliore colazione di Roma? Per noi è quella di Love.
Cracco· MilanoLoved“Cracco offers excellent viennoiserie with a great quality-price ratio, especially at the counter where pastries are €2.80 and cappuccino €2.”
Colazione da CRACCO a MILANO e altri posticini interessanti 🥐☕
“Juno the Bakery in Copenhagen serves incredible pastries — especially the cardamom knot, which is the best I've ever had — and it's worth the chaos and the price.”
La colazione più instagrammata di Copenaghen 🥐 #colazione #copenhagen