“Would you prefer breakfast with a croissant and a cappuccino, or a slice of cake?” For me there was never any contest. Savory, for me, thrashes sweet – any time of day. However, the world of pastry is a rich and fascinating one, full of secrets from which it would be wrong to remain strangers. In fact in recent years, I’ve tried many bakeries, either out of curiosity, or to deepen my knowledge of the subject of pastry, and find out which names and producers enrich our city. I discovered Pasticceria Martesana, almost by accident, and it’s a secret I have not revealed.
My first time in Via Cagliero was also my first time in the Maggiolina district, an area famous for its igloo shaped houses. On a rather anonymous street, you will immediately notice a large number of people. You will see a large building with large windows full of glittering packaging. Cars will be double parked here on a Sunday.
Coming from the provinces, it reminds me very much of the bakeries I grew up among, where it was customary to know the owners and all the customers, where they make the pastry that your grandmother always bought you. Despite the modern decor of the pasticceria – it still keeps this vibe.
Three of Pasticceria Martesana’s cakes are in the Gambero Rosso, they have won first prize at the World Chocolate Master competition in 2013, and they also won first prize for the best Milanese pastry. The laboratory of Davide Comaschi has been operating since 1966 without missing a beat. Operations have doubled with a second shop opening in Via Paolo Sarpi – which makes it even more accessible for an evening aperitif or a mid-afternoon break.
Their bakery, which is unlike any other in the city, produces all sorts of treats in addition to their more famous pastries. These include chantilly cream puffs, cannoncini, babà, and baci di dama. You will find an exceptional variety and and amazing combinations of originality, taste, quality and consistency. You can also sample their mini cheese cake, mini creme brulee, Bavarian cakes, pistachio, coffee and mini mouse.
Pasticceria Martesana’s bar is colorful, and every pastry seems to shine. I could really try them all! For traditionalists, there’s no shortage of home-made cakes, although for the more adventurous, I recommend a visit to this mainstay of Milanese pastry during a weekend. Both your mood and your taste buds will be highly rewarded.