Panettone: the food obsession that dethrones the log

© Niko Romito, Pierre Hermé, Salomé Rateau
A few years ago, the panettone was still a well-kept secret, but now it’s winning a prime spot among our favorite pastry shops, delicatessens, and bakers. Everyone is rushing to bake this brioche cake with raisins and candied fruits, the ultimate Christmas symbol in Italy. More exotic and less heavy than the traditional Yule log, this new Parisian best-seller also makes for a more relaxed table setup, perfect for a festive Xmas brunch alongside seafood and exquisite foie gras, or even to jazz up a Christmas breakfast—the new family trend. Here’s the ultimate list of the best places to get your hands on it.

The most authentic Italian biscuit factory, Cianciullo, shares its passion for bread and confectionery with its iconic panettone. Using ancestral expertise, Cianciullo offers ultra-indulgent recipes: chocolate (€33), an incredible pear-chocolate combination (€31.50), or even pistachio (€33), not forgetting the great classic plain version (€30). 

To add this must-have 100% Italian pastry to your table, Parisians will have to visit Pastavino exclusively! It’s the perfect chance to grab some delicious lasagna for the evening.

Cianciullo panettones are available at Pastavino’s Italian deli: 18 rue de Buci, Paris 6th, 01 44 07 09 56 ; 19 rue de Bretagne, Paris 3rd 01 42 77 27 95 ; 87 rue du Bac, Paris 7th 01 43 22 59 38.

In its stunning tin box with red hues, the panettone from Signorvino is a sure bet. Featuring three chocolates—milk, dark, and white—and an ultra-soft dough, this creation by Sandro Veronesi (creator of Signorvino trattoria and founder of the Calzedonia group!) is the ultimate guilty pleasure (1 kg for €34.90). Known primarily for its exceptional wine cellar (over 2,000 references), this establishment is also a haven for sweet tooths.

The trattoria’s unique panettone, located in the heart of the Saint-Michel district, is also offered in a gift basket paired with a bottle of Champagne Bauser extra-brut (€59.90)—an ultra-satisfying combo that’s an absolute must-have.

Available at Signorvino trattoria, 5 place de Saint-Michel, Paris 5th, and online. Delivery available.

With his well-known passion, Niko Romito, the three-star chef from Restaurant Reale and the mastermind behind the menus at Bulgari Hotels worldwide, has fallen in love with leavened dough products. In his hands, the panettone becomes an ethereal delicacy: light, ultra-digestible, with a soft, balanced flavor.

His secret? Butter is partially replaced by an organic Sicilian almond emulsion, and the dough contains no preservatives. Crafted in his bakery-pastry lab in Castel di Sangro, this divine creation arrives in Paris in limited edition with a fruity version scented with hand-candied oranges, honey, raisins, and vanilla Bourbon.

The luxurious touch: The panettone is carefully packaged in a satin orange pouch and nestled in a stunning metallic box adorned with the legendary Bvlgari serpent and stars inspired by the Campidoglio in Rome (€85).

Available at Bvlgari Hôtel Paris, 30 avenue George V, Paris 8th, 01 81 72 10 80.
© Niko Romito

In its gorgeous branded, colorful tin box inspired by kaleidoscopic patterns, this panettone is a perfect fit under the Christmas tree! A collaboration between Fiasconaro, a Sicilian master confectioner since 1953, and the fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, the collection offers several delicious and stylish versions of the iconic brioche.

Our favorite: The panettone with candied citrus fruits and saffron, a flavor explosion perfect with a glass of limoncello (€45.95). Don’t miss the hazelnut panettone from Sicily, paired with its small jar of the essential crema alla Manna (€75.95).

Available at La Grande Épicerie de Paris Rive Gauche, 38 rue de Sèvres, Paris 7th and Rive Droite, 80 rue de Passy, Paris 16th, and online.
© Fiasconaro

After working in the kitchens of Jules Verne, Dalloyau, and Le Meurice, pastry chef Christophe Louie elevated the panettone to haute gastronomy. Trained in the art of leavening, he refined his skills in Aosta Valley with renowned Italian pastry chef Mauro Morandin, who nurtures a century-old sourdough in sugared water at 37°C.

Adding premium ingredients to his recipes, Christophe Louie creates panettones with unique textures. Don’t miss his chocolatey masterpiece, featuring a soft crumb and gianduja, an indulgent Italian paste made with finely ground hazelnuts, sugar, and cocoa (1 kg €55).

Available at Christophe Louie, 12 rue Dupetit-Thouars, Paris 3rd.
© Salomé Rateau

Duplicated in Paris and acquired by the LVMH group in 2013, this bicentennial Milanese pastry shop takes its panettone seriously. The secret recipe, passed down through generations, is an icon of the Cova Maison. Each step of the process (lasting 48 hours) is executed to perfection by a dedicated expert, resulting in a top-tier brioche.

Our recommendation: The peach and gianduja panettone, a luscious combination of Italian hazelnut chocolate and fruit (€55)**.

Available online or on-site at Cova Paris, 1 rue du Pont-Neuf, Paris 1st, 01 44 82 58 52.
© Cova

Eataly has a panettone for everyone! With shelves stocked full of options, this Italian food haven caters to every taste with over thirty flavors available. Classics include candied fruits, chocolate, pistachio, lemon, and hazelnut cream, starting at €13.90.

Looking for something different? Try their gluten-free version (€21.90) or the bold limoncello flavor (€16.90) for a refreshing end to your meal.

Available online or in-store at Eataly, 37 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, Paris 4th.
© Eataly - Olivieri

The macaron king himself, Pierre Hermé, reinvents his signature Fetish Ispahan flavor in an irresistibly soft panettone. Notes of rose, lychee, and raspberry elevate this brioche, enhanced with rose almond paste and crunchy almond shards (€35).

Available at Pierre Hermé boutiques in Paris and online.

© Pierre Hermé

Renowned Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini collaborates with legendary Italian pastry chef Iginio Massari to craft a panettone celebrating Lombardian and Piedmontese traditions. This chocolate-focused brioche, infused with dark chocolate and bits of candied orange peel, is a delight (€32).

Available at Pierre Marcolini boutiques and online.
© Pierre Marcolini (@pierremarcolini)

Discover also The most beautiful Yule logs to adorn your Christmas table and the return to glory of the Madeleine.