Forno Brisa Galliera - Bakery & Specialty Coffee — Restaurant in Bologna

I read about this place through some food blogs and they were recommending the pistachio croissant. As a pistachio lover, I thought I should give it a try and judge for myself if it is of any good. I arrived quite early, like 9 I would say, and the cafe was full! Thank god a couple stood up and left, and the groups in front and behind me were all bigger than groups of 2, so naturally they stood to wait while I got the table! There were really quite a lot of pastries to choose from, from the sweet to the savoury. Of course the sweet one I had to choose the pistachio croissant, so I asked the staff (one young female staff who spoke very good English) for recommendations. I asked for something local and savoury, and she recommended me this feta colomba. Upon translating it is actually called the dove cake, but I couldn't see any dove shape on it. I was told it was citrusy and is a special cake only served around the Easter period so it sounds festive and I decided to get it as well. First I had the pistachio croissant which was MARVELLOUS. The croissant was so light, airy and crispy, and I cannot emphasize how generous the pistachio sauce filling was. I was biting from one end and it was flowing out from the other. It was so thick and rich I have never had a croissant with so generous filling before. The dove cake was interesting, didn't fufill the criteria of being savoury but it has the orange tangy flavour and is mildly sweet. First time and a good experience trying something traditional in a modern cafe. Also got a tea and the bill was very affordable. Loved the ambience here though a little noisy, nice place to chill and enjoy...

I've lived in France for a year (Lyon & Strasbourg) and many a croissant were consumed. Personally, the Italian pasticerrias are just okay, but this place does bread and sweets justice - cornettos just as good as the croissants from some of the best French boulangeries. I enjoyed the cornetto crema for its light citrus flavor. The maritozzo was also good - not too sweet and the cream had a hint of citrus.

The coffee is good and they roast their own. Oddly enough, they always know that I'm American and ask if I want a single - I need to do better at blending in and not have an accent. They must think I expect a double - standard pull in America.

This place has the best pizza flavor combos and toppings that I've had so far. The crust could use a little more crunch - if it did, it'd be #1 in Bologna for me. I also enjoy the focaccia.

I wish I lived next to one of their locations - in fact, for my long term assignment for work (in Bologna) I might try to do just that 😋😅 That would be the life, to walk next door for breakfast every morning and develop a relationship with a local vendor that makes...

There are various reasons for visiting Forno Brisa. Mine are two: they offer the best bread and one of the best coffees in Bologna. Besides these already important things, I would add that the service is always outstanding. Even when they are busy as hell they are able to keep cordiality paramount, smiling sincerely and trying to do their job as well as fast as possible. The location is also quite convenient, being in the historial area. I might add that the people who eat there seem to enjoy the food, because the place is nearly always full. But as I said before I go there for the outstanding bread (they offer different styles, made all with MasaMadre) and for their specialty coffee (this happens to be one of the few in Bologna who do so). Finally, I believe the decoration is on the basic side and that the atmosphere could be cozier). Anyway, 100%...