Hidden in the quiet corners of Venice, Rosa Salva is more than a pastry shop. It is part of the city’s heritage. With more than 150 years of history, this Venetian bakery was chosen to serve handcrafted cookies at Jeff Bezos’ wedding in Venice — giving guests a true taste of tradition.
A Slice of Venetian History
Rosa Salva was founded in 1870 by Andrea Rosa, one of the first to offer home catering in Venice. His warm meals were delivered across the city. Later, his son Antonio Rosa, known as “Salva,” expanded the business. He became a royal chef and opened the first pastry shops.
Today, Rosa Salva has four locations across Venice. One of the most popular is near the San Marco Basilica. Locals stop by for early-morning espresso and tramezzini, while visitors admire the displays of classic Venetian pastries.
Why Rosa Salva Was Chosen for the Bezos Wedding
During their 3-day wedding in Venice, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez selected Rosa Salva to prepare custom gift bags for VIP guests. These included two traditional Venetian cookies, each made by hand using recipes passed down through generations.
✧ Bussolà: Rich, buttery cookies shaped like rings or S-curves. Venetian sailors once took them on long sea journeys because they lasted well and tasted delicious.
✧ Zaletti: Golden cornmeal cookies filled with raisins, lemon zest, and a touch of rum. Lightly sweet and full of aroma, they pair perfectly with Italian coffee or dessert wine.
Top Pastries to Try at Rosa Salva Venice
While the wedding cookies are now famous, Rosa Salva offers many other authentic Italian pastries you shouldn’t miss:
- Sfogliate: Flaky, layered pastries filled with custard or jam
- Zuppa Inglese: An Italian dessert like trifle or tiramisu
- Babà al Rum: Soft sponge cakes soaked in rum syrup
- Panettone & Colomba: Seasonal breads for Christmas and Easter
- Tramezzini: Crustless sandwiches with local fillings, ideal for lunch
- Espresso & Cappuccino: Freshly brewed from beans roasted in-house
How to Enjoy Rosa Salva Like a Local
- Visit in the early morning to enjoy warm bread and fresh espresso with local Venetians
- Try seasonal pastries, such as sfogliate in spring or panettone during the holidays
- Sit outside at the Piazza San Marco location and enjoy the view
- Bring home a box of bussolà or zaletti as edible souvenirs
You don’t need to be a billionaire to enjoy Rosa Salva. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for your favorite pastry, this historic Venetian bakery offers something special — a perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and elegance.
