If you’re looking for the perfect gift this holiday season, forget about toys and gadgets and whatever Black Friday deals you can get at Walmart. This year, celebrate like an Italian and give a present that is equally sweet, soft, delicate, moist, and pre-wrapped – the perfect panettone.
Panettone originally hails from Milan and is part bread, part cake, shaped like a cupola, and filled with either candied fruit, raisins, chocolate chips, or other confections. Traditionally, panettone is eaten on Christmas, which is why it makes such an ideal gift.
In Los Angeles, you can find a variety of panettone from Italian bakeries and delis, but also from further afield as professional artisans will now ship their delicate masterpieces all over the country. For this LA holiday season, order from these purveyors and give the gift of Milanese sweetness.
For Delivery
Eataly
For truly authentic products of Italy, Eataly is your one-stop-shop with its massive marketplace in Century City. Here you’ll find unique panettone like the Orange and Chocolate from Tommaso Muzzi Panettone, which was founded in 1795, or the All’Amaretto Panettone from Chiostro di Saronno, which is filled with Amaretto macaron cream. Shop in-store or order from delivery apps like DoorDash and others.
credit Eataly
From Roy
In-the-know panettone lovers have one go-to in the U.S. and that is From Roy. With his bakery in San Francisco, chef Roy Shvartzapel ships his succulent panettone all over the country. Varieties include maple, pecan, and caramel, a chocolate version, and a classic orange and raisin. Word to the wise – order early because he sells out fast during the holidays.
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Bona Furtuna
Bona Furtuna has mastered Sicilian olive oil, and now they’re taking that perfect concoction and infusing it into panettone. Made with their award-winning oil and candied Sicilian tarocco blood orange peel, this panettone is a melt-in-your-mouth marvel that is ideal for any Christmas dinner table.
credit Susie Weinrich
Pasta Sisters
You might love their pasta, but this holiday season, the Pasta Sisters are bringing you a classic dessert. Imported from Fraccaro Spumadoro in Veneto, Italy, the Sisters are offering up panettone with limoncello cream in addition to a classic version. You can order from Postmates if you want to impress friends and family over the holidays.
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For Pickup:
Angelini Alimentari
If you’re looking for the real thing, straight from Milan to your kitchen, head over to Angelini Alimentari where they’re selling some of the best panettone in the world like Galup’s amaretto, peach, and chocolate or Loison Classico with raisins, orange, and citron. You can also purchase limited edition panettone in vintage hat boxes to up your gifting game. Angelini panettones are available for pickup, but check back for updates on delivery.
credit Angelini Restaurant Group
Bianca
When you dream of Italian bakeries, Bianca in Culver City should probably come to mind. Inside this ode to bread, you’ll find some of the best croissants, pastries, baguettes, and more. And each holiday season, Executive Pastry Chef Federico Fernandez makes his own in-house panettone that rivals his over-in-Italy compatriots. Stop by to pick some up and keep checking back for delivery options.
Domingo’s Italian Deli
If you’re deep in the San Fernando Valley and have a serious craving for authentic panettone, stop by Domingo’s Italian Deli, where owner Carlo Ghailian and chef impresario Barbara Pollastrini offer up a cavalcade of Italian imported panettone. Here you’ll find chocolate from Balocco, classico from Loison, Borsari with Amarena Fabbri cherries, and many others. Call ahead to make sure your favorite is in stock.
Giuliano’s
Italian-food lovers in the South Bay have a true gem on their hands with Giuliano’s. Since 1975, the deli has been offering up authentic Italian wares, so it’s not surprising that it’s the place to go for panettone. This holiday season, Giuliano’s will be carrying panettone from Artemisia, and the variety includes traditional, chocolate, pandoro, and ratafia.