On the busiest afternoon of my trip, I made a quick stop at Cappello Bakery before catching a bus back to Syracuse after two unforgettable days in Palermo. It was a quick grab-and-go situation, but I’m so glad I didn’t miss it.
At Cappello, I discovered a new love - tiny desserts! As someone who has always been fascinated by miniatures, whether due to my art background or childhood love of dollhouses, these bite-sized delights were a dream come true. Cappello's mini pastries included a tiny profiterole, a mini fruity gel with a dash of cream, and what could only be described as a micro cannolo.
But beyond the sweets, Cappello's history is what truly enriches the experience. The bakery’s roots stretch back to 1887 when Bartolomeo Cappello began as a dairy farmer in Boccadifalco, just outside Palermo. After World War II, Bartolomeo moved his family to Palermo, where they opened a dairy shop in 1944. This shop gradually evolved into a bar and gelato shop, with the help of Bartolomeo’s wife, Assunta, and their sons, Bartolomeo junior and Salvatore.
Salvatore Cappello, under the guidance of his uncle Giuseppe, discovered his passion for pastry-making. He mastered the art of chocolate and pastries, transforming the family business into the renowned Cappello Bakery. Today, Salvatore's son Giovanni continues the legacy, creating innovative desserts that have earned national acclaim.
Dairy shops like the one Cappello Bakery originated from have largely disappeared, making their history particularly interesting. In the mid-20th century, these shops specialized in products like milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt, often also offering fresh eggs and homemade ice cream. As consumer preferences shifted and supermarkets gained popularity, many dairy shops evolved to include baked goods and beverages, reflecting a broader trend of diversification.
At Cappello Bakery, this evolution is evident in its transition from a dairy shop to a bar and gelato shop, eventually incorporating pastries as well, meeting consumers' changing needs.
As for those tiny desserts - they were the perfect bite for a rushed moment, just before saying goodbye to Palermo, a city whose sweets and multi-generational pastry shops truly left a mark on my heart.
Cappello, Via Colonna Rotta, 68 - Palermo
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