Is the croissant empty or filled?
'Cornetto' — stress on 'cor-NÈT-to'. Three syllables. Double 't'.
Ask before biting into a cornetto to know if it has a filling. Italian cornetti come in both plain ('vuoto' = empty) and filled ('ripieno') versions.
Italian 'cornetto' is softer, sweeter, and more brioche-like than a French croissant. 'Vuoto' = empty (plain). 'Ripieno' fillings include: crema (custard), marmellata (jam), cioccolato (chocolate), Nutella, or panna (cream). 'Cornetti' are the classic Italian bar breakfast pastry.
Un cornetto alla crema, per favore.
A custard-filled croissant, please.
Order a specific filling
Avete cornetti appena sfornati?
Do you have freshly baked croissants?
Ask for freshness — best consumed within an hour of baking
Un cornetto integrale?
A wholemeal croissant?
Ask for the healthier whole wheat version
The 'cornetto con la crema' at a bar or bakery, accompanied by a cappuccino, is the quintessential Italian breakfast. Unlike a French croissant, the Italian cornetto has a slightly sweet, brioche-like texture. It can be dunked in the cappuccino — a practice perfected by Italians of all social classes.