Mara Mura – A confectionery-boutique of French inspiration, with four locations in Bucharest (Ateneu, Floreasca, Old Centre, Băneasa). Mara Mura is famous for her handsome and tasty cakes: various eclers, pavlova, fruit tarts, reinvented savarines. Prices are 15-25 lei / slice, reflecting artisanal quality. The atmosphere in the confectionery is cozychic, “like you’re at someone’s house with the smell of sweet goods.” A TripAdvisor visitor notes: “Mara Mura is one of those places that make you feel at home the moment you enter. Ever since the entrance you envelop the smell of sweets… welcoming place, charming, full of sweet flavors.” Recommended: cake “Mara Mura” with chocolate and raspberries, chouxes filled with vanilla cream and berries.
Capșa Confectionery – Bucharest’s historic Confectionery (founded in 1852), a symbol of former elegance. Here you can find classic Romanian cakes (Joffre, Boema, Savarin, Amandine) and fine Viennese inspiration cakes. Prices are 10-15 lei / piece. The staple impresses by tradition and constant taste: “The staple is a wonderful mix of tradition and taste. I tried several cakes, but the star of the visit was definitely profiterol – light choux, filled with fine cream, decadent delicious.” The service is elegant, typical “old school,” and the atmosphere transposes you into Belle Époque. A review recommends: “Impeccable service. Pastry products that leave your mouth water without equal. Austrian or Romanian recipes, what does it matter? Stop and buy. You will not regret it.” The confectionery remains the standard of the old Bucharest sweet.
Zoomserie – Greek-specific chain of confectionery, brought from Athens, present in several malls and central areas (e.g. Veranda Mall Obor). It is the paradise of Baklava lovers, galaktoboureko (milk pie) and other authentic Greek desserts. They have basically a dessert for every day of the year, from cheesy cakes to mousse cakes. Prices: 10-20 lei, depending on the scale. “Zoomserie – Greek desserts for each day of the year,” describes the brand’s varied offer. In the window you see cookies such as orange and yogurt cake, kataif or a multitude of cheesecakes. An advantage: many products are sold by weight, so you can get a matching box. Customers commend the freshness and the fact that desserts are not too sweet, but “exactly how you should want to taste another one every day.” Personal Recommendation: Try honey with nuts in the foyer – an emblematic delight.
Nedelya – A chain of confectionery originating in Bulgaria, famous for its light-cream artisanal cakes and fluffy tops. Nedelya cakes (e.g. “Dobos” cake, yogurt cake and berries, “Oreo” cake) have also become very popular in Bucharest, being a top choice for birthdays. A generous slice costs ~ 18-22 lei, and a whole cake ~ 120-180 lei (depending on size). Nedelya boasts “delicious artisanal cakes,” made daily in her own labs. Their true chocolate cream and cream are often praised. Loyalty customers say “Nedelya” cake with chocolate and cherry is a “must,” as is the cake with carrot and caramel. The atmosphere in the confectionery is casual, often self-service. Nedelya is the ideal solution when you want a homemade style cake without making it yourself.
Alice Confectionery – A traditional confectionery in the Dorobenti area, known for its enormous display full of dozens of cakes, tarts, cookies and pies. Here you can find from nut and mouse nuga (mouse-shaped marzipan cakes – house specialty) to modern mousseurs. Prices are reasonable (8- 12 lei apiece). An enthusiastic client writes: “I’ve never seen anywhere such an amazing range of the most delicious cakes, cakes and pies I’ve ever tasted. It’s my traditional stop every week.” Alice combines Romanian recipes with innovation – for example, their famous Alice Cake combines classic creams with white chocolate frosting. At the same time, the confectionery also has very appreciated pastries (cheese tarts, walnut snails). Always crowded, Alice is considered by many “best neighborhood confectionery” in the city for the constant taste.
Chocolate – Confectionery and bistro with several locations (best known in Athenaeus), Chocolate made its name through fine, French-inspired desserts served in an elegant environment. Here you can find the famous L’Opera cake, L’Harmony cake (chocolate mousse and passion fruit) and many others, along with salty brassseries. Dessert prices are higher (20-30 lei a slice of cake), but experience is premium. “What a lovely place for a great meal and a special dessert! The mussels were spectacular, and the L’Harmony cake was decadently delicious,” says a review. Another point points out: “The perfect location to enjoy a refined selection of French and international gastronomy, plus the greatest desserts in the city.” Chocolate is the right choice for when you want to impress someone with a sophisticated sweet or simply spoil yourself in a refined atmosphere.
This article is an English translation and adaptation of the original Romanian article on Lista Scurtă. Read the Romanian version.
