Pasticceria Baj - RAPALLO

Stop in for a cappucino and pay your respects to the Signora. She has been behind the register for many years.

It’s years ago since we first visited Rapallo. This town on the coast of Liguria in Italy is situated near tourist hotspots like Portofino and the Cinque Terre, and because of that, many tourists will pass Rapallo by. And that is a shame, although personally I’m kind of grateful for it. The benefit is that Rapallo has retained much of its originality. It is authentic. It is that authenticity that may appeal to you, should you find yourself in that area. And when you walk along the main shopping street, the Via Mazzini, you may come across a pasticceria by the name of Baj. You’ll have to look for it, as it may escape your notice. Outside there a three small tables with two chairs each, while inside is a shop and bar where pastries, sweets, all kinds of jam and pesto are sold, while you drink a nice cappuccino or espresso... Why this review? Well, because Pasticceria Baj may not stand out, but still it is a special place. The people who run it make it so. Ligurian people may appear rather offish at first, but don’t be put off by that, as they are really nice people. Ever since that first time we kept returning for a morning cappuccino, and sometimes for an afternoon espresso as well. We came nearly every day during our stay in Rapallo. It’s become a tradition for us and we’ve been back to spend a holiday day for six or seven times now. I’ve lost count! After a fashion they started to recognise us; here’s the Dutch couple again. That triggered a warmer and warmer welcome. Unfortunately we don’t speak any Italian worth mentioning, but some of the staff speak English, in particular Luigi, who is the proprietor. We’ve had some nice conversations with him. Then there’s ‘Nonna’, his 83 year old mother who’s – quite literally – behind the till in the mornings. She gives us a warm welcome whenever we show up, and started to give us little treats whenever we departed for home again. What makes the place pasticceria special is the people and it’s location. Sitting outside, in the Via Mazzini, everyday life passes by while you watch. You see people shopping, mothers fussing over children, people chatting with each other... And hardly a tourist in sight. What you see is the Italian way of life. And that while you’re enjoying your cappuccino or espresso and whatever you’ve chosen from the assortment of cakes, chocolates, sweets etc. All home made, and excellent! This is the kind of place you have to experience firsthand; only then will you appreciate it. Don’t miss it should you find yourself in Rapallo.

The pasticceria is located in the pedestrian area of central Rapallo, so it 's a good place to sit down, have a drink and a snack and watch the streetlife. Coffee is good, prices are normal for this part of italy. Service is friendly, but a bit slow (the reason why I rated it 'average ' instead of 'good ' .

Un luogo meraviglioso e d'altri tempi, dove le generazioni abbiamo fatto merenda o comperato i dolci per esser offerti o la colazione.A presto!!!