WHERE TO EAT The best Baci di dama in the world (according to food experts)

"First baci di dama, born in 1893 in the award-winning pasticceria Zanotti in Tortona; for more than a century they kept the same shape and composition: two semi spheres made from almonds, sugar, butter and flour that embrace a disk of dark chocolate and, one curiosity, the true baci di Tortona must weigh exactly 11 grams."

"The crown jewel of Pasticceria Casali are the baci di dama, which they have been making for more than fifty years according to the original recipe with very carefully selected ingredients."

"Pasticceria Rippa makes its famous baci di dama and amaretti using a very famous, exclusively artisanal procedure, which limits the amount produced every day in order to maintain unchanged the characteristics of a little masterpiece destined for big pleasure for a limited number of gourmets."

"Well known in Tortona for their assortment of cakes and sweets, but above all for their famous baci di dama."

"For those passing through Tortona it is practically impossible to resist the temptation to taste those dorati, that have received many awards, from the Pasticceria Vercesi."

"Baci di dama are one of the most appreciated specialties of the Piedmontese artisan bakery. The Biscottificio Roero makes each cookie from two pastry shells made with hazelnuts, sugar and flour, joined together with the dark chocolate. The excellence of the baci di dama can be attributed to the decisive aroma of hazelnuts, which matches perfectly with the delicate yet strong flavor of the dark chocolate."

"Among their cult products are the baci di dama."