It is something to sit in Gran Forno on a quiet Sunday morning, if you can time it before or after the rush, while gentlemen with a European air commune with dainty cups of espresso and girlfriends accessorised with teacup dogs gab at the big family table, an atmosphere of laid-back sophistication that Italians do so well. At the edge of the room, a bounty beckons: plump loaves of casareccio, sturdy ciabatta, cookies, muffins, cream cakes, brownies, eclairs and tiramisu, all made in the next room. But save yourself for a Gran Forno cannoli, some of the best to be found this side of Mulberry Street.
Gran Forno Bakery, 1235 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-467-2244; gran-forno.com
FINALISTS:
Angelo Elia the Bakery Bar, 2104 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-566-6100; AngeloEliaBakery.com
Ricky Bakery, RickyBakery.com, multiple locations
