Let’s Talk Dessert! All About Our Homemade Tiramisu

There's something irresistible about authentic homemade tiramisu. Creamy, chocolatey, with the rich aroma of roasted coffee, this traditional Italian dessert is hands-down our favorite item on the menu . We might be a little biased, because after all we make the best homemade tiramisu in Smyrna, but there's not much that tops a delicious slice of this layered trifle. Grab a fork and take a seat. Today, we’re diving into dessert first!

Tiramisu is believed to have been invented in Italy during the 1960s or 1970s, but the exact origins are unknown. Some claim it was created in 1969 by a confectioner in Veneto, Italy. Others claim it originated in the late 1600s in Siena, Italy. Wherever the recipe came from, the word "tiramisu" didn’t appear in print in Italian until 1980, and in English in 1982. In 1993, Tom Hanks' character in Sleepless in Seattle mentioned the dessert as "a mysterious thing that modern women love," and interest in the dessert exploded across the nation. 

Today, tiramisu is a much-loved Italian dessert, served up in restaurants, bakeries, and trattorias around the world. Numerous variations of this tasty trifle exist, but the classic recipe remains the same. Light and airy ladyfingers, or sweet sponge cake biscuits, are layered with thick, decadent mascarpone, drizzled with espresso, and gently dusted with cocoa powder. Rich flavors of mascarpone and Italian custard contrast with the dark, robust presence of espresso and sharp cocoa powder, providing delightful contrast and luxuriously delicate texture. 

The name itself, tiramisu, means "pick me up” in Italian, most likely referring to the caffeinated ingredients. This light and decadent dessert pairs perfectly with dessert wines, dark rums, Madeira, port, or brandy. For a truly Italian experience, we recommend sipping slowly and savoring every bite while lingering over conversation with friends and family. Is there any better way to end a meal?

There's no better place to enjoy it than outside on our patio in the heart of Smyrna’s Market Village. Peaceful, covered, and seasonally heated, it’s the perfect spot for people watching year-round. 

Gather together with friends and family and savor something delicious! We’re serving up fresh, authentic Italian flavors all week long, using wholesome ingredients and time-tested recipes. Our award-winning pizza, delicious chicken parmesan, fresh pasta, and artfully crafted cocktails, plus our full bar selection of spirits and fine wines, help make Zucca Bar and Pizzeria a local destination for residents and visitors alike. 

Whatever you order for lunch or dinner, save room for dessert! (Or order dessert first. After all, there are no rules when it comes to truly tantalizing sweet treats!) We’re making tiramisu fresh from scratch daily right in our kitchen, along with delicious pastas, New York style pizza, and homemade sauces. Make your day a little brighter by stopping into Zucca Bar & Pizzeria, your local Smyrna Village Restaurant .