Panettone: the festive food obsession stealing the show from the Yule log

© Bvlgari – Cova – Le Taillevent / Pam Studio

Still a well-kept secret just a few years ago, panettone has now earned a prime spot at our favorite pastry shops, gourmet grocers and bakeries. Everyone is rushing to perfect this fluffy, raisin- and candied fruit-studded brioche, the ultimate symbol of Christmas in Italy, now reinvented in a whole range of sweet — and even savory — flavors.

Lighter and more exotic than the traditional Yule log, this new Parisian bestseller also sets the tone for a more relaxed festive table: a chic Christmas brunch alongside seafood and exquisite foie gras, or a revamped Christmas breakfast — the latest obsession of blended families. Here’s our best-of guide to the top addresses to buy the finest panettone in Paris.

Do we really need to sing the praises of Le Taillevent once again? Located near the Champs-Élysées, this legendary institution — a member of the Comité Colbert and Les Grandes Tables du Monde — proudly holds two Michelin stars under the direction of Italian chef Giuliano Sperandio. Needless to say, panettone is taken very seriously here: a nod to his roots, crafted in the purest Italian tradition.

Why we love it: a light, perfectly risen dough, an airy texture, delicate aromas and subtle indulgence — the result of long fermentation and exceptional artisanal know-how. It comes in a generous, shareable format. Even better: just next door, the Caves de Taillevent wine cellar (228 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8e) offers expert advice to find the perfect bottle pairing (228 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8th), with some of the city’s most sought-after references.

Le Taillevent, 15 rue Lamennais, Paris 8th. Limited edition at €42, available from November 25 at Le Taillevent and by pre-order via form or by phone at +33 (0)1 44 95 15 01.

Housed in a sleek, design-forward metal tin, Signorvino’s panettone is a safe bet. Made with milk, dark and white chocolate and an ultra-soft dough, this creation by Sandro Veronesi (founder of Signorvino and the Calzedonia Group) is the ultimate guilty pleasure (€29.90 for 750 g).

Although best known for its exceptional wine cellar (over 2,000 references), the brand is also a haven for sweet tooths. This is the only panettone served at the Italian trattoria in the heart of Saint-Michel, and it’s also available as a gift hamper paired with a bottle of Bauser extra-brut Champagne. A seriously satisfying combo to gift — or keep.

Available at Signorvino, 5 place de Saint-Michel, Paris 5e

With his trademark passion, three-Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito (Restaurant Reale), who oversees the culinary concepts of Bvlgari Hotels worldwide, has developed a true love for naturally leavened doughs. In his hands, panettone becomes incredibly light, ultra-digestible and perfectly balanced in flavor.

His secret? Butter is partially replaced with an organic Sicilian almond emulsion, and the dough contains no preservatives. Crafted in his Castel di Sangro bakery lab, this exceptional panettone arrives in Paris in a limited-edition fruity version scented with apricot, organic Bourbon vanilla, citrus fruits and honey. The ultimate luxury touch: a beautiful metal tin adorned with the iconic Bvlgari serpent and stars inspired by Rome’s Campidoglio (€95). Che meraviglia!

Bvlgari Hôtel Paris, 30 avenue George V, Paris 8th.. +33 (0)1 81 72 10 80. Available in limited edition at Bvlgari Hotel Paris and across all Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts.
© Niko Romito

With its colorful, designer tin, this panettone is made to sit proudly under the Christmas tree. Born from a collaboration between Sicilian master confectioner Fiasconaro (since 1953) and Dolce & Gabbana, the collection offers several stylish, indulgent takes on the iconic brioche.

Our favorite: the candied citrus panettone without raisins, best enjoyed with a glass of limoncello for an instant holiday vibe (€24.90).

Available at La Grande Epicerie de Paris Rive Gauche, 38 rue de Sèvres, Paris 7th - Rive Droite, 80 rue de Passy, Paris 16th — and online.

Having trained at Jules Verne, Dalloyau and Le Meurice, pastry chef Christophe Louie elevated panettone to the heights of haute gastronomy. Already well-versed in sourdough techniques, he refined his craft in Italy’s Aosta Valley alongside renowned pastry chef Mauro Morandin, guardian of a century-old starter kept in sweetened water at 37°C. Using top-quality ingredients, Christophe Louie has turned his panettones into true gems with a unique texture.

Among his addictive new creations: a savory panettone with truffle and farmhouse Gouda with truffle (€29), created in collaboration with Petrossian. Perfect for a festive aperitif with Petrossian spreads — especially the unforgettable truffle tarama. A total showstopper, to be ordered fast before it sells out. A big batch is planned from mid-December through January — our tip: arrive early, first come, first served!

Christophe Louie, 12 rue Dupetit-Thouars, Paris 3rd. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, Sunday until 6 pm.
© Nina Coriton

Give them a traditional treat to reinvent, and they instantly turn it into a foodporn icon. For the holidays, The French Bastards put their disruptive spin on panettone with irresistibly indulgent versions.

The standout: a chocolate hazelnut panettone (€29), featuring an ultra-soft dough filled with addictive milk chocolate-hazelnut cream, topped with slivered hazelnuts for extra crunch. Rumor has it its pistachio cream sibling is giving it serious competition…

Available for pre-order at all The French Bastards Paris locations via the dedicated form.

Founded over 200 years ago in Milan and acquired by LVMH in 2013, Cova Paris guards its panettone recipe, passed down through generations. A true house icon, this panettone is the result of a meticulous 48-hour process mastered by expert hands, delivering an exceptional brioche.

We’re obsessed with the traditional version, nestled in a stunning white metal tin you’ll want to keep forever (€59 for 1 kg).

Available online or in-store at Cova Paris, 1 rue du Pont-Neuf, Paris 1st. +33 (0)1 44 82 58 52.
© Cova

Panettone in every possible form? This way! With shelves packed with options, Eataly goes big to please every palate, offering around 30 flavors. Classics abound: candied fruit, chocolate, pistachio, hazelnut cream, lemon cream (from €13.90 for large sizes). Our favorites? Vergani panettones in their iconic metal tins — perfect for storage and stylish home décor.

Available online or in-store at Eataly, 37 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, Paris 4th.
© Eataly

The king of macarons Pierre Hermé revisits his signature Ispahan flavor in an irresistibly soft panettone. Rose, lychee and raspberry delicately perfume this festive brioche, enhanced with rose almond paste and crunchy almond pieces (€35). A perfect balance of softness and crunch in every bite.

Available in Pierre Hermé boutiques across Paris and online.
© Pierre Hermé

The Belgian chocolatier teams up with legendary Italian pastry chef Iginio Massari for this exceptional panettone. A tribute to Lombard and Piedmont traditions, it reimagines the classic raisin brioche with dark chocolate from Ecuador and São Tomé & Príncipe, finished with a hint of orange (€32). Simply exquisite.

Available in Pierre Marcolini boutiques and online.
© Pierre Marcolini

Also discover: the most beautiful Yule logs to grace your Christmas table — and the comeback of the madeleine.