Sample the best biscuit in the world

The Bussolà is “one of the world’s best cookies,” writes Sally Spector in Venice & Food, even if its name and appearance “give little hint of its extraordinary taste and texture.” They are “buttery and heavenly,” but that only starts to describe this “blissful cookie,” adds Ortensia Blu. “Its rich taste is similar to an English shortbread or French sable.”

The name comes from the Venetian word Busa, which means “hole” or “opening.” It’s also called Buranello, like the natives of Burano where it was born. The ‘S’ shaped Esse biscuit served in many restaurants in Burano, is the same biscuit but cleverly adapted so you can dip it in a glass of sweet wine or hot tea. Elizabeth Minchilli tracked down some of the best of them at Pasticceria Garbo.