Here for the Tiramisu

Nov 30

The seed was planted long ago while sitting along the canals of Venice, Italy. Mom and I had just stepped out of a leather shop our tour guide had shepherded us into, likely hoping to make a sale for a partner business. Now we had free time. A couple of hours to roam and explore on our own, away from the cookie-cutter memories the tour had in store for us.

We meandered aimlessly with no destination in mind. Not far from the leather shop, we stopped into a small bakery for a treat. Up until that point, I had never tried tiramisu in my life. Mom ordered a cup for us to share, and as you can imagine, Italy set the bar very high for excellent tiramisu.

In the midst of writing this, I learned that Treviso, Italy, is considered the capital of tiramisu. It’s where the dessert originated and where the Tiramisu World Cup is held every year — an event I fully plan to attend in 2027. Venice is only a 20-minute train ride away, so it comes as no surprise that the city would also be home to some of the best tiramisu. Little did I know that back then.

Let’s go back.

Tiramisu acquired, we sat down and dangled our feet over the still canal waters while my mom carefully popped off the lid, trying not to send cocoa powder flying in every direction. I’ve always believed food tastes different depending on who you share it with, and I was in the best company. Because of that, and maybe because of everything else surrounding that moment, it remains the best tiramisu I’ve ever had.

All the external elements aligned to make it unforgettable: a beautiful sunny day, temperatures that weren’t too hot, sitting next to my best friend and indulging in what I would later come to learn is one of the most divine desserts known to man.

The tiramisu was rich and decadent but never too sweet. The texture was silky and smooth, almost pudding-like, and every bite melted away effortlessly.

And now I can’t even tell you where we got it because I don’t remember the bakery’s name. I think that mystery somehow adds to the experience.

It wasn’t until my early 30s that tiramisu really started climbing the ranks to become one of my all-time favorite desserts. I go back to that memory often — Mom and me in Venice, sharing a simple moment together.

As we approach 12 years since her passing, I wanted to offer this as a different kind of tribute to Mom.

Over the last six months or so, I’ve been on a quest — a tiramis-sion, you could say — to find delicious tiramisu across Metro Detroit. It pales in comparison to anything I would find in Italy, but really, this was never about recreating that experience. It was a fun side quest. An excuse to fully indulge in my favorite dessert while occasionally losing myself in that memory.

We’re not here to crown a definitive champion of Metro Detroit tiramisu because one doesn’t exist. This is a matter of personal preference.

For transparency, I went into this knowing some places would have good tiramisu because I had tried them before.

The Rating Scale

5 Stars: Would climb any mountain to eat this tiramisu again.
4 Stars: Really good, day-to-day tiramisu that scratches the itch.
3 Stars: Middle of the road—not great, not bad.
2 Stars: Would not get again.
1 Star: Avoid at all costs.

The Contenders

Sheeba Restaurant: ⭐⭐

40732 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI

Sheeba was not an original contender; it was added to the list at the last minute. The Yemeni restaurant opened its Sterling Heights location earlier this year, and when I stopped in to pick up a lunch order, I noticed a section off to the side of the main dining hall housing Bon Divan. The space is designed to feel more like a café, serving coffee and a small selection of desserts. Lo and behold, tiramisu was on the menu, so I thought, “I guess the challenge starts now.”

I know what you’re thinking — tiramisu from a Yemeni restaurant and café? Yes. As you go through this list, you’ll see that some of the best tiramisu I encountered during this challenge did not come from an Italian restaurant or bakery. Unfortunately, Sheeba was not one of those places.

The dessert had a strong, delicious coffee flavor, and I appreciated the generous layer of cocoa powder on top. What stopped me in my tracks, however, was how dry the ladyfingers were and how inconsistent each bite felt. Some were gummy, others smooth, and overall it leaned more toward a cake or pastry than a proper tiramisu. Needless to say, I won’t be going back to Sheeba for seconds — at least not for the tiramisu.

Tringali’s Bakery: ⭐⭐⭐

29100 Schoenherr Rd., Warren, MI

Tringali’s came up on Google as one of the higher-rated Italian bakeries in the area, so I had high expectations. That was my first mistake. When I walked in, the place immediately reminded me of Mannino’s in Sterling Heights — just smaller — which gave me hope it would be good or, at the very least, authentic. I was wrong.

My first gripe: They don’t offer single servings of tiramisu. I understand the reasoning, but it still broke my heart to commit to a slice large enough to serve four people. Perfect for a double date night, perhaps, but not ideal for someone flying solo on a tiramisu mission just looking for a sample.

On the first bite, the flavor was very one-note, though it improved as it lingered. Here’s the thing: I don’t like tiramisu presented in cake form. I don’t want a dessert I have to cut — I want one I can scoop with a spoon. That said, this version leaned sweeter than I typically prefer, but it was still enjoyable. I also would have liked to see more chocolate incorporated throughout, rather than simply sprinkled on top.

Not great, not bad — but if I’m craving tiramisu, I’ll be heading to the next stop on my list.

Ventimiglia Italian Foods: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

35197 Dodge Park Rd., Sterling Heights, MI

Ventimiglia is perhaps the most overhyped Italian market in Sterling Heights — and maybe even the tri-county area — which tends to make me wary. Still, curiosity won out. When we moved to Sterling Heights, I had to see for myself what this community staple was all about. As it turns out, it’s worth the buzz. The sandwiches and pastas deliver, and so does the tiramisu.

It’s moist, with a nearly perfect balance of mascarpone, cocoa, ladyfingers and espresso. The texture works, and it isn’t overly sweet. If I’m craving tiramisu and in a pinch, Ventimiglia’s is where I’d go — especially since it’s only a couple of miles from work and home.

The only knock, and the reason it loses a few points (or stars), is inconsistency. Sometimes it’s served frozen, other times soggy, so I never quite know what I’m going to get. I also wish the cocoa powder were sprinkled on fresh rather than sitting on top in the refrigerator.

M Cantina: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

13214 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI

I didn’t expect to encounter a five-star tiramisu so early in the game. I’ve had M Cantina’s tiramisu before, but it had been years, and I didn’t remember it being particularly noteworthy. To be fair, I also wasn’t nearly the tiramisu fiend then that I am now. For reference, M Cantina describes itself as a business-casual Mexican restaurant — a reminder that truly great tiramisu can be hiding in unexpected places.

Truth be told, I nearly walked out. There was a 30-minute wait between finishing our meal and the dessert arriving. But if nothing else, it reinforced the idea that patience is a virtue and that endurance will be greatly rewarded. Many tiramisus feel heavy or leave me sluggish afterward. This one did the opposite. It was rich and decadent without being overwhelming. The mascarpone cream was light, fluffy and melted in my mouth. The ladyfingers were perfectly textured, tasted freshly baked and made me question why I ever put Sheeba in the running.

Outside of Italy, this is close to perfect tiramisu in my Metro Detroit playbook. While I knew I’d included some strong contenders on this mission, I didn’t expect M Cantina to set the bar so high or to land firmly among my top five favorites.

Vince and Joe’s Gourmet Market: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

41790 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, MI

The tiramisu mousse cup from Vince and Joe’s was light, airy and absolutely delightful. It melted in my mouth like cotton candy and captured the essence of what my perfect tiramisu should be — scoopable, almost pudding-like, akin to a small trifle. Each layer was present and accounted for: whipped cream, mascarpone and ladyfingers, perfectly soaked without being soggy, with tiny curls of chocolate adding a subtle, welcome crunch. It was a welcome reminder that the best recipes are often simple, casually layered together like an ice cream sundae topped with your favorites.

This is the kind of dessert I’d eat bundled up on the couch, completely content and in utter bliss. Easiest five stars to give so far!

Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

17496 Hall Rd., Clinton Township, MI

Double the tiramisu, double the trouble. I double-dipped at Nino’s Salvaggio’s because they offered both a tiramisu square and a tiramisu cream pie in a cup. I’m not even going to rate the cup — it was way too sweet and tasted manufactured. Honestly, it wasn’t a take on tiramisu I enjoyed, so the stars you see above are for the tiramisu square only.

I knocked off a star because the lady finger layers, while soft, were a bit dry — but not enough to stop me from getting it again. It was heavy on the cocoa flavor, which I loved, though it could have used more cream. All in all, a solid piece of tiramisu but not quite five-star worthy.

Slice of tiramisu cake from Max’s International Market

Tous Les Jours: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

1699 Crooks Rd., Troy, MI

I went into this mission knowing Tous Les Jours (TLJ) would be included because they have one of my favorite bites of tiramisu, and it never disappoints. Tous Les Jours is a chain with additional locations in Ann Arbor and Novi. It had been a while since I’d had TLJ’s tiramisu, but it was smooth like velvet, with a generous layer of rich, dark cocoa powder. The dessert wasn’t overly sweet—if anything, it leaned slightly bitter, which I appreciated, and the portion size was perfect for an afternoon treat. My only minor complaint—and let’s be real, it’s hardly a complaint—is that it could have used a bit more ladyfinger.

Max’s International Market: ⭐⭐⭐

4160 15 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI

Max’s was not originally on my list of contenders. I was gifted a slice of tiramisu cake by my friend Mariola (hey, girl!), and while I’ve already established that I don’t care for tiramisu in cake form, I felt obligated to give it a fair shot. It was sweeter than I would have preferred, and although it looked the part, the flavors didn’t quite deliver that unmistakable tiramisu punch. All the classic elements were technically there, but they didn’t come together in a way that truly read as tiramisu. That said, I did enjoy the tang of the buttercream, which was a unique twist I hadn’t encountered before. While it was certainly tasty, it’s not something I would regularly seek out.

Haraz Coffee House: ⭐⭐⭐

32766 Ryan Rd, Warren, MI

Haraz was included as an OG contender because whenever I’m passing through Warren, it’s my favorite spot to grab a matcha, refresher and — you guessed it — tiramisu. Little did I know, a plot twist awaited. The recipe has changed, and while the portion size didn’t shift dramatically, it’s now served in a grab-and-go plastic container.

Still, I stayed cautiously optimistic. Haraz’s tiramisu 2.0 had distinct layers and wasn’t too sweet — which we all know I appreciate. The texture was spongy and slightly gummy, and the mascarpone — a key layer in tiramisu — was more custard-like, lacking its signature tang and creaminess. Overall, the flavor was very light. While it’s still a decent tiramisu, I think from now on I’ll be stopping at Haraz for drinks only.

Percent Coffee: ⭐⭐⭐

1010 E Maple Rd, Troy, MI

I had high expectations for %Coffee. The first time I went, I tried the tiramisu and would have ranked it as one of the best I’d had in a while. One of the staff members makes it by hand at her home and sells it in store, though I’m not sure if that’s still the case. This visit, however, left me disappointed.

The tiramisu itself was fluffy, with the essential layers in place, subtle flavor, and a perfectly sized individual portion. What disappointed me was that it was sweeter than I remembered, and the ladyfingers were surprisingly dry. I shouldn’t need a glass of water after just one bite. Overall, it wasn’t the best, but I’ll go back one day to see if anything has changed.

Adelina: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

1040 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Hats off to the chef at Adelina. This is the best tiramisu I’ve had so far — another unexpected but very welcome surprise.

Rich and decadent with beautifully defined layers, it was moist and perfectly balanced. I especially loved the texture. It wasn’t overly structured but soft and scoopable, almost ice cream-like, melting effortlessly in your mouth. Every bite delivered. 10/10. No notes.

It’s served in a wine glass when dining in. I ordered mine to go, and somehow, it still impressed.

Mia’s Bakery & Coffee Shop: ⭐⭐

1413 W. 14 Mile Rd., Madison Heights, MI

The tiramisu at Mia's Bakery is undeniably rich, with layers of creamy mascarpone that dominate every bite. Unfortunately, it leans a bit too heavily on the sweet side, which makes the overall flavor feel one-dimensional. A thicker layer or an additional layer of ladyfingers would help provide some balance, giving the dessert the texture and subtle coffee-soaked punch it needs to cut through all that cream.

As it stands, it ends up feeling indulgent but not particularly memorable, almost like it’s trying too hard to impress without achieving the delicate harmony that makes tiramisu truly stand out. And, as we’ve already established, tiramisu in cake form is still a hard pass. Overall, it’s pleasant enough to enjoy once, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression or make me reach for seconds.

Cannelle Patisserie: ⭐

45 W Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI

This may surprise some people, but the tiramisu at the beloved Cannelle by Matt Knio is the weakest I’ve had so far.

I can appreciate elevated presentation — and Cannelle always delivers on that front — but beautiful plating can’t carry a dessert on its own. In this case, the polished look felt like a distraction from what was ultimately a subpar tiramisu.

It was presented as a composed dessert with distinct, mousse-like layers in varying flavors. While the classic notes of coffee and cream were technically there, the texture fell flat. Tiramisu should be luscious, soft and indulgent, with that slightly messy, spoon-sinking quality. This version felt overly refined and lacked the depth and body that make the original so satisfying.

Sometimes elevated works. Sometimes it doesn’t. In this case, the attempt at a modern reinterpretation stripped away what makes tiramisu special in the first place.

Farhat Sweets: ⭐⭐.5

2999 E Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI

The tiramisu slice from Farhat Sweets was ultimately forgettable, and tiramisu should leave an impression.

It was soft and moist, which is a good start, but the flavor profile felt one-dimensional. There was no real contrast — no bold espresso punch, no rich mascarpone depth, no textural variation to create interest. Everything blended together in a way that lacked definition.

White Wolf Patisserie: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

45 E 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI

White Wolf Patisserie knows how to execute a truly excellent tiramisu, and that’s not even what they’re best known for.

If you’re going to serve tiramisu in a structured cake form, this is exactly how it should be done. The layers are clean, crisp and distinct, with beautiful, even definition. It looks refined, but it doesn’t sacrifice substance for style.

The flavors are bold and balanced, with that punchy espresso richness you expect. The ladyfingers are perfectly soaked — flavorful and tender without crossing into soggy. Each bite delivers depth, clarity and cohesion, with no lingering aftertaste.

It’s indulgent without being heavy — just enough to feel satisfied and fully enjoy every bite without feeling like you overdid it. An absolute standout.

Mannino’s Bakery: ⭐⭐

4062 17 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI

I didn’t originally plan to include Mannino’s because I already knew it wouldn’t rank high for me. Mannino's Bakery has never been a standout when it comes to tiramisu.

Their tiramisu parfait is small and divided into three distinct layers that don’t quite come together in a way that feels cohesive or true to a classic tiramisu. Instead of a rich, espresso-soaked dessert with depth and balance, it reads more like vanilla sponge cake with frosting. While the top layer had good flavor, the texture was noticeably dry, which threw off the overall experience.

I know many people in Sterling Heights rave about this spot, and it clearly has a loyal following. But when it comes to tiramisu, it just doesn’t deliver for me.

In the words of Ariana Grande: thank you, next.

Bread Me: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3730 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI

Bread Me’s tiramisu was the ultimate scoopable bite — light, airy and balanced. It had all the classic elements you want in a tiramisu, with distinct layers and a smooth, creamy finish.

What I especially appreciate about an Asian bakery’s take on tiramisu is the restraint. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the espresso and mascarpone flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate. The result is a dessert that feels indulgent yet refined, and easy to go back for another bite.

Bread Me has unfortunately closed since the time of writing.

Astoria Pastry Shop: ⭐

320 S. Main St., Royal Oak, MI

Astoria’s tiramisu was disappointing enough that I almost didn’t include it at all. Their tiramisu has never been one of my favorites, but this version was particularly underwhelming. The ladyfingers tasted dry and stale, yet were also overly soaked, creating an unbalanced texture. The dessert was quite sweet and could have benefited from more cocoa or chocolate to help balance the flavor.

Corn on the Corner: ⭐⭐

1041 Howard St, Dearborn, MI

I’ll admit it — I got sucker-punched by the algorithm. A reel popped up on my Instagram feed featuring staff claiming they had perfected their tiramisu recipe. That set the bar high.

Lesson learned: I shouldn’t take Instagram’s word for it.

The tiramisu wasn’t bad, but it was surprisingly average. All the expected layers and elements were there, yet none of the flavors stood out. It tasted more like a standard slice of cake than a bold, espresso-forward dessert. The mascarpone lacked richness, the coffee flavor didn’t punch through, and the overall experience fell flat compared with the hype.

When expectations are raised that high, the execution has to match. In this case, it didn’t. There are much stronger tiramisu options out there that truly deliver on depth, balance and flavor.

The Boro: ⭐⭐

5400 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI

I appreciate that the tiramisu from The Boro was generous enough to feed two to three people. The layers were moist and easy to scoop, with soft ladyfingers and plenty of creamy filling.

That said, it leaned too sweet for my taste. The mascarpone mixture and soaking syrup tipped the dessert into overly sugary territory, overpowering some of the more nuanced coffee flavors you typically want in a good tiramisu. I will say, though, that the sweetness level probably would have felt perfect the week before my period, when richer, sweeter desserts hit the spot.

Where it really fell short for me was balance. The dish needed more cocoa or deeper chocolate elements to offset the sweetness and richness. A heavier dusting of cocoa powder, darker chocolate shavings, or even a slightly more bitter espresso soak could have helped cut through the decadence and bring the whole dessert into better harmony.

Yoon’s Bakery: ⭐⭐⭐

2775 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI

The tiramisu from Yoon's Bakery had the opposite problem of the one from The Boro. The ladyfingers were incredibly light and fluffy, but they could have used a more generous soak. Without enough espresso or liqueur, the layers felt a bit dry and lacked the depth of flavor that typically makes tiramisu so satisfying.

On the plus side, the portion size was perfect for one person — not overly heavy, but enough to feel like a proper dessert.

Where it really missed the mark for me was the cocoa powder on top. It was piled on so heavily that it overwhelmed the rest of the dessert. It honestly felt like someone was sprinkling it on, the cap fell off the container, and they just decided to roll with it. A lighter dusting would have gone a long way in keeping the cocoa as a complementary flavor rather than the dominant one.

Clementine’s Pastries: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

57 Macomb Pl., Mt Clemens, MI

Clementine Pastries’ tiramisu is the dessert I wish I had in my imaginary rom-com — the kind where I get dramatically dumped by the guy of my dreams and spend the evening drowning my sorrows in something indulgent. Each scoop and every bite was impossibly light, soft and fluffy — an absolute chef’s kiss.

The flavors meld together beautifully, with the coffee, mascarpone and cocoa perfectly balanced, yet the dessert remains wonderfully simple in its elements and layers. Nothing feels overdone or heavy; it’s just pure, classic tiramisu executed flawlessly. In my book, this is the epitome of what tiramisu should be. 10/10, no notes.

Forest Bakery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

8140 W Nine Mile Rd, Oak Park, MI

What they’re doing at Forest Bakery is truly special. They deserve every bit of the hype and love they receive. In celebration of National Tiramisu Day on March 21 (how did I not know this was a thing?), Forest offered tiramisu for one day only.

I hate to rave about something you can’t go back and order, but I had to make an exception here. This wasn’t a regular menu item, but it should be. Their tiramisu was divine, and I don’t use that word lightly. Like everything they make, it was executed flawlessly. There’s really nothing they don’t do well.

The texture was incredibly soft and airy, each bite feeling like a love note. It opens with a touch of sweetness, but the cocoa quickly steps in to balance it out, creating a perfect harmony in every bite. I could go on, but you get the point—this one will stick with me for a long time.

What stood out most was how closely the flavor and overall experience mirrored the tiramisu I had with my mom in Italy. And if that’s not worthy of five stars, I don’t know what is.

Natalie’s Bakery: ⭐

110 E Girard Ave, Madison Heights, MI

I had a bad feeling going in, but I was hoping I’d be wrong. Lo and behold, the tiramisu was overwhelmingly sweet. I couldn’t get past more than two bites before it ended up in the trash. The ladyfingers weren’t soaked enough, leaving the texture dry instead of tender. The layers didn’t quite come together, and the whole dessert lacked balance. It needed more bitterness — whether from espresso or cocoa — to cut through the sweetness and round everything out.

To be fair, I’m sure other items on the menu are worth trying. Still, the location didn’t do it any favors either—tucked away on a back street behind a car wash in Madison Heights, it’s easy to miss and doesn’t exactly invite you in. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me, and I won’t be going back.

Tiramisu from Amalfi by Bobby Flay in Las Vegas, NV

Tiramisu from Giuliano’s Italian Kitchen

Amalfi by Bobby Flay: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV

The tiramisu at Amalfi in Las Vegas was a spontaneous decision and originally wasn’t going to make the cut for this post, but it had to earn its place because it was just that good. The caramel espresso tiramisu was so good it practically gave me amnesia. All I remember is enjoying every bite. Moist, flavorful and beautifully balanced, with layers that worked perfectly together. The cocoa powder complemented rather than overwhelmed, letting the caramel and espresso flavors shine through. An unexpected standout and one I’m very glad made the list, even though it’s not locate in Detroit.

Testa Barra: ⭐⭐⭐

48824 Romeo Plank Rd, Macomb, MI

The tiramisu from Testa Barra missed the mark for me. The ladyfingers were oversoaked, and the cream leaned more mousse or cake-like than classic tiramisu. It was a decent slice overall, but not one I’d go out of my way to seek out again.

Giuliano's Italian Kitchen: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

1708 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI

Giuliano’s was a random, last-minute addition to this tiramisu mission. I decided to stop in while I was out running errands one day, and I’m glad I did. As a takeout-only spot, it wasn’t somewhere I had originally planned to include, but it earned its place.

Giuliano’s tiramisu kept things simple and executed them well. It wasn’t overly sweet, letting the flavors speak for themselves. The layers were strong and structured, holding together beautifully while still feeling light. The coffee flavor leaned subtle rather than bold, but it remained focused and balanced throughout. Steady, classic and well done.

St. Roger Abbey: ⭐

215 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI

St. Roger Abbey had a lot working against it from the start. For one, it’s in Birmingham, and I can safely say I’ve rarely had a standout meal or dessert there. Second, I already know tiramisu in cake form isn’t my preference. And finally, this slice appeared to include some kind of almond liqueur or extract. I have a tree nut allergy, so two bites in, my throat started to get scratchy.

For me, that made this an immediate miss and one to avoid. That said, if you don’t have dietary restrictions and enjoy a tiramisu-style cake, your experience may be different.

Gigi’s Italian To Go: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

43245 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI

Looks can be deceiving, and this one proved it. At first glance, it didn’t seem like it would be anything special, but it completely exceeded expectations — easily earning a spot among the best of the best. Each bite was soft, airy, moist and perfectly soaked, with a balance that felt effortless. The texture was light and fluffy without falling apart, and the flavors came together in a way that felt both rich and refined. Just downright delightful.

Zerilli Bakery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

42171 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI

There’s no other way to put it — the tiramisu from Zerilli is absolutely scrumptious. It hits the perfect balance of sweet, rich and just a little messy, with an ideal ratio of all the elements in every bite. My only note is that the cream was slightly overwhipped, but not enough to knock it from a five-star rating. A perfect way to end this journey.

Thankfully, we wrapped up this tiramisu mission on a high note. If you have a go-to tiramisu spot in metro Detroit that’s not on this list, let me know — I’m always looking for the next one to try.

Kimi Sugiyama

Here for the Tiramisu

The Rating Scale

The Contenders

A Look Back at 2025