Fabriano Friends · Forno Madre

A good bakery was non-negotiable. Before all of this….before the Comune, before Fabriano had been chosen, for us, it’s as important as proper cutlery and napkins at lunch. We all agreed on one thing: a town without a good bakery is diabolical.

Luckily, Fabriano has Forno Madre.

It sits just over the train tracks…. a great little walk if you want to stretch your legs beyond the old centre, or an easy stop if you’re driving and in need of proper road-trip snacks.

Forno Madre is the kind of place that restores your faith in bread. It’s Fabriano’s first and only sourdough bakery, run by people who care deeply about process, patience, and good grain.

The Le Marche region has a long history of grain production…. hills full of soft wheat, farro, and rye (more on this in another journal), but bakeries like Forno Madre are helping to bring back ancient and local varieties that might otherwise be forgotten. Their breads change daily, depending on what’s been milled and how the dough feels that morning.

We’re particularly in love with the Comune loaf….. and not just because of the name. It’s made with a mix of locally sourced grains, a soft crumb, and the kind of crust that leaves you covered in happy crumbs by the time breakfast is over.

Then there are the pastries, which are more than popular…..they’re an event (People line up for them). We’re not usually sweet tooths (unless chocolate is involved), but we’ll vouch for their classic, unadulterated cornetto, which they make exceptionally well… light, crisp, and just buttery enough to make you consider a second coffee.

And speaking of coffee….. the team here is what ties it all together. Full of energy and passion for what they do, always welcoming you with a big smile and a suggestion of what’s selling best that day. The place hums with good energy. We never leave without a mini pizzetta di sfoglia, and honestly, neither should you.

So, we asked the team to answer a few questions we ask all the friends of Fritto Misto Comune…

What are three things you love about Fabriano? I love the tranquillity of the place, the beauty of the historic centre, and the sense of community. It's a city that makes you feel at home.

What do you think visitors absolutely must do, see, or eat while here? They must stroll through the centre's streets, visit the Paper Museum, and try local products, such as crescia and traditional sweets. And of course, stop by Forno Madre, hahaha!

What makes your space or work special to you? I like it because it's a place where something is created with hands and heart. Every day I see people happy thanks to what we prepare, and that gives me so much satisfaction.

Why We Love It

Forno Madre is one of those places that every town needs, the kind of spot that reminds you how good simple things can be when made with care, bread that’s alive, and people who love what they do….

It’s become part of our weekly giro around town, and we recommend you all visit while staying with us…, a loaf tucked under one arm (or in the bike basket), a pastry in the other hand, and a chat with the team before heading back over the train tracks..

If you’re in Fabriano, go early, go hungry, and bring a bag.

You’ll want to take a little piece of Forno Madre with you……