My favorite weekly appointment in Florence is the Friday-night market in Piazza Tasso. From 16:00 – 19:00 you will find a meeting of clandestino genuino (genuine clandestine) farmers and artisans in the piazza — sharing and selling the products they make. Some of my favorite items include; the pizze from Fattoria Mondeggi, wine from Giovanni (look out for his rosè in the summer months, it’s limited edition!), fresh and aged pecorino, as well as ricotta, sourdough bread, local herbs and honey, and body care products like moisturizing creams and handmade soap.
This night market is very social — so be aware that passing through for a few groceries can easily turn into an impromptu aperitivo. I often linger for an hour or so, sipping on a glass of Giovanni’s wine, enjoying a few slices of cheese or a piece of schiacciata, and chatting. Here, conversation often leads to learning about a new product, a new recipe, or how a particular farmer is doing that week. The Tasso Market is a kind of community that gathers here once a week in the San Frediano neighborhood.
