If you walk down via Romana in the direction of the massive Porta Romana (the namesake of this neighborhood), you will inevitably pass La Favola. This is a tiny bakery that, from first glance, could lead you to believe it's a typical panifico siciliano, offering traditional Sicilian style-bread and pastries. In reality, it is so much more! It's enough to glance at the handwritten sign on the window that says, "gluten-free bread and pastries," to understand it is different.
But as someone who avoids gluten and has lived in Italy for a few years, I can say that it's not easy to find products that are both authentic and made with wheat-free alternatives. Here are my ultimate saviors: a Sicilian couple, Isa and Fabbio, who work incredibly hard to provide typical Florentine and Sicilian baked goods for both wheat-eating costumers and those who have gluten intolerance.
My favorites are thebuckwheat croissants and tea cookies, the buckwheat sourdough schiacciata, and their newest innovation, a paleo bread. Of course, if you or your friends are looking for a classic pizza a taglia, croissant, or bread made with Italian wheat, you are sure to find that there as well.
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in Florence
Serre Torrigiani – A bistrot in a private garden
"Serre Torrigiani" is a private garden that hosts a bar and a bistrot in Florence. The noble family still owns the villa & manages the bistros to this day!
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Lila Toys – A toy store without gender stereotypes
Their idea of what a toy shop should be is: gender-neutral (it sounds like a revolution to me!), kids free to touch everything, and to choose on their own.
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Cantina Pacini – Wine & oil from the neighbourhood
"Cantina Pacini": a wine and oil shop (est. 1935) in Florence I like to visit. If you're lucky, you'll be visiting when they have fresh oil from the mill.
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L'OV Osteria Vegetariana – Tasty vegetarian
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Pitta M'Ingolli – My favorite cafè in S. Spirito
"Pitta M'Ingolli" in Florence has an older aesthetic and vibe & is my favorite place to have a coffee after lunch. Sit outside if you find a place to sit!
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Focacceria Bondi – Florentine focaccia
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Fratelli Cuore – Pizza 24/7
"Fratelli Cuore" is the only pizzeria in Florence open 24 hours a day, and it's right at the train station! I always go for a tiramisu with my pizza...
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Panino with Lampredotto – The Florentine sandwich
A "panino with lampredotto" is the classic, popular Florentine sandwich. You'll find all kinds of people & these two are my favorite kiosks in Florence.
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Street Art in Florence – An open-air museum
The "Street Art in Florence" isn't always easy to make out, but I highly recommend waking up early in the morning and setting out to discover it!
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Birreria Il Bovaro – The only beer made in Florence
"Birreria Il Bovaro" is the only bar/brewery in Florence where they make their own beer and sell it on tap, so it holds a special place in my heart...
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