CITY STORIES
FLORENCE WITH DELFINA PINARDI
For Delfina Pinardi, co-founder of BLAZÉ Milano, Florence is more than a city—it is a living masterpiece. Few places in the world can claim such a concentration of genius: from Leonardo da Vinci and Dante to the Medici, Machiavelli, Brunelleschi, Galileo, and Giotto. Their legacy continues to define a city that helped shape the course of human history. After years spent between the world's fashion capitals, Delfina returned to Tuscany. Florence offered her the perfect balance: the slower rhythm and beauty of a smaller city combined with easy access to Milan and Rome, where BLAZÉ Milano has its headquarters.
“What makes Florence so special it’s its effortless mix of culture, nature, and community. You can spend the morning at a local farmers' market, visit a gallery in the afternoon, and be surrounded by Tuscan countryside within minutes. Despite its intimate scale, the city remains remarkably international, attracting creative and curious minds from around the world.
When friends visit me for the first time, I take them to Palazzo Guadagni in Santo Spirito for an aperitivo overlooking Piazza Santo Spirito. Less crowded than many of Florence's famous landmarks, the square captures the city's authentic spirit, with its morning flower market and lively local scene in the evenings.”
Is there a hidden spot you think visitors often overlook?
“I prefer to keep it secret. In a city already overflowing with visitors, some places deserve to remain in local hands.”
“If time is limited, I recommend experiencing two very different sides of Florence. The first is brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, set within the spectacular Giardino della Gherardesca, a historic garden filled with ancient trees and hidden sculptures. The second is lunch at Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, where Florence reveals its most authentic self through local food, traditions, and everyday life.”
Together, these experiences reflect what Pinardi loves most about Florence: a city where grandeur and simplicity coexist, and where history remains a living part of everyday life.
Floret San Niccolò
Via di San Niccolò 81R, Florence.
A stylish café in one of Florence's most picturesque districts, Floret is loved for its excellent brunch, specialty coffee, and relaxed atmosphere.
Atelier de' Nerli
Piazza de' Nerli 8/9R, Florence.
A beautifully curated space that celebrates contemporary design and Florentine craftsmanship, blending creativity with local artisanal tradition.
Osteria delle Tre Panche
Via Antonio Magliabechi 9, Florence.
An elegant Tuscan restaurant renowned for its truffle-focused dishes and refined take on regional cuisine.
Dalla Lola
Via della Chiesa 16R, Florence.
A lively neighborhood favorite offering great food, natural wines, and a warm, authentic Florentine atmosphere.
Palazzo Guadagni
Piazza Santo Spirito 9, Florence.
One of Florence's most atmospheric aperitivo spots, with a panoramic terrace overlooking Piazza Santo Spirito and views across the city's rooftops.
Il Santino
Via Santo Spirito 60R, Florence.
A beloved local wine bar known for its intimate setting, excellent selection of wines, and simple yet outstanding Tuscan bites.
Betty Soldi Studio
Via dei Serragli 234R, Florence.
The studio of renowned calligrapher and artist Betty Soldi, offering immersive workshops that celebrate the art of handwriting, creativity, and mindful expression. For Delfina, this place holds a particularly special meaning: during the COVID period, while searching for a calligraphy course, she discovered Betty and was immediately inspired by her extraordinary talent. Betty collaborates with some of the world’s leading brands and organizations, yet her work extends far beyond calligraphy—spanning illustration, design, storytelling, and creative direction.
Teatro del Sale
Via dei Macci 111R, Florence.
A uniquely Florentine experience combining food, culture, and live performance in a vibrant, convivial setting created by the Cibrèo family.
V_ROOM studio
Borgo Ognissanti 128, Florence.
A contemporary wellness space offering reformer Pilates and movement classes in a beautifully designed, inspiring environment.
Giunti Odeon
Piazza degli Strozzi 2, Florence.
A stunning cultural venue where a historic cinema meets a curated bookstore, hosting films, talks, and events in one of Florence's most beautiful interiors.
Inbodhi Yoga Firenze
Via del Pignone 28/A, Florence
The studio, founded by Michele Barocchi in Florence, is a welcoming yoga and wellness space dedicated to mindful movement, personal growth, and community connection.
Fiorile
Via Santo Spirito 26R, Florence.
A beautifully curated boutique offering a refined selection of homeware, gifts, fragrances, and lifestyle objects. The perfect stop for discovering elegant pieces that reflect Florence's timeless sense of beauty and craftsmanship.
Heart to Heart in Florence
Via Santo Spirito 54R, Florence.
A destination for vintage lovers, known for its Friulane collection and carefully sourced unique finds. Eclectic yet sophisticated, it embodies Florence's effortless blend of style and individuality.
