Best Specialty Shops in Florence, Italy

Alessi is one of those places where both the expats and the locals go. Close to both Zecchi and Pegna, they sell Italian candies, biscotti, cantucci, torrone, amaretti, panforte, Italian wines and other goodies, but also carry imported items like chocolates, English biscuits and teas.

Via dell' Oche 27, 29 & 31/r

Pegna is like a small, neighbourhood supermarket but old and grand. They sell everything from cheese to household cleaning products and have a wonderful area just for chocolates, coffee and candy and other specialty items.

Via dello Studio 8
open: Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 19:30
closed: Sunday

Zecchi is an old art supply store near the Duomo noted mostly for their pigments and restoration supplies. Just down the street from Pegna, they sell all kinds of paints, paint brushes, paper but it's worth going just to see the wall full of pigments they carry. A place Michelangelo would have gone to, if he were alive today.

Via dello Studio 19
open: Monday to Friday 8:30 - 12:30 & 15:30 - 19:30, Saturday 8:30 - 12:30
closed: Sunday

I love the casalinghi that sell every item under the sun. The casalinghi, also called mesticherie, but only in Florence, have everything from clothespins to lentils, bubble wrap to screwdrivers. My favourite is this one on Via Taddea, where this man is super-friendly and helpful.

The two stores are interconnected, though there are more Il Papiro stores throughout Italy and the world. These photos were taken at the Il Papiro/Johnsons & Relatives stores on Via Cavour and Via Proconsolo. The stores make wonderful hand-decorated and marbleized stationary using traditional Tuscan techniques as well as beautifully leather-bound books. There are glass fountain pens, wax and stamps for those who still write letters.

Via Cavour 49/r
open: Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Sunday and holidays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Via del Proconsolo 26/r
open: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday and holidays 10:00 pm - 6:00 pm
tel 055 214 795

There's a small confectionary store across from the famous Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella that's worth a visit. Local sweets, jams, pastas and other goodies fill the drawers and shelves.

This lovely little store on Via Tornabouni sells specialty items such as honeys, jams, extra virgin olive oils, truffle butter, pates and sauces. Procacci has the best little tartufato - pricey, but really worth it. Sit (but not too long - there are only six tables), people-watch and enjoy the atmosphere.

Via de' Tornabuoni 64
open: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
closed Sunday