Lunardi land in via Maggio

On March 14, SottArno, originally designed as the breakfast room of the namesake B&B owned by creative couple Matteo Perduca and Betty Soldi, will open its doors along via Maggio to a public of curious gourmands, travellers and visitors. The new store will star two outstanding bakers: the Lunardi brothers, who for the first time will be extending their brand with a physical presence in Florence.

For 50 years Fratelli Lunardi have vaunted knowledge, traditions and values handed down from generation to generation centred around the oven and bakery located in Quarrata (Pistoia). The brothers are set to bring a selection of their delicious specialities to the city. Bread will take pride of place in the Oltrarno space, and rightly so since the leavened product was the starting point of their successful businesses. Expect tasty schiacciate and special breads made from ancient grains, as well as an array of sweet treats: breakfast cakes, crispbreads, yeasty confections for special occasions (think colombe, dove-shaped Easter cakes), cookies and the brothers’ famous cantucci.

At SottArno food becomes a talking point, at breakfast, lunch or whenever you fancy a wholesome snack. Tuscan tradition and Italian excellence reign supreme, lovingly sourced and carefully selected by the food directors Riccardo and Massimiliano Lunardi. Stock up on cheeses and cured meats, jams and pickled vegetables, plus the myriad speciality foods that the Lunardis have uncovered during half a century of dedicated research. The brothers’ aim is to nourish our minds as well as our stomach.

Florence, the international city, might be a majesty of old beauty, but it’s ever ready for modern segues like the metropolitan mood of the premises with hundreds of rare menus from all over the world, part of the eclectic miscellany belonging to Matteo Perduca, the mind and mentor behind the Oltrarno’s latest foodie addition.

SottArno

Via Maggio 53R, Florence

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm