Casa Gilli
TRADITION AND EXCELLENCE
From Via dei Calzaiuoli to Piazza della Repubblica, a short distance that spans nearly three centuries of history, blending the art of fine pastry and artisanal chocolate with the cultural and social pulse of Florence.
More than just a place, it is the quintessential historic café of Florence.
THE OLDEST HISTORICAL CAFÉ IN FLORENCE
1733
“La bottega dei pani dolci”
The year is 1733, and while the world is changing with the Industrial Revolution, Florence—still under Medici rule—remains a city defined by skilled hands, timeless traditions, and pure craftsmanship.
The Gilli family, originally from Switzerland and drawn to the heart of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, opens their “Bottega dei Pani Dolci” on Via dei Calzaiuoli, just steps from the Duomo. Every day, the city’s timeless beauty blends with the aromas of their warm, fragrant creations, forging a deep and lasting connection. And so begins a love story that spans the centuries.
1843
Via dei Calzaiuoli
In 1843, Via dei Calzaiuoli expands, and Gilli grows along with it. The room overlooking the bustling Florentine street is no longer large enough: new spaces are created to accommodate an endless flow of carriages returning from promenades in the Cascine. Gilli becomes a gathering place for curious minds, intellectuals, and gourmands—a place where people, ideas, passions, and debates mingle. It is a vibrant era, marked by a lively cultural and social energy that resonates within the Café’s walls. As Florence grows, Gilli keeps pace, pulsating at the heart of a city in full bloom.
1893
Maison Gilli
In 1893, the Mercato Vecchio is demolished to make way for Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, which becomes the new heart of the city's bourgeoisie. Gilli relocates to one of the most coveted corners, at Via degli Speziali, and, in the same year, receives its license to serve liquor. On December 22, La Nazione eagerly announces: "Maison Gilli. In Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, within the Chiari family’s elegant palazzo, a new and magnificent shop has opened, offering pastries, liquors, and other fine delicacies."
1917
Piazza della Repubblica
In 1917, Gilli finds its permanent home on the ground floor of Palazzo Levi, the historic headquarters of La Fondiaria and a symbol of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Amid the rise of the espresso machine's invention, Gilli evolves into a refined café, transforming what will later become Piazza della Repubblica into a vibrant cultural hub. Here, artists, writers, and intellectuals such as Marinetti, Soffici, Boccioni, Carrà, and Palazzeschi gather, turning the café’s tables into spaces for passionate philosophical exchanges, profound inspiration, and lively debates—leaving a lasting mark on the city.
Around them, a continuous flow of visitors is drawn back time and again to the Liberty-style café, where its elegance reflects the spirit of Florence, with Murano crystal chandeliers, precious marble, and enveloping frescoes.
1951
American girl in Italy
A few decades later, Gilli becomes the backdrop for one of Ruth Orkin's most iconic shots. The renowned American photographer, known internationally, captures the image for her project "Don’t Be Afraid To Travel Alone." In the photo, a young woman walks alone through the streets of Florence, drawing the curious stares of a group of men in the square. Taken in front of an equally symbolic location, this striking image captures a pivotal moment of emerging female empowerment. It symbolizes a society in transformation and embodies the forward-looking spirit that Gilli has always championed, blending its historic roots with an ever-present openness to the new.
’90s
A CAFÉ FOR FLORENTINES
In 1990, new ownership—the Valenza Group—takes the helm of Gilli with a clear and bold vision: to restore the café as a true gathering place for Florentines, reawakening its vibrant role in the city's social and cultural life. The aim is to return it to its original splendor, preserving it as a cherished treasure trove of stories and memories.
Gilli's priceless heritage is so remarkable that, in 1991, after already being recognized as a historical café and a member of the Italian Association of Historical Cafés, it is officially designated as a cultural heritage site—an enduring symbol of the past that remains a living memory for the city.
2024
The present
Since 2019, Gilli has been honored annually by the prestigious Bar d’Italia guide from Gambero Rosso, which recognizes the country’s finest cafés, gastronomy, and beverages. In 2024, the café’s status is once again affirmed with the award of Tre Chicchi and Tre Tazzine—an accolade Gilli has consistently held since 2020, reinforcing its reputation for excellence within the Italian landscape.
With this ambitious vision, the new ownership seeks to extend Gilli’s tradition and craftsmanship to a global audience, establishing it as a true ambassador of Italian style and quality.
WE STRIVE TO SPREAD A SENSE OF WONDER IN EVERY MOMENT.
Breakfast
Whether it's a bold coffee enjoyed on the go or a velvety cappuccino with a freshly baked brioche at a table outside before discovering treasures in the city's museums, Gilli is where every breakfast becomes a ritual of pure sweetness—an invitation to savor the moment and begin the day with grace and lightness.
LUNCH AND DINNER
For an elegant lunch, a business meeting, or a refreshing break after a leisurely walk through the city, Gilli's Bistrot presents a culinary experience that elevates simplicity into a refined gourmet affair. Authentic Italian flavors, reimagined with modern creativity, blend seamlessly into dishes that honor the past while delighting the palate of today.
TEA TIME
At Gilli, tea time is a moment of pure elegance, with an exclusive selection of loose-leaf teas curated by Tea Forté. Every sip becomes a sensory journey, as fragrant aromas and delicate flavors captivate and embrace the senses.
APERITIF
Aperitif at Gilli is a celebration of Italian tradition, a moment to pause, savor good company, and enjoy a refined atmosphere, with expertly crafted cocktails and delicate savory bites.
FROM FLORENCE, WITH LOVE
Indulge in the flavors of our finest creations. Order a taste of sweetness and refinement, with our masterpieces delivered straight to your door, bringing the essence of our pastry art to you, no matter where you are.