Forno Canapa di Bruschi Ivana In Firenze

Italian biscuits have a texture somewhere between bread and biscuits. They're quite delicious; all three flavors are good and not too sweet. The cocoa flavor is nice, but the sugared almonds are just average. I like the original flavor the most. They're quite expensive; six small pieces cost six euros.

I finally have my trusted oven here in Florence too. I haven't tried any others, but that's how it goes sometimes. Kindness, courtesy, and an infinite amount of goodness to try. 😊

The neighborhood is home to the Basilica of San Lorenzo, its Donatello, and its magnificent Cloister; the Medici Tombs, and the statue of Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, though sadly this is mostly a bicycle parking lot. It's also home to the city's largest covered market, just off Via dell'Ariento, a bustling destination for all sorts of people, towering above the street stalls selling a bit of everything, except on Mondays, a holiday. Here, amidst the comings and goings of tourists and residents, stalls so close together that you can barely pass each other, is the 'Forno', a place I frequent especially for its 'Ciabatta'...bread (salty, of course) oblong in shape, almost flat but just a little plump (like a ciabatta), well-cooked and crunchy. Delicious. Of course, the selection is vast, with seasonal products typical of Florentine tradition, like castagnaccio (a traditional Florentine dish) when it's time, or cenci (a traditional Venetian cake) at Carnival, and fritters on San Giuseppe (St. Joseph's Day). And, of course, pizza by the slice, brioche, and coccoli (a traditional Florentine pastry)—plus much more, like apple pie with ancient flavors (although today's painted-looking apples are nothing like the ones I used to steal from the farmer). It's 'La Torta della Nonna' (Grandma's Cake), and here there really is a grandmother, or rather, great-grandmother: Signora Bruschi, simply called Ivana, a vigorous nine decades and counting (until recently with her brother, who was also several decades older, and whom I would occasionally run into on his way home to the shop at 7 pm for the... yeast, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago). Ivana arrives around noon, all dressed up, wearing the latest glasses and having just had her hair done. She comes in, greets everyone because she knows everyone, old and new, except the tourists, but maybe even those. She puts on her apron and helps serve, engaging in conversation, and perhaps even taking her time, like those of us who are no longer kids. And then the 'ciabatta', to take home. If you've arrived in time, because there are never any 'leftovers' there.

If you're in Florence, don't forget to stop by a truly rare bakery like it used to be! The lady who runs it has been working there for over 70 years, and at nearly 97, she's still dressed to the nines and working with incredible passion. Her staff is also friendly, ready to explain everything to you with a smile—they're truly excellent! The quality is top-notch, just like it used to be, as proven by the numerous awards they've won and the Florentines who keep coming back. The rosemary bread and schiacciata are definitely worth trying, but really, any of their products, sweet or savory, are delicious. A truly authentic Florentine experience, not easily found in the city.

A truly authentic bakery with very friendly staff. The lady gave me detailed advice on what to order for lunch, along with a little gift: a delicious rice fritter. I sat outside for lunch, enjoying the deliciousness of both the panzerotto and the rice pasticciotto. Thank you :)

I had a satisfying meal of cantucci, biscotti, almond chocolate, and espresso. I bought another 1.50 euro loaf on the way to the train. It was a wonderful loaf filled with dried fruits and rosemary. Thank you 😉💛

Perfect biscotti! Not hard and dry. We bought probably ten different pastries and they were all delicious. The diamond shaped almond cookies tasted like almond croissants filling in the best way possible. It was my favorite!

Friendliness, kindness, and friendliness!! All at the right price!! Thank you!

November 2025: Very kind and helpful staff. We had the grape schiacciata, it was fabulous!! Fantastic cantucci!

After the Florence Cathedral, you have to go buy the famous schiacciata All'olio on Via dell'Ariento from Signora Ivana. You'll be surprised by the kindness.