Olive you very much, La Bottega del Chianti!
La Bottega del Chianti is an authentic Italian shop of wonders founded in 1934 and still charming tourists and locals alike today. Located at Borgo Santi Apostoli 41/R, smack in the middle of the historical area of Florence, the husband and wife shopkeepers don't speak a lick of English but will make sure you are fed and possibly tipsy before you leave! The best kind of service if you ask me. The first time I visited Florence in 2014 I stayed in an Air BnB directly across from this adorable shop and it became our go-to store for any last-minute essentials. Our apartment looked down onto the street and I could hear the opera music play from the speakers mounted outside the shop, which added to its ever-growing list of charm.
The outside display changes daily with seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh wildflowers, and homewares. They are most known for selling kitchen products made out of olive wood like cutting boards, ladles, spoons, and graters. The cutting boards are truly lovely, all shaped differently and one of a kind. Although they can be quite heavy, it makes a great gift to bring home. I feel like olive wood is not very common in the United States and could just be a unique gift for the person that already has everything.
Once you step inside, it's like stepping into a time warp. It's preserved in time and the store is very, very small and jam-packed to the gills with merchandise. Take your time to inspect every inch of this place, it's well worth it. Their prices are usually half of what you may find elsewhere. Additionally, the owners are so friendly that they will probably impromptu offer you some wine, cheese, or meat to enjoy just to be social and make you feel comfortable even if there is a language barrier (Italian hospitality cannot be beaten). Paninis, wine, olive oil, meats, and cheeses are also for sale here.
Hand-made copper objects and old school cookware can be found inside, creams for the face and body made out of extra virgin olive oil, fine Chianti wines, costume jewelry from the 40s & 50s, and hand-painted ceramics are just a few of the special treasures that you may stumble across while browsing. Seriously, there is just so much to look at that you won't be disappointed!
La Bottega del Chianti is open Monday-Saturday from 8am-7pm and closed on Sundays (Covid hours may vary). la-bottega-del-chianti.business.site
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