Pegna dal 1860-The real Eataly
When you find yourself near the Duomo, take some time to explore Pegna dal 1860, a historic grocery store offering gourmet items you won't find anywhere else in Tuscany. The building dates back to the 1600s and was once a monastery. In 1985, the ground level was converted into a deli but kept its historical aesthetic charm such as its original beautiful cross vaults. The Pegna company started in 1860 as a chemical company in the building adjacent to the current location on Via Dei Bonizzi. In the early 1950s, the chemical laboratory was converted into apartments but on the corner between Via dello Studio and Via Bonizzi was the Pegna pharmacy.
In the early 1900s, Pegna was a famous shop among Florentines because it mainly sold products for painting, from colors and varnishes to solvents, and was a point of reference for artists of Florence. In addition to this department, there was also a grocery area where spices, salts, sugars, coffee, tea, and candies were sold. These catch-all stores are called Drogherias, not a conventional store but one that will always have what you need. Drogherias are few and far between in Italy, and Pegna may be the best. In the early 1960s, the current owners acquired the company and restored the building.
Pegna has everything you need to transform your kitchen with spices and delicious treats. Pick up all your essentials such as coffee, tea, bottled water, milk, yogurt (you must try the coffee-flavored yogurt), pasta, and tinned fish which can all be found here. They also have health and beauty products, a deli counter, a candy store, a decent selection of cheese, and a wall of vino. If you are looking for made in Italy items to bring back home, be sure to pick up some cantuccini, panforte, chocolate cookies, Chianti wine, and Marvis toothpaste (with unique flavors such as ginger, jasmine, or licorice).
The deli counter has a wide selection of salamis and ham, and even sell truffles when in season. Any supermarket that has truffles for sale at the deli counter gets my vote! They can whip up a tasty panini for you as well. This is a great place to stock up on items for a picnic by the Arno!
Pegna is located at Via Dello Studio 8. Open Monday-Saturday from 10am-2pm and 4pm-7:30pm and Sundays from 11am-7pm. Shop online or set up delivery on their website at Pegna.it
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