Oronero Firenze

Until a few years ago, the tea culture was not widespread in Italy. Although tea as a hot drink has existed in our peninsula for more than two centuries, the art of its preparation and the knowledge of all its varieties remains the prerogative of a few experts and admirers. There are shops, however, that feed and spread this culture and one of the most characteristic ones in Florence is OroNero.

Opened in 2010 by sisters Elisabetta and Lucia Bellini at the corner of Piazza de ‘Pitti, this shop celebrates both the tea culture, handed down to them by their mother, and the chocolate culture of which only the best brands are present. You will not find only tea, however, but also all those tools and accessories that allow an ideal tasting, such as cast iron teapots, for example, as well as the precious advice of the owners.

Black is the shop’s color of choice. Black are the doors and the window frames, black are the big tin boxes lined up against the wall. Inside, you will find a small treasure chamber, with treats everywhere: samovars, cups and chocolates over a wooden typographer counter. Each package is a jewel of refinement and you only have to ask for one of the owners to show you the tea suitable for you.

Among English teas, green and Asian teas, both in bulk and in bags, of their own production or imported and so on, you will be spoiled for choice. The varieties are many and orientation may be difficult, especially if you are a novice tea-lover, but the owners are always present and ready to give their indications. OroNero is not a bar, but you can still make small tastings and even take a tea to go on colder days.

OroNero, with its elegant and slightly retro atmosphere, is reminiscent of the luxury shops of the past, which didn’t want to amaze with large and opulent rooms, but aimed instead at the satisfaction of each customer and the high quality level of the product. All this and more will you find at OroNero.