Settled on the quaint Florentine street of via Gino Capponi, Piccola Cucina offers an enchanting culinary escape as if drawn from a Renaissance dream. Housed in an 18th-century palazzo once inhabited by the noble Capponi family, the location itself awakens the senses to the grandeur of Italy’s past. From the moment you enter, you will be swept away by golden sunlight streaming through tall windows, the fresco-covered ceiling overhead, and a tiny “piccola” kitchen ready to host an unforgettable meal. A setting like this can only foreshadow a whimsical evening to remember, and in a city overflowing with culinary options, Piccola Cucina stands apart by inviting you on a journey that stirs both the heart and the imagination.

 

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the gracious host and introduced to your fellow attendees. The evening begins with a classic Italian aperitivo, featuring a grazing board adorned with the region’s most coveted delicacies—think decadent Tuscan cheeses paired with the freshest seasonal ingredients. It’s safe to say you’ll never look at a cheese board the same way again. Throughout the lesson, you’ll sip on bottomless cocktails—yes, that means endless Aperol Spritz—from a charming self-serve bar nestled between elegant floor-to-ceiling cabinets.

 

At the heart of Piccola Cucina is a passion for fresh Italian ingredients, all thoughtfully selected from Florence’s famed Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio and Mercato Centrale. Guided by founder Angie Niebles Moss’s deep knowledge of Italian cuisine and enriched by the insights of local artisans, the experience unfolds as a refined and explorative journey into Florentine cooking.

 

After a social aperitivo, the evening seamlessly transitions into a fresh pasta lesson. Your instructor will begin with a demonstration of the day’s featured pasta, and then it will be your turn to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at crafting—with guidance available throughout.

 

From chef-grade whisks to handcrafted rolling pins, Angie sources top-quality kitchen equipment that is both unique and functional, a testament to her passion and attention to detail. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to enrich your cooking experience, so that you truly feel special as you create your meal.

 

And what’s an Italian meal without a decadent sweet to round out the experience? The lesson includes a hands-on tiramisu demonstration, where you’ll discover the secrets to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. After preparing the tiramisu shortly after the pasta lesson, it’s placed in a cool fridge to marinate, ensuring it’s just right when dessert time arrives.

 

As a creative director by profession, Angie brings her imaginative vision to life, designing a table setting that embodies Florentine elegance. Picture a beautifully arranged tablescape, adorned with freshly picked flowers, luxurious linens, and exquisite tableware, all set to the gentle melodies of Italian classics playing in the background. Now this is what dining dreams are made of.

 

Carefully selected wine pairings and a candlelit ambiance welcome you to your seat at the table. With each authentic dish crafted by your own hands, it’s details like these that make Piccola Cucina truly “an evening in Florence to remember.”

 

From there, the evening organically transforms into a delightful social gathering, where strangers effortlessly become friends. More often than not, the occasion stretches on into the night, as time loses all meaning in the embrace of excellent food, great company, and an enchanting atmosphere. Here, laughter mingles with the aroma of freshly made pasta, and each shared story adds a sprinkle of magic to an unforgettable Florentine experience.

 

Written by Alexandra Petros

Writer, photographer, and world traveler.

Follow my journey on Instagram @alexandrapetros, and read my latest articles at alexandrapetros.ca.