The Insider's Guide to Florence

Designer Gabriele Corto Moltedo lets us in on the city's secrets as featured in our downloadable Wallpaper* Guide

The founder of Corto Moltedo which produces pop art-inspired women’s bags in bright colours and metallics, Gabriele Corto Moltedo grew up in New York, but has lived in Florence’s arty Santo Spirito district for the best part of a decade.

Moltedo likes to start his day with a cappuccino and brioche at Caffè Giacosa (Via della Spada 10), which dates back to 1815. For lunch, he often visits Borgo Antico (Piazza Santo Spirito 6), a neighbourhood restaurant near his home, where in warmer months he sits outside at tables beneath the trees, and orders pizza with "nduja, a spicy Calabrian salame". If he has time for an afternoon break, Moltedo loves to amble up the hill to the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte (Via delle Porte Sante), for its spectacular interiors and one of the city’s best views.

"I particularly admire the tombs sunk into the church floor," he says. At aperitivo time, he meets friends at Art Bar (Via del Moro 4), which serves fabulous cocktails.

"The banana daiquiri is like fruit salad with rum." For dinner, Moltedo vies for a seat at the popular Trattoria Sostanza (Via del Porcellana 25), an authentic 1940s-style eaterie that serves "the best steak in town". Another favourite is Trattoria Cammillo (Borgo San Jacopo 57), a traditional Tuscan restaurant. "The fried vegetables, especially the green tomatoes, are to die for." 

We hope our preview has given you an idea for a new year city break. You can find out about the places mentioned above - and more - by downloading our Wallpaper* City Guides here.