I love to spend a day in Florence. It is an easy trip from Bagni di Lucca so I do it often. Last week I had an extra reason to visit. I had heard there was an Australian bakery and cafe in Florence called Melaleuca.
Once I had visited Ponte Vecchio with its lovely views up and down the Arno, a must in Florence, I headed off to find Melaleuca.
The cafe is at 18 Via Lungarno delle Grazie, just past the Ponte Grazie, with a view of the Giardino Bardini on the other side of the river. Their signs are not ready yet. The cafe has only been open since August.
I met the charming owners, Chloe from Australia and Marco from Rome.
The interior is bright and cheerful.
They make their own cakes, biscuits,(they have lamingtons and melting moments) pastries and sourdough bread from locally sourced ingredients….their breakfasts look delicious.
The breakfast/brunch photos are from their site. I’m trying one of those next time.
I was very impressed with their toilet. They have green frogs painted on the wall. Many years ago a green frog took up residence in my bathroom. After several attempts to relocate it I finally had success when I took it to a local river.
I wish them well and I will certainly drop by when I am in Florence. Take a look at their menu.
After some exploring I found a favourite shop, Oggetti Contemporanei, that moved a while ago to a new location. I have been searching for it ever since. Just by chance I spotted the owner in the street and she pointed to the shop behind her.
This shop is where I bought Angela the cake stand! As well as quirky home wares She also has a small selection of clothing and accessories. I am very happy to have found the shop…I have another Angela to take home to Australia.
Here is Angela at Casa Debbio.
Wandering with no purpose in Florence is great. A walk across the Ponte Santa Trinita with its stunning statues on each corner offers a great view of Ponte Vecchio. By the afternoon the crowds have well and truly gathered on the bridge…go early in the morning for a better experience.
This crowded little shop in Borgo Santi Apostoli always brings a smile to my face.
I seems I am always running to catch my train with these distractions!
I’m a little envious Deb, I haven’t been back for two years and it’s too long.
By: Jan Fabretti on October 9, 2019
at 8:13 am
Much too long! Come back soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2019
at 8:37 pm
Looks delicious!!
By: seeshefliesandwrites on October 9, 2019
at 8:20 am
I’m definitely trying one of the avocado dishes next time.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2019
at 8:38 pm
A charming place and the food looks lovely. Worth a visit!
By: Mulino Dominillo on October 9, 2019
at 8:22 am
It’s great. I hope they do well.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2019
at 8:38 pm
Cute
By: savannahkings on October 9, 2019
at 10:31 am
Very!
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2019
at 8:38 pm
Not only is Florence always wonderful, it’s great that you found a home of home. 🙂
By: aFrankAngle on October 9, 2019
at 12:58 pm
Yes, the food is just like one of my favourite cafes at home.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2019
at 8:39 pm
You always make me feel like I’m right there with you, Debra …thank you for this great post …sounds like a nice place to visit and great addition to Florence.
By: Margie Miklas on October 9, 2019
at 8:56 pm
A day in Florence is great and Melaleuca made it better.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 10, 2019
at 3:27 am
Lovely photos Debra. Some must visits next time I am in Florence. Do you take train or bus from Bagni Di Lucca?
By: Jan Snodgrass on October 9, 2019
at 9:11 pm
I used to catch the bus as it is a bit quicker, but the bus stop was changed to a place outside the city and now you need to catch a tram into the station which is a pest so I take the train from Lucca.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 10, 2019
at 3:28 am
How nice to be able to get a little bit of Australia in Florence! Ahh Angela is so delightful. She would put a smile on anyone’s face.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on October 9, 2019
at 9:43 pm
Angela always brings a smile to my face.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 10, 2019
at 3:29 am
I love your posts that Angela stars in.
By: Sandra Robbins on October 9, 2019
at 11:15 pm
She is a treasure.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 10, 2019
at 3:29 am
I love it all
By: www.spectaculartextersSl.com on October 10, 2019
at 12:36 am
Florence is delightful.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 10, 2019
at 3:30 am
Greatness Email me spectaculartexters4@gmail.com let’s links up we are music promoters from Sierra Leone
By: www.spectaculartextersSl.com on October 12, 2019
at 4:22 am
How fabulous to just wander – and the Angela Shop!!!
By: Jan on October 10, 2019
at 11:25 am
I went back yesterday and did it all again.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 11, 2019
at 5:03 am