Dini Cafe is not your typical Italian coffee shop. It doesn’t exist to serve tourists cappuccinos in the morning or espresso shots in the afternoon. Instead, Dini Cafe works behind the scenes—roasting, packaging, and distributing carefully selected coffee to suppliers. It’s a business that bridges the gap between the raw agricultural product and the finished cup many of us rely on to begin our day. But what struck me most wasn’t just the mechanics of the business—it was the soul behind it.

The woman who spoke to us didn’t present her work as just a livelihood. She spoke with a rare kind of passion that elevated coffee from commodity to art. Her words conveyed a deep respect for the bean itself, the farmers who grow it, and the careful process it takes to roast and prepare it to perfection. It was clear that for her, every part of the business—from sourcing beans to maintaining relationships with buyers—was personal. You could see the pride in her eyes when she described how they selected their beans, how much care went into each roast, and how they maintained quality across generations.

As a family-owned business, Dini Cafe reflects values ​​that are becoming increasingly rare in today’s globalized, efficiency-driven market. There is a sense of continuity, of stewardship. The family treats the business not just as an economic enterprise, but as a legacy. And you feel that. In the way they talk about their customers, many of whom they’ve known for years. In this way they describe the evolution of their roasting process—not as a means of cutting costs, but as a way of improving taste and staying true to their roots.

What also resonated with me was the sense of pride this woman had in being part of Florence’s identity, while also participating in a global industry. Coffee beans don’t grow in Italy, yet Dini Cafe plays a crucial role in giving them their final identity. That balance—of local craft and global awareness—felt very Italian in spirit. Rooted in tradition, yet looking outward with care and responsibility.

In reflection, my visit to Dini Cafe left me with more than just an appreciation for coffee. It reminded me that behind every product we consume is a chain of real people, real decisions, and often, real passion. It reminded me of the value of family businesses, and the importance of preserving their integrity in a world that often favors scale over soul. And most importantly, it reminded me that something as seemingly simple as a cup of coffee can, in the right hands, become a reflection of culture, care, and connection.

“You can find Dini Café just a 5-minute walk from Piazza della Repubblica — view on Google Maps.”