As an American coffee fanatic, I was thrilled to cross the ocean and finally taste the legendary Italian roast and espresso I had only dreamt about. But when I arrived, I was surprised and honestly, a little confused. The coffee here was smaller, less caffeinated, and tasted completely different from what I was used to. I didn’t know how to order what I liked, or what I should be ordering to optimize my experience. 

So when I found out I’d have the opportunity to visit a historic roastery in Florence, my spirits lifted. I figured that if I could learn more about the coffee and how it makes its way into my cup each morning, maybe I’d understand, and enjoy the experience more. I was right.

Dini Caffè did not disappoint.

Originally founded in 1939, this family-run company has been led by women for over 40 years. What struck me most was how deeply they care about their customers and the quality of their product. Rather than prioritizing mass production, they focus on small batches using incredibly precise (and expensive) machines to ensure that each bean is roasted perfectly according to its origin, variety, and ideal flavor profile.

The attention to detail is astounding, from hand-selecting ripe cherries to a multi-step sorting and tasting process. One of the part-owners, Selena, personally tastes every single batch to ensure flavor and aromatic consistency. She’s incredibly proud of her work, and it shows. In fact, the “top secret” blend and recipe are cleverly hidden in plain sight, on each bag of coffee. The packaging features symbols inspired by the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a landmark here in Florence, beautifully tying together the city’s history with its coffee culture.

Thanks to Dini Caffè, my moka pot and I now stand a much better chance at success. I’m so close to the perfect cappuccino, I can almost taste it.

Kirsten & Sophie’s Dini Caffè Adventure

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Written By: Kirsten Amendola & Sophie Lloyd