The internet’s favorite espresso hack- the cube of gelato bathed in espresso? Florence did it first. And better.
We partnered with local legend Silvana at Vivoli to show you how it’s really done.
Looking for the recipe? Yeah… about that.
Silvana doesn’t give out recipes. Ever. We tried everything.
And honestly? No written instructions could replicate what she does behind the counter at Vivoli.
But we can give you the real story. The family tradition. The moment that made this gelato cube go viral—and where to actually try the original for yourself. A place with Affogato this good? Expect to be duped by many copycats looking to recreate her genius.
This is your invitation to the little peace of heaven Silvana’s family created.
✨ What You Will Get:
- Behind-the-scenes look at Florence’s oldest gelateria
- The full story behind the cube that broke the internet
- Photos and tips for ordering it the real way (no copycats allowed)
- Where to find Vivoli—and why it’s worth the trip
Florence: Setting Trends Since the Renaissance
That espresso hack you saw online? It’s cool.. But let’s be honest—it’s a pale imitation of what Florence has been doing quietly (and better) for decades.
You can’t recreate the cube. You definitely can’t recreate Silvana. But you can still eat your way through Florence the right way—with locals, legends, and absolutely no tourist traps. Here’s what we recommend:
🍝 Florence’s Best Cooking Classes
- Pizza and Gelato Making Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine in Florence– learn the secrets behind authentic Italian pizza making while creating your own masterpiece, before a class in the art of traditional gelato making
- Pasta Cooking Class and Gourmet Wine Pairing in Florence–exclusive experience with a Michelin-star Chef and a Master Sommelier to guide you through both pasta-making and wine pairing in a small, intimate group
- Authentic Tuscan Cooking Class in Florence with San Lorenzo Market–pick up your fresh ingredients from historic San Lorenzo Market, then head to the kitchen to try your hand at making dishes like pasta, bruschetta, tiramisu, and more.
🍷 Florence’s Tastiest Food Tours (No Cooking Required)
- Florence Evening Food Tour with Florentine Steak and Tuscan Wine–14 tastings at 5 local restaurants and a super foodie tour guide, this 3-hour evening walking tour, perfect for food lovers and curious travelers
- Florence Day Trip to Tuscany: Siena, San Gimignano & Winery Lunch– winding roads, remote villages and wine in Tuscany’s most stunning landscapes? Say less.
- Tuscany Wine Tour by Vespa from Florence– ride an iconic Vespa scooter before you set off for a day exploring a winery, vineyards, and delicious local food that make this region so famous. Everyone has dreamed of this.
👇 And if you don’t know what the Renaissance is? You should probably start here…
- Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David–with Florence’s finest guides, explore key landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria as you uncover the city’s deep history
- Skip the Line Uffizi Gallery Tour–The world you know today? You can thank a lot of the artists housed in the Uffizi for that. Spend some time with legends.
- Florence in a Day Combo Tour with David and Uffizi– all the must-sees, and none of the stress
