Caffè Neri – Simone Bellesi

The Neri Coffee
of the Bellesi Masters

From breakfasts to aperitifs, tradition Tuscany, creativity and research of the satisfaction. Of the palate, yes, but also of the customers and employees. In the premises you can breathe the air family e fun at home.

A series of shops that sleep for just a few hours a day. Their doors are open from breakfast to aperitifs. Although customers walk on marble floors, the spaces offer a simple style that blends classic and modern, with a touch of vintage and shabby chic. Video game cabinets peek out from between the long tables, strands of light bulbs, airy ceilings, and fully exposed workshops. Tuscan tradition, creativity, and the pursuit of satisfaction. At Caffè Neri, the air is of home. “This is the feeling we wanted to convey when crossing the threshold of our restaurant,”explains Simone Bellesi, owner of the group “We have always been a big family in managing the facility and even now that we are 75 employees I would like the intimate and fun atmosphere to remain the same.” The story of Caffè Neri began with Simone's father, Giampaolo, born in 1934. In the immediate postwar period, Giampaolo found work in a pastry shop cleaning trays; that was the first, inevitable step. Then, with passion and dedication, he learned the fascinating craft of pastry making. In 1968, he courageously decided to open his first establishment in the center of Florence, the ’Pasticceria Bellesi.“.

“From there the family business began, from there our wonderful story stained with flour began,” says Simone. The company has now exceeded 50 years of existence and, for this, in 2018 it received a plaque of recognition from the mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella.“I continued the journey by naming the new restaurant after my son—Neri—and I hope that he, now in his early twenties, will also want to continue this beautiful family story. Today, we have four locations in Sesto Fiorentino, Calenzano, and one across from Ponte Vecchio in Florence, and we continue to spread my father's tradition, adding a touch of modernity..”

Caffè Neri's philosophy has always been to put the product at the center, enhancing it through excellent raw materials.“To do this job well, you need passion and the desire to never settle. We've led our pastry shop toward the search for ancient grains.,” comments Simone Bellesi “with a more controlled production chain.” In addition to its shops, since 2003, Caffè Neri has also been providing catering for events and receptions, completing its well-rounded catering offering, beyond its excellence in pastry making.“We are particularly attached to our territory and for this reason I try to collaborate with local businesses.” Among the various prestigious partnerships are those with ACF Fiorentina, Porsche Arezzo and Florence, BMW Brandini, and Toscana Aeroporti Medicei. Caffè Neri has received four awards in the last seven years for its best schiacciata alla fiorentina.“We are truly very proud to be able to boast this title with one of the must-haves of Florentine poor cuisine..”

Seven years ago, we met Aba Arredamenti. One of their stores needed a redesign.“The guys at Aba are really good at finding new solutions for existing spaces.” Caffè Neri needed to gain freshness and align the atmosphere with the brand message. “We wanted the place to look like a large covered market” – Simone continues.

“"We wanted the space to resemble a large covered market. The guys at Aba are really good at finding new solutions for existing spaces."”

“Massimo Giaccherini immediately understood my idea, there was a great understanding from the beginning on how to rework the large spaces we have available”. “While I was explaining what I wanted our place to become, Massimo was drawing it on paper, there are few people who are able to do that nowadays..”The basic furnishings and color details reflect a “street” feel, where each customer can choose a corner to try different foods, just like at a market stall. Despite the countless goals achieved, Simone still has a few dreams. One in particular.“I hope one day to take Massimo by the arm, take him to some foreign city, and together we imagine a concept store showcasing the entire Florentine, Tuscan, and Italian culinary tradition. I know it sounds familiar, but I assure you that Caffè Neri, abroad, will be something totally revolutionary..”