A TASTE OF FLORENCE IN THE HEART OF ŽIŽKOV

Sometimes the best discoveries happen by accident

Text: Elisa Selmi; Introduction: M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Some of the best things in life happen by accident. Thirteen years ago, Roberto and Debora Setti from Florence booked tickets to Morocco for the wrong dates. When they realized their mistake and saw that they couldn’t travel there on those dates, they decided to switch their destination to Prague instead. That short visit never ended – and today, those of us living in Prague 3 are grateful for that serendipitous booking error.

In 2020, perhaps the most challenging year to open any business, Roberto and Debora launched Il Pane – Italská Pekárna on Táboritská Street in Žižkov. As an Italian expat who has called Prague home for years, I can tell you: walking into Il Pane feels like stepping into a neighbourhood bakery in Florence. The aroma of fresh bread, the familiar products lining the shelves, the warm greeting – it’s a corner of Tuscany just two minutes from the Lipanská tram stop.

Roberto bakes fresh bread daily, following traditional Italian recipes that he brought with him from Florence. His schiacciata – the Tuscan version of focaccia – has become legendary among regulars. Crispy on the outside, soft and olive-oil-rich inside, it’s exactly as it should be. The pizzette comes in several varieties, each one a perfect quick lunch or afternoon snack. And then there’s the tiramisu: I won’t oversell it, but let’s just say it tastes like someone’s nonna made it that morning.

But Il Pane is more than a bakery. It’s a proper Italian ‘alimentari’, the kind of shop where you can find everything you need to recreate Sunday lunch at home. The shelves hold carefully selected pasta, sauces, capers, and a variety of cheeses including proper pecorino and parmigiano. The cold cuts section features prosciutto, mortadella, and salami that would make any Italian proud. And yes – crucially for those of us who grew up in Italy – they stock merendine, those childhood snacks that Italian adults still can’t resist. My weakness? Fiesta Orange. I simply cannot walk past them.

What makes Il Pane special isn’t just the authenticity of the products, though that matters enormously. It’s the way Roberto and Debora have created a space that serves multiple purposes for the neighbourhood. Need fresh bread for dinner? They’ve got you covered. Want to grab a quick, delicious lunch? A few tables invite you to sit down for Roberto’s homemade pasta dishes or a perfectly stuffed panino. Looking for that hard-to-find Italian ingredient for a recipe? Chances are, they have it. Planning an aperitivo? Their selection of Italian wines and aperitivi provides everything you need.

The atmosphere is refreshingly informal and homey – no pretence, no fuss, just genuine hospitality. The service is friendly and welcoming, whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time. Roberto and Debora treat their small bakery-bistro like an extension of their home, and it shows in every interaction.

For the international community in Prague, especially Italians living far from home, Il Pane offers something invaluable: a moment of authentic connection. For Czech neighbours and visitors curious about real Italian food culture, it provides an accessible entry point – no tourist markups, no compromises on quality, just honest food made with care.

The fact that Roberto and Debora started this venture in 2020, when opening any business required extraordinary courage and determination, speaks to their commitment. They didn’t just survive those challenging early years; they’ve built a loyal community of customers who return not just for the products, but for the warmth and authenticity.

IL PANE – Italská Pekárna

Táboritská 722/11, 130 00 Praha 3

+420 721 071 033

Monday–Friday: 6:00–20:00, Saturday: 6:00–14:00