An oasis offering good vibes, yummy organic food and more at LuisaViaRoma
Introducing La Terrazza by floret, a new space on the terrace at the LuisaViaRoma store in Florence, Italy. Something between an oasi, a coffee shop, a restaurant, juice bar and co-working space, it the perfect spot to unwind and re-energize. Maurizio and Tamara, the creative couple behind floret, let us in on the experience they offer, filled with the essence of trees, flowers, superfoods and good vibes.
How did you decide to start floret?
Since Maurizio and I met, we always shared an unconditional passion for food. He has worked in this industry for 15 years and I am an ultra-passionate foodie…my family has always hosted the most epic dinner parties! It’s always been a dream of ours to open something together.
Why Florence?
Well, we met in Florence, and this is where we currently call home. We wanted to create an oasis in the city center, where people could relax and feel at home while nourishing their mind and body with curated, organic food. But floret is not a restaurant. It is a lifestyle brand with many interesting things coming up…
I can’t summarize what Floret represents. It’s an ongoing development of a certain lifestyle, it’s mindfulness, it’s a moment.
It’s a tough business, like any other, but it’s the most beautiful in the world as we have the honor to work with the two best ingredients in the world: food and love.
Why did you decide to open on LuisaViaRoma terrace? It’s a beautiful space!
We took our time to find our ideal location in Florence. LuisaViaRoma is the perfect match – they are always on top of all trends and it’s a beautiful family business, which we value extensively. And I mean, their terrace…. It’s just ideal. We also wanted to attract an international clientele that appreciates this type of cuisine and lifestyle. In other countries and cities have a restaurant inside a concept store is nothing new, so we wanted to bring this idea to the coolest place in Florence.
Let’s talk about the food – your menu includes things like acai bowls, but also traditional local dishes like Pappa al Pomodoro. Tell us more about the concept behind the menu, and how you brought these two things together under one roof.
We wanted to create a sort of home away from home, we want things for everyone in our menu. Clients will find dishes like acai, chia pudding, poached eggs on avocado, superfood salads and raw cakes, as well as homemade pasta and a selection of cheeses. Artisan, organic food really has no limits. Our menu is inspired by a fusion of cultures united with organic top-notch ingredients. We have many products from Germany, Australia, Fiji Island and even from Brazil – we really source the best of the best from every country to offer a truly unique experience.
We believe in a dynamic menu that changes according to what nature offers in a given season. One ingredient that we never change? A dash of creativity mixed with love.
Your menu also offers delicious-looking cocktails. Are they made with superfoods as well?
Our cocktails are mixed with cold-pressed juices, natural bitters and handcrafted syrups. We are currently working on a new cocktail menu created by Maurizio, who happens to be an excellent craftsman in mixology. My favorite one is Seaside Stories, made with spiced rum, cognac, organic pineapple shrub, and 100% pure coconut water.
Why did you decide to offer cold-pressed juices? Can you tell us more about the difference between cold-pressed and other juices?
Every idea starts with that moment when you realize something is missing, and cold-pressed juices were definitely missing in Florence.
Our energizing cold-pressed juices and smoothies are made with the latest machines and technology that keeps all vitamins and properties alive! To create 500ml of cold-pressed juice we use 2kg of fruits and vegetables – amazing, right? Juice is extracted in its purest form with no oxidation keeping all vitamin and nutrients alive! We also offer juice cleanses.
You offer juice cleanses? I guess after all those cocktails…
Indeed! But you know…we live in such a polluted world. The majority of the food people consume is full of toxins, pesticides, and hormones. This is why it is so vital to unwind, listen to your body and go through a short fasting program. Our organic cold-pressed juices are there to flush all the toxins out of your body. We offer a variety of packages.
Why did you choose the giraffe as your logo?
Elegant and tall, it can see far, so kinda into the future… This is exactly what our plan is for Florence.. to offer new things. There are a lot more things coming.
What’s next for floret?
We’re working on a series of events. We’re planning to introduce private yoga sessions and in the summer, we’re going to make our own gelato (also made from cold-pressed juices) can you imagine indulging in guilt-free gelato all summer long?! We’re also working on a special take-away system and a little organic mini-market inside the restaurant…so many things coming up!
How is floret different than other superfood bars and restaurants?
Listen to the song “Manana Tepotzlan” from El Buho, that is the vibe, floret is a gathering place, it’s not just a restaurant it’s an experience.
Artisan Kitchen & Bar open daily on the terrace of LuisaViaRoma.
Via Roma 19/21R, 50123 Florence
Monday – Saturday: 10:30 – 19:30
Sunday: 11:30 – 19:30
+39 055 2959 24
info@floretbar.com
Instagram: floret_bar
