The prestigious competition for the Best Schiacciata alla Fiorentina has celebrated its 20th anniversary (2005-2025) in grand style at the historic Teatro della Pergola in Florence. This long-running food contest, one of the oldest in Tuscany and Italy, brings together the finest bakeries and pastry shops in the metropolitan area, turning it into the “Champions League” of Schiacciata Fiorentina.
Organized in collaboration with Guido Guidi Ricevimenti and the Venerabile Compagnia dei Quochi, the event was held under the patronage of the City of Florence and included in the official calendar of Vetrina Toscana, a regional initiative promoting food and wine tourism with the support of Toscana Promozione Turistica and Fondazione Sistema Toscana.
This year, the historic Caffè Gilli of Florence claimed the title with an impressive score of 114 points, repeating its victory from last year and earning a special award from the Technical Jury. In second place, with 111 points, was Pasticceria Fratelli Rigacci from Cerbaia, while the renowned Pasticceria Giorgio of Florence secured third place with 110 points.
The Top Three Pastry Shops
Caffè Gilli, founded in 1733, is one of Florence’s oldest and most prestigious cafés, located in the heart of the city. Famous for its refined pastries and elegant ambiance, it remains a symbol of Florentine tradition and excellence.
Pasticceria Fratelli Rigacci, based in Cerbaia, has built a strong reputation for high-quality artisan pastries, blending tradition with innovation. Their schiacciata alla fiorentina was praised for its delicate balance of flavors and impeccable texture.
Pasticceria Giorgio, a household name in Florence, is widely known for its mastery of classic Florentine sweets. Located in the Soffiano district, it has been a go-to destination for pastry lovers, offering some of the best millefoglie and schiacciata alla fiorentina in the city.
What is Schiacciata alla Fiorentina?
Schiacciata alla Fiorentina is a traditional Florentine carnival cake, known for its soft, spongy texture and delicate orange aroma. Unlike the savory schiacciata, which is a type of Tuscan flatbread, this version is a sweet dessert, typically made with eggs, sugar, flour, orange zest, and olive oil.
This iconic cake is easily recognizable by its rectangular shape, its light, airy consistency, and the dusting of powdered sugar on top, often decorated with the Florentine lily emblem. While some variations include a cream or chocolate filling, the classic version remains a beloved staple of Florentine pastry traditions.
Every year, the competition for the Best Schiacciata alla Fiorentina shines a spotlight on the region’s top pastry chefs and bakers, ensuring that this delicious and historic dessert continues to be celebrated by locals and visitors alike.
Florence remains a city of incredible gastronomic heritage, and this contest is yet another reason for food lovers to explore the city’s rich culinary traditions.