Opening on Via del Giglio: the Tea Room by Iside De Cesare – Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi brings the afternoon tea ritual to Florence

Starting November 12, the hotel invites guests and locals to rediscover the pleasure of tea in a British-inspired lounge, designed for those who appreciate authentic rituals.

Nestled among Renaissance palaces in the historic heart of Florence, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi, the five-star jewel of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, unveils a new and refined experience for the colder months: the Tea Room by Iside De Cesare. This intimate and exclusive space is designed to celebrate the timeless elegance of the afternoon tea ritual.

The Tea Room will offer a selection of exclusive blends, along with a menu of homemade sweet and savoury delights curated by Chef Patronne Iside De Cesare, who leads the hotel’s entire culinary offering and has already earned a Michelin Star with her restaurant La Parolina in Trevinano..

The new space will open on 12 November 2025, from 4:00 to 6:30 pm, welcoming hotel guests as well as locals, becoming a charming urban retreat where one can enjoy a moment of calm and beauty. Overlooking Via del Giglio, its street-facing window offers a glimpse into the warm, cocooning atmosphere inside—a setting that invites you to slow down, beneath a ceiling adorned with elegant frescoed decorations. Soft lighting, round marble tables, velvet seating, and creamy-shaded floor lamps create a classically elegant environment, with touches of burgundy and distinctly British accents, all while honouring Tuscan tradition. A lit tea light on every table and vintage porcelain teacups adorned with delicate pastel flowers evoke the charm of a true English afternoon tea. Above all, the setting will evolve with the seasons, following the natural rhythm of time and offering a constantly renewed story of this space, just like the hotel itself, which doesn’t merely exist, but gracefully transforms and evolves with the passing of time.

The afternoon tea experience will be available in three options: 

* Classic – a selection of teas and infusions, served with sweet and savoury treats. 

* Perlage – includes the tea and infusion selection, sweet and savoury menu, and a glass of Champagne. 

* Gold – featuring saffron tea by Blue Karavan, a glass of Champagne, and the full sweet and savoury selection.

The teas and infusions in the first two menus come from La Via del Tè, a historic Florentine tea house founded in 1961 by the Carrai family: a story of passion and expertise that, starting from plantations in Sri Lanka, now extends to a tea plantation in Val d’Ossola — one of the very few Italian productions of leaf tea.

The saffron tea in the Gold menu is the result of a collaboration with Blue Karavan, another Florentine company that transforms the meeting of Italian style and world gastronomic excellence into a sensory experience. The saffron used is Iranian, hand-harvested at dawn in the Khorasan region, selecting only the red stigmas for a rare intensity in aroma and color.

In addition to the classics like Imperial Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Darjeeling, and Green Gunpowder, guests can enjoy herbal teas, infusions, and flavored teas such as Verbena and Melissa, Wild Berries, Marrakesh Mint, and Ginger and Lemon.

For the sweet and savory selections by Iside De Cesare, offerings include vanilla shortbread cookies, cocoa diamonds, madeleines, fruit and chocolate tartlets, lemon meringue tarts, cucumber sandwiches, and small bites with smoked salmon and grilled vegetables. For those seeking a simpler experience, individual tea and coffee options are also available à la carte.

True to the motto of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts – Stay in the moment since 1933 – the Tea Room by Iside De Cesare, open until March 31, 2026, is a tribute to the joy of time dedicated to oneself: a place where every detail – from tiered trays overflowing with pastries, to silver platters, to the notes of classical music playing softly in the background – celebrates the grace of a timeless, ancient ritual. 

Making the experience even more special are the gift vouchers for afternoon tea, perfect for an elegant holiday gift or a thoughtful gesture during the colder months. 

Blending history and modernity, hospitality and tradition, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi adds a new chapter to its Florentine experience, inviting everyone to simply savor the pleasure of the moment.

Press notes:

Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Florence is an elegant five-star property featuring 86 rooms and suites, located in the heart of Florence, just steps from the Duomo, the Medici Chapels, and the Uffizi Galleries. The hotel stands out for its historical and artistic charm, with frescoed halls and period furnishings dating back to the 16th century, telling the aristocratic story of the Florentine Gaddi and Arrighetti families who once resided there. The palace has been restored with great care to preserve its Renaissance identity and is now the second Tivoli-branded property in Italy, officially opened in June 2024 following the launch of Tivoli Portopiccolo in 2023. The culinary offering at Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi is a journey of flavors led by entrepreneur Chef Iside De Cesare, already at the helm of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Parolina in Trevinano. She curates three distinct dining venues:

Terrae by Iside De Cesare, a fine dining experience alongside talented Resident Chef Salvatore Canargiu, featuring dishes that blend innovation, authenticity, and sustainability in a tribute to culinary roots; Aria by Iside De Cesare, a panoramic cocktail bar with a 360° view over Florence, where refined mixology and raw seafood meet the creativity of Iside De Cesare’s iconic “Bolla”;

Milton by Iside De Cesare, Bar & Bistrot, a stylish lounge bar with an all-day bistro concept, ideal for relaxing with snacks, cocktails, and a selection of international and local dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. A Secret Garden further enhances the gastronomic experience, offering a unique setting where nature and tranquility accompany breakfast, a light bite, or a drink during the warmer months.