Let’s start from the basics of sharing (yes, the Treccani Dictionary¹ itself): condividere – [verb, from con- and dividere]. To share or split something with others. Example: “The inheritance was shared equally among the siblings.” Also, to have something in common. […] Widely shared goals and plans, enjoying broad support.
Why talk about etymology? Because what might sound obvious at first isn’t obvious to us – especially when it comes to food.
Ammodino was born from this very idea: that eating together is a gesture of love. A ritual that brings people closer, and tells the story of who we are.
Ammodino: more than a restaurant, a philosophy
Inside The Social Hub, on Viale Belfiore in Florence, we created a space that blends hospitality, seasonal cooking, and a new way of approaching the table with the first “Meglio Insieme” in the city.
“Meglio Insieme” is a large table designed to be shared with someone you love or maybe someone you’ve just met. Where dishes like Panelle di Ceci² with cashew cream, Frittino dell’Aia³, and MaiPari Orecchiette⁴ (yes, always an odd number) become shared experiences to enjoy together.
Sharing, the Italian way
In Tuscany – and all over Italy – we have our own way of sharing. And often, the real star of this everyday ritual is food.
Think of the local markets⁵. You approach a fruit stand, look over the crates, and while you’re deciding, the vendor offers you a strawberry: “These came in this morning. Do you wanna try one?”
Sure, it might be a smart sales trick, but maybe it’s also something more.
It’s the pleasure of offering. Of creating a small, real moment of exchange. An invitation to experience, through a simple fruit, a sense of trust and shared daily life.
A very Italian way of thinking about food: touch it, taste it, choose it while picturing breakfast, or maybe after lunch, with a nice bowl of strawberries, sugar, and lemon. And asking yourself whether those right in front of you might be the ones for that exact moment.
The table as a sharing experience
Then think of Sunday lunches with family, with dishes and trays being passed around to the soft background buzz of conversation. Barbecues with friends. Or spontaneous sushi nights with your girlfriends on a Friday.
What are these, if not moments of sharing?
Rituals born from food and love for those around us. A way of taking care of each other, of telling our stories, of being truly present.
A place to be and share
That’s why at Ammodino, sharing doesn’t end with the “Meglio Insieme”.
Our idea of hospitality is built around one concept: creating a space where you can be yourself with others. Where every moment – whether it’s an aperitivo, a dinner, or just a coffee – becomes a gesture of openness, a story to be shared.
At the heart of it, that’s what we do every day: build a community made of small, meaningful gestures, like those you find at local markets, at family lunches, or in a toast among friends.
And in our restaurant, this authentic way of experiencing food finds a home in a space that speaks of people, connections, and shared experiences.
Because in the end, doing things ammodino⁶ can be incredibly simple when done with love, and with someone to share them with.
Footnotes
¹ Treccani Dictionary: Italy’s most authoritative encyclopedia and dictionary, often used as a national reference for language, culture, and definitions. Citing it is comparable to referencing the Oxford English Dictionary in the UK or Merriam-Webster in the US.
² Panelle di Ceci: chickpea fritters typical of Sicilian cuisine. Originally a humble dish, they are now a beloved street food and a symbol of simplicity and sharing.
³ Frittino dell’Aia: an evocative term referring to mixed fried bites from the farmyard (such as chicken, rabbit, or garden vegetables), typical of Tuscan countryside cooking. The name suggests a rustic, convivial meal.
⁴ MaiPari Orecchiette: “MaiPari” means “never even” or “never equal” in Italian. The name plays on a local belief that even numbers bring bad luck at the table, so odd-numbered portions are a good-luck gesture.
⁵ Local markets: neighborhood markets found across Italy, often open-air and selling local, seasonal produce. They are central to daily life and Italian culture, serving both as places to shop and hubs of social interaction.
⁶ Ammodino: a colloquial expression from central Italy, especially Tuscany, meaning “done properly,” “done right,” or “with care.” It implies attention to detail and a personal, balanced way of doing things.