Vicenzi: Matilde's Pastry Shop Near Verona, 1905

In 1905, Matilde Vicenzi opened a pasticceria in San Giovanni Lupato, a village near Verona in northern Italy. The 39-year-old mother of two had always loved to create pastries at home. With encouragement from family and friends — and a healthy dose of entrepreneurship — she decided to make the leap with her own pastry shop.

From a village shop to the world

From airy ladyfingers to cream-filled cookies, Matilde's homespun recipes quickly grew popular throughout the region and beyond. More than 110 years later, led by her grandson Giuseppe, Vicenzi creates artisanal treats that are celebrated across the world.

Her philosophy, still in the kitchen

Matilde is still present in every step of the sweet operations at Vicenzi. Following her philosophy that simplicity and quality should rule in the kitchen, the family-run company sources the finest natural ingredients, from Italian wheat to farm-fresh eggs. Bakers follow the original recipes Matilde perfected in her own kitchen, and her handwritten notebook is preserved in the company vault.

When artisans introduce new treats to the line, they remember their founder's emphasis on the small pleasures of life at home: enjoying sweet flavors with friends and family around the table.

Vicenzi at Eataly

At Eataly, we love the story of Vicenzi almost as much as the family-run company's treats — especially the now iconic ladyfingers, which make the base of our head pastry chef's recipe for tiramisù.