Seen on
My story
I was born on March 26, 1941 in Montespertoli, Tuscany. The eighth of eight children, in a family that experienced war and learned to make a virtue out of necessity.
My mother taught me to cook with whatever was available — stale bread, garden vegetables, eggs from the hens. That’s how I understood that cooking is an act of love, even before it is a technique.
At 84 years old, I still knead dough every morning in my family’s oven, because some things you simply never stop doing.
My family
My son Marco opened Forno Martini in 2006, in Castelfiorentino. Since that day, it has been our home.
My grandchildren Gabriele and Simone, together with my son-in-law Federico, one day picked up the phone and started filming me. We didn’t know what they were up to. We didn’t know the world would see us.
When you order from us, it’s like sitting at our table. Really.
From Castelfiorentino to the world.
A lifetime, a family oven, and a story that continues to be written every day.
Born in Montespertoli
On March 26, I was born into a Tuscan family of eight children: five sisters, two brothers, my father a printer, and my mother an upholsterer. The kitchen quickly became the center of everything.
The family oven
The oven is turned on. From that day, the smell of freshly baked bread has been the soundtrack of our days.
Forno Martini is born
My son Marco opens the Martini Oven in Castelfiorentino. I enter the kitchen every day, first for the sweets, then also for the savory dishes.
We are opening the second store location
The oven grows. Our family expands: new hands, the same care.
The first viral video
My grandson Gabriele shows me one of his tattoos. My reaction ends up online. Within a week, we are everywhere.
"The recipes of a lifetime"
I am publishing my first book with De Agostini. Not just recipes: also my story, from the war to today.
Italian Excellence Award
The Italian Ministry awards me the Italian Excellence Award. In the same year, I become the first Food Hero of TasteAtlas.
I cook for the royal family of Qatar
The emir invites me to Doha. I cook ragù, lasagna, and braised meat for the Al-Thani family. An emotion I will never forget.
The book arrives in Germany
"Nonna's Italian Kitchen" is coming out with Edition Michael Fischer. My Tuscan cuisine also speaks German.
Win the TikTok Awards 2025
In Milan, I received the Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards Italy. Voted by 2.6 million people. At 84 years old.
👵🏻 Grandma Silvi84 years of passion.
The numbers are just a reflection of all this love. The real one, however, is in the thousands of messages I receive every day. Thank you to those who follow me, support me, and try my products.
- 🏆 Creator of the Year · TikTok Awards 2025
- 4M+ Follow on Instagram
- 2.1M+ Follow on TikTok
- 90M+ Global views
- 2 Books published (Italy + Germany)
- 👑 Cooked for the royal family of Qatar
They told stories about me on
TikTok Awards 2025
Creator of the Year, voted by 2.6 million people. Ceremony in Milan, November 2025.
Italian Excellence Award 2023
Recognition from the Italian Ministry for the promotion of Made in Italy worldwide.
TasteAtlas Food Hero 2023
First person in the world to receive the TasteAtlas award as a Food Hero for Italian cuisine.
Awards and recognitions
My books
I have written two books: the first, "Le ricette di una vita", was published in 2023 by De Agostini. It is not just a cookbook: it is my story, from the war to my rise on social media, intertwined with the dishes from every season of my life.
In 2024, the book will also be released in Germany under the title "Nonnas italienische Küche", published by Edition Michael Fischer.
Do you want to taste them?
All my favorite sweets, in one box. The ones I used to make for my grandchildren, and that I now ship all over Italy and Europe.
Try them. I'll send it to you. 👵🏻❤️
Do you want to write to me?
For any questions about products or orders: info@nonnasilvi.com
For collaborations, partnerships, and business contacts: commerciale@nonnasilvi.com
Someone from the family always responds. Promise.