Hi! We're heading to northern Italy in August (Rome, Siena, Cinque Terra, Venice, Piran (Slovenia), Rijeka (Croatia), Lucca and Florence). We really love supporting small mom and pop restaurants and shops so would really appreciate any recommendations for small restaurants and shops we should support while we are touring. I know that they may be closed because of the timing, but still appreciate any recommendations (just in case!). Thanks in advance!

Lucca -
https://www.bucadisantantonio.com/
Enjoy your trip - will be hot but sounds fab !
BUCADISANTANTONIO.COM
Ristorante Buca di S.Antonio

We went to all these in the last 2 years. We try to stay away from tourist places and find the local places. Good luck and enjoy!!! I LOVE Italy.
Rome: Osteria Faleria, Trattoria Re di Roma, Spaccio Pasta, Contrario. Vineria con Cucina.
Venice: Osteria La Bottega ai Promessi Sposi, Al Chianti
Florence: Trattoria da Giorgio

Look for *Osteria* or *Trattoria* instead of *Ristorante*
The first two are usually family operated and good genuine foods/cost rapport. Often they may not have a proper menu but the host/hostess will provide you an oral menu with prelibacies of the day. Be also aware that in August most places close down...especially mid month!! Good luck and enjoy my beautiful country of origin (although I won't envy you the heat and humidity you will encounter, be prepared!!)

Don’t worry about things being closed, but be prepared for the heat! When I am in a new place, I always ask pharmacists for their recommendations. They are well established in the community and are educated-so English is not a problem. Plus, they never get asked that kind of stuff so they are usually enthusiastic in their reply.

I usually try and connect with my host for recommendations and point out that I like simple reasonably local food. So far, so good!

Check out Pula Croatia since you are close to this area. Has a well-maintained colosseum.

Andrew That is definitely on our list!

We stayed in Levanto and enjoyed the small local shops and coffee shops. Not as busy as the 5 towns of Cinque terre

Google Maps, Read the reviews, Done!

In Florence, try Trattoria Marione. So good we went twice. Also Buccafica in the Oltrarno district of Florence

You will love Piran! Such a great and beautiful town to explore. Seafood is the focus at most restaurants. I highly recommend this family-owned restaurant, which is in the Old Town, not on the waterfront. Lots of locals. No website, so just Google it: Fritolin Pri Cantini.
Enjoy your trip!

If you go by Cornelia (cinque Terre) stop by Bar Pan e Vin. It's owned by a lovely couple. We stayed at their airbnb two years ago and had breakfast in their restaurant daily, the best pistachio croissants we had the whole damn time we were in Italy. They also have foccacia sandwiches, wine tastings etc.

Visit Moretti Walter's shop in Florence if you want leather goods. Ive been using his crossbody bag almost daily since I got it three years ago. Very reasonable prices for leather bags

Not a small business but also visit Santa Maria novella while in Florence. It's so beautiful, historical, and has incredible perfumes.