“Secret” Serving Windows Are Everywhere Now—And They're Not Just Pouring Wine
Inspired by Florence’s historic wine windows, restaurants and brands are putting a modern spin on an old-world creation
Secret serving windows are popping up in cities across the world. In New York, surprise scoops of ice cream are handed through a walk-up window. In London, it’s layered tiramisu. In Brooklyn, still-warm pastéis de nata. What started as a clever Renaissance Era workaround is now one of the most charming food trends of the modern era.
In Florence, Italy during the 17th century, “buchette del vino” —tiny arched “wine windows” carved into the walls of noble homes—were once a practical solution to robbery, taxes, tight quarters, and the spread of disease. Especially during the plague outbreaks of 1629–1631, merchants could pass wine to locals without direct contact, preserving commerce and civility through stone apertures the size of a shoebox.
Fast forward 400 years and these portals are now seen as iconic features of the city, offering a glimpse into Italy’s storied past—and occasionally, a splash of Chianti.
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Thanks to the virality of the last few years the idea has been rediscovered by a new generation and reimagined worldwide. These hidden hatches blend old world charm with new world invention. They’re not just convenient—they’re whimsical, highly Instagrammable, and add an element of surprise to the experience.
Secret Windows Generating Buzz
Lisbonata (Brooklyn, NY) A bakery nook serving freshly baked Portuguese pastéis de nata straight through the wall.
Secret Layers (London, UK) A window that serves rotating flavors of tiramisu. It only opens when it’s time to serve—then shuts just as quickly.
Surprise Scoop (New York, NY) An ice cream shop where the flavor is a surprise—you don’t choose, and the scoop is handed to you through a window.
Bianca (Los Angeles, CA) A Culver City bakery that opens its hidden window on Wednesdays to sell sandwiches, portafoglio, pizza, and occasionally, donuts or churros.
Ijōmaru Parfait (Osaka, Japan) A speakeasy-style parfait shop that serves towering desserts through a discreet, covert window.
Yes, There Are Actual Wine Windows Too
Several modern restaurants are recreating the original buchette del vino—some serving wine, others wine and ice cream, and many open just seasonally or on select days. Regardless of what’s inside, they consistently draw a crowd.
Buchette del Vino (New York, NY) A Florence-inspired wine window in the heart of Times Square, serving pours through a carved stone façade.
Oggi (Tampa, FL) A neighborhood restaurant offering wine, and spritzes through its dedicated wine window.
Kneads Bakeshop (Baltimore, MD) A Café serving wine in goblets through a built-in brick wine window on its exterior wall.
Milk Glass Market (Portland, OR) A coffee shop with a walk-up window offering wine, savory snacks, and soft serve.
Brands Are Popping Up with Their Own Spin
Even brands are jumping into the trend—creating limited-time pop-up windows and immersive activations that tap into the charm and mystery of the format.
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Secret Wine Window (Coachella 2025) A micro-portal that served wine to festivalgoers
Carvel Ice Cream Billboard (New York, NY) A billboard pop-up that served soft-serve ice cream—for free.
Blank Street “Press for Picnic” (London, UK) A branded pop-up window: press a button, receive a surprise picnic snack.
Brings back memories of my time in Florence:) But in all my years there, I never saw one actually in use.
There's something so charming about these windows.