The opening scene of Episode 1 of Emily in Paris Season 5 finds Emily reflecting on her first day at Agence Grateau's Italian branch as she decides to take the bus to work, calling Mindy on the way. Mindy informs Emily that she's returned from Shanghai and is on her way back to Paris. Meanwhile, in the backdrop, Sylvie and Giancarlo discuss her impending departure to Paris, with Giancarlo insisting that she stay behind to nurture the Italian office. Impressed by the suggestion, Sylvie reaches out to Luc and Julien to come by the office. There, Emily is taken aback to learn that Sylvie, Luc, and Julien will also be working out of Italy.
As Antoine and Alfie arrive at the now-empty Paris office for a meeting with Sylvie, they are shocked to learn about the Italy expansion. Antoine blames Sylvie for the failure of his new baby perfume line. Later that day, Emily confronts Sylvie about her earlier promise to let her manage the Italy office on her own. Sylvie dismisses the accusation with a wave of her hand, and Emily leaves to meet Marcello. Together, they set out to meet Marcello's mother, Antonia, and his sisters, Livia and Francesca.
Gabriel shows up outside Emily's Italy office to confess his feelings for her, only to be stunned by the sight of her with Marcello. Sylvie notices Gabriel and takes him out for lunch. During their drive, Marcello reveals that they will be picking truffles for dinner that evening. Antonia, Livia, and Francesca point out that Emily is not dressed appropriately for the occasion, but she does her best to fit in. In Solitano, Livia and Francesca openly disapprove of Emily, accusing her of being after their money, but Marcello shuts them down.
Emily helps Antonia in the kitchen and tries to bring up work. Antonia reveals that she is not interested in expanding the Muratori brand but is waiting for JVMA and Nico to lose interest so she can return to producing their Roman brand locally. Later that night, Sylvie and Giancarlo are out on a date when Sylvie runs into an old friend, a British princess named Gianna (Jane). Over drinks, Gianna warns Sylvie that running a business in Rome will not be easy and adds that Antonia will be difficult to impress. She offers to host a party to help Agence Grateau build contacts in Rome.
The following morning, Sylvie imparts the exciting news of the impending welcome party to Emily, urging her to press on with her pursuit of Muratori. In parallel, Antoine sends over his baby fragrance line, entrusting the team with the task of offloading the inventory in Italy. Emily text-messages Alfie, extending an invitation to join Antoine for the festivities in Italy.
Back in Paris, Alfie confides in Gabriel that Antoine is trimming the restaurant's budget, leaving Gabriel aghast and yearning to revamp the menu to lure in a fresh clientele. Mindy happens upon Alfie and Gabriel at the restaurant, where their conversation turns from business to their tangled love lives, forging a bond over dinner that catches Genevieve's eye.
In Italy, at the welcoming soiree, Gianna confides in Sylvie her financial predicament – she's broke and rents out rooms in her mansion. She proposes an exchange: introducing Sylvie to luxury brands in exchange for a share of the partnership. Meanwhile, Emily pitches Antonia on expanding Muratori through a fragrance collaboration, and Antonia is won over, requesting Emily to hash out strategies with her.
Meanwhile, Luc introduces his girlfriend, Bianca Bavazza of Bavazza Coffee, to Sylvie. Sylvie proposes a coffee-infused alcohol line, an idea that impresses Bianca. Emily updates Antoine on the potential Muratori partnership, while Antoine flirts with Antonia in an attempt to woo her. Antonia agrees to the partnership, and Emily exults in her accomplishment as the episode draws to a close.
