If you’re looking for a little pick-me-up as you stroll the cobblestone streets of Florence, this list will tell you the best brews and cafes the city has to offer. From historic spots that have been serving for centuries to trendy new spots, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of the best cafes in Florence, Italy. Enjoy an authentic Italian coffee experience as you soak in all the beauty of Renaissance architecture and artwork around every corner of this charming city.
Caffe Gilli – The Most Famous Cafe in Florence
Once you’ve wandered around the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, head to Caffe Gilli, the most famous cafe in Florence. Open since 1733, Gilli has been frequented by everyone from politicians and intellectuals to international celebrities over the centuries.
When you enter, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time thanks to the marble floors, grand mirrors and frescoed ceilings. Take a seat on the outdoor piazza to watch the world go by, or inside one of the lavish salons. The service is impeccable, whether you’re just after an espresso, light lunch or evening drink.
The coffee and hot chocolate are to die for, made from the finest locally-sourced ingredients according to traditional recipes. As for the pastries, they’re displayed like little works of art – try the famous Zabaione cake or Panettone at Christmas. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, you’ll find beautifully packaged coffee, chocolates, and candied fruit to take home.
Caffe Gilli
Location: Via Roma, 1r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone: +39 055 213896
La Ménagère – Best for Breakfast and Brunch
La Ménagère is a trendy brunch spot housed in a former industrial space, making it ideal for a leisurely breakfast or brunch. With rustic wooden tables, lush plants and an open kitchen, it has a stylish yet cosy vibe that would make a great setting for your next Instagram post. They offer high-quality, homemade and fresh local ingredients crafted into delicious brunch fare like their Ricotta Pancakes and Avocado Toast, ranging from €12.00 to €18.00.
To drink, they have a wide range of coffee selections such as a cappuccino for €4.00, a classic caffe latte and their must-try Marocchino, both for €4.50. If you happen to stumble there later in the day (or anytime really, you’re on vacation!) — they also serve refreshing cocktails for you to enjoy.
Oh, and did we mention they double as a flower shop and home store as well? Yup, this cafe really does have everything. Go early as they do get quite busy, especially on weekends. It’s a bit on the pricier side but worth it for the high quality and experience. Their doors open at 8 am daily.
La Ménagère
Location: Via de’ Ginori, 8/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone: +39 055 075 0600
Ditta Artigianale – For Specialty Coffee Lovers
For travellers who are serious devotees of the coffee scene, Ditta Artigianale should be at the top of your list in Florence. Here you’ll find a perfect combination of specialty beans, skilled baristas and an inviting space to sip and savour a flawless cup of coffee.
Ditta Artigianale was founded in 2013 by Francesco Sanapo, the three-time Italian Barista Champion, and Patrick Hoffer, the president of Caffè Corsini. The specialty roaster is currently overseen by Michele Aneddoti, who won the Italian Coffee Roasting Champion title in 2019. Safe to say, the baristas here really know their stuff.
The cafes offer a variety of single-origin coffees, espressos, and filter coffees that change frequently, allowing customers to try something new each time. The friendly baristas are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the coffees and brewing methods with customers, so if you drop by, don’t be shy about asking them for some coffee roasting tips.
They have cafes all over Florence, so there’s no excuse for you to miss this cafe hot spot. If you get peckish, they also do excellent brunch fare, homemade cakes and light lunches.
Ditta Artigianale Neri
Location: Via dei Neri, 30/32 R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone: +39 055 274 1541
Ditta Artigianale Piazza Ferrucci
Location: Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 1r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone: +39 055 771 4875
Ditta Artigianale Sprone
Location: Via dello Sprone, 5/R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone: +39 055 045 7163
Volume – Trendy Cafe Vibes in Santo Spirito
Looking to recharge with a quick coffee break or spend a leisurely afternoon reading and chatting with friends? Then head to Volume in the Santo Spirito district. They’re open daily from 8 am until midnight, so you can pop in for your coffee fix morning, noon, or night.
This cafe exudes an artsy, eclectic vibe with rustic wood accents, vintage mismatched chairs and an impressive collection of books lining the walls. With free Wi-Fi and plenty of seating, Volume is an ideal spot to work or socialise for a few hours. They frequently host events like book readings, art exhibits and live music performances in the evening. The ambiance is hip and lively, attracting a young, creative crowd.
Volume is known for its specialty coffees featuring unique blends from small Italian roasters. Their house espresso has hints of cocoa and dried fruit, while the cold brew iced coffee is refreshingly fruity. For coffee connoisseurs, they offer pour-overs and Chemex brewing methods as well.
When the sun sets, this eccentric cafe transforms into a full-on craft bar that serves great beer, fine wine, and creative alcoholic concoctions. Local musicians gather to play live music, making Volume a must-stop for your nightouts in Florence as well.
Volume
Location: Piazza Santo Spirito, 3, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone: +39 055 238 1460
Caffè Concerto Paszkowski – Best Cafe for People Watching
Caffè Concerto Paszkowski is considered the most iconic cafe in Florence, having been declared a national monument in 1991. What was once a beer hall is now a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy an espresso and Italian pastry.
The cafe has preserved its charm and style since the late 19th century when it attracted intellectuals and writers. Now, it attracts tourists from all over the world, as well as locals. Paszkowski underwent a stylistic renewal while maintaining its inimitable elegance. In addition to excellent coffee, the cafe serves delectable pastries created by master pastry chefs Massimo Davitti and Francesco Lippi. And, of course, their best-selling classic toast is a must-try — it’s bread on a whole different level.
Grab an espresso at the coffee bar, enjoy it standing as the Italians do, and be on your way. Or, if you want to soak in the energy of Florence, sit at one of their outdoor tables, a prime spot for people-watching and savouring your cup of Italian roast.
Caffè Concerto Paszkowski
Location: Piazza della Repubblica, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone: +39 055 210236
Coffee Mantra – Home of the Best Flat White
In an authentically Florentine area of the city, away from the hordes of tourists, lies Coffee Mantra – home to possibly the best cup of coffee in the city. The friendly staff at Coffee Mantra, led by owner/barista Giovanni, are truly passionate about creating the perfect cup of coffee.
Coffee Mantra offers several brewing methods, including V60 pour-over, AeroPress, French press, filter coffee, and cold brew coffee. You can choose from single-origin coffees from different regions all at a reasonable price, especially considering the high quality of the coffee.
An espresso costs €2.00, a flat white €3.00 (we heard it’s the best), a cold brew €3.50 and specialty brews range from €3.00 to €5.00. The pastries and snacks are also delicious and affordable, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon delight.
The location, just a short 8-minute walk from the Basilica di Santa Croce, makes Coffee Mantra a nice stop after visiting the church. Make sure to take a snap of your coffee with the shop’s charming interior consisting of white walls adorned with personal photos, wooden tables and chairs, and lots of natural light.
Coffee Mantra
Location: Borgo La Croce 71r, Via della Mattonaia, 24r, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
Phone: +39 331 336 2681
Caffé Scudieri – Best Classic Italian Pastries
Caffé Scudieri, located at the corner of Via dei Cerretani overlooking Piazza del Duomo and the Baptistery of San Giovanni, has been an institution in the city for years. The interiors ooze luxury with marble, leather, and crystal chandeliers. The sober display cases, filled with cantucci, vin santo bottles, cakes and pastries, give you a glimpse of what’s inside.
You can visit Scudieri for any occasion, from breakfast to an aperitif or lunch. What you can expect throughout your dining experience in Scudeieri is quality. Alongside their famous Italian sweets and pastries, this luxe cafe offers savoury options like spaghetti carbonara, beef burgers, salmon fillets, and traditional Tuscan dishes.
If you would like to gift a loved one some of Scudieri’s desserts, they come packaged in elegant cream-coloured boxes with a shiny ribbon, perfect for special occasions.
If you visit Florence during summer, make sure to secure a seat outside and watch the square come alive at night. Scudieri is definitely one of those few sparkling cafes that stand out by offering elegant and refined service in the most beautiful squares in Italy.
So there you have it – 7 of the best cafes in Florence. Of course, we couldn’t cover every little coffee shop in the city, but these give you a great taste (no pun intended) of what’s waiting for you on your visit to this beautiful city. Trust us, once you’ve tried the coffee here, you’ll be plotting ways to move!
If you have recommendations yourself, please let us know so we can add the cafes to our list or tell our friends about it.
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