I decided not to title this post “the best coffee in Florence” or “the best cafes in Florence” simply because Florence is in Italy and let’s face it, most of the coffee here is amazing! So here are six of our favourite spots to get caffeinated in Florence.
Caffè Gilli
Directly behind the carousel in Piazza della Republica , Caffè Gilli has been in operation since 1733. Its dark wood accents and moldings show a quality of work and pride that is sometimes hard to find in a modern world. The baristas and waiters are dressed in freshly pressed suits and serve beautiful coffee and pastries along the polished green marble bar. You can drink your coffee standing or if there are tables available you can sit without a surcharge.
Via Roma, 1r, 50123 Firenze
Caffè Rivoire
Caffè Rivoire is another amazing antique café. Opened in 1872 by Enrico Rivoire, chocolatier to the Savoy royal family, the main floor hosts a bar and restaurant and the basement is dedicated to a chocolate factory. Their coffee is wonderful but for a toothsome treat, try one of their heavenly drinking chocolates.
Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze, Italy
Caffè Giacosa
Venue of choice for the Florentine elite of the 20th century, Caffè Giacosa hasn’t changed much since its heydey. Fashion conscious Florentines still congregate here for an espresso or cappuccino with a signature swirl of bitter chocolate on the rim. In 2002 designer Roberto Cavalli renovated the café and opened his flagship clothing store next door. He kept many of the original fixtures, the pastry case, marble bar and burgundy banquette haven’t changed and you can still order a Negroni here, the birthplace of the drink in 1920.
Via della Spada, 10r, 50123 Firenze, Italy
Procacci
Around the corner from Giacosa, you’ll find Procacci. Considered a luxury grocery, they are purveyors of high-end truffle products. They also serve a mean coffee but it’s their tiny truffle sandwiches that won our hearts. Ringing in at €2.20 a piece they are definitely a luxury but worth every cent.
Via de’ Tornabuoni, 64R, 50123 Firenze, Italy
Scudieri
Opening in 1939 across from the Battistero di San Giovanni, Scudieri is a class act. Pay no mind to the attitude that you might get from some of the servers, the coffee here is awesome and the view is by far one of the best in town. You might want to take your coffee at the bar since table service will cost you four times the price.
50129, Piazza S. Giovanni, 19/R, 50123 Firenze, Italy
SantaRosa Bistrot
Cross the Arno and walk up to Santarosa Bistrot for a neighbourhood experience. Hidden behind the Mura di Santa Rosa you would have a hard time finding this gem if you didn’t know it was there. Inside the funky bistro are several tables and a lot of live plants making it very homey. Outside, you can get comfortable on their homemade pallet furniture surrounded by garden boxes. Might I add, the staff here are very friendly and helpful if you have any questions.
Lungarno di Santa Rosa, 50142 Firenze, Italy
Whichever café you choose in Florence, you are almost guaranteed a delicious coffee. enjoy the experience and your surroundings, you are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.