Florence doesn't just do art and architecture; it does coffee exceptionally well, too. As one of Italy's most visited cities, Florence has a great café culture that goes far beyond grabbing a quick cup on the go. Here, coffee is a ritual. You stand at the bar, order a caffè (espresso), drink it in two sips, and go about your day!
If you're after a century-old institution with chandeliers and marble countertops, a cosy specialty spot with single-origin beans, or a local bar where the regulars outnumber the tourists, this guide covers the best cafes in Florence worth adding to your itinerary. Sip your way through the city; here's where to start!
1. Gilli Cafe Florence
Gilli Cafe in Florence | Photo Credits: sailko on Wikimedia
If you're looking for the most iconic cafe in Florence, Gilli is it. This historic pasticceria and café has been serving Florentines and visitors alike from its prime spot on Piazza della Repubblica for nearly three centuries. The interior is a sight in itself with its wooden fittings, vintage mirrors, and waitstaff in white jackets that make you feel like you've walked into another era.
The espresso here is smooth and well-balanced, but don't leave without trying one of their pastries or handmade chocolates. Gilli is also well known for its seasonal creations and beautiful gift boxes, making it a great stop for edible souvenirs. Expect to pay slightly more than a neighborhood bar, but the atmosphere is worth every euro!
For anyone who wants to go deeper into Florence's coffee culture with hands-on experience, the Caffè Lovers Dream cooking class teaches authentic moka coffee and tiramisu from scratch.
Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 39r, 50123 Florence, Italy
2. Cibrèo Caffè
Cibrèo Caffe at Helvetia & Bristol
For a cafe experience that leans more into old-world Florentine elegance, Cibrèo Caffè at the Helvetia & Bristol is worth seeking out. The hotel itself is one of Florence's grande dame properties, and the café carries that same refined atmosphere.
The espresso here is smooth and well-balanced, but the real draw is the food. Come for the cornetto con crema (cream-filled pastry) at breakfast, or return during Carnevale season for the fritelle di riso that are widely considered some of the best in the city.
The handmade chocolates and seasonal pastries make it a great stop for edible souvenirs too. Expect to pay a little more than a neighborhood bar, but the atmosphere makes it worth every euro.
Address: Via dei Pescioni, 2, 50123 Florence, Italy
3. Caffè Concerto Paszkowski
Caffè Concerto Paszkowski | Photo Credits: sailko on Wikimedia
Right across the square from Gilli on Piazza della Repubblica, Paszkowski is the other great historic café Florence coffee lovers need to know about. It originally opened as a Polish brewery in 1846 before being transformed into a café-concert in 1903.
For food, Paszkowski excels at classic Italian pastry-bar fare: brioche con la crema, saccottino al cioccolato (chocolate-filled pastry), and the beloved budino di riso. The espresso is strong and reliable, and the outdoor tables overlooking the square are ideal for a slow morning before the sightseeing begins.
Pair a visit here with the Florence Food & Wine Tasting Tour to really start the trip on the right foot!
4. Caffè Scudieri
Breakfast at Caffè Scudieri | Photo Credits: Ea Ehn on Pexels
Just steps from the Duomo in Piazza di San Giovanni, Caffè Scudieri has been a Florentine favorite since 1939. It's one of the few cafes on this list with a terrace that looks directly out at the cathedral facade, which makes it one of the best cafes Florence has to offer.
The food is a highlight here. The budino di riso is excellent with its light and buttery pastry shell, and the breakfast spread includes a strong range of brioches, filled croissants, and fresh pastries made on-site. The cappuccino is well-made and consistently good, which is all you can really ask for.
If you're starting a day of sightseeing around the Duomo area, this is one of the best places to fuel up before joining a Florence Foodies Walking Tour.
Address: Piazza di San Giovanni, 19r, 50123 Florence, Italy
5. Caffè dell'Olio
Caffè dell'Olio inside Hotel Brunelleschi
Located inside the Hotel Brunelleschi, one of Florence's most distinctive properties, Caffè dell'Olio is a café experience with real architectural character. The hotel sits between the Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica, making it one of the most central spots on this list.
The coffee is well-made, the breakfast spread is one of the better hotel offerings in the city, and the pastries are fresh. It's also a solid afternoon stop if you're exploring the area and want somewhere calmer than the tourist-facing bars on the main piazzas.
Address: Piazza Santa Elisabetta, 3, 50122 Florence, Italy
FAQs about the best cafes in Florence
What is the most famous cafe in Florence?
Gilli Cafe Florence is widely considered the most famous cafe in the city; it's Florence's oldest café and the only one with a full Art Nouveau interior. It's best known for its handmade chocolates and seasonal pastries like the Carnevale fritelle di riso. Rivoire Cafe Florence on Piazza della Signoria is another strong contender, particularly famous for its cioccolata calda.
What coffee should I order in Florence?
Ordering un caffè gets you an espresso, short, strong, and served at the bar. For something softer, go for a caffè macchiato (espresso with a dash of foamed milk) or a morning cappuccino. In summer, a caffè shakerato (shaken iced espresso) is the local favorite. Avoid ordering a "latte" on its ownl it just means a glass of milk.
Where can I find the best espresso in Florence?
For its grand historic atmosphere, Gilli and Paszkowski on Piazza della Repubblica are the classics. For specialty-grade, single-origin espresso, Ditta Artigianale is the best cafe Florence has for third-wave coffee. Caffè Scudieri near the Duomo and Caffè degli Artigiani in Oltrarno are both reliable for a well-pulled, no-fuss shot at everyday prices.
What is the best neighborhood in Florence for cafe hopping?
Oltrarno is the best neighborhood for cafes in Firenze. It's smaller, cheaper, and more local than the tourist-heavy center. Piazza Santo Spirito and the surrounding streets are lined with good options. For grand historic cafes, Piazza della Repubblica is the place, while Sant'Ambrogio is worth visiting for Cibrèo Caffè and the neighborhood's easy-going energy.
What is the difference between a bar and a cafe in Italy?
In Italy, a bar is what most English speakers would call a café, it serves espresso, pastries, light snacks, and alcohol throughout the day. The word "café" doesn't really exist as a distinct category in Italian; if it says bar on the sign, it serves coffee. Don't let the name put you off: the best espresso in Florence is almost always found in a bar.
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