Florence is famous for its art, architecture, and rich history, but the city’s coffee culture is also a timeless experience. Known for its dedication to the traditional Italian coffee rituals, Florence offers a blend of historic cafés and modern spots that cater to every kind of coffee lover. Whether you’re sipping a quick espresso on the go or enjoying a leisurely cappuccino in a sun-soaked piazza, Florence’s coffee scene is steeped in tradition, but with a few contemporary twists. Here’s our guide to the best cafés in Florence to enjoy a cup of coffee like a local.
1. Caffè Gilli
Dating back to 1733, Caffè Gilli is one of Florence’s most iconic and oldest cafés. Located in Piazza della Repubblica, this historic café offers a beautiful mix of Art Deco elegance and timeless Italian coffee craftsmanship. Whether you’re seated inside admiring the décor or outside people-watching in the bustling square, Caffè Gilli is the place to enjoy a classic Florentine coffee experience.
Must-Try: The cappuccino served with a delicate pastry like the sfogliatella for the perfect Italian breakfast.
2. Ditta Artigianale
Bringing a modern twist to Florence’s coffee scene, Ditta Artigianale is known for its dedication to specialty coffee and international brewing methods. Located in the heart of the city, this café offers an artisan approach to coffee with a focus on ethically sourced beans from around the world. Whether you’re a fan of pour-over or prefer a flat white, Ditta Artigianale is a haven for those who appreciate carefully crafted coffee in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere.
Must-Try: The V60 pour-over for a light, fruity, and complex cup that showcases their single-origin beans.
3. La Ménagère
La Ménagère offers much more than just coffee—it’s a multi-concept space that includes a flower shop, restaurant, and café all rolled into one. Located near San Lorenzo, this beautifully designed space is perfect for enjoying coffee in a stylish, creative environment. The café serves everything from classic espresso drinks to specialty brews, making it a great spot to relax, work, or simply take in the unique ambiance.
Must-Try: A creamy latte macchiato, best enjoyed while sitting in their floral-filled café space.
4. Scudieri
A stone’s throw from the Duomo, Caffè Scudieri is another historic gem that has been serving coffee since 1939. Its prime location makes it a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and its elegant atmosphere offers a glimpse into Florence’s long-standing coffee traditions. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso at the counter or sitting down to enjoy a leisurely coffee with a view of the cathedral, Scudieri is a must-visit for anyone in Florence.
Must-Try: A traditional espresso served with a piece of biscotti for an authentic Italian experience.
5. Le Murate Caffè Letterario
If you’re looking for a cultural experience alongside your coffee, head to Le Murate Caffè Letterario. Set within a former prison turned cultural center, this café is a popular spot for locals looking to combine coffee with art, literature, and music. The atmosphere here is vibrant and intellectual, making it a great place to sip a coffee while engaging in thought-provoking conversation or attending one of the café’s many events.
Must-Try: A rich macchiato while browsing their collection of books or enjoying the outdoor courtyard.
The Verdict: Florence’s Coffee Traditions Meet Modern Innovation
In Florence, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual that reflects the city’s timeless charm and cultural richness. From grand historic cafés to contemporary coffee shops embracing new brewing methods, Florence offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of coffee lover. So whether you’re taking a quick espresso at the bar or lingering over a cappuccino in a scenic piazza, you’ll find that Florence’s coffee culture is as layered and beautiful as its art.
Have you experienced coffee in Florence? Share your favorite spots in the comments below!
1. Caffè Gilli
Dating back to 1733, Caffè Gilli is one of Florence’s most iconic and oldest cafés. Located in Piazza della Repubblica, this historic café offers a beautiful mix of Art Deco elegance and timeless Italian coffee craftsmanship. Whether you’re seated inside admiring the décor or outside people-watching in the bustling square, Caffè Gilli is the place to enjoy a classic Florentine coffee experience.
Must-Try: The cappuccino served with a delicate pastry like the sfogliatella for the perfect Italian breakfast.
2. Ditta Artigianale
Bringing a modern twist to Florence’s coffee scene, Ditta Artigianale is known for its dedication to specialty coffee and international brewing methods. Located in the heart of the city, this café offers an artisan approach to coffee with a focus on ethically sourced beans from around the world. Whether you’re a fan of pour-over or prefer a flat white, Ditta Artigianale is a haven for those who appreciate carefully crafted coffee in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere.
Must-Try: The V60 pour-over for a light, fruity, and complex cup that showcases their single-origin beans.
3. La Ménagère
La Ménagère offers much more than just coffee—it’s a multi-concept space that includes a flower shop, restaurant, and café all rolled into one. Located near San Lorenzo, this beautifully designed space is perfect for enjoying coffee in a stylish, creative environment. The café serves everything from classic espresso drinks to specialty brews, making it a great spot to relax, work, or simply take in the unique ambiance.
Must-Try: A creamy latte macchiato, best enjoyed while sitting in their floral-filled café space.
4. Scudieri
A stone’s throw from the Duomo, Caffè Scudieri is another historic gem that has been serving coffee since 1939. Its prime location makes it a popular spot for both tourists and locals, and its elegant atmosphere offers a glimpse into Florence’s long-standing coffee traditions. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso at the counter or sitting down to enjoy a leisurely coffee with a view of the cathedral, Scudieri is a must-visit for anyone in Florence.
Must-Try: A traditional espresso served with a piece of biscotti for an authentic Italian experience.
5. Le Murate Caffè Letterario
If you’re looking for a cultural experience alongside your coffee, head to Le Murate Caffè Letterario. Set within a former prison turned cultural center, this café is a popular spot for locals looking to combine coffee with art, literature, and music. The atmosphere here is vibrant and intellectual, making it a great place to sip a coffee while engaging in thought-provoking conversation or attending one of the café’s many events.
Must-Try: A rich macchiato while browsing their collection of books or enjoying the outdoor courtyard.
The Verdict: Florence’s Coffee Traditions Meet Modern Innovation
In Florence, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual that reflects the city’s timeless charm and cultural richness. From grand historic cafés to contemporary coffee shops embracing new brewing methods, Florence offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of coffee lover. So whether you’re taking a quick espresso at the bar or lingering over a cappuccino in a scenic piazza, you’ll find that Florence’s coffee culture is as layered and beautiful as its art.
Have you experienced coffee in Florence? Share your favorite spots in the comments below!
