Coffee holds a significant place in Italian culture and history. For centuries, enjoying a cup of coffee has been a revered tradition in Italy, symbolizing both mastery and leisure. Whether you are a local or a visitor, savoring coffee in Florence is an experience not to be missed.
Given Italy’s rich coffee heritage, exploring the cafes of Florence offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. These establishments have long been integral to Florentine life, serving as social hubs where neighbors gather early in the morning, colleagues unwind at lunchtime, and friends connect late into the night. Today, discussions about local politics, work matters, and community events continue to thrive within these lively spaces.
Best coffee in Florence
If you’re eager to discover more about Florence or planning your visit to this enchanting city, join us for an exciting exploration of its coffee culture!
The Best Cafes in Florence [2025]
1. Caffè Gilli
Caffè Gilli, located in the heart of Piazza della Repubblica, is one of Florence’s most renowned and influential cafes. With a professional staff dressed in neat uniforms and black ties, they gracefully navigate between tables under the café’s high ceilings. Caffè Gilli stands out as one of the largest cafes not only in Florence but also rivals those in Paris and Vienna.
This café serves high-quality coffee, along with a selection of cocktails for those seeking alternatives to traditional brews. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick chat with friends or planning to linger longer, you’ll be captivated by its unique ambiance. For an unforgettable experience, consider reserving an outdoor table, especially during the evenings when you can enjoy street musicians and stylish locals against the backdrop of Florentine life bustling around you.
Café Gilli is one of Florence’s most known cafes
2. Rivoire
Caffè Rivoire, nestled in Piazza della Signoria, offers breathtaking views of Palazzo Vecchio. Known for its exceptional coffee, this café is equally famous for its exquisite chocolate creations thanks to Enrico Rivoire, who began his legacy as a royal Savoy chocolatier back in 1872.
At Rivoire, don’t miss the opportunity to sprinkle cocoa on your cappuccino or indulge in their signature chocolate drink known as “cioccolata calda.” The café features an array of pastries ranging from creamy brioche to decadent sachertorte, many highlighting chocolate as a key ingredient. A winter visit to Rivoire is particularly delightful when baristas serve up rich, thick hot chocolate prepared in the French style—truly one of the café’s highlights!
Café Rivoire is another Florence café
3. Shake Café
Shake Café is another popular spot in Florence, known for its vegetarian and vegan-friendly offerings. This café is an excellent choice for those seeking a quick snack or a meal on the go.
At Shake Café, you’ll find a delightful selection of American-style coffees alongside freshly prepared and healthy food options. The menu features spicy juices, smoothies, flavorful salmon dishes, fresh salads, and delicious vegan baked goods.
This café is particularly favored by the youth of Florence and has two distinct areas: a cozy outdoor seating section in Santa Maria Novella Square and a larger, inviting space near San Marco Square that accommodates various groups. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a refreshing drink, Shake Café provides a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy your meal.
SHAKE CAFE has a vegetarian and vegan environment
4. Oblate Library Café
The Oblate Library Café features a unique entrance that requires navigating through the library to reach its terrace, accessible by either stairs or an elevator for your convenience.
This café boasts one of the best views of the Duomo from its spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the Oblate courtyard. The atmosphere here is lively yet tranquil, reminiscent of a university setting, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
Groups often gather at scattered tables to study, enjoy coffee, and socialize, creating a vibrant community vibe. It’s an ideal location for sipping coffee while taking in the sights of Florence.
5. Melaleuca
Melaleuca is a distinctive café in Florence that brings together American and Australian influences as part of the third wave of coffee culture.
Located just steps from the Arno River, Melaleuca is not your typical café. Founded in 2019 by Marco Calliari and Chloe Gast—who hail from Gainesville, Florida, and Cairns, Australia—it represents a fresh take on Florentine coffee culture.
Melaleuca is a café in Florence
The owners have infused their menu with elements from both American and Australian cuisines, featuring delights like cinnamon bread and expertly crafted latte art using locally sourced coffee beans.
Visitors flock to Melaleuca for its exceptional coffee offerings, particularly the D612 blend which has garnered acclaim. After indulging in their delicious cinnamon bread paired with perfectly prepared flat whites, you’ll find yourself returning to this charming café time and again.
6. Pasticceria Robiglio
At Pasticceria Robiglio, you’ll experience everything you expect from a traditional Italian café: charming ambiance, friendly service, exceptional coffee, and some of the finest sweet treats in Florence. Indulge in delights such as chocolate croissants, creamy desserts, tiramisu, and an array of specialty cakes sold by the slice.
While many cafés in Italy emphasize quick service, Robiglio invites you to enjoy a leisurely experience. Opt for outdoor seating to take in the beautiful street view—on your left, admire the Duomo and on your right, gaze at the Piazza Della Santissima Annunziata. Soak in the vacation vibes as you sip your espresso and savor delectable sweets.
PASTICCERIA ROBIGO is the best café in Florence
7. Caffe Concerto Paszkowski
Caffe Concerto Paszkowski is a renowned establishment in Florence that was recognized as a national monument in 1991. Originally opened as a beer hall, it has transformed into a beloved spot for both locals and tourists seeking quality espresso and authentic Italian pastries.
When visiting Paszkowski, embrace the Italian tradition of enjoying your espresso standing up before taking a stroll around the city. This café embodies the vibrant culture of Florence and offers an ideal stop during your explorations.
8. Finisterrae
Finisterrae welcomes visitors with its inviting atmosphere from the moment you step inside. Known for serving excellent coffees paired with delightful pastries, this café is perfect for starting your day on a relaxing note.
Treat yourself to an espresso alongside one of their delicious pastries at Finisterrae for an enjoyable morning experience in Florence. Whether you’re gearing up for a day of sightseeing or simply unwinding, this café offers a cozy retreat to savor every moment.
Best coffee in Florence
9. Coffee Mantra
Nestled near the Church of St. Ambrose, Coffee Mantra stands out as one of Florence’s specialty cafés. During peak hours, this cozy spot fills with open-minded local students who enjoy their expertly crafted coffee or gather in this intimate setting, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Owned by Giovanni Benini and his wife Laura, Coffee Mantra prides itself on its diverse brewing methods, but espresso extraction is highly recommended to truly appreciate the rich flavors of their offerings. This café is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique coffee experience in Florence.
10. SimBIOsi Organic Café
SimBIOsi Organic Café, located in the heart of Florence, offers a distinctive experience that sets it apart from other establishments. With its charming interior featuring artistic decor and vintage furnishings, this historic café emphasizes high-quality organic ingredients.
The café serves meticulously prepared espressos alongside a range of specialty coffees and organic dishes. Start your day with global breakfast options like granola, avocado toast, or porridge, then transition to lighter Tuscan classics for lunch.
SimBIOsi Organic Cafè in the center of Florence is a distinctive café with one-of-a-kind wines that distinguishes
In the evenings, indulge in offerings from local restaurants such as freshly baked pizza slices paired with organic Tuscan wines or innovative coffee cocktails like Shakrato—a delightful blend of whiskey and espresso—or cold-brewed gin and tonic.
Whether you choose to engage in conversation with the barista at the counter, relax in a cozy chair indoors, or enjoy your drink outside while soaking up the vibrant street life of Florence, SimBIOsi Organic Café promises an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the best cafés in Florence, introducing you to remarkable spots that showcase the city’s vibrant coffee culture. While this is not an exhaustive guide to every great coffee location in Florence, we hope it inspires you to explore and enjoy the exceptional flavors the city has to offer.
We encourage you not to miss out on tasting some of the world’s finest coffees during your visit. If you feel we’ve overlooked any noteworthy cafés or if you’ve discovered a hidden gem in Florence, we would love to hear from you!
Please share your experiences with us and our readers by filling out the form below. Your insights are invaluable, and we’re excited to connect with fellow coffee enthusiasts!
