My Unconventional Coffee Shops
Amblé, a quiet place near the Old Bridge.
Organic sandwiches, good coffee and a selection of nice vintage forniture. You can also find great second-hand clothing shops nearby. If you visit Florence and you want to combine coffee and fashion, this is a nice hidden corner in the center of the town.
www.amble.it
Coffee shop at the Biblioteca delle Oblate, Oblate Library, is a great Florence tourist attraction and a place loved by locals and students. The building used to be an ancient convent, with a great view over the cathedral and the dome by Brunelleschi.
www.caffetteriadelleoblate.it
La Terrazza, located in Florence city center, is a coffee shop on the rooftop of Rinascente shopping mall with an amazing view.
You can not visit Florence without having an aperitivo at La Terrazza.
www.larinascente.it
Volume, unconventional industrial style coffee shop in the Oltrarno, the Florentine artisan district, where you can find young creatives, dj sets and live music. This area is one of the less known among Florence tourist attractions just perfect if you want to discover unconventional designers, artisans and museums.
www.volume.fi.it
Ditta Artigianale is the brand new coffee shop where coffee is a priority. It now has 3 different locations in the most unconventional boroughs of Florence. Stylish and informal interior design, the perfect place for a coffee break and a vegetarian brunch, ideal if you visit Florence and you want to enjoy a great espresso in a vibrant atmosphere.
www.dittaartigianale.com
My Unconventional Pizza
Fermento is the right place if you are looking for an unusual pizza in the most vibrant neighbourhood of Florence, the Oltrarno. Dough chef Gianluca Valle has developed a secret blend of the best flours to create an unforgettable gourmet pizza that is as light as a cloud. Pizza aperitifs available every day starting at 6:00 pm. Take away available. www.fermento1889.com
Pizzeria del Caffé Italiano, Santa Croce area, right in Florence city center, Neapolitan style thick crust pizza, my favorite one.
www.caffeitaliano.it
Pizzaiuolo is an historical pizzeria in Florence that was opened more than 20 years ago in the neighbourhood I love, Santa Croce. They take pizza very seriously: the “napoletana verace”is made with excellent seasonal products and cooked in the wood-fired oven. As a perfect ending don’t miss the Neapolitan desserts like Babà and Pastiera. A tribute to Sicily is the only one permetted: the glorious Cannoli. www.ilpizzaiuolo.com
Pizzeria at Mercato Centrale, the Food Market, San Lorenzo area, thick crust pizza.
Mercato Centrale is one of the most famous Florence tourist attactions for the people looking for top quality street food.
www.mercatocentrale.it
My Unconventional Restaurants
Nerbone at Mercato Centrale: informal, traditional, perfect for a lunch break if you are looking for authentic Florentine food. Visit Florence and enjoy its food scene.
Nerbone’s website doesn’t exist, the word of mouth is enough.
Trattoria Mario has been a popular old-fashioned, traditional restaurant since 1953. Mouth-watering Tuscan food, friendly atmosphere. Locals go there avery day at lunch time, now it is also known as a Florence tourist attraction.
http://www.trattoriamario.com
L’Osteria di Giovanni, the place where you can try the famous bistecca alla fiorentina, the thick and raw local T-bone steak and great hand-made pasta. Located in one of the most fascinating Florentine streets, after dinner you can enjoy a nice walk in Florence city center, along the Arno river.
www.osteriadigiovanni.it
Ora d’Aria, a very elegant, minimalistic restaurant few steps away from the Ponte Vecchio where tradition and its evolution converge.
For very special lunches and dinners, just perfect if you want to have your yard time in the historical city center of Florence.
www.oradariaristorante.com
SE·STO on Arno, the restaurant on the sixth floor of the Westin Excelsior Hotel.
Romantic, fascinating, the restaurant for a Sunday brunch or for an unforgettable dinner. Unique panoramic view. All the main Florence tourist attractions are just around you.
www.sestoonarno.com
My Unconventional Chocolate Places
Rivoire is a fancy coffee and chocolate shop located in one of the most beautiful squares in Florence: Piazza della Signoria. It offers top quality chocolate desserts, pralines and pastries, all made in the workshop in the lower level of the shop. Visit Florence and enjoy its famous hot chocolate with whipped cream, surrounded by beautiful Renaissance artworks.
www.rivoire.it
Vestri, fantastic chocolate, gelato and gift boxes near Piazza Santa Croce right in Florence city center. Strolling around the neighborhood, enjoiyng its artisan scene and trying its delicacies is always a good idea.
www.vestri.it
Slitti Experience: from Tuscany’s chocolate valley to the very heart of Florence. Andrea Slitti started his adventure in the family coffee roasting factory in 1969 and even though coffee was his first love he was creative and curious enough to immerse himself into the chocolate world creating unconventional blends and winning all the most important international competitions. Unmissable when in Florence for an unforgettable coffee, chocolate and gelato experience.
http://www.slitti.it