The best Coffee Shops in Florence!

The best Coffee Shops in Florence!

Italian coffee is famous all over the world and the history of coffee in Italy is very old; to this day, Italian coffee delights its admirers and presents itself in different ways, tastes and aromas. Today we are going to the birthplace of the Renaissance, where I invite you to discover – with me – the best coffee shops in the beautiful Florence, capital of Tuscany. Ready? Come on! Here at  Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia  you make the trip of your dreams !!! ALSO: see our  “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”.

Our introduction

When we talk about Italy, some typically Italian products come to mind: pasta, pizza, Aperol and, of course, coffee!

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in Italy and the country has a very close history with this delicacy coming from Arabia. The history of coffee in Italy began centuries ago and all because of its privileged geographic position, which greatly facilitated its trade relations with the Arabs, responsible for spreading the coffee tradition throughout the Italian peninsula. One of the most important centers of this distribution in the 16th century was Cairo, Egypt, from where several merchants already exported coffee to almost all parts of the world, including Italy.

It is very common to see Italy constantly on the list of countries that consume the most coffee in the world and it is also very famous for its tasty and imposing coffees; no wonder Italian coffees hold several awards around the world in various ‘categories’!

Finally, let’s get to know the best coffee shops in Florence.

. Also read: 

• What are the best coffee shops in Venice? 
• The best coffee shops in Rome?
• The best Coffee Shops in Naples!

1) The best Coffee Shops in Florence: Caffè Paszkowski

:: Caffè Paszkowski – Opened in 1846, this is one of the most famous coffee shops in Florence! Classic, it offers us a very special coffee and treats that will drive even the most demanding palates crazy. The place, in 1904, passed to the Polish Paszkowski family who turned the place into a brewery and, in the early 1900s, brought together writers, artists and other important personalities. After the war, in 1947, the place was renovated and also started to run as a small restaurant. The decor here is all in the style of the early 20th century, and it’s very charming! It is worth visiting!

Where? Piazza d. Repubblica, 31-35/r.

2) The best Coffee Shops in Florence: Caffé Le Giubbe Rosse

:: Caffé Le Giubbe Rosse – Another historic coffee shop in Florence is the fantastic Caffé Le Giubbe Rosse. Also in Piazza della Repubblica, it was founded in 1897 and soon became a success. It also brought together many famous names such as artists and poets and, to this day, it is a very popular place for both locals and tourists. The coffee here is magnificent! Creamy, tasty and perfectly made.

Where? Piazza della Repubblica, 13/r.

3) The best Coffee Shops in Florence: Caffè Gilli

:: Caffè Gilli – Opened in 1733, it is considered the oldest coffee shop in Florence. It’s the kind of historic, classic place that enchants, even today, whoever sits at one of its tables to enjoy one of the best coffees in all of Italy! I swear! No exaggeration! In addition to coffee, the place produces its own chocolate and they are all a delight! The sweets also draw attention and harmonize perfectly with the creamy espresso served at the house! It’s worth, AWESOME, getting to know this place!

Where? Via Roma, 1/R.

 

4) The best Coffee Shops in Florence: Rivoire

:: Rivoire – Although the main feature of the house is not exactly the café, the place MUST be visited! Here, in 1872, Enrico Rivoire, from Turin and royal chocolatier, opened Rivoire as a chocolate factory. It was in this place that, practically, hot chocolate became popular! In 1977, the Rivoires transferred the administration to the Bardelli brothers, who insisted on maintaining all the artisanal characteristics of the production of the products available here, which range from roasting cocoa to final packaging. The recipes are original and the setting in early 20th century style is a gift to our senses, not to mention the hot chocolate served in the house: the best of the best! Although you can’t beat the incredible view of the Signoria Palace, which, depending on the day, is tinged with golden sunlight, you need to see this place!

Where? Piazza della Signoria, 5/R.

5) The best Coffee Shops in Florence: Vivoli

:: Vivoli – in 1929, Mr Serafino Vivoli founded a dairy which, shortly afterwards, ended up becoming an excellent place for meetings of different groups! Vivoli did an incredible job with his brother Raffaello, and in 1932 they decided to venture into gelato production. Everything was always artisanal: the ice came from Saltino, just above Vallombrosa, where all production was made in winter so that it could be stored in special boxes until summer. Even transport was special: the ice came at night, so it wouldn’t melt on the way. Piero, son of Raffaello, was responsible for the success of the place and, to this day, the administration is family-run, offering wonderful products!

Where? Via Dell’Isola delle Stinche, 7r.

Italy and coffe: an old story

The history of coffee in the Boot country began centuries ago, and all because of its excellent geographic position – which greatly facilitated its trade relations with the Arabs, who spread the coffee tradition throughout our Italy. It is worth remembering that one of the most important centers of coffee propagation in the 16th century was Cairo, Egypt, from where traders and pilgrims exported coffee to almost all parts of the world.

The expansion

The real expansion of coffee took place through the Ottoman Empire, which supplied countries with immense quantities of the bean and, of course, this included Italy. Skip to the seventeenth century, where called “Arab wine” finally made its debut in Europe. And it was for good! There is a story, which has never been confirmed – but also never contradicted – that a century before coffee became a “favorite” in Italy, it was already possible to find Coffea arabica seeds in Venice. The beans were sold in various apothecaries, cost a small fortune and were used as a remedy for various problems. The fact is that, at the end of the 17th century, coffee shops emerged in full force throughout Europe and are here to stay!

Why was coffee “the wine of Arabia”?

Because it was the only drink, apart from tea, that Arabs could consume during religious fasting. Coffee was also known as ‘devil’s drink’! This is because people did not understand how a dark and bitter drink had the ability to give energy and revitalize energy – evidently, at that time, there were no studies that exist today on the benefits (and harms!) of coffee, so there was so much doubt around the drink.

The first Italian coffee shop

The first Italian coffee shop dawned in Venice and was named ‘a bottega do caffè’; the place was very well located (in Piazza San Marco) and opened at the end of the 17th century.

Italy is constantly on the list of countries that consume the most coffee in the world and is very famous for its tasty and imposing coffees; no wonder Italian coffees hold several awards around the world!

There are currently coffees for all tastes and this is reflected in the various roasts, ways of cultivation, preparation, etc.

CURIOSITY:

• The first ‘official’ coffee shop in Italy was opened in Venice in 1615 and, a century later, in 1720, the famous Caffè Florian was inaugurated in Venice, in St Mark Square, which is still a reference in the world today. And this is the oldest coffee shop in the world!

---

Watch this video and discover how to save on food in Italy

Subscribe to our channel and receive more videos with information and tips about Italy. Don’t forget to leave that Like;)

---

Conclusion

The best Coffee Shops in Florence! As I always say: evidently Florence has a plethora of amazing cafes! If, by chance, you find one of them that appeal to you: don’t hesitate to come in and enjoy a good coffee, and maybe even a nice sweet! I’m sure you won’t regret it and, besides, remember: you are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so enjoy!

Are you insecure?

And if you feel insecure, have no time, and need help to organize your trip,  don’t hesitate to contact me!  I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy come true. And how can I do that? Keep reading this post until the end and you will understand how we make your life and your trip much easier.

Did my post help you?  If so, be sure to post your comment below, but if you still have questions just send me a message I will answer you as soon as possible!

---

---