Last updated on June 22nd, 2024
You’re probably coming to Florence for its architecture, art history, sculpture and food… but did you know Florence is also one of the best cities in Italy to drink coffee?
The best coffee in Florence is fairly easy to come across and plan into your itinerary because the best coffee joints are pretty spread out across the city.
Whether you are looking for craft coffee or more of a traditional coffee experience in Florence, I have you covered. Let’s take a look at my top picks for the best coffee in Florence, including:
- the top coffee roasters in Florence
- Florence’s best craft coffee
- Florence’s best traditional coffee
- where to get coffee in Florence and how to enjoy it like a true Florentine
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Best Coffee In Florence – At A Glance
Note: The table below has my top picks for the best coffee in Florence. Under the “Best For” column, I am adding things besides coffee that the coffee shop or cafe is known for.
Name | Area Of Florence | Address | Coffee Category | Best For |
Ditta Artigianale(five locations) | Santa CrocePiazza FerrucciPiazza del CarmineSant’Ambrogio Palazzo Pitti | Via dei Neri, 30/32R Piazza Ferrucci 1RVia Lungarno Soderini 7RVia dei Carducci 2R Via dello Sprone 5R | Best craft coffee in Florence | Cool, trendy vibe with extensive menu (including people who don’t like coffee) and aperitivo |
Melaleuca | Santa Croce | Lungarno delle Grazie, 18 | Best craft coffee in Florence | International menu including great brunch and best pastries in Florence |
Coffee Mantra | Sant’Ambrogio | Borgo la Croce, 7R | Best craft coffee in Florence | Trying new coffee drinks and gelato-coffee treats |
SimbIOsi | San Lorenzo | Via de’ Ginori, 64R | Best craft coffee in Florence | Getting away from crowds, organic food with light lunch options from their bistro menu |
La Ménagère | San Lorenzo | Via de’ Ginori, 8R | Best craft coffee in Florence | Cool atmosphere, meals and shopping experience all-in-one |
Gilli | Piazza della Repubblica | Via Roma, 1R | Best traditional coffee in Florence | Best location and cleanest restrooms |
Caffè Concert Paszkowski | Piazza della Repubblica | Piazza della Repubblica, 6 | Best traditional coffee in Florence | Best location for people watching |
Caffè Scudieri | Piazza Duomo | Piazza di San Giovanni, 19R | Best traditional coffee in Florence | Best location and classic Italian pastries |
Rivoire | Piazza della Signoria | Piazza della Signoria, 5R | Best traditional coffee in Florence | Best hot chocolate in Florence |
Pasticceria Nencioni | Sant’Ambrogio (Piazza dei Ciompi) | Via Pietrapiana, 24R | Best traditional coffee in Florence | Best desserts and off the beaten path (full of locals) |
Caffè Lietta | Piazza della Libertà | Piazza della Libertà, 6/7/8R | Best traditional coffee in Florence | Best setting, ample seating and for rainy days (covered outdoor tables) |
Le Murate Caffè Letterario | SantAmbrogio | Piazza delle Murate | Best coffee in Florence for studying/long hours | Folks on a budget / aperitivo with entertainment (check schedule online) |
Ben CaffÈ | Piazza Duomo | Via dell’Oche, 7 | Best coffee in Florence for studying/long hours | Vegans and American-style breakfast |
La Cité | Between Piazza del Carmine and Piazza Santo Spirito | Borgo S. Frediano, 20R | Best coffee in Florence for studying/long hours | Best for book lovers |
Caffetteria delle Oblate | Piazza Duomo | Via dell’ Oriuolo, 26 | Best coffee in Florence for studying/long hours | Best view / with kids |
Best Craft Coffee In Florence
Good To Know: All my recommendations for the best coffee in Florence serve dairy-free options for your coffee. Just ask!
Ditta Artigianale
Find the Ditta Artigianale at Via dei Neri, 30/32 R, 50122 Florence, Italy with locations now at Piazza Ferrucci 1R, Via Lungarno Soderini 7R, Via dei Carducci 2R, and Via dello Sprone 5R.
Ditta Artiginale first opened in via dei neri in 2014 and has been going strong ever since with some of the best coffee in Florence. This cool, hip joint full of locals and tourists of all ages, serves traditional Italian coffee beverages such as an espresso but also more modern drinks such as a flat white.
Here you can find traditional Italian pastries, international options such as muffins and a whole menu of breakfast items such as yogurt bowls and pancakes. They also have avocado toast and various other lunch options, including Italian favorites like a caprese salad.
Good To Know: Ditta Artigianale has something for everything. I recommend the Ditta to anyone, even if you are traveling with folks who don’t like coffee or have dietary restrictions.
Since their initial debut, the coffee shop has expanded all over the city and now has five locations. They are all very cool spaces, most with an outdoor seating area (Piazza Ferrucci location has the largest outdoor area) or upstairs seating, decorated with cool furniture, lamps and plants.
Their coffee is made with single-origin beans sourced from independent growers from all over the word. You can buy their coffee beans to bring home as a souvenir or purchase online. And if coffee isn’t your jam, no problem. Check out their extensive menu, including a great aperitivo scene.
Melaleuca
Find Melaleuca at Lungarno delle Grazie, 18, 50122 Florence
Melaleuca is a little slice of international heaven smack dab in the middle of Florence, serving up some of the best international pastries, meals and coffee the city has to offer.
Run by Marco Cappelliari and Chloe Guest just outside of Santa Croce along the Arno river, Melaluca is supplied by D612 roasters, offering up a great list of traditional Italian drinks such as a classic macchiato. They are also experienced in making international coffee favorites that will have you coming back time and again.
Try It: Their specialty is the magic coffee, a Melbourne-specialty coffee made from a double ristretto espresso, topped with the same amount of steamed milk.
I have tried a lot of pastry in Florence and this is definitely the best out there. The sourdough is amazing, the cakes are elegant and the pastries are the chef’s kiss (buttery and rich). I suggest the pain au chocolat or a cinnamon roll. You can also order full sit-down meals, including brunch, such as fish tacos, pancakes and eggs Benedict.
Good To Know: You can also pre-order cakes for celebrations or larger orders for a crowd.
Coffee Mantra
Find Coffee Mantra at Borgo la Croce, 71R, 50121 Florence
Coffee Mantra is a favorite among Italians for the best coffee in Florence because of its strategic and convenient location and their ability to make a wide selection of coffees, catering to anyone’s needs or desires.
Plan Ahead: If you are at all interested in checking out the Sant’Ambrogio Market, be sure to factor in a visit to Coffee Mantra and do a bit of people watching. This neighborhood is packed with locals, giving you an authentic Italian coffee experience in Florence.
Coffee Mantra uses beans from Gearbox (local coffee roaster in Tuscany) to make their espresso, chai, matcha, ice coffee and cortado, just to name a few. They also make ice-cream coffee specialties such as affogato (coffee with gelato), which is a real treat. You can order small pastries and sandwiches to eat at one of their small indoor or outdoor seating areas but what we really love them for is their coffee drinks.
Tip: Don’t let your menu scare you away. It’s full of fancy coffee beverages with names you might not recognize but don’t be afraid to ask for a classic Italian cappuccino or macchiato. Just because it’s not on the menu, doesn’t mean they can’t make it.
SimBIOsi
Find SimBIOsi Organic Cafe & Lovely Bistro at Via de’ Ginori, 64R, 50123 Florence
SimBIOsi, meaning “harmonious” also plays with the Italian word for organic, bio, which is capitalized in its name SimBIOsi. This cute and comfortable nook tucked away on a corner just outside of the San Lorenzo neighborhood is ideal for getting away from tourist crowds and sipping on great, classic Italian coffee served alongside bistro-style food such as crepes, omelets, charcuterie boards, sandwiches and salads.
If you are looking for a little snack, grab a small stool at the window or at the bar to enjoy your coffee and pastry. The coffee is made with D612 coffee beans roasted close by, making it some of the best coffee in Florence.
SimBIOsi has a really cool vibe with vintage furnishings, dim lighting and stone walls (which actually helps the place stay cool in the summer as well!).
Good To Know: SimbIOsi has also opened up a full restaurant and pizzeria next door. Make a whole evening with afternoon coffee, snacks or cocktails at the cafe, head to the restaurant for dinner and grab a gelato at a close-by location such as My Sugar or La Gelateria.
La Ménagère
Find La Ménagère at Via de’ Ginori, 8R, 50123 Florence
La Ménagère has been up and running in Florence for quite some time now and despite their high prices, it still remains one of the more popular coffee shops in Florence among younger folks. It has a very cool vibe with beautiful plants, flowers and lighting decorating the enormous venu from top to bottom.
Keep In Mind: The prices at La Ménagère are indeed higher at other coffee shops in Florence but you are paying for your experience here, not just the coffee.
What sets Ménagère apart from other coffee joints in Florence is that it’s a cafe, flower shops, home furnishing store (selling vases, plates, napkins, bags, etc) and restaurant all in one! You can eat, drink and shop all at the same time, all with some of the best coffee in Florence. Their menu is extensive, catering to both the local Italian market and international tourists.
Choose between coffee, snacks, pastries and full, sit down restaurant meals.
I always like to have a look around inside but I prefer to sit outdoors under the ‘portico-like’ entrance, allowing for great people watching. There are several different large rooms indoors to choose from.
Best Traditional Coffee In Florence
Gilli
Find Gilli at Via Roma, 1R, 50123 Florence
Gilli has been a historic institution since 1733, serving up some of the best coffee in Florence from a traditional, Italian point of view. If you came to Italy for a true Italian coffee experience then head here.
Gilli will follow the traditional bar formula for ordering coffee and enjoying your time there. Either order at the cash register and enjoy your coffee and pastry standing at the bar or sit down at the table to enjoy a more extensive menu with various meal options.
Good To Know: If you are looking for a clean restroom in Florence, head to a nice bar like Gilli (or any of my choices for best traditional coffee in this section). Buy an espresso, have it at the bar and then indulge in their very clean restrooms. I find Gilli to have particularly clean facilities.
Gilli is charming yet upscale at the same time, welcoming Italians and tourists alike. My favorite place to sit is in one of the couches on the sidewalk or at a table overlooking Piazza della Repubblica. Even in the summer months they will have airflow within the outdoor seating area, making it enjoyable to people watch and drink some of the most traditional Italian coffee in Florence!
Fact: At fancy bars like Gilli, you can order whatever you like, whenever! The kitchen won’t close in the afternoon (read when Italians eat dinner for when to expect eateries to be open) and you can order breakfast, brunch, lunch and indulge in a great aperitivo in a prime location, no matter the time!
Apart from food, coffee and drinks, consider picking up a gift or souvenir at Gilli with some of their handmade chocolate or sweets. They also have a vast selection of small pastries that you can choose to bring back to your apartment or hotel for dessert or a snack later on.
Caffè Concerto Paszkowski
Find Caffè Concerto Paszkowski at Piazza della Repubblica, 6, 50123 Florence
Caffè Concerto Paszkowski serves up some of the best coffee in Florence and is also one of Florence’s most famous bars among locals. This historic cafe first opened as a Polish brewery in the Florentine Jewish ghetto but was later sold and re-designed.
Come here if you are looking for a higher-end Italian bar experience with excellent traditional, Italian coffee beverages and sweet pastries such as brioche con la crema (pastry with cream), saccottino al cioccolato (pastry with chocolate) or a budino di riso (rice pudding short-crust pastry). Just like Gilli, grab a table outdoors overlooking Piazza della Repubblica and take a load off from all the sightseeing.
Simplicity, reliability and quality is what you can expect at Paszkowski
Caffè Scudieri
Find Caffè Scudieri at Piazza di San Giovanni, 19R, 50123 Florence
What makes Caffè Scudieri one of my top choices for best coffee in Florence is not only the coffee beverages themselves but also its location. This Florentine coffee shop, open since 1939, prizes itself on tradition and authenticity, using coffee roasted by Nannini.
Good To Know: Choose from a selection of handmade sweets, cookies and candies to bring home before you leave.
While you can order non-breakfast items, I highly suggest going with a classic Italian breakfast here (the pastries are made in-house), whether you are at the bar standing or sitting down enjoying Piazza del Duomo and all its beauty.
Like the other suggestions listed under Best Traditional Coffee In Florence, this is a more upscale Italian coffee shop with beautiful marble countertops, large chandeliers and chic decor.
Rivoire
Find Rivoire at Piazza della Signoria, 5R, 50122 Florence
Rivoire is definitely one of Florence’s nicest bars and it’s location is one of the best, overlooking Piazza della Signoria. Open since 1872, Rivoire has made a name for itself not only among locals who are looking to warm up on a cold winter’s day but also among tourists who are looking to indulge. The interior has a vintage vibe but nonetheless very elegant.
Good To Know: Unlike other famous coffee shops in Florence, Rivoire still takes a long vacation in the winter, closing for about a month each year around February (dates vary).
You can really order anything you want here including cocktails, great traditional coffee, tea and various foods but Rivoire is really known for their hot chocolate. Italian hot chocolate is basically a melted chocolate bar. Opt for whipped cream for an extra special treat!
Tip: Rivoire’s famous hot chocolate carries quite the hefty price tag. To get a taste of their famous chocolate, have it standing at the bar instead of sitting down, which will cost half the price!
Pasticceria Nencioni
Find Pasticceria Nencioni at Via Pietrapiana, 24R, 50121 Firenze
Pasticceria Nencioni is a hole in the wall around the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood in Florence serving up some of the best pastry and coffee at the right price the city has to offer. Space is limited with only a couple of indoor tables and a small banco or bar to stand.
In my experience, their pastries are some of the best in Florence. They also make several take-home dessert options such as puddings, panna cotta, creme brulee, etc. They are most famous for their budino di riso (rice pudding filled short-crust pastries) and sfogliatelle (puff pastry folded over and baked with various fillings).
Fact: Pasticceria actually means bakery or pastry shop which is always a good indication of excellent pastry made on-site.
While I usually order caffè in vetro (espresso in a small glass), I always order a cappuccino here as their milk and coffee beverages are particularly good and well suited for their rich pastries. And because it’s off the beaten path, you won’t find many tourists but rather, it’s jam packed with locals.
Caffè Lietta
Piazza della Libertà, 6/7/8 Rosso, 50129 Florence
Oh how I love Caffè Lietta but not only for some of the best coffee in Florence but for their amazing pastry and “French cafè life” feeling. The interior is fabulously decorated with plants and with Roberto Cavalli’s personal touch, it couldn’t be more stylish. They have ample indoor and outdoor seating (which is under the portico, sheltered for rainy days).
Fact: Caffè Lietta is where the original negroni was created in 1919.
Although a bit outside the city center, it is well-worth the 20 minute walk to enjoy great pastry and coffee or an aperitivo in a luxurious setting. I love their small, short-crust pastries filled with things like cream, raspberry and chocolate and sweetened ricotta but you can also have light lunches, tramezzini and other snacks. Caffè Lietta is one of my favorite places in all of Florence!
Best Coffee Shops In Florence For Studying
Le Murate Caffè Letterario
Fine Le Murate Caffè Letterario at Piazza delle Murate, 50122 Firenze
Caffè Letterario is one of the first cafes I discovered when studying abroad in Florence almost 12 years ago and it’s still one of my go-to spots if I need to sit down and concentrate on work. This former convent and women’s prison, is today a bustling student-flooded center ideal for working and studying. Large tables, single tables, a large piazza, reliable wifi and cheap eats keeps it a favorite among locals.
Order great traditional coffee, cheap, casual lunches, sandwiches, lovely apericena (a type of aperitivo that has a large buffet food selection) and after-dinner drinks. The spring and summer is when Caffè Letterario really comes to life as the courtyard is mild and protected from wind.
Don’t Miss: Le Murate’s contemporary art museum which uses the ex-prison cells as galleries to display art!
This venue is also host to various art shows, musical performances, concerts, film screenings and book readings, all open to the public without reservation.
Good To Know: Because Le Murate caters primarily to students, you can be sure the prices are right. Enjoy a decent all-inclusive lunch (primo + secondo + contorno + water + coperto for just about €10.00.
Ben CaffÈ
Find Ben CaffÈ at Via dell’Oche, 7, 50122 Florence
Ben CaffÈ is a super cozy spot hidden on a side street just a short walk from the Duomo. It’s usually pretty quiet with not much bustle, making it ideal for students. Enjoy either traditional Italian coffee beverages or try one of their non-traditional coffees such as the Aeropress.
Good To Know: Ben CaffÈ is part of the Hotel Benivieni, a three star hotel in an ideal location away from the busiest and loudest main drags in Florence.
Here you can also find plenty of other beverages including tea, milk beverages, smoothies and juices. And I can’t forget to mention the €10 all-inclusive breakfast deal with coffee, juice and American-style breakfast (eggs, toast, breakfast meat, etc). You can also order a vegan breakfast!
La Cité
Find La Cité at Borgo S. Frediano, 20r, 50124 Florence
This busy cafe bookstore has been a favorite among locals, in particular artists and students, for quite some time now for the best coffee in Florence. This fun spot, filled with cozy lounge chairs, large tables and great music, always has some event going on.
Good To Know: La Cité is just across the way from Neromo, one of our favorite pizzerias in Florence!
Come to La Cité for a quiet study session or to find a secluded reading nook in the morning but as aperitivo time rolls around, this library book-shop cafè turns into a lively venue for book readings and concerts.
And don’t be fooled by the outside, it seems small but La Cité has two upstairs areas and two different areas downstairs to accommodate more patrons than what seems possible.
Good To Know: You can depend on finding a powder outlet at almost every table or close by which is not always the case in Italy at coffee shops.
Caffetteria delle Oblate
Find Oblate Cafeteria at Via dell’ Oriuolo, 26, 50122 Florence
Caffetteria delle Oblate is located on the top floor of an old convent turned library just beyond the Duomo. This coffee shop is located within the Oblate library, home to a vast catalog of books for students, adults and children. Although a bit tricky to find, once you enter, ask at the main desk for the stairs or elevator to get to the top where you will literally be floored by the view of the Duomo.
Fact: At Caffetteria delle Oblate there is no extra charge for sitting at a table!
This casual coffee shop serves up student-friendly prices for anything from traditional Italian coffee and pastry (also organic and fair trade options) to light lunch and great aperitivo starting in the early evening. Although filled with many tables and plenty of space, the caffetteria delle Oblate fills up quickly with students who often pop in for a quick study break.
Traveling With Kids: Caffetteria delle Oblate is a great option for families with small kids because it’s shaded, not fancy and even has a great kids section with an extensive international section on the ground floor. While you do need a library card to check books out, you don’t need one to enjoy the cool, air-conditioned space with your little ones!
Starbucks In Florence
Yes, we have Starbucks in Florence.
Starbucks first opened in Milan Italy in 2018 and as of late 2023 had 231 locations with plans to expand even further across the peninsula in the coming years.
Recently, Starbucks was opened in Florence in the underground pass at the main Santa Maria train station. Although not welcomed by the local Florentines, Starbucks has continued to remain open and mainly caters to the tourist industry. There are also locations in the upper part of the train station and close to Piazza del Duomo downtown.
The Starbucks in Florence targets an international market who are looking for “to go” options while on the move at the train station.
Coffee Roasters In Florence
D612 Coffee Roasters
D612 Coffee Roasters, opened in 2016, is dedicated to roasting beans in a new and innovative way when compared to traditional Italian beans on the market. Its name, D612, comes from the codice catastale or the registry area code, a reference to the company’s dedication to Florence.
Lucian Trapanese roasts his beans at a much lower temperature than other companies, creating a more complex and aromatic bean.
You can either go directly to their headquarters outside the city center near Porta al Prato or buy their coffee at Melaleuca, SimBIOsi or online.
Gearbox Coffee Roasters
Gearbox Coffee Roasters was founded by Tommaso Bongini, who knows the coffee business well (his family runs Mokarico). Gearbox is more focused on specialized roast coffee that is dedicated to quality control from the original farmer to the finished product. Located just outside of Florence in Borgo San Lorenzo in Tuscany, Tomasso roasts his beans two days a week, on Monday and Thursday, to ensure quality and freshness every time.
Head to Coffee Mantra in Sant’Ambrogio to try his amazing local coffee!
La Sosta Specialty Coffee
La Sosta Specialty Coffee is a small artisan coffee roaster located just outside of Florence in Impruneta.
First opened by Simone Guidi, this one of a kind roaster is open to the public just on Saturdays for full experience such as tastings, tours and classes. You can purchase their beans online.
Ditta Artigianale
Ditta Artigianale uses its own coffee, which you can buy either online or directly at one of their five locations in Florence and some select Esselunga grocery stores but is outsourced to roaster Caffè Corsini.
Spending Time in Florence? Make the most of your time eating and drinking in bella Firenze!:
Best Pizza in Florence
Best Gelato In Florence
Best Dairy-Free Gelato in Florence
Best Coffee In Florence
10 Foods You Must Try On Your First Visit To Florence
The Best Cheap Eats in Tuscany
Eating Vegan and Vegetarian in Florence
Best Rooftop Bars in Florence
Where to Have Aperitivo on a Budget in Florence
Where to Eat on Your First Visit to Florence
My Favorite Places to Eat Bistecca Fiorentina in Florence
Where to Have Brunch in Florence
Coolest Bars in Florence
International Restaurants in Florence
My Favorite Wine Bars (Enoteche) in Florence
Wines to Try in Tuscany
Where to Find Florence’s Best Schiacciata
Florence’s Best Panini
Food Markets in Florence
Where to Find Florence’s Best Pastries
Best Bakeries in Florence
Eating Gluten-Free in Florence
Where to Have Apericena in Florence
Where to Get Takeout in Florence
Where Locals Eat in Florence
Florentine Food Souvenirs
Where to Buy Specialty Food Items and Gifts in Florence
Where to Eat with Kids in Florence
Where to Get a Quick Bite with Kids in Florence
Traditional Tuscan Food
Best Coffee In Florence FAQ
The best Florence specialty coffee shops to visit on your vacation are Ditta Artigianale, Melaleuca, SimbIOsi Organic Cafe & Lovely Bistro, Coffee Mantra and La Ménagère. If you are looking for traditional Italian coffee, head to Gilli, Paszkowski, Scudieri, Rivoire, Caffè Lietta or Nencioni.
The best coffee to try in Italy is the cappuccino, which is by far Italy’s most famous coffee beverage made from equal parts Italian espresso, steamed milk and milk foam.
La Ménagère is the most Instagrammable cafés in Florence because of its amazing decor with plenty of plants and flowers to liven up the atmosphere. You can photograph several spaces, including indoor and outdoor areas with a flower shop, home decor store, restaurant and bar/café all in one location. For a less ‘touristy’ option, check out Caffè Lietta in Piazza della Libertà designed by Roberto Cavalli.
Italians typically enjoy small coffee beverages and drink them relatively quickly. They do this either standing at the bar or sitting down at a table. It’s unlikely to see an Italian walking and drinking their coffee at the same time. Italian coffee is not served quite as hot compared to US coffee, making it much easier to drink quickly.