Rise & Grind it's Coffee Time!
Italy is perhaps the spiritual home of coffee, as the beverage is a cultural mainstay there. In fact, it is Italy that introduced us to the lingo- espresso, cappuccino, latte - as well as its rich lore of coffee rituals. For instance, one cannot order a cappuccino after 11 am, instead of sitting down one must stand at the bar to finish your "Caffe" in one swift, piping hot sip, or god forbid- asking for your coffee "Da portare via" -To go/Take away.
But once you have mastered the unspoken rules, where is the best place to get your morning fix? If you are like me, drinking coffee is the first thing I do in the morning and I cannot function without it; but when on vacation, we don't always have the option to drink a cup right away. That is something to get used to when in Florence, you have to get ready for the day and then go out and get your caffeine. So after all that waiting, it better be good right?
I prefer an iced coffee in the morning and don't really like strong, bitter coffee however part of the fun of being in Italy is trying something new and hopefully something that you can't find where you currently live. I'm not a superfan of straight espresso and I like milk in my drinks so when in Italy I tend to lean towards cappuccinos, Caffe Macchiatos, or a flat white.
- Pro tip-In Italy, iced coffee is not common. If you ask for a Caffe Freddo (ice coffee) you'll generally get an espresso poured over ice. Ask for a Caffe Macchiato Freddo instead, which is shaken with ice, cold milk, coffee, and whatever sweetener you prefer.
While Italian coffee is very strong, in the United States I have only found one place that even comes close to what Italian coffee tastes like (the real stuff -I'm not talking Illy or Lavazza beans here). You may find it difficult to adjust at first, but the longer you stay in Italy, the more accustomed you will be to the taste and the more you will crave it!
The first is Gearbox Coffee Roasters. Gearbox has a progressive, "specialty" approach to coffee, and their current lineup of coffee beans includes offerings like an experimental lot from Costa Rica with a "thermal shock" process, and a Colombian coffee processed with "natural carbonic maceration." Coffee connoisseurs know what I'm talking about.
The second is D612, which was started in 2016, and was at the forefront of the specialty coffee revolution in central and northern Italy. Their roasts skew light and modern, versus the traditional Italian way of dark and toasty. There are two locations in Florence serving their beans - SimBIOsi and Melaleuca.
If you are wondering where you can drink the best coffee, wonder no more. These are my favorite spots for drinking craft coffee in Florence and they offer something for everyone!
Artisan Coffee Shops in Florence (not in any particular order)
- Coffee Mantra- Although Coffee Mantra is known for its cappuccinos, they offer a variety of single-origin coffees every day, which makes them the perfect place for your favorite drink. They use beans from local Gearbox Roasters and have a seemingly never-ending supply of different beans.
Posted both inside and outside of the store is a convenient list of what coffees are available on what days. This means you can have a different single-origin coffee every day that you're in Florence, whether it's made as espresso or as a filter coffee with an Aeropress, Chemex, or V60. Coffee Mantra is located at Borgo La Croce 71r, Firenze, Italy 50121.
- SimBIOsi Organic Cafe & Lovely Bistro- A favorite spot in Florence is SimBIOsi, thanks to its coffee, which is from Florence roaster D612- as well as its ambiance inside. From the menu posted outside, you can see that they have multiple daily coffee offerings that one could choose from - three as an espresso, and three as a filter.
Although the location is a little bit out of the way from most of Florence's top attractions, it is within close proximity to Mercato Centrale if you are headed that way. SimBIOsi is located at Via De' Ginori 64r, Firenze, Italy 50123.
- Melaleuca- Melaleuca also uses D612 beans and is known for its "magic" beverage, a double macchiato with 2 shots of espresso, that includes foam on top and was invented in Australia. The owners are Australian & American so they cater to the English-speaking crowd (think students) and offer a delicious breakfast menu as well (Cinnabuns, avocado toast, etc.).
Melaleuca is located at Lungarno delle Grazie 18, Firenze, Italy 50122.
- Ditta Artigianale- Perhaps the most popular of all craft coffee in the city, Ditta Artigianale looks like it has been plucked right out of Brooklyn. A hipster paradise, they now have three locations serving Florence; each with its own character. I have to admit, I wasn't blown away by their coffee. Their coffee is a bit harsh to me, nothing really special; but people really love it as there is always a line. I guess it's all about the vibes here.
- La Menagere- La Menagere is a stone's throw from the Duomo and serves proper American-style filter coffee in a charmingly curated Instagram-worthy all-in-one Bistrot, florist, and gift shop. Their coffee is from Ditta Artigianale and for my fellow iced coffee lovers, their ice coffee americano is exactly like what you would expect to get in the States which for some reason, is VERY hard to find in Florence. La Menagere is located at Via de'Ginori 8r, Firenze, Italy 50123.
- Ben Caffe- You'd never know this place was just one block from the Duomo, tucked away on a quiet street and it's a nice surprise. They use beans from Livorno roaster Le Piantagioni del Caffe. Here you can enjoy your usual espresso or cappuccino, and savor the pure Arabica beans made with a La Marzocco machine or lighter roasted beans prepared with a V60, Chemex, or AeroPress. Ben Caffe is located at Via Dell' Ocho 7, Firenze, Italy 50122.
Honorable Mention
- Le Vespe- Le Vespe is really a brunch spot (they only do brunch and nothing else) but hear me out, they serve drip coffee and are one of the few places to do a really good iced caffe latte. Don't forget to add the word "Caffe" to Latte when ordering, otherwise, you will receive a glass of cold milk! Le Vespe is located at Via Ghibellina 76r, Firenze, Italy 50122.
- Todo Modo Library Cafe- This place is a bookshop, cafe, and theater all in one. Open every day of the week, Todo Modo has several rooms to explore, and located to the back right side, is the Uqbar cafe. So simply grab a good book and enjoy reading while sipping a fresh coffee. Todo Modo is located at Via dei Fossi 15r, Firenze, Italy 50123.
Alternative option
- San Tea House- Not into coffee?! No worries, there is still a great option for you. San Tea House is a super cute Asian tea house offering milk teas and boba! Plus, you can easily get it to go! I love boba tea, and their boba is not too sweet. They speak English which is always a plus and offer menus in three different languages. The interior is lovely and I'm into the cat logo on their cups! Super Kawaii!! San Tea House is located 2 minutes from the Ponte Vecchio at Via de' Barbadori 21r/23r, Firenze, Italy 50125.
Traditional Options
Maybe artisan "craft" coffee isn't your thing and you just want to enjoy an elegant espresso the traditional Italian way, then I also have options for you! I remember growing up my nonna Lilliana would always down her steaming hot cup of coffee right away in two sips and we would always wonder how she could do that and why she preferred to burn her throat?! Crazy Woman, right? Also, she never wanted to sit at the kitchen table to drink it, she always stood at the kitchen counter.
Well, after my first visit to Italy in 2014, I now know the answer to her madness. That's how the Italians do it! I tried to play along and knocked back my first espresso in Italy at the counter (like a true Italian) only to light my throat on fire and learned to never do that again. I'm only half Italian so I get a pass, right? Maybe if it was an everyday thing it wouldn't bother me but for now, I'll stick with my iced coffees.
Here are a few traditional, white-glove service cafes that cater to a more sophisticated clientele. Don't worry, you can still get your cornetto here!
- Caffe Scudieri- As of 1939, the elegant Caffe Scudieri has been a popular meeting place for Florentines. Enjoy an espresso at the marble counter with a selection of high-quality pastries offered. Don't miss their upstairs terrace, a huge favorite as it overlooks the impressive Duomo and Baptistery. You'll feel like a noble in no time! Caffe Scudieri is located at Piazza di San Giovanni 19r, Firenze, Italy 50123.
- Caffe Paszkowski- This cafe dates back to 1903 and is a good choice if you like some grandeur. Do as the Florentines do and drink your espresso at the counter while standing up. There are, of course, many seating options to enjoy your pastry while people-watching in the Piazza della Repubblica. Caffe Paszkowski is located at Piazza della Repubblica 6, Firenze, Italy 50123.
- Caffe Cibreo- A Florentine institution offering classic style, Caffe Cibreo is located in the heart of Piazza Sant'Ambrogio. This is the perfect place to meet a friend and have an espresso before hitting up the local market. Caffe Cibreo is located at Via Andrea del Verocchio 5r, Firenze, Italy 50122.
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