My top places in Florence…
For the best biscotti…
While Florence is a treasure trove of delicious cantucci I can confidently say I have tried many and when it comes to buying a few to take home or give as gifts I always go to the very Florentine Rivoire right on Piazza della Signoria. This wonderful chocolate and pastry cafe has much to tempt so definitely do a taste testing of your own.
The best Negroni…
The Negroni was first made here in Florence and there is great pride in that. You will find fantastic negronis in many places around the city but the bar that owns the the original certificate is Caffe Gilli. They have a special celebration negroni called the Negroni Centenario which includes not only the famed negroni but a small jelly shot of negroni to chase it down with.
Where to go for a snack…
A glass of quality prosecco and a small truffle panino can be found at the stylish Proccaci on fashion street Via Tornabuoni. This very Florentine wine bar is a wonderful place to stop in for a shopping break and check out chic Florentines.
Best place for unique cocktails…
Head over to Gucci Garden and go into the tiny Giardino 25 Gucci’s very own cocktail bar. Decorated in the Gucci style this small space is quite fashionable and the mixologists have creative and exciting drinks. Check out the purple Negroni, amazing!
For a spectacular view of the city…
Head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best view of the city. It gets crowded at sunset but you can go anytime during the day for views and photos.
A great gelato…
Newcomer to the centre of Florence, Gelateria Badiani is already well known to locals at it has a place slighty out of the city. The new post just around the corner from the Duomo means more gelato! They have a tasty selection plus other ice cream treats to tempt.
Best coffee…
I try not to repeat but here again Caffe Gilli wins hands down. Best barristas not to mention coffee selection. Their classic caffe is the best and in the summer a shakerato cools you off while hitting you with some strong caffeine. It is important to enjoy your coffee at the bar like the locals do.
Where to go for a glass of wine…
Well just about everywhere in Florence and I do have a few favourites but this time I am going to recommend Il Santino -next to Il Santo Bevitore restaurant. This cozy spot serves a nice selection of wines by the glass that are not the obvious choices other places offer. Plus they add a little plate of Tuscan nibbles.
Classic Bisteca Fiorentina…
Family run Natalino serves up Florentine flavours in their charming trattoria at the end of the Via del Corso. Everything on their menu is delicious but their Bisteca Fiorentina is one of the best in the city.
Very Florentine gift to take back…
Aquaflor is a one of a kind perfume shop near Santa Croce. Filled with a variety of perfume, soaps, and home scents, everything is made on the premises by hand. The shop itself is in a palazzo and in renaissance Florentine style, it is worth stopping by just to see the place. The staff are friendly and happy to help you find a scent for any occassion. Their soaps make wonderful gifts, and their home scents are a wonderful way to take Florence back with you.
The Travel Cocktail 