Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Florence, Italy | TOP 5

best cafes in florence italy
Discover the 5 BEST coffee shops and cafes in Florence, Italy! Whether you're looking for a place to work or a quick break between sightseeing, I've got you covered.

When I studied abroad in Florence, too many years ago to admit, there wasn't much of a coffee shop scene outside of traditional stand-up espresso bars. Italy is famous for its espresso bars, where you order your morning cappuccino, sip it at the bar, and then head out the door. 

Outside of that, your other option for a sit-down coffee was a touristy cafe with inflated prices and few locals.

Thankfully, the number and types of coffee shops and cafes in Florence have expanded over the years. You can now find a cafe to sit and work for a bit...a rarity in Italy.

I've returned to Florence over eight times since my study abroad days. These are the spots I find myself returning to again and again.

The fact that several of these Florence coffee shops offer WiFi and plenty of table space is a major perk, whether you tend to work abroad like me or just want a spot to sit and slowly enjoy your espresso.

Read on to discover the 5 best cafes in Florence, Italy! I've made sure to include coffee shops scattered throughout the city, so no matter where you are, you're never far from a coffee break.

This map shows the top 5 coffee shops and cafes in Florence, Italy. Click the icon on the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Select the top right button to enlarge the map (which will automatically save it to YOUR Google Maps). To access this map once saved, open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), tap the "You" icon at the bottom, scroll to the bottom, and select "Maps". Your newly saved map should be listed at the top.

best cafes in florence italy

Ditta Artigianale Via de Neri location

Ditta Artigianale Firenze

Ditta Artigianale Via de Neri location

coffee shops in florence

Ditta Artigianale Riva d'Arno location

best cafes in florence italy

Ditta Artigianale  Via dello Sprone location

1. Ditta Artigianale

One of the best cafes in Florence, Italy to spread out and work with reliable WiFI and delicious brunch bites

Ditta Artigianale is one of my most visited Florence coffee shops. There are four locations, each offering a different vibe and crowd.

The location on Via de Neri is in the heart of the tourist zone...hence why you won't see many locals here. The space is well planned with table seating and benches lining the outside of the shop for when it's full inside. This Florence coffee shop always seems to be crowded.

The Via dello Sprone location is on the other side of the river and close to the Pitti Palace. If you're looking for a place to work, this should be your top pick. Two spacious levels and a nice patio provide ample space. You'll find a student crowd here because of the large footprint.

A third location recently opened near Ponte di San Niccolò. While this coffee shop is a bit outside the "tourist zone", it would make for a convenient stop after visiting Piazzale Michelangelo (Florence's most famous viewpoint). It's a 13-minute walk from the viewpoint.

The gorgeous patio and interior design are standouts at this new location.

Ditta Artigianale Riva d'Arno is the newest location and has quite the vibe. By far the most Instagrammable interior. It's an explosion of colors from floor to ceiling. This is the smallest Ditta Artigianale. Plan on ordering to-go or visiting during non-peak hours. 

Ditta Artigianale is an easy win with its convenient locations, inviting design, and quality coffee. Another perk worth mentioning is their extensive coffee menu. Unlike most cafes in Italy, which stick to espresso with or without milk, you'll find almost anything here: V60, Aeropress, flat white, cold brew, iced drinks, matcha, and flavored lattes. 

The food menu is delicious with items like American pancakes, avocado toast, bagels and lox, and pastries. It's become a very popular spot for brunch.

There's also a full cocktail and wine menu.

Prices are decent (expensive when compared to a traditional espresso bar, cheap by American standards), and the WiFi is consistent.

Just be mindful of busy times. If the place is full, it's time to put your laptop away and free up your table. They've started enforcing a "no laptops" rule during busy hours like weekends and brunch time. 

best cafes in florence italy

Ben Caffe - Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Florence, Italy

2. Ben Caffe

One of the best coffee shops in Florence for breakfast and coffee in the heart of the tourist zone

Ben Caffe's location is perfect for tourists: a 5-minute walk from both the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.

Here you'll find an extensive coffee (and non-coffee) menu; cold brew, V60, tea, matcha, chai, flat white, smoothies, and more.

Breakfast specials are offered for €13. Choose from sweet or savory (both can be prepared "plant-based"). The sweet option includes pancakes, a chocolate cookie, and yogurt with granola. The savory option comes with eggs, bacon, and toasted bread. All specials include a coffee/cappuccino and fresh juice.

Due to the location and spacious footprint, this is one of the best cafes in Florence for a quick break while touring the top sights.

La Menagere Florence Italy

La Menagere - Best Cafes in Florence, Italy

coffee shops in florence

La Menagere - Best Cafes in Florence, Italy

best coffee shops in florence

La Menagere - Best Cafes in Florence, Italy

3. La Menagere

One of the best cafes in Florence, Italy for atmosphere and Instagrammable vibes

Hands down one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Florence. La Menagere does not disappoint when it comes to decor and atmosphere.

It's a concept store consisting of a cafe, flower shop, home store, and restaurant. For a quick coffee visit, I recommend going in the morning/early afternoon, as it's more of a restaurant vibe later in the day. 

There are several areas to sit, including the right side of the store by the coffee/pastry bar, the sidewalk patio, and the left side of the store, which is the restaurant space. Stick to the patio and cafe side (right side) if you're visiting for coffee and a snack vs a full sit-down meal.

You'll notice reviews are hit-and-miss. The price point is a consistent critique. For European standards, the prices are high; for American standards, they are on par with what you would pay in the US. In part, you're paying for the atmosphere. 

€3.00 for a small cappuccino, €4.00 cold brew, €6.00 tea. In my opinion, it's the cocktails and restaurant prices that are high for Florence standards...hence the negative reviews.

Since it's also a restaurant, you'll find a full menu filled with egg dishes, pancakes, avocado toast, and pastries for breakfast, sandwiches, salads, pasta, etc. for lunch and dinner.

I usually stick with a cappuccino or double espresso paired with a custard croissant.

best coffee in florence

Vintage Cafe - Best Cafes in Florence, Italy

Vintage Cafe Florence Italy

Vintage Cafe - Best Cafes in Florence, Italy

4. Vintage Cafe

One of the best cafes in Florence, Italy for great prices, pistachio croissants, and friendly service

Vintage Cafe is the perfect place to stop before or after visiting the Duomo, as it's a 3-minute walk around the corner. The service really stands out and is beyond friendly.

The prices are fantastic, especially considering the convenient location. €2.30 for a sit-in Americano, €2.50 for a cappuccino, and €4.50 for a shakerato (a shaken, iced, espresso drink). Prices are €1 cheaper for standing at the bar or takeaway.

Be sure to order a croissant. The pistachio flavor is delicious!

FLUID - Best Coffee Shops in Florence, Italy

FLUID - Best Coffee Shops in Florence, Italy

5. FLUID - Specialty Coffee & Sharing

One of the best COFFEE SHOPS in Florence for a selection of roasts and beans, plus my favorite flat white

FLUID Specialty Coffee & Sharing is relatively new to the Florence coffee shop scene. It didn't take long for this to become my favorite flat white in Florence. The coffee quality is top-notch.

Tired of the typical dark, Italian roast? This coffee shop will be a breath of fresh air. Take your pick from a rotating selection of different beans and roasts.

If you're looking for specialty coffee and small-batch brews from around the world, FLUID Specialty Coffee will not disappoint. Choose from several brewing methods, including V60, AeroPress, filter coffee, and cold brew.

The prices are surprisingly low, considering the quality. €3.50 flat white, €2.50 double espresso, €3.50 nitro cold brew, €4.00 matcha latte, €3.50 to €5.00 single origin specialty brews.

You'll find a full food menu filled with croissant sandwiches, juices, pastries, pancakes, toasts, and salads.

WiFi is reliable and ample seating is available with stadium seating along one wall and a large table near the back.

FLUID Specialty Coffee & Sharing is located just outside the main tourist zone, which offers a nice escape from the crowds. Stop here after visiting the Basilica di Santa Croce as it's an 8-minute walk away.

best coffee in florence

Coffee Mantra - Best Coffee Shops in Florence, Italy

Coffee Mantra Firenze

Coffee Mantra - Best Coffee Shops in Florence, Italy

Honorable Mention - Coffee Mantra

One of the best COFFEE SHOPS in Florence for specialty coffee and light/medium roasts

Oddly enough, two doors down from FLUID Specialty Coffee is another top-quality coffee shop, Coffee Mantra. This was one of the first third-wave coffee shops to enter Florence's cafe scene.

The coffee quality is outstanding. It's apparent the owner takes his coffee seriously. 

Like FLUID, Coffee Mantra is where you'll want to head if you need a break from dark roast beans. The roast offered (which changes every week or so) is typically a light to medium roast.

This used to be in the top 5, but the arrival of FLUID bumped it down, given its tiny footprint. Coffee Mantra is best for a quick stop or coffee to-go.

Caffe Lietta - Coffee Mantra - Best Cafes in Florence, Italy

Caffe Lietta - Coffee Mantra - Best Cafes in Florence, Italy

Caffe Lietta - Coffee Mantra - Best Cafes in Florence, Italy

Honorable Mention - Caffe Lietta

I discovered this hidden gem during my stay at the new Hoxton hotel. This Florence coffee shop may be a bit outside of the tourist zone, but it offers ultra-low prices (€1.70 cappuccino, €1.80 americano) and a more local feel.

I visited several days in a row and noticed a mix of students, locals, and a few tourists. 

There's plenty of seating both on the portico (the covered walkway) and inside.

The pastries are extra delicious and priced at €2 or less! My favorite was the apple tart. Sandwiches, cakes, alcoholic beverages, and lunch specials are also available.

If you're looking for a cafe that's easier on the wallet, serves an excellent traditional cappuccino, and is less "touristy", this is your spot!

In Summary

And there you have it, these are my absolute favorite coffee shops and cafes in Florence, Italy.

If you're looking for reliable WiFi and a place to work, head to Ditta Artigianale. Ben Caffe offers a convenient break located between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.

La Menagere is beyond Instagrammable and perfect for those who prioritize ambiance.

Coffee Mantra is the place to go for specialty coffee (and lighter roasts) just outside the tourist zone and Vintage Cafe offers delicious pistachio croissants and friendly service around the corner from the Duomo.


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Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Florence, Italy | TOP 5

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