TOP 5 Coffee Shops and 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 standup 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 seven 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.

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**FLORENCE HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS**

This map shows the top 5 coffee shops and cafes in Florence, Italy. Click the icon at the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.

Ditta Artigianale Via de Neri location

Photo: Ditta Artigianale

Ditta Artigianale Riva d'Arno location

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 spot 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 is 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.

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; perfectly situated between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria and a 5-minute walk from either.

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.

3. La Menagere

The most Instagrammable Florence coffee shop

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, 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 an oat milk latte and custard croissant at La Menagere.

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!

5. Coffee Mantra

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

Coffee Mantra serves some of the best-tasting espresso in Florence. The quality is outstanding and it's apparent the owner takes his coffee seriously.

Tired of the typical dark, Italian roast? This coffee shop will be a breath of fresh air. The roast offered (which changes every week or so) is typically a light to medium roast. A rarity in Italy.

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

The prices are surprisingly low, considering the quality. €3.00 flat white, €2.00 double espresso, €3.50 cold brew, €3.00 to €5.00 single origin specialty brews.

The pastries are delicious and this is consistently the best flat white in Florence.

Coffee Mantra 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.

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.