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 traditional espresso bar, 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 located close to popular attraction with inflated prices and few locals.

Thankfully, there's been an expansion to the number and types of coffee shops and cafes in Florence, Italy in recent years. You can now find a cafe to sit and work for a bit...something that is usually rare in Italy.

I've returned to Florence over five times since my study abroad days. These are the cafes in Florence, Italy that I find myself returning to again and again.

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

Read on to discover the five 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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This map shows the top 5 coffee shops and cafes in Florence, Italy. Click the top left button (in the blue bar) to see a list view of each pinned location or the top right button to enlarge the map.

Via de Neri location

Photo: Ditta Artigianale

Via dello Sprone location

1. Ditta Artigianale

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

Ditta Artigianale is one of my most visited Florence coffee shops. There are two locations, each offering a completely 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 counter seating, benches lining the outside of the shop for when it's full inside, and plenty of tables and chairs. This Florence coffee shop always seems to be crowded.

The second location, on Via dello Sprone, 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. You'll find a spacious patio and two stories offering more than enough seating and table space. You'll find a student crowd here because of the large footprint.

Not only are both locations of these Florence coffee shops ideal for the average tourist, but the coffee is quality. They've also started catering to the American crowd by offering larger sizes of cappuccinos and iced coffee/cold brew.

The prices are good (expensive when compared to a traditional espresso bar, cheap for American standards) and consistent WiFI. The food menu is delicious with items like American pancakes, avocado toast, bagel and lox, and pastries.

I usually stick with a regular cappuccino and pistachio croissant.

There's also a full cocktail and wine menu.

2. Ben CaffÈ

One of the best cafes in Florence for a quiet break in the heart of the tourist zone

Ben Caffe is one of the coziest cafes in Florence, Italy. It seems to be a hidden gem as it's not in an obvious location. It was quiet every time I visited...usually only a few other customers.

The location can't be beat...a two minute walk from the Duomo.

Ben Caffe offers any coffee (or non-coffee) drink you could want; cold brew, V60, tea, matcha, chai, flat white, smoothies, and more.

Breakfast specials are offered for €10 which include a coffee/cappuccino, fresh juice, and an American breakfast (eggs, bacon, cheese, and toast). Instead of the American breakfast you can choose the sweet option which includes a cookie, yogurt, and pan cake. Overall, the food is pretty simple and nothing mind-blowing, so I usually stick with a coffee and pastry here.

This is one of the best cafes in Florence, Italy if your looking for a quiet escape steps aways from the tourist hot spots.

3. La Ménagère

The most Instagrammable Florence coffee shop

Hands down one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Florence, Italy. 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. If you're going to visit for coffee 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. A big reason for negative reviews are the prices, as they are probably the highest you'll pay for cafe/coffee fare...you are paying for the atmosphere. For European standards the prices are high, for American standards, they are on par with what you would pay in the US.

€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, pastas, etc. for lunch and dinner.

I usually stick with an oat milk latte and nutella croissant at La Menagere.

4. Chiaro Scuro

One of the best cafes in Florence, Italy for a traditional experience and full menu

Visit Chiaro Scuro for an old school Italian vibe. While there are bistro tables to sit at, I usually prefer to order at the bar and drink my espresso while standing.

The prices are cheap, especially considering you're a three minute walk from the Duomo. The hot chocolate is especially good at Chiaro Scuro as well as the pastries and cakes.

5. Coffee Mantra

One of the best Florence coffee shops for specialty coffee and the best flat white

Coffee Mantra serves the best tasting espresso in Florence. The quality is outstanding and you can tell the owner is passionate about his coffee.

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. €2.50 flat white, €2.00 double espresso, €2.50 cold brew, €2.50 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 your visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce as it's an eight 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 quiet break minutes from the Duomo. La Menagere is beyond Instagrammable, Coffee Mantra is the place to go for specialty coffee just outside the tourist zone, and Chiaro Scuro offers a traditional experience.