Tuscany is known for its rolling hills, noteworthy Renaissance art and architecture, and food scene incorporating fresh, local products. But where should you visit when you’re looking to taste a typical Italian breakfast or to finish your day with a sweet treat? These five spots have you covered no matter which neighborhood you’re staying in while enjoying your Italian holiday:
1. Caffe Pasticceria Serafini
Located a bit outside of the tourist center towards the eastern half of the city, Caffe Pasticceria Serafini provides visitors with a solid example of a typical Italian breakfast composed of an espresso-based drink and a pastry. At Serafini, visitors will find pastries such as apricot jam-filled croissants sprinkled with sugar, tarts filled with cream and topped with fruit, and sweet sfoglia, which is laminated puff pastry filled with either fruit jams or ricotta. For coffee at Serafini, order an espresso.
Caffe Pasticceria Serafini is located on Via Gioberti, 168 red and is open from 7 am until 9 pm Mondays to Saturdays and 8 am to 9 pm on Sundays.
2. Dolci e Dolcezze
Near the first option on this list—Caffe Pasticceria Serafini—Dolci e Dolcezze is a perfect spot to enjoy a rich, luxurious flourless chocolate cake. This little spot doesn’t offer much in the way of seating, but they do offer the most amazing flourless chocolate cake in a variety of sizes. If you opt to enjoy your cake there at the small bar, order an espresso to complement the rich chocolate.
Dolci e Dolcezze can be found at Piazza Cesare Beccaria, 8r and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 am until 7:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
3. Bottega di Pasticceria
In a shady, quiet area across the Arno River, Bottega di Pasticceria is a café with a beautiful interior and even more beautiful pastries. In addition to a selection of more than a dozen bite size pastries, Bottega sells a variety of croissants with a variety of fillings—try the Nutella filled croissant—sfoglia, and seasonal Tuscan specialties such as fritelle, pan di Ramerino, and schiacciata alla Fiorentina. For coffee at Bottega, try a cappuccino and enjoy your treats by the large window on the second floor.
Bottega di Pasticceria is located on Lungarno Francesco Ferrucci, 9c red and is open from 7 am until 10 pm on Tuesdays through Sundays. It is closed on Mondays.
4. Rimani Caffetteria Pasticceria
Located in the little-visited Gavinana district of Florence, Rimani Cafetteria Pasticceria is no less deserving of a mention here than the spots in the city center. This spot provides ample opportunities for people-watching from either indoor or outdoor seating. The glass cases at Rimani houses a similar array of tasty sweets perfect for either breakfast or dessert. For breakfast, the super sweet Tuscan bombolone (sugar coated doughnuts filled with either cream or Nutella) are definitely worth a try here. Chase the sweet bombolone with a bitter cup of espresso made from Rimani’s locally roasted coffee beans. Other glass cases on-site also keep luscious cakes on display—try the Sacher torte filled with dollops of apricot jam if visiting for dessert. Do note that you need to pay first before ordering at Rimani.
Rimani Caffetteria Pasticceria is located on Viale Europa, 128 and is open from 6:30 am until 8:30 pm from Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.
Florence Tour Guide
Joanna
Hello, my name is Joanna. I was born and raised in Poland but then I fell hopelessly in love with Tuscany and have been living in Florence for 20 years. Wisely enough, I decided to turn my passion into work and became a tour guide. Now I can share with you my immense love for the beauty, history and art of these enchanted places. I am particularly passionate about the Middle Ages, history, scu... Read more
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Florence Tour Guide
Sara Pallabazzer
I am a lively well-spoken tour guide and tour leader from Florence, and a person who has the ability to motivate different sets of audience; to communicate effectively and possesses a high degree of energy and enthusiasm.I am able to manage multiple tasks, self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills. I am proficient in Italian, English and Norwegian and possess a strong love ... Read more
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Francesca Boldrini
Linguist specializing in art history. I am a licensed tour guide with natural communicating skills and a big passion for Tuscany andRinascimento. I speak five languages: Russian at B2 TRKI level, German at B1 level, English, Italian and French at the mother tongue level.I’ve got a great problem solving skills and the ability to work under pressure gained thanks to my experience in hospitality. ... Read more
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5. S. Forno
S. Forno appears to be a tiny shop from the outside, but the deceptively large interior does allow for ample seating from which to enjoy their coffee, pastries, homemade sandwiches, and salads. Displayed for breakfast, you’ll find bread with chocolate chips, muffins, yogurt with fruit and granola, and bread with butter and marmalade. At S. Forno, order the Americano coffee.
S. Forno is located in the hip Santo Spirito neighborhood of Florence on Via Santa Monaca, 3r. It is open on Monday through Friday from 7:30 am until 7:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am until 7:30 pm.
Tasting Italy on a budget
Traveling in Italy can be very expensive and meals out definitely add up. But the prices at cafes and bakeries in Florence remain low as numerous locals constantly flock to these spots for their coffee and pastry each morning. Clocking in at approximately 2 EUR (2.34 USD) for an espresso and apricot-filled croissant, indulging has never tasted so good.
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