As a devoted enthusiast of Italian food culture and its cherished rituals, the Italian happy hour known as aperitivo stands out as a personal favorite. In fact, my passion for this tradition led me to create a food tour in Florence dedicated to Aperitivo, a tour recommended by prestigious travel guides like Lonely Planet and Conde Nast Traveler.
This guide serves as an evolving collection of my top recommendations for experiencing Aperitivo in Florence, complemented by insights from my articles on aperitivo and cocktails in this vibrant city. Consider this your go-to resource, regularly updated with fresh discoveries!
What exactly is Italian aperitivo? While often compared to happy hour, aperitivo is more than just a fleeting discount period. It’s a ritual, a deliberate pause to enjoy a stimulating drink – think Negroni, Vermouth, or Spritz – or a lighter alcoholic beverage like Prosecco, wine, or beer, paired with delightful snacks. This occurs before the main meal, designed to awaken the palate and socialize.
However, the aperitivo tradition has seen some shifts. It has morphed into “aperi-cena” or “aperitivo dinner,” often featuring extensive buffets and weaker drinks, which can sometimes overwhelm rather than stimulate the appetite. Unfortunately, some aperitivo spots now offer cafeteria-style spreads of food that lack freshness and the true essence of this ritual.
The image showcases lardo crostini paired with spumante franciacorta and truffle panini at Le Volpi e L’Uva, highlighting the authentic Italian aperitivo experience with quality food and drinks.
Why is Aperitivo so culturally significant? Aperitivo is more than just food and drink; it’s a vital social activity. There’s an undeniable energy in Italian neighborhood bars during aperitivo time, a sense of community and connection. I deeply value the time we spend together, forging bonds over shared culinary experiences. Food and drink act as social catalysts, reinforcing our human connection.
In a world increasingly dominated by technology and individual pursuits, aperitivo remains a precious ritual that nurtures our social nature. Perhaps it’s a romantic perspective, but aperitivo embodies a casual yet meaningful way to socialize, bridging the gap between fleeting encounters and formal dinners. It’s about slowing down, connecting, and savoring the moment with good company and delicious Food And Drinks Near Me.
Finding Authentic Aperitivo Experiences in Florence
Let’s clarify that my recommendations prioritize quality over quantity. This list focuses on establishments cherished by locals and committed to providing high-quality small bites alongside excellent drinks, rather than sprawling, generic buffets. While you might spend slightly more for a smaller portion, the enhanced quality is undeniably worth it. It’s about savoring the true flavors of Italy and supporting businesses that value culinary integrity, helping you find the best food and drinks near me that offer an authentic experience.
So, where to find the best aperitivo in Florence? Let’s explore neighborhood by neighborhood:
SANTA CROCE & SANT’AMBROGIO
Caffe’ Sant’Ambrogio: For a sophisticated aperitivo, focus on their premium charcuterie or simply enjoy chips and peanuts with your drink. Their wine list boasts a particularly impressive Champagne selection and they are known for their expertly crafted Martinis. This is a place where locals gather, drawn by the quality drinks and consistent service. The interior is intimate, but outdoor seating is available. Remember mosquito repellent in the summer months! (located in Piazza Sant’Ambrogio)
Il Locale: Step into a former Medici palace transformed into a chic bar and restaurant with a vibrant, big-city atmosphere. Their cocktails are inventive and expertly crafted, and the chef prepares elegant snack towers during Aperitivo, elevating the experience of finding sophisticated food and drinks near me.
Rex: This bar exudes vintage charm, offering an eclectic menu of craft cocktails, DJ sets, and live music into the late hours. Accompany your drink with their delightful bar snacks, particularly the butter and anchovy mini-toasts. Address: Via Fiesolana, 25r (Note: please check current opening status)
Caffe Fiorentino (Closed): While no longer open, this spot is worth mentioning for its authentic, unpretentious atmosphere. It represented a true Italian bar experience, reminiscent of the 80s and found outside typical tourist zones. It offered incredibly affordable drinks, simple snacks, games, and a cozy setting. Though closed, it remains a nostalgic example of finding local food and drinks near me that are genuine and down-to-earth.
Quelo: A unique option catering to vegan and vegetarian preferences, Quelo also offers raw pressed juice cocktails for a health-conscious twist. They don’t have a set cocktail menu; simply describe your preferred fruits and flavors, and they will create a customized drink, showcasing the versatility of food and drinks near me.
Fermino: Enjoy a selection of decent wines by the glass, reliably made Negronis, and small crostini bites priced per piece. Its location is ideal, the ambiance artsy, and it’s frequented by locals, offering a taste of authentic food and drinks near me.
This image captures truffle and porcini crostone paired with sparkling wine at Fuori Porta, exemplifying the quality aperitivo experience available and highlighting delicious food and drinks near me.
SAN NICCOLO’/PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO
Fuoriporta Enoteca: This wine bar and restaurant is open continuously throughout the day. They offer a carefully curated wine selection. If sparkling Durello is available, choose it over Prosecco. Pair your wine with one of their generous and flavorful crostone. Address: Via del Monte alle Croci, 10/R
VIA TORNABUONI/NEAR THE TRAIN STATION
Procacci: Truffle sandwiches and sparkling wine – a simple yet exquisite pairing. This small shop is popular, so arrive early. Address: Via de’ Tornabuoni, 64r
Rivoire: Reputedly one of the original locations, along with Cafe Casoni, where the Negroni was first served. Savor a Negroni at a place with historical significance, connecting with the origins of iconic food and drinks near me. Address: Piazza della Repubblica
Manifattura: A nostalgic tribute to Italian cocktail and drink culture, using exclusively Italian ingredients. They feature vintage bitters, vermouth, and amari, alongside fresh fruit preparations for seasonal Prosecco drinks like Bellini. Dry snacks are offered. Address: Piazza di S. Pancrazio, 1
Enoteca Bellini: This wine bar feels like a welcoming traveler’s lounge. Run by the knowledgeable and gracious Camilla, it offers a rotating selection of unique wines and delectable snacks. If you appreciate butter and anchovies, their toasts are a must-try, making it a standout for quality food and drinks near me. Address: Via della Spada, 52
Santa Cocktail Club: Take a seat at the elegant bar or on the patio and order a craft cocktail or wine. You’ll be presented with thoughtful canapé bites, including gluten-free options. While slightly pricier, the sophisticated ambiance in a historic square is a worthwhile indulgence, offering a refined experience of food and drinks near me. (Located in Piazza Santa Maria Novella)
All you need is ❤Negroni #Florence @irene_firenze
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NEAR THE DUOMO
Fiaschetteria Nuvoli: Many enjoyable evenings have been spent here, indulging in countless crostini varieties (truffle, fegatino, sausage, etc.) and excellent wines. Choose between the cozy bar area upstairs or the atmospheric cellar seating below. A great snack bar for afternoon or evening aperitivo, offering rustic, soulful, and local food and drinks near me. Address: Piazza dell’Olio, 15/r
Piazza della Signoria and Piazza Della Repubblica
Explore the historic cafes like Rivoire and Gilli for a classic Aperitivo experience in stunning settings. Enjoy your drinks at the bar to avoid extra table charges. Rivoire is historically significant as one of the birthplace of the Negroni, and Gilli is known for its exceptional bartenders like Luca Picchi, providing a taste of iconic food and drinks near me.
The image features the Vodka Beat cocktail at Lo Sverso, paired with chunky vegetable hummus and flatbread, illustrating the diverse and flavorful food and drinks near me.
SAN LORENZO/CENTRAL MARKET
PanicAle: A modern and artsy spot popular with a younger crowd, offering craft Italian beers on tap and reasonably priced cocktails, making it an accessible option for food and drinks near me. Address: Via Panicale, 7R
Pabo Doble: Located in the former space of Sabor Cubano, this is a quality destination for Tiki-style drinks with a selection of dry snacks. For a heartier bite afterward, Bondi offers excellent stuffed focaccia nearby, expanding your options for food and drinks near me. Address: Via Sant’Antonino, 64R
La Casa del Vino: A charming small wine bar with rustic wood décor, marble countertops, and an outstanding wine selection, accompanied by small plates and crostini bites. Their crostini Toscani (chicken liver pate toasts) are highly recommended. It evokes the atmosphere of Florence in the 80s, blending old-world charm with stylish flair, offering a unique experience of food and drinks near me. Address: Via dell’Ariento, 16r
NEAR THE UFFIZI & PONTE VECCHIO
Amble: This spot is praised for its drinks, ambiance, and vintage décor. Their concept of tramezzini and spritz is a nostalgic nod to Venetian aperitivo culture, offering a taste of classic food and drinks near me. Address: Piazzetta dei Del Bene, 7/A
Rivoire: Again, Rivoire appears as a historically significant location for Negroni. At the bar, they offer traditional Italian aperitivo snacks like potato chips, olives, pastry pizzette, and finger foods, providing a classic and convenient option for food and drinks near me. Address: Piazza della Signoria, 5
Fusion Bar at Gallery Art Hotel: Fusion is a standout for sushi and innovative Negroni variations. While not directly next to the Uffizi, it’s close by and offers excellent craft cocktails and fusion snacks inspired by Nikkei cuisine, providing an adventurous option for food and drinks near me. Address: Vicolo dell’Oro, 3
ROOFTOP ELEGANCE
Westin Excelsior: Offering arguably the best rooftop view in Florence, along with polished service and quality drinks (and a decent buffet), this is the place for a luxury hotel Aperitivo experience, perfect for those seeking upscale food and drinks near me with breathtaking views. Address: Piazza Ognissanti, 3
Il Continentale: Located just in front of Fusion, this rooftop bar is a personal favorite because it combines great views with well-made drinks – a rarity for rooftop bars that often prioritize location over quality. Enjoy stunning views and delicious food and drinks near me. Address: Vicolo dell’Oro, 6r
Hotel Lucchesi (Empireo Bar): This spacious rooftop offers the second-best views of the city and a more relaxed, youthful vibe compared to the Westin. Their bar snack program is currently curated in collaboration with the modernist restaurant Essenziale, featuring creative bites like mortadella mini-pizzas and pistachio puree. They also offer non-alcoholic options, making it inclusive for all seeking food and drinks near me with panoramic city views. Address: Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia, 38
PONTE VECCHIO/OLTRARNO/PITTI
Le Volpi e L’Uva: A charming wine bar with perfect finger food snacks like melted crostini, wines by the glass, and miniature truffle panini, along with rotating seasonal specialties. A delightful spot for quality food and drinks near me. Address: Piazza dei Rossi, 1R
Il Santino: Focusing on natural wines and wines from small producers, Il Santino provides a complimentary snack with your drink. For a more substantial aperitivo, share a bottle of sparkling wine and a mozzarella and anchovy crostino. They also offer excellent farmstead cheeses and meats. Arrive early as it’s small and popular, but worth it for its intimate atmosphere and excellent food and drinks near me. Address: Via di Santo Spirito, 60/R
Pitti Gola Cantina: Situated directly in front of Palazzo Pitti, this wine bar caters to serious food and wine enthusiasts. Order snacks like pate glazed with Vin Santo reduction and pair it with a wine tasting flight from their extensive wine collection, offering a sophisticated experience of food and drinks near me. Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 16
Sprituum Spirits Club: For cocktail lovers, Sprituum serves expertly made Martinis and classic vintage cocktails, accompanied by small aperitivo platters from their adjacent restaurant. A haven for those seeking refined cocktails and food and drinks near me. Address: Via Sant’Agostino 14R
Mad Souls & Spirits: An unpretentious bar with a sports bar feel (minus the TVs), Mad Souls & Spirits avoids the typical Aperol Spritz, offering a tiny platter of raw vegetables, olives, chips, and tramezzini-style finger panini. A sensible choice for a relaxed pre-dinner drink without the scene, offering straightforward food and drinks near me. Address: Borgo S. Frediano, 36-38r
Kawaii: Billed as a cocktail and sake bar, Kawaii features a small menu of Japanese-inspired bar snacks and an impressive selection of spirits and liquors. Snacks include raw sashimi and mini ramen bowls. A unique option for late-night bites and drinks near me. Address: Borgo S. Frediano, 8/R
This image showcases a selection of cured meats at Pane Amore e Fantasia, highlighting the quality ingredients and delicious pairings available, ideal for those seeking gourmet food and drinks near me.
VENTURING OFF THE BEATEN PATH
L’Gottino: Located in the lesser-known Piazza Beccaria area, this small wine bar offers select wines by the glass, mini sandwiches, and meat/cheese/bruschetta platters for Aperitivo. Recommended for those wanting to explore beyond the city center and experience a local neighborhood, discovering hidden gem food and drinks near me. Address: Via Vincenzo Gioberti, 174/r
Serafini: Serafini offers a surprisingly recommendable buffet, often featuring pastries and mini-pizzas baked in-house, along with vegetable options. Their Spritzes are decent (opt for Campari or Cynar over Aperol), and their wine selection is respectable. Also known for its great coffee scene during the day, it’s a versatile spot for food and drinks near me. Address: Via Gioberti, 168/r
Pane Amore e Fantasia: A food lover’s paradise, though located further out. They boast an incredible array of snacks, heritage meats, cheeses, and an exceptional wine selection, particularly sparkling wines. Lorenzo Vulashi, the personable and knowledgeable owner, is a highlight. This humble bakery and wine shop offers a taste of true quality, making it worth the trip to find these exceptional food and drinks near me. Address: Via Ponte Alle Mosse 154r
Dogana: They offer a tempting display of gourmet crostini and quality fish snacks. The space is small, so arrive early and consider a bottle of sparkling wine for aperitivo. Their house wine is less impressive, so focus on their specialty offerings for a better experience of food and drinks near me. Address: Piazza Francesco Ferrucci, 3
Cafe Dogali: A local cafe with simple, classic Italian cocktails and decent wines by the glass. If you’re interested in an “apericena,” Cafe Dogali presents their aperitivo foods in rounds, resembling a multi-course meal, including fried coccoli and good cheeses and meats, offering a substantial and local experience of food and drinks near me. Address: Viale Malta, 5
Gastronomia Galanti: Finally, Gastronomia Galanti is a deli run by the family of Italy’s award-winning sommelier. Enjoy wines selected by a top sommelier alongside house-made foods in this family-operated shop, a truly unique and high-quality option for food and drinks near me. Address: Piazza della Libertà, 31/red
For more resources on Aperitivo in Florence, explore these articles:
Aperitivo in Florence- a round up
Aperitivo Time in Florence- basics and tips
Why Aperitivo Still Matters
Ideas for Aperitivo foods to make at home
Where to get cocktails in Florence via Eater.com
Florence’s Cocktail Renaissance via Eater.com
And consider joining my food tour in Florence, complete with cocktails and wine: Aperitivo Tour in Florence with Curious Appetite
Stay connected for live updates on all things food, drink, and aperitivo through my social channels @curiousappetite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads!
In Aperitivo appreciation,
Curious Appetite
