When it comes to specialty coffee experiences, one can hardly find better than an Italian coffee bar in Florence, Italy! Join us in four incredible cafes.
While Africa can claim its right as the birthplace of coffee, and the Yemenis claim themselves as the first exporters of coffee by initiating its trade to other nations; only the Italians can lay claim to the amazing transformation of coffee by way of the espresso machine. Forevermore, espresso technology has raised the specialty coffee experience from the level of simply-brewed drinks, to the works of art they are today.
The Renaissance
What better place to experience espresso than in Italy? Not just any Italian city, but in Firenze! The birthplace of the Renaissance. One could say that just as the Renaissance ushered in great social change in the fields of art, architecture, politics and science, so too the espresso method brought the coffee world into an new era of ingenuity, creativity, and productivity.
Old World Elegance & Specialty Coffee
RIVOIRE
Address: Piazza della Signoria, 5/R, 50122 Firenze, IT
website: https://rivoire.it/en/home-en/
La Dolce Vita
“La Dolce Vita” or “The Sweet Life,” I’ve come to believe, is a direct result of the works of the Renaissance period. The beauty of living the ‘sweet life’ surrounds you as you simply walk through the streets of Florence. Art, architecture, fountains, and statues flood your senses with the very meaning of a life lived in full appreciation of beauty.
Yet, how you may ask, can we experience this with coffee? Nowhere is this more apparent than in the centuries old Rivoire. As the story goes, Enrico Rivoire was a master chocolatier to King Emanuele Filiberto I and the royal Italian Family in the city of his birth, Turin. When the Royal Court moved to Italy’s new capital, Florence, Rivoire followed and opened a new factory in 1872 and named it the “Steamed Chocolate Factory.” It remains in the exact same location today, just a stone’s throw away from the Palazzo Vecchio on the Piazza della Signoria. “Magnifico!”
Mastery of Chocolate & Specialty Coffee
What began with Italian master chocolatiers turning the subtleties of chocolate into art through skill and passion, has today become an Italian tribute to specialty coffee. As well as, fine chocolates, pastries and spreads, imaginative cocktails, and gourmet dining. Travelers and locals alike connect with the historical beauty which began with a cup of hot chocolate.
The elegance of an expertly crafted cappuccino by centuries old espresso bar aficionados paired with exquisite fine chocolate spread over decadent pastries will forever live in my heart and as a cherished memory.
Specialty Coffee of Florence Today
MERCATO CENTRALE COFFEE BAR
Address: Via Generale dalla Chiesa, 13 50136 Firenze, IT
website: https://www.mercatocentrale.it/firenze/
Then, on the more casual laid-back side of Florentine coffee culture, but no less significant a contributor to “La Dolce Vita,” is the Mercato Centrale Coffee Bar. As they say, “Senti Che Profumo,” or “Smell That Smell!” Ah… the sweet aroma of coffee…
Their philosophy is to utilize excellence at every stage in the making of each single cup. In partnership with Mondicaffè roastery which dates back to 1959 in Rome, their specialty coffee is traditionally processed and embodies decades of experience in roasting quality and great-tasting 100% Arabica espresso beans.
Excellence in Specialty Coffee
Furthermore, every stage in the making of a cup of coffee is painstakingly pursued here. Including an innovative water filtration system that ensures purity. Additionally, all varieties are artisan crafted in their professional La Marzocco coffee machine for superiority. We absolutely adored their signage denoting an Americanized sizing choice of either a Cappuccino, Big Cappuccino, or Huge Cappuccino.
Not only will you enjoy a superior cup of cappuccino at the Mercato Centrale, but also the highest quality Italian meats, cheeses, pastas, wines, pastries and gelato to be found anywhere in Florence. Savor them immediately seated on the upper level, or shop the lower level and take them home to assemble your own feast.
Culinary Delights
“La Dolce Vita” comes to life in so many varieties of fabulous Italian gourmet food options here. As such, you will be able to taste not only the best of Florence, but of all of Italy in this one enchanting location. Finally, they host live music and the Lorenzo de’ Medici cooking school regularly organizes courses in Italian and English. Truly, the cultural experience of the Mercato Central combines the beauty of classical Italian methods in a modernized context that is the Firenze of today. “Buon appetito!”
The New OG!
DITTA ARTIGINALE
Address: Via de Neri 32R – Firenze, IT
website: https://www.dittaartigianale.it/
While pondering the amazing transformation of Florentine coffee over an outstanding espresso at the original Ditta Artiginale de Neri in the heart of the old city, I am struck by the parallels of art and architecture this modern Italian coffee bar has been able to infuse into its brand. Each location evokes a unique and lively characteristic of Florentine culture and history. While their original shop depicts a homey and unpretentious feel and design, every subsequent coffee bar they have opened has been created with distinct ingenuity and originality. One might even say a Renaissance of the coffee bar itself!
In less than a year, Ditta Artiginale’s second coffee bar was opened in 2016. Ditta Artiginale Oltrarno is situated on the banks of the Arno river. Interestingly, this second coffee bar is styled according to the precise time period, closely following the style and vision of the great Florentine architect Giovanni Michelucci, who designed the building it’s housed in.
Architectural Influence
Then, in 2021 Ditta via Giosue Carducci was designed by architects Luca and Marco Bladini. Its modern international pulse closely references the classic Italian style. This old refectory of the 1300’s also houses their “Scuola del Caffe,” where expert training courses are offered to both amateurs and professionals.
Subsequently, “The great urban jungle,” of the Ditta Riva d’Arno Romeas opened in 2022. It draws inspiration from the numerous lands of coffee origin. From South America to Africa and Vietnam; it reflects the multi-ethnicity of coffee and the people who produce it. “Bellissimo!”
Philosophy of their Specialty Coffee
Finally, Piazza Ferrucci is an oasis of green where the exchange of ideas over fine coffee and cutting-edge pastry is to be appreciated and savored in all its individuality and diversity.
The Ditta Artiginale philosophy is truly specialty coffee and Florentine culture at its finest. But don’t take our word for it, you owe it to your discerning coffee palette to try each of these exquisite establishments. Only by doing so, will you truly be able to experience the totality of what Ditta Artiginale means in this most unique of all Italian and World cities.
They’ve established relationships with micro-lot single producers, and then roast unique coffees to exalt their special characteristics. Their architectural spaces are a reflection of Florentine lifestyle with coffee at the heart.
From Coffee to Cocktails
LA MENAGERE
Address: Via de’ Ginori, 8/R, 50123 Firenze, IT
website: https://www.lamenagere.it/
The grand finale is La Menagere. What a place to conclude our exploration of Florentine coffee culture! It is a labyrinth of secret spaces, secluded corners and private rooms. Here, you can enjoy an intimate moment with coffee or relax mid-day with an aperitif.
La Menagere’s original concept of an “establishment of luxury and curiosity” is still thriving. Since 1896 they have mesmerized travelers and native Florentines in this magical Bistrot.
By day, their specialty coffee bar serves up the finest espresso-based cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos. Also, fantastical creations prepared and shared in a French Chemex. Coffee for two anyone? “The Columbia, is a slow-brewed carafe coffee, Meta Antigua cHulia 100% Arabica. It’s blended with a selection of the best washed Arabica beans, notes of grapefruit, red fruits and honey, with a refined acidity and liqueur aftertaste.”
Evening Transformation
By night, La Menagere transforms into a seductive cocktail lounge, as warm candlelight plays against its fresco-walled interior. The mirrored dining room comes alive with music performed on the baby grand piano, setting an indulgent cosmopolitan scene.
From the outdoor loggia to the interior full of glass, mirrors, flowers and plants, La Menagere is an exotic garden within the ancient walls of Florence. What a crescendo!
Upon Reflection
I now know what it must feel like to be part of a Tuscan painting. This is how I can best describe the Florentine lifestyle, coffee culture, and surroundings of beauty I experienced. A love for the fullness of life itself. Italians set an example for us, on just how to experience all aspects of a beautiful life. From the gorgeous Piazzas where family and friends have gathered for centuries to enjoy, share and create all that is so very distinctly Italian. Their sense of being is “La Dolce Vita.” And what a beautiful life it is!
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