How to Eat Like a Florentine (and When)
Skip the delivery apps. In Florence, time still bends around a cappuccino, a tripe sandwich, and a glass of wine at dusk. Here's how to eat like a local — by the hour.
Forget what you know about three meals a day. To live like a true Florentine, you’ll need six: each eaten slowly, socially, and in the right place, at the right time. From your 9:00 cappuccino to your midnight Negroni, here’s the rhythm of the day.
Before 10:00 — Cappuccino is sacred (and strictly breakfast)
In Florence, coffee is not just a beverage — it’s choreography. The day begins with a cappuccino and a brioche, consumed standing at the bar, chatting briefly with the barista, and moving on. Never order a cappuccino after 10:30 unless you want to be silently judged.
Where to go for a proper morning ritual:
Wild Buns – A Nordic twist on Florentine pastry, near Sant’Ambrogio. Map
Pasticceria Nencioni – Old-school, family-run, no frills.
Dolci & Dolcezze – Tiny, jewel-box pâtisserie near Piazza Beccaria.
And for the bar itself?
Ditta Artigianale, Via dello Sprone – Coffee snob heaven, with Florentine soul.
Caffè Gilli – Grand, frescoed, and somehow still local. Map
Cibreo Caffè – Artistic, minimalist, and perfectly placed.
Shop the Story:
Scents of Somewhere Beautiful. Hand-poured candles that smell like fig trees, old walls, citrus peel, and linen drying in the Tuscan sun.
11:00 — The second breakfast (yes, it’s a thing)
This is not brunch. It’s the graceful slide between cappuccino and lunch: a tramezzino, a mini panino, or a second espresso.
Three places for the mid-morning fix:
Procacci – Famous for tiny panini with truffle cream.
Cantinetta dei Verrazzano – Focaccia with a glass of wine, why not?
S.Forno – Neighborhood bakery with real personality.
Shop the Story:
Tableware Worth Lingering Over. From morning espresso to midnight grappa — ceramic pieces made to be touched, used, and loved.
13:00 — Lunchtime: hot food, real talk
This is not salad time. Lunch means something hot, often oily, sometimes made of innards. It’s where Florentines find comfort and continuity.
Try the city’s best lampredotto and panino stalls:
Semel – Inventive fillings, legendary among locals.
L’Antico Trippaio – Steps from Piazza della Repubblica.
Il Trippaio di San Frediano – A beloved stop on the other side of the Arno.
Prefer to sit? Go trattoria:
Trattoria da Ruggero – Unpretentious and perfect.
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi – Near San Lorenzo; classics only.
Il Brincello – Great bistecca, zero tourist vibe.
16:00 — Merenda: sweet, slow, and slightly nostalgic
Afternoons are for gelato, schiacciata con l’uva, or simply a slice of something sweet — always with a walk or a pause.
Where to take your inner child:
Vivoli – Iconic, creamy, unapologetically rich gelato.
La Sorbettiera – Artisanal, seasonal, and seriously good.
C.BIO – For rustic pastries and a shaded courtyard.
19:00 — Aperitivo: one spritz, two olives, three good stories
This is not dinner. Aperitivo is its own artform. A good Spritz or Negroni, a few salty things, maybe a view.
Top aperitivo spots:
Empireo Rooftop – For summer sunsets and skyline gazing.
Rex Café – Retro-funky, Florentine favorite.
Volume – Artsy, lively, and still authentic in Santo Spirito.
20:30 — Dinner: slow, loud, and rarely solo
Now is the time for real food: bistecca alla fiorentina, pizza, pici. But mostly: conversation.
Book a table at:
Divina Pizza – Slow-fermented dough, contemporary toppings.
Le Volpi e l’Uva – Natural wines, small plates, hidden behind the Uffizi.
Il Santo Bevitore – Florentine chic, without the attitude.
After dinner — Gelato again? Or a strange little bar?
Night owls in Florence need to be subtle. The city goes quiet — but not dead. Now’s the time for a final Negroni, or a weird-but-wonderful cocktail spot.
Our picks for unusual after-hours:
Gesto – Experimental drinks, dimly lit, design-forward.
Santarosa Bistrot – Garden hideaway near the old walls.
Mad Souls & Spirits – Tattooed bartenders, wild infusions, no pretense.
Shop the Story:
Wearable stories in silver, gold, and local stones — locally handmade to speak softly and shine naturally.
Visit us near Santa Croce
Florence Factory, Via dei Neri 6/8R. Open most days; hours may vary seasonally. For same-day pickup, please message or call us first: availability depends on the item and batch.
FAQ
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Usually between 7:30 and 10:00. It’s light: coffee and pastry.
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You can, but locals don’t. Milk is for morning.
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Try Semel, L’Antico Trippaio, or Il Trippaio di San Frediano.
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No. It’s a drink with snacks, around 7pm. Dinner starts at 8:30.
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Vivoli and La Sorbettiera are top picks for quality and history. Gelateria dei Neri is exatly in front of our shop.
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Rarely. Eating out is part of the social fabric.
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Most kitchens close by 22:30. After that, try bars for a nightcap.
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Yes, by arrangement. Availability varies by item.
