New-old vs. Historic: How to Spot the Real Icons of Florence
In a city like Florence, everything looks old — even places opened last week. A cracked wall, a vintage lamp, a rustic sign in Trajan font, and voilà: “historic charm.” But if you’re after the real legends, the kind of places that have seen centuries of stories (not just clever interior design), you need a local to guide you.
At Florence Factory, we know the difference between simply “old” and truly historic. So here’s a curated list of four iconic Florentine spots — a restaurant, a café, a club, and a gelateria — that have actually made history.
When the night begins with a question: is this place as good as it looks?
In Florence, some answers are hidden behind stone walls, under hand-painted signs, and in the pause before walking in.
Modern elegance meets timeless taste (And yes, the reviews agree).
1. Antico Ristorante Paoli – Since 1827
Where Tuscan cuisine meets Dante-era vibes
Tucked away in Via dei Tavolini, just steps from the Duomo, Paoli isn’t just the oldest working restaurant in Florence — it’s a time capsule. Born in 1827, this trattoria became a literary haunt in the 19th century and still boasts stunning Neo-Gothic frescoes inspired by Boccaccio’s Decameron, painted by Carlo Coppedè in 1909.
What to order: The Ribollita and Bistecca alla Fiorentina are local institutions.
Not everyone knows that… Paolo Uccello, the Renaissance painter, once lived a few doors away — but the real star here is the stained-glass ceiling you probably won’t look up at while you inhale tagliatelle al ragù.
Address: Via dei Tavolini, 12r, Firenze
Website: www.ristorantepaoli.com
2. Caffè Gilli – Since 1733
The elegant heart of Florentine café culture
Caffè Gilli was born in 1733, long before espresso became an art form. Originally opened by a Swiss family of pastry chefs, it moved to Piazza della Repubblica in the late 19th century and quickly became the place for artists, nobles, and intellectuals to sip, observe, and be seen.
What to order: A classic caffè espresso with a side of sfoglia alla crema. Or champagne, if you’re feeling 19th-century fabulous.
Not everyone knows that… During WWII, Gilli’s windows were covered in sandbags to protect the glass from bombings. They survived — and so did the chandeliers.
Address: Via Roma, 1r, Firenze
Website: www.gilli.it
3. Full Up Club – Since 1967
A disco that danced through generations
Opened in 1967, Full Up is one of the oldest nightclubs in Florence. Tucked into a historic basement near Piazza della Signoria, it was once the underground stage for jazz and swing nights before morphing into a disco destination in the 1980s. Today it mixes retro charm with modern beats.
What to expect: A crowd of locals and insiders. No neon. No foam parties. Just good music, arched ceilings, and actual dance floors.
Not everyone knows that… In the ’70s, Full Up hosted secret sets by jazz musicians escaping big city contracts — it was a speakeasy for saxophones.
Address: Via della Vigna Vecchia, 23r, Firenze
Website: www.fullupclub.com
4. Gelateria Vivoli – Since 1930
More than gelato. It’s family-ice cream history in a cone.
Started as a milk shop in 1930, Vivoli turned into a gelateria before most Italians knew what gelato really was. Today, it’s run by the same family and serves some of the richest, most traditional scoops in town — no artificial colors, no pretense, just craft.
What to order: Mousse. Not quite gelato, not quite dessert — the mousse flavors live in their own delicious category. Silkier, softer, and made to be enjoyed even off-season, you won’t find them in any other gelateria. Try the creamy rice. Or the caramelized pear, which tastes like autumn decided to stay for aperitivo. Or the affogato, because espresso over gelato is the right kind of chaos.
Not everyone knows that… Vivoli doesn’t serve cones, so radical. Never has. Why? Because when your gelato is that good, you don’t need a crispy distraction — just a spoon, a cup, and silence.
Address: Via dell’Isola delle Stinche, 7r, Firenze
Website: www.vivoli.it
Why It Matters
In Florence, authenticity is everything — and it often hides behind modest doors or beneath centuries-old ceilings. Skip the staged “Instagrammable” spots and trust the ones that have stood the test of time.
At Florence Factory, we believe craftsmanship, tradition, and design go hand in hand. That’s why we also select only handmade products by local artisans, the modern heirs of the city’s historic legacy.
