Written by Olivia Mazerolle, Williams College | ISI Florence Fall 2024

As someone who is frequently in need of a sweet treat, a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, and a cozy place to study, I come to you as a well-traveled café-goer in Florence. I have collected my top 6 favorite cafés in and around the city center. I will try my best to encapsulate the atmosphere of each location and describe the occasions when I would visit each café. If that doesn’t work for you, I have assigned each place its own “theme song” to paint the picture for you further.

La Ménagère

Located near Mercato Centrale, in via de’ Ginori, 8/R, is the chicest café on my list. This is the perfect place to bring your mom or rich aunt if they visit you in Florence. This establishment does everything, from brunch at 8 am to cocktails at 2 am. The interior is elegant, whimsical, and posh. There are tables that can accommodate large groups for brunch, or if you are just stopping by for a quick drink, there are stools at the bar. The inside of the café is sprawling, including three stories worth of seating. The main floor is where the bar is located along with a gift/flower shop. The rooms vary from bright and floral to dark and moody – my favorite is the upstairs one, where you are surrounded by dark grey walls, bookshelves, and windows looking out at a small courtyard. This is also where I find the best studying takes place since it is rarely crowded up there. La Ménagère has space for various endeavors spanning from classy brunch dates to a late-night solo study session. This café would easily fit in on New York’s Upper East Side.

My order: Espresso Shakerato (5.5€) and a plain croissant (2.5€).

Ditta Artigianale

Ditta Artigianale is a well-known name in Florence. If you are looking for a taste of home (the States), this is the place for you. Who knew Italians could get down with a pumpkin spice latte?! There are many locations of Ditta Artigianale due to its popularity, which is well deserved – generally, their cafés are fairly crowded. This is not a spot for studying, as they do not allow laptops at the table during most of the day, but it is the perfect place to grab brunch with a friend. As a coffee lover, I put my validity at stake and claim that Ditta Artigianale has the best iced coffee in Florence. I still feel ashamed every time I order one, but they specialize in iced beverages. In fact, they stray from the Italian espresso culture and lean more towards the hip, overpriced coffee culture (San Diego needs a Ditta Artigianale!). I would also declare that they have one of the best pains au chocolat in the city, especially if you get there earlier in the morning while they are fresh: a must-try for breakfast/brunch.

My order: Cold Brew with oat milk (6.5€) and the smashed avocado toast (9.5€).

La Cité

Think Dr. Martens, drawings of naked women, thick-rimmed glasses, and stick and pokes. That should honestly give you an exact picture of this café. It is perfectly eclectic, cozy, and sophisticated, in a youthful way. Located in Santo Spirito, in Borgo S. Frediano, 20/R, La Cité is always busy. There are many nooks and crannies to relax in, including outdoor seating. Although it is frequently crowded, a seat always opens up in a timely manner. This is the perfect place to sit down and read a book, journal, or have a drink with a friend. It has room for study groups and academic endeavors, although the Wi-Fi doesn’t always work too well, so don’t rely heavily on your laptop here. The clientele is mostly students, ranging from late high school to college, but you will also find a wide range of ages at this café. At 10 pm you could find students working, a couple on a date, and a group of girlfriends out for a drink. La Cité is welcoming to any and every café-goer.

My order: Tea, usually chai (2.5€) or a glass of the house red (6€).

Paolo e Francesca

Enough talk about cold brew, we are in Italy for crying out loud. Paolo e Francesca is your classic Italian bar: run by the sweetest people, this is a great spot to grab a quick bite for breakfast or a quick espresso. Located in a very touristy area, via dei Neri, 38/r, you will find a mix of local Italian regulars, and tourists getting their request for a caramel swirl and oat milk. There is minimal seating, and this is not the spot to take out your notebooks and laptops, but it is a great place to sit for five as you enjoy a delicious croissant and cappuccino.

My order: Cappuccino and a regular croissant (~2.5€).

Melaleuca

Ok, back to cold brew. This Australian/American café is another must-try if you are craving a real, filling breakfast. Their menu even includes…drumroll, please…bagels! They are nothing to write home about, but they are definitely pieces of bread with a hole in the middle, and they get the job done. Something worth writing home about is their pastries. One day I got some sort of braided pistachio situation, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. This is another spot that isn’t built for studying but works well for breakfast with friends. Located right on the Arno, on Lungarno delle Grazie, 18, Melaleuca collects a lot of attention but is worthy of their devoted crowd.

My order: Cold brew with oat milk and whatever pastry catches my eye (~9€).

Todo Modo

To end this list, I present to you a newcomer and a special shoutout. I am currently writing this review from Todo Modo Bookstore. Café, bookstore, bar – this place is amazing. This is my first time here and will definitely not be my last. There is a wide variety of reading material for perusing and purchasing, along with lots of seating, including some unique staircases, and floating desk contraptions from which I am currently writing. This is the perfect study spot! The café offers food, coffee, wine, and more – it is bright, warm, eclectic, and fun. The workers are sweet, down-to-earth, and have obviously built a great community here (I say this after my hour of observation). I will be returning very soon!

My order: Glass of red wine recommended by the owner, he is “the wine list” (6€).