The best specialty cafés in Florence, the city for coffee lovers

And so, little Florence conquered all. When it comes to specialty coffee, there's no competition in Italy: the Tuscan capital dominates the scene, not only in terms of the number of establishments (especially considering the city's size) but also for the variety and types of offerings. For those who appreciate European-style cafés and seek more than just a quick espresso at the counter, this is paradise. Without further ado, here are the bars not to miss.

Specialty Coffee Bars to Try in Florence

Ben Caffè

The new location of Ben Caffè is a discovery in itself. Formerly part of a family hotel, the bar has been reborn near the Dante's House Museum in a spacious area with an international atmosphere. Here, you can find everything from flat whites to cortados, to be enjoyed with breakfast options like pancakes, yogurt with granola, or savory choices such as eggs and bacon, avocado toast, and even vegan alternatives. What more could you ask for?

Ben Caffè – via Santa Margherita, 2r - facebook.com/bencaffefirenze

Melaleuca

A journey beyond European borders in the heart of Florence awaits at Melaleuca, an American/Australian-managed bakery where nothing is left to chance. From the furnishings – all in soft wood and white tones – to the delightful counter full of delicacies (irresistible is the pistachio babka), this welcoming café will brighten even the gloomiest of days. Thanks to the kindness of the staff and a diverse menu of coffee beverages and brunch options.

Melaleuca – lungarno delle grazie, 18 - facebook.com/MelaleucaFirenze/

Fluid – Specialty Coffee & Sharing

With a pop atmosphere, neon signs, and informal service, Fluid is the first café opened by the Livorno-based coffee roastery Le Piantagioni del Caffè in collaboration with the consulting company IDEA Food & Beverage. The café features La Marzocco's Modbar espresso machines, breaking down barriers between barista and customer. Specialty coffee and conviviality take center stage, along with tempting sweet and savory offerings.

Fluid – Specialty Coffee & Sharing – Borgo la Croce, 59 b - facebook.com/fluidspecialty

Caffetteria Piansa

With two locations, Caffetteria Piansa is one of the roasteries that has set the standard in Tuscany. Both venues offer a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a team of young and knowledgeable baristas serving every beverage with care. The beans from the roastery itself ensure expertly crafted espressos and cappuccinos that pair well with breakfast items such as brioches and rice puddings, typical treats worth trying at least once. The lunch and aperitivo options, featuring filled sandwiches, panini, and glasses of wine, are also excellent.

Caffetteria Piansa - via Gran Bretagna, 32r - via Gioberti, 51r - caffetteriapiansa.it/

Caffetteria Emmeti

A happy oasis in Campo di Marte, Caffetteria Emmeti has been open since 2014 but took a turn in 2020 with the use of La Sosta coffee beans. Well-crafted and balanced espressos are on offer, and for those who wish, the beans can be purchased for home consumption. The V60 is available for filter coffee enthusiasts, and there are biscuits and pastries to pair with your drink for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Caffetteria Emmeti – via Mannelli, 19r - facebook.com/caffetteriaemmeti/

Coffee Mantra

The focus at Coffee Mantra has always been clear from the beginning – coffee reigns supreme. Whether it's filter, espresso, various single origins to choose from, or cappuccinos and flat whites with any plant-based milk, you're in good hands thanks to the professionalism of the baristas who guide customers during tastings. Some quality accompanying options are also available: those who love Scandinavian pastries will adore the treats from Wild Buns Bakery.

Coffee Mantra – via della Mattonaia/ang. Borgo La Croce, 71 r - facebook.com/coffeemantrafirenze

Le Vesper Cafe

Year after year, this beautiful establishment on Via Ghibellina continues to improve. From the beginning, it impressed with a thorough exploration of coffee and delightful, original offerings for brunch. Today, there is a growing emphasis on plant-based options, the overall menu has become more diverse, and the dishes draw inspiration from North America. What remains unchanged is the quality of service and the spirit of the professionals who bring the place to life: friendly, informal, and attentive. It's one of those cafés where you always return with pleasure.

Le Vespe Cafe – via Ghibellina, 76 r - facebook.com/levespecafe?locale=it_IT

Ditta Artigianale

Francesco Sanapo's project, a multi-award-winning barista champion, roaster, and pioneer of specialty cafés in Italy, needs little introduction. The first location on Via de Neri remains one of the coziest, but over time, other establishments have emerged, each with a carefully designed and innovative layout unique to its area. The common thread is the focus on coffee research, accompanied by a continually evolving sweet and savory menu.

Ditta Artigianale – via de Neri, 32r – via dello Spron, 5r – via dei Carducci, 2r – via Lungarno Soderini, 7r – Piazza Ferrucci, 1r - dittaartigianale.com/

Simbiosi Coffee

A small and familiar place where specially crafted extracts and high-quality filter coffee can be found. Organic blends and single origin coffees from different origins make up a complex and well-thought-out menu, to be paired with pancakes, muffins, and cookies. The true strength here, however, lies in the brunch, featuring a series of delightful savory options.

Simbiosi Organic Cafè – via de Ginori, 64 r - facebook.com/SimbiosiOrganicCafe

Manly the Office

The coffee is from the Florentine roastery D612, and the brunch options are internationally inspired, reflecting the essence of the entire establishment. Manly the Office is a recently opened café by Maykol Martino, a true Tuscan who fell in love with black gold in Australia and decided to bring some of his travels to the San Frediano neighborhood. Although the space is small, the menu is well-crafted, making it a novelty worth keeping an eye on.

Manly the Office - via Pisana, 48r - instagram.com/manly_the_office/

Carduccio

If you're looking for a simple and tasty vegetarian meal, this is the place. Whether you're seeking organic cuisine or simply a good espresso, this spot near Piazza Pitti is the ideal locale. Carduccio is a place where you feel good, starting with the coffee break. In addition to excellent espresso, there are gluten-free and vegan cakes, pastries, and cookies. For lunch, there's an embarrassment of choices, with friendly service, the right atmosphere, and a small selection of good products to take home completing the picture. The Best Specialty Cafés in Florence, the City for Coffee Lovers

Carduccio – Sdrucciolo de Pitti, 10 r - facebook.com/carducciofirenze