It’s the golden hour, you have a drink in hand and there’s an array of snacks on the table you look up to see the birds flying in the blue sky above the terracotta roofs and Tuscan yellow four-story buildings. You’re brought back down to street level by the sound of a street musician starting to play and laughter erupting at the table next to yours. It’s time for aperitivo in Florence.
Aperitivo is a central part of the Italian culture that shouldn’t be missed while traveling through the country. It’s a vital part of Italian social life where friends or family come together to mark the shift from the working day to the evening with a refreshing beverage and some savory nibbles.
What is Aperitivo
The literal translation of aperitivo comes from the Latin word aperire which means to open, traditionally the aperitivo is a way to open the stomach before eating. During aperitivo you get a cocktail and complimentary snacks come with it.
Typically the drink of choice is classified as an aperitif, a liquor that is bitter with low alcohol. Originally invented by the monks as medicine, which was meant to be taken before and after meals.
The most famous is the Aperol Spritz (the orange drink you’re bound to see while in Italy). However, in Florence, you should go with the local tradition of the Negroni— it’s a little stronger and the taste is a little bitter but it’s delicious.
The snacks at an Aperitivo hour differ from place to place. Some bars service some chips and nuts, while others will put out a wide spread of local delicacies on charcuterie boards. There are even some that go full-on buffet style with pasta and pizza, but that’s technically classified as an “Apericena” (the dinner version of Aperitivo)
Where to go for aperitivo in Florence
There are endless choices in Florence for Aperitivo, almost every bar, cafe, and restaurant partake in this daily ritual. However, while you’re in Italy for a limited amount of time, you don’t want to settle for an average aperitivo experience in Florence, which is why I’ve put together my top places that take it to the next level:
Locale
Set with the breathtaking backdrop of the ancient Palazzo (palace) delle Seggiole, Locale hosts one of the best aperitivo in Florence. The restaurant’s two levels speak to the eras that make the history of the building, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Stepping into Locale is like stepping back in time. They offer creative cocktails and original reinterpretations of the most classic drinks, with an array of elegant nibbles that can be indulged in the winter garden, which is exceptional at any time of the year.
Bulli e Balene
Bulli e Balene has made its name as a staple in the Aperitivo scene. Located in one of the best piazzas for local gastronomy, Piazza Passera. (They also have a second location in Manufattura Tabbachi). The locals flow out into the square as the small restaurant fills. Making the piazza come to life with conversation and laughter that you’ll hear before you see. The crowd is pretty local so it’s a perfect opportunity to brush shoulders with Italians, practice speaking the language, or just observe the local culture.
They make all types of drinks, but their Hugo Spritz is my personal favorite. For food, they do all types of crostini (little toasted bread with different toppings) and finger sandwiches. They also have classic chips and nuts available.
Vineria Sonora
If you’re a wine lover Vineria Sonora is the place to go. It houses all-natural wines coming from small local producers. The location is no-frills with vinyl records on the walls and a young artsy crowd. While the wine is their main focus, they don’t skimp on the food. They offer an array of Crostini, meat and cheese boards, and warm toasts made from whole-grain rustic bread that can easily steal the show if you’re more of a foodie than a wine-o.
Dolce Emporio
This little place is one of my favorite places to pop in for a glass of wine and a couple of crostini. The Bottega-like shop is specifically made for apperitivo, with two long bars that connect t the front counter, making it a U-shape that promotes conversations with the other patrons as well as whoever’s working that day.
They’re known for their natural and local foie gras, but they offer all types of different crostini, including a veggie one that is divine. While the space is small, what it lacks in volume it makes up for in character, with dried flowers hanging from the ceiling around the bar and a selection of packaged delicacies lining the walls.
Cibrèo Caffe
If you want a classic, yet refined aperitivo experience look no further than the Cibrèo Cafe. The cafe is a part of the larger Cibrèo community which includes a Michelin-star restaurant and an equally impressive Tuscan trattoria.
As you can imagine their Aperitivo doesn’t disappoint. Rather than the usual chips, you’ll find yourself with a tray of little bites in front of you while you’re sipping your cocktail. From mini pizza (pizzetta) to juicy olives and peppers— it’s never the same, so every time you go you can be surprised. The crowd is locals and tourists that are in the know, making it a perfect place to sit back, relax and take in the Tuscan culture.
Gucci Garden
The famous fashion house Gucci is native to Florence and you don’t have to be a fashion lover to indulge in the brand while you’re in Florence. Directly in Piazza Della Signoria Gucci has recently opened “Gucci Garden” which is a multi-disciplinary creative space that includes the Gucci Osteria by the world-renown chef Massimo Battuta.
The restaurant is worth visiting for the decor alone, but the food really is exceptional. However, if you don’t want to spend the pretty penny that it costs for a full meal, having apertivio at the Gucci bar is equally as magical. The cocktails are as gorgeous as they are tasty, and the flights of snacks offered always feature what’s in season and produced locally.
Babae (The wine window)
All over Florence, you’ll notice these little windows that are around waist level and are just the size to fit a glass of wine through— while most of these “wine windows” have been filled in with cement one restaurant re-opened their wine window during COVID when in-door dining was strictly prohibited.
Opening the wine window was a hit, making Babae one of the favorite apertivio destinations. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the crowd gathering in the street. While the window is an experience in and of itself, having a “proper” apertivio inside is equally nice. The decor is eclectic yet refined which fits the crowd that hangs out here, which is young and always on-trend.
Gosh*
Gosh* has cemented its name as one of the trendiest cocktail bars in Florence— founded by a Polimoda grad who worked for Elie Saab in Paris before returning to Florence to open Gosh*. It boasts vintage furniture and pink flamingo walls, it’s a staple location for the fashion crowd to gather.
From 6-9 every day they offer snacks to go along with their craft cocktails. The cocktails all come in tin cups to add to the decor, and the snacks are equally as beautifully crafted and change daily.
