July 1, 2024

Food

The best aperitifs in Florence

The top places to drink your favorite cocktail

In a city with a traditionally outstanding good drinking culture, there are many places where it is worth relaxing over a drink made to perfection. Elegant, refined and exclusive, aperitif time in the heart of Florence is a treat loved by Florentines and visitors alike. It’s the perfect way to rediscover the city during the onset of summer. Squares fill up, tables return to occupy the sidewalks of the centre and after work becomes even more carefree with a signature cocktail enjoyed in company.

But how to find the best? Come with us to discover the most stylish places, hotels with breathtaking indoor terraces, and fortresses of international mixing. And if after an aperitif you feel like continuing the evening with a dinner, don't forget to consult our guide with all the must-try restaurants in the city. For after dinner? Here is our selection of the most exclusive venues for late-night drinks!

Atrium Bar - Four Seasons Hotel Florence
Borgo Pinti, 99
ph. +39 055 2626450

Our itinerary starts from Palazzo della Gherardesca. Here, among history, beauty and works of art, we find the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze’s trump card, the Atrium Bar. It is the realm of Bar Manager Tommaso Ondeggia, Edoardo Sandri, born and bred Florentine and tireless Mixologist, and their fellow cocktail experts, who for an evening will make you feel that you have accepted a truly exclusive invitation. A meeting place for the hotel’s guests, but also for anyone who wants to drink well in the city, the Atrium Bar amazes and fascinates, both for the presentation of individual cocktails and for the incredible mixing. A journey that starts from its velvet chairs and ends in Tokyo, Mexico City, Paris. Not to be missed cult drinks include the Vintage Negroni and the Moulin Rouge. While for those who choose to stay for dinner and order the tasting menu, the new Executive Chef Paolo Lavezzini has designed a special aperitif: a box full of surprises that changes with the passing of the seasons, so as to tell the story of the territory from the very first taste. The menu for breakfasts, lunches, aperitifs and dinners is open from 9.00 to 22.00. Reservation is required.

Locale Firenze
via delle Seggiole, 12
ph. +39 055 9067188

A space open daily from aperitif time until late at night, perfect for enjoying a drink late into the evening. Suspended between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, crossing its threshold means stepping back in time to enjoy creative and original cocktails. All wrapped up in the winter garden, which gives an exceptional view at any time of the year.

The Lodge
Viale Poggi, 1
ph. +39 347 6631534

On The Lodge's terraces overlooking the historic center, it is possible to enjoy a nice outdoor aperitif and then stay for dinner to the beat of the music. The Lodge Club is now a certainty in the Florentine nightlife scene, and every night is unique, thanks to a truly rich music schedule from June to September and expertly prepared cocktails.

SE.STO on Arno - The Westin Excelsior Florence
Piazza Ognissanti, 3
ph. +39 055 27152783

On the sixth and top floor of The Westin Excelsior hotel we come to SE·STO on Arno. A legendary terrace with a 360-degree view over the rooftops of Florence where you can experience an unforgettable evening. A must at any time of year to enjoy local flavors in one of the city’s most beautiful settings (currently closed for renovations).

Giacosa
Via della Spada, 15r

Giacosa, which has always been a meeting place for the dandies of the time, reopens with a menu designed by the team led by Luca Manni and dedicated to the Italian aperitif. The homage to tradition sees the presence of 'classic' Negronis, but there is no lack of modern reinterpretations of the traditional recipe invented by the Count in 1919, such as the Gibson Negroni or the Cham-on!, a personal reinterpretation of a white Negroni. Concluding the wide choice of aperitifs are the Giacosa Creations, in which some great Italian aperitif classics are revisited such as the Garibaldi, revisited here with Savoia Americano, Chinotto, orange and cocoa, or the Cardinale, enriched with penetrating and fascinating notes of incense.

Harry's Bar The Garden
Via Il Prato, 40r
ph. +39 055 2771704

In the magical setting of Sina Villa Medici, Harry's Bar The Garden offers happy hour in an elegant and refined environment.

Cibrèo Ristorante & Cocktail Bar
Via dei Vecchietti, 5
ph. + 39 055 2665651

The iconic Cibrèo in the exclusive location of the historic Helvetia & Bristol Firenze - Starhotels Collezione offers a sophisticated concept store with the beautiful Cocktail Bar dominating the main dining room with its yellow Siena marble bar. Here, a dedicated series of signature cocktails new to Cibrèo are added to the classic selection of international cocktails and a wide range of spirits and liqueurs, for an aperitif to remember.

Procacci
Via de' Tornabuoni, 64r
ph. +39 055 211656

A treasured corner of the city, known and much loved for its truffle-based specialties. There can’t be a Florentine who does not know Procacci’s truffle panini, nor a tourist who hasn’t been intrigued by the magical scent that can be smelt even just passing by. With truffle sauce, foie gras, anchovies and Normandy butter, brie, or caramelized onions, one sandwich leads to another! Accompanied by list of extremely fine wines, perfect for a delightful aperitif in Via de Tornabuoni.

Saporium Lounge
Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 69r
ph. +39 055 212933

You can immerse yourself in the understated elegance of the Saporium Lounge to sample excellent cocktails that will put you in a good mood. Whether you are looking for an intimate moment or want to celebrate a special occasion, Saporium Lounge is the perfect place for an aperitif with signature drinks, accompanied by the mouthwatering tapas created by Chef Ariel Hagen and usa brigade.

Gucci Giardino 25
Piazza della Signoria, 37r
ph: +39 055 75927012

The maison’s new café & cocktail bar is an appendix to the nearby Gucci Garden. Crossing the threshold of Gucci Giardino 25, you find yourself in a sort of combination between a traditional Tuscan shop and a refined French bistro. The bar is run by Martina Bonci, who creates balanced and colorful cocktails, including Mémoire di Negroni, a tribute to the most famous of Italian cocktails created in Florence over a century ago

Santa Cocktail Club
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 1
ph. +39 337 1625009

A place born from an idea of Giulio Fratini that in a short time has become an institution in Florence. We are at the Santa Cocktail Club, in the beautiful Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Having an aperitif here is an experience not to be missed. The intimate and elegant dehors is framed by the marvellous Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, and the offer is curious and interesting. You order from a digital support, where you find both signature cocktails and great classics. Each drink has its own glass, like the swan-shaped one for the Lady75 made with homemade raspberry syrup and hibiscus-infused vodka, or the Santa Flip served inside a quail egg with the same ingredient also present inside the cocktail. The menu is carefully prepared and never banal, accompanied by a really interesting food menu for aperitifs and dinners.

Posh
Lungarno Vespucci, 26r
ph. +39 0550518514

The acronym P.O.S.H. stands for Port Out - Starboard Home and denoted the best cabins on ships that traveled between Britain and India in the days of Queen Victoria. The Posh restaurant and cocktail bar is also ready for you to set sail on the ship and embark on a culinary journey of taste, quality and exclusivity. Without sacrificing artfully constructed cocktails. You are in the sun-kissed Posh cabin with a magnificent view of the Florentine riverfront.

Il Santino
Via Santo Spirito, 60r
ph. +39 055 2302820

Lovers of the real Tuscan aperitif, a glass of wine accompanied by cold meats and cheeses in a truly Tuscan setting, should not miss Il Santino, a branch of the nearby restaurant Il Santo Bevitore. A wine bar in one of Florence's trendiest neighbourhoods, Santo Spirito. The perfect place to enjoy a good aperitif in a decidedly informal setting, with authentic, quality flavours, just as the locals like them.

Ditta Artigianale Sant'Ambrogio
Via Giosuè Carducci, 2/4r
ph. +39 055 936 7419

Ditta Artigianale has opened a new cafeteria in the former monastery of Sant'Ambrogio, the first in Europe to host the School of Coffee in a place open to the public. After 35 years of disuse and an articulated restoration that lasted four years, the former monastery of Sant'Ambrogio, in the heart of the city, comes back to life. Ditta Artigianale offers a complete catering service, from breakfast to lunch, up to dinner and brunch. Open daily, with opening hours from 7:30am to 0:00am. As for the food menu, the offer will feature the classics of Ditta's cuisine with new seasonal forays. The Cocktail Bar is run by bartenders who interpret classic drinks in a modern way following the philosophy of mixology. An important part of the offer of Ditta Artigianale is confirmed the Gin Bar, with a selection of over 150 different gin labels from all over the world, accompanied by various tapas for the aperitif. Among all, we advise you to try those created with the gin "Peter in Florence".

Irene Bistrò - Hotel Savoy Florence
Piazza della Repubblica, 7
ph. +39 055 2735 891

Featuring vintage accents and inviting soft leather furnishings, Irene Bar is the perfect setting to enjoy new Head Bartender, Federico Galli’s cocktails. In the magical setting of the Savoy Hotel, which boasts a privileged position in the magnificent Piazza della Repubblica, even aperitif time becomes an experience to remember, perhaps accompanied by some delights from Chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Try the brand new Boulevard, you won’t regret it.

Loggia Roofbar
Piazza Santo Spirito, 9
ph. +39 055 2658376

The romantic and relaxing atmosphere of the Loggia Roof Bar is ideal for an aperitif admiring the sunset over the red roofs of Florence. In fact, its beautiful rooftop terrace offers an idyllic view of the city and the surrounding hills. With as many as 40 seats available, you can enjoy your aperitif every day from 15.00 to 22.00.

Colle Bereto
Piazza degli Strozzi, 5
ph. +39 055 286601

A veritable landmark in the city for those who want to savour an original, sophisticated cocktail to the sound of DJ sets and international music. Among the most original creations are Tropical Jungle, Fashion Colle and Penta Negroni, but there are also skilfully reproduced great classics. The magic lights up every day from 6.00 pm in Piazza degli Strozzi.

Picteau
Borgo S. Jacopo, 14
ph. +39 055 27264997

Picteau is a refined Florentine lounge, which will make special your aperitif thanks to its spectacular view of Ponte Vecchio and the Arno river. An advice? Order a Vintage Negroni, created with original spirits of the 50s!

Caffè dell'Oro
Lungarno Acciaiuoli, 2p
ph. +39 055 27268912

Contemporary Italian café enjoying a privileged location overlooking the Ponte Vecchio. Inside, the style is that of the 1950s, with vintage-style furnishings given a modern interpretation. Outside, it’s the view that reigns supreme. Perfect for a drink at sunset as the Arno reflects the colours of the sky.

La Terrazza Rooftop Bar - Hotel Continentale
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 2r
ph. +39 055 27265987 - +39 3421234710

At the top of the medieval Torre dei Consorti, on the top floor of the Hotel Continentale, we find La Terrazza Rooftop Bar. An intimate, cosy place with an incredible view over the wonders of Florence, perfect for an unforgettable toast, especially at sunset.

Golden View Firenze
Via de Bardi 58/r
ph. +39 055 214502

From the Golden View, whose windows overlook the Arno River, one can touch Ponte Vecchio with a finger and gaze upon the Uffizi windows illuminated by sunlight or moonlight. Entering through the main door, the long counter made of olive wood and Carrara marble leads immediately to the gastronomy area with a vast selection of hand-cut cold cuts and hams as well as the best Italian and international cheeses. After the Gastronomy, an Arte Bianca laboratory produces bread and pastries for the entire restaurant. Only organic flours from 100% Italian wheat and mother yeast are used in the laboratory. From the external windows, you can see the fish market with fish products, Mediterranean and particularly Sicilian such as the famous Mazara red prawns and purple shrimp. Fresh raw dishes on the menu at lunch, dinner or for aperitifs can also be enjoyed on the beautiful outdoor terrace.

Caffè Gilli
Via Roma, 1r
ph. +39 055 213896

There’s no way you can miss calling in the city’s oldest café at aperitif time. Opened over 270 years ago by a Swiss family and always known as a majestic stage and salon of city life during the 1900s, Caffè Gilli offers quality mixology, and a drinks list that offers classics, contemporaries and signatures in a constant pursuit of elegance. All carefully made with seasonal products, homemade infusions and new products from the Italian and international liquor scene.

Caffè Paszkowski
piazza della Repubblica, 6
ph. +39 055 210236

Opened back in 1846, under the name of Caffè Centrale, Paszkowski took on its current name when in 1903 it was acquired by Paszkowski & C., one of the oldest beer brands in Tuscany, which transformed it into a café-concert. Since then it has enlivened evenings in Florence with live music and signature drinks, and has preserved its old-time charm unaltered. Here tradition does not age and is renewed cocktail after cocktail and generation after generation with quality and simplicity

The Stellar
piazza di Cestello, 10
ph. +39 331 1358259

The new and innovative The Stellar. An entertainment space where mixology, design and excellent cuisine come together to create a special concept. A place to connect and meet, perhaps over a good cocktail. Here extracts are made with excellent raw materials for tailor-made drinks that match the dishes, in a tasting itinerary that satisfies the most adventurous palates