The best spots in Florence to eat, drink, and relax 24 hours a day

Come with us in 'non stop' locals of the city

Times change, and clubs and restaurants constantly evolve, offering contemporary and refined interpretations that go well beyond simple restaurants. These are new living spaces for hanging out all day, from breakfast to lunch, from aperitif to the after-dinner drink, shared places where one can relax and read a book or hear a concert. Here are our favorites.

We begin with the newest, Ditta Artigianale Oltrarno in Via dello Sprone 5r. Its successful formula follows its previous one, the ‘micro-roasting’ and coffee bar opened in Via dei Neri, distinctive for its list of specialty coffees, chosen from small producers around the world. It’s now a full restaurant thanks to the gourmet specialties of Chef and sommelier Arturo Dori: at lunch and dinner, Mediterranean and Tuscan cuisine, and more, mixed with other ethnic cuisines for an international effect. For the aperitif, Ditta Artigianale becomes a Gin Bar: put yourself in the skilled hands of Kareem Bennett and Natalia Mazzilli who will offer you excellent cocktails with a selection of over 150 labels from around the world.

In Piazza Santo Spirito, the reference point is Volume: located in a former renowned hat workshop, Fratelli Bini, it has kept the retro atmosphere. With an outdoor gazebo on the piazza, it’s a favorite of Florentines and foreigners (American desserts are a must) who come here to read a book during the day, work on the computer or watch one of the concerts scheduled almost every night.

A little more secluded, in the nearby Via delle Caldaie, Caffé Notte has been popular spot for locals and lovers of the Oltrarno for years: the venue has changed its look and management but still has its charm thanks to the winning formula of informal lunches and dinners (menu changes every day, good quality, reasonable prices) and numerous evening events and concerts organized every week.

Going towards the center, we stop in Piazza Strozzi where, amid historic buildings and designer boutiques is Colle Bereto: open from 8 am to 4 am (Thursday to Saturday, other days until 2), you can stop for breakfast in all its forms, from classical to Continental, a refined but casual lunch and a light dinner, traditional Tuscan, meat and seafood, as well as a good selection of salads and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant often hosts private and business events, such as corporate events and wine tastings. Good attentive service, excellent cocktails, and a glamorous crowd.

In the same family, not far away, is the Strozzi Caffè - Colle Bereto Winery: here, needless to say, the location is the winner. We are in the courtyard of Palazzo Strozzi, right next to the museum, and the formula follows that of Colle Bereto. Since March the venue has extended its cuisine to include fusion.

Also in Piazza Strozzi is the Odeon Bistrò next to the old 1920s cinema: with its elegant gazebo overlooking the piazza, it’s the ideal location for a cocktail before or after the many screenings and film festivals. It’s also great for lunch or a formal dinner, as well as Sunday brunch.

Take Via de’ Tornabuoni and stop by Procacci: historic luxury gastronomy, opened in 1885, it’s always an ideal place to enjoy a truffle sandwiches with a glass of wine.

In Via de’ Ginori 8r, we find La Ménagère, the restaurant/bistro in the historic space of the first home and hardware shop in Florence (dating to 1896). A beautiful space with a complex soul: a charming flower and design home accessory shop, bistro during the day, formal restaurant but also club, on the lower level, where you can listen to live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

Frequented by a younger and university clientele, the Caffè letterario Le Murate is located in the complex of Le Murate, the former city prison, and is surrounded by various cultural, literary, artistic and gastronomic concerns. With debates and interviews with authors, readings, live music, art and photography exhibits, it’s also clearly a good place to meet for a coffee or aperitif.

In the district of San Niccolò is Il Rifrullo, Florence’s first American bar, still famous today for its aperitifs, Sunday brunch and the many theme evenings.