An Italian breakfast is similar to an American or British breakfast in the same way that Milan is like Tulsa, Oklahoma. They’re just different beasts. In Italy, breakfast is usually a stand-up affair: you order a coffee drink and either a cornetto (aka croissant) or perhaps a tramezzino (a half sandwich encased with white bread) and then stand there at the bar and eat it. Five or so minutes later, you’re walking out the door of the coffee bar.
But if you want something more substantial while in Florence, there are some amazing and varied options. Or if you just want to have that classic Italian morning meal but in a superlative fashion. Whatever you choose after waking up, here are our recommendations for where to get the best breakfast in Florence.
Rooster Cafe
Seeking a hearty American-style breakfast while in Florence? Point your beak to the Rooster Cafe. The Rooster will transport you back to that diner in Minneapolis or Memphis with its clucking good menu of chocolate chip or banana pancakes, caramelized banana-topped French toast, bagels with cream cheese and lox, avocado toast, chicken and waffles, and, of course, several variations on the theme of eggs. Don’t be surprised if the waitress comes around with a pot of coffee and says, in an Italian accent, “Can I warm that up for ya, hon?” Well, probably not but you can dream.
Galleria Iginio Massari
From one of the most lauded pastry chefs in Italy, Galleria Iginio Massari is smack in the historical center on the ground floor of the sleek Helvetia & Bristol hotel. Even though Iginio Massari has a few other shops around northern Italy, the pastry shop also does great versions of Florentine pastries, such as zuccotto.
Ghibellina Forno Pasticceria
A lively ambiance, great coffee and a whole stock of fragrant pastries: you can find it all in Ghibellina Forno Pasticceria (Via Ghibellina, 41r). Even if small, its spirit is international—and locals stop by, too. Ghibellina is tiny but mighty.
While you have breakfast, you can chat with the fun baristas and enjoy their specialty: the Nutella and custard cornetto, a perfectly caloric and delicious match.
Robiglio
A pit stop for coffee is way more than recommended here at Robiglio; the elegant design draws you back to the late 50s, all warm lights and refinement.
Fiorentini go here for breakfast or around mid-morning for a fast, energizing break. They sip their espresso at the counter, reading a newspaper or chatting with colleagues. Do as the locals do; as is the case everywhere in Italy, table service is much more expensive than eating at the bar.
Shake Cafe
Situated at the intersection of delicious and nutritious, Shake Cafe is definitely one of the best breakfast spots in Florence. With five outlets sprinkled around the center of Florence, the cafe feels a lot like the places you may have encountered in an American college town.
The emphasis here is on starting your day in a healthy way. Some of the best items on a very tempting menu include sweet potato toast smeared with almond butter and topped with sliced bananas, bagels with cream cheese and lox, and homemade granola with fresh fruit. They also have smoothies, healthy bowls, and wraps.
Caffè Leopolda
Right next to the old Leopolda train station, which is now used as a conference center, you’ll find Caffè Leopolda (Via del Ponte alle Mosse, 3/r). This little breakfast spot may not be that fancy, but it’s incredibly full of life.
From the construction worker popping in for a break to the swift manager running the show, you’ll spot Fiorentini from all walks of life here. Grab a quick espresso at the counter, make some small talk with the barista, and off you go to continue with your day.
Traveler’s tip: Now that you’re hyped up with that 5th espresso, let’s talk lunch and dinner. Follow our guide to the 6 Michelin-Star Restaurants in Florence You Can’t Miss
Il Rifrullo
This handsome cafe and bar happens to serve one of the best breakfasts in Florence. Il Rifrullo’s morning menu, starting at 7:30am, includes high-quality croissants but also plenty of different types of muffins—something you don’t see every day in Italy. But come between 9 and 11:30am and you’re in for a real breakfast treat: the brunch menu includes classic American-style pancakes and scrambled eggs.
Sapienti & Crociani
At Sapienti & Crociani, you’ll find a cozy, family-friendly, place to enjoy a laid-back Sunday-style breakfast any day of the week. You can have an espresso, sit at your table, and enjoy the slow, peaceful atmosphere of a day off.
Order your coffee at the counter, then take it to a table to relax and push away the stress of a week full of things to do. This spot is one of the few where it’s okay to break the general Italian rule of standing at the bar, so grab a seat and enjoy!
Caffe Lietta
Who says that men can only be a mamone, or mama’s boy, in Italy? Sisters Lucilla and Francesca Tacconi started this lovely cafe, named for their mother. Every morning at 7am, pastry chef Giuseppe Schiaratura arrives at Caffe Lietta to whip up batches of perfect pastries for your morning palate. And not just Italian or Florentine. Here you can dig into the famed Sacher torte from Vienna and a Black Forest cake, the pride of Germany.
Dolci & Dolcezze
It would be understandable if you mistook this snazzy pasticceria for a posh clothes shop for the ultra rich. It’s just Dolci & Dolcezze, one of the best places to get breakfast in Florence. First timers should not ignore the croissants here, especially those filled with either decadent cream or chocolate. But there are so many tempting delights in the glass case here, you may wish you had an extra stomach.
So if you’re looking for the best breakfast in Florence, this list should get you started. Not only can you visit some of the world’s most fascinating and impressive artwork in Florence, but you can also start your day with the most delicious breakfast as well. And what to do afterwards? Well, if you want to expand your knowledge of Florence’s culinary wonders, why not take a food tour? Whether it’s eating and drinking your way through the vibrant Oltrarno neighborhood at sunset or taking a food tour with a stop at the Sant’Ambrogio Market, you’ll see sides of this city’s culinary mastery like few ever do!
