Best Breakfast in Florence: 5 Can’t-Miss Spots [2024]

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.

When a simple cappuccino and flaky cornetto just won’t do, check out our recs for where to find the best breakfast in Florence below. Photo credit: Ghibellina Forno Pasticceria

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.

There is only one way to start your day in Florence… with French toast stuffed with Nutella. Photo credit: Rooster Cafe

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.

Simple and sublime, the maritozzo at this pasticceria is a life-changing experience. Photo credit: Galleria Iginio Massari

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.

A colorful and delicious breakfast world on display for your choosing! Photo credit: Ghibellina Forno Pasticceria

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.

Typically a Christmas treat, panforte in an Italian cake made with  dried fruit, nuts, and spices. Delizioso! Photo credit: Leslie

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.

The best thing about Shake Cafe is that its menu is so versatile. There really is something for everyone’s taste. Photo credit: Shake Cafe

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.

Il Rifrullo offers the best of both worlds, Italian coffee and pastry or a more American-style spread. Photo credit: Yves Cedric Schulze

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!

Espresso
Is it even breakfast in Italy without the beloved cup of espresso? Photo credit: Salomé Chaussure

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.

piece of chocolate cake with a side of whipped cream
Feel free to completely break the rules and have a slice of Sacher for breakfast. Photo credit: Michela Simoncini

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!