The best spots for an outdoor aperitivo in Florence
Discovering the best places to enjoy an outdoor aperitivo against the backdrop of Florence
The season for outdoor aperitivos has finally arrived: long, sunlit days when after work you hop on a bicycle to find a welcoming spot with tables on the grass or out on a terrace.
From this point of view, Florence really offers a wide selection of venues with varied character, from trendsetting spots to places ideal for families with children!
Here are our recommendations for locals and anyone planning a visit to the Tuscan capital soon.
Picteau Bistrot & Cocktail Bar
Borgo San Jacopo, 14
It is always a pleasure to stop here for an aperitivo, in the elegant lounge overlooking Ponte Vecchio and the Arno. At Picteau (part of the luxury venues of the Lungarno Collection hotel group), you will feel for once like a tourist in your own city or, if visiting from elsewhere, finally able to soak up all its beauty. The cocktail bar features a menu created by talented young bartenders Marco Colonnelli and Vincenzo Civita, alongside the bistrot with a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Claudio Mengoni offering delicious Mediterranean dishes. A handful of tables with mandatory booking allow you to take in a unique view that turns into a real picture postcard at sunset. While the outdoor tables offer an incredible outlook, those inside are just as impressive, surrounded by a collection of ‘900s artworks ranging from Picasso to his friend Jean Cocteau (with a wonderful selection of 4 works). And then Sironi, Rosai and Marino Marini. An experience we wholeheartedly recommend!
The Lodge Club
Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 1
The Lodge Club has also recently launched its new season in its scenic spot just below Piazzale Michelangelo, offering a breathtaking view across the city. With timber architecture, a large central bar area, sofas all around, chalet-style armchairs and a terrace restaurant, The Lodge is one of the most appealing spots to enjoy the Florentine summer. Beyond the setting, surrounded by greenery overlooking the entire city, the focus on ingredient quality stands out: from flavourful aperitivos to late-night drinks, The Lodge serves eclectic food drawing influences from across the globe, from Peru to Japan, paired with an extensive cocktail bar and a lounge serving street food and tapas. A notable detail: the venue continues its zero-waste philosophy, running a menu designed to minimise waste and make full use of every ingredient brought into the kitchens.
Il Molo
Lungarno Cristoforo Colombo, 27
A regular summer fixture on the banks of the Arno, il Molo is an open-air spot serving street food and great aperitivos while hosting different events every evening from May until September. Vintage markets, artist residencies, DJ sets, themed aperitivos or sunset rafting: Il Molo offers plenty to do, including relaxing on deckchairs along the river while watching Florence’s rowers train and compete. The vibe is laid-back, the food is good and music plays a central role. With timber stalls, kiosks, plenty of tables and a stage ready for live performances, Il Molo is also known for its ‘LungarnoLive’ series, where established acts share the stage with rising Florentine talent across pop, tropical rhythms, jazz and contemporary instrumental sets. A new musical feature this season is the ‘Live on the River Festival’ (22-23-24 June), three evenings of rock, blues, soul, jazz and reggae performed on a floating stage.
Ditta Artigianale
Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 1/R
A new branch recently joined the Ditta Artigianale family across the city, opening in Piazza Ferrucci with a ‘literary café’ format that doubles as a newsstand and bakery. The space draws inspiration from the tropics, featuring clean lines and natural green tones, along with a spacious garden shaded by classic striped beach umbrellas. It is a great spot for an aperitivo right where the Lungarno begins, distinguished by a cocktail list from bartender Emanuele Ventura that presents his creative approach to mixology, with signature cocktails served alongside dedicated aperitivo bites. The menu also includes modern twists on classic drinks and a selection of gins from Peter in Florence. Beyond the drinks at dusk, Ditta Artigianale serves all day, starting from morning coffee. Founded in 2013 by award-winning champion barista and coffee expert Francesco Sanapo and Patrick Hoffer, this meeting place was designed primarily with locals in mind, conceived as a welcoming urban oasis.
Soul Kitchen
Via dei Benci, 34/R
A short walk from Piazza Santa Croce, with decor inspired by ’70s American cinemas, Soul Kitchen is the classic spot where you feel right at home and return time and again with friends, whether to unwind after a day of work or study, or to enjoy evenings with DJ sets. The outdoor tables along the street offer a metropolitan feel with an international flavour, where seasonal cocktails are paired with great food to enjoy, especially at aperitivo. But let’s take it step by step… starting with what to drink: here the bartenders regularly develop eight cocktails inspired by cinematic references, brought to life with flavours from around the world, fresh ingredients and house-made preparations. For the aperitivo deal, these are paired, at a fixed price of €15, with three tapas chosen from the menu. And do not picture simple nibbles: by tapas we mean proper sharing boards featuring traditional dishes alongside international twists. Expect coccoli con prosciutto, as well as hummus or falafel, spiced chicken, crostoni and much more.
Il Caffè del Verone
P.za della SS. Annunziata, 13
The setting is remarkable: Il Verone sits on the top-floor terrace of the renowned Istituto degli Innocenti, which combines its historic heritage and children’s welfare foundation with a museum hosting both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Caffè del Verone is a wonderful stop after touring the galleries, but it is also open to non-visitors, welcoming guests onto a terrace blessed with sweeping views and magical sunsets. Glass walls all around open up the panorama and create an airy feel; open from morning onwards, the café truly comes into its own at aperitivo hour.
The Social Hub
V.le Spartaco Lavagnini, 70-72
Locals once knew it as The Student Hotel, the well-known spot near Fortezza in Florence featuring bedrooms, a restaurant, a bar, shops, co-working spaces and much more in a vibrant, cosmopolitan setting. That energetic spirit remains, expanded with new offerings and renovations under the banner of The Social Hub. When it comes to aperitivo, the top-floor pool terrace is unmissable: reserved exclusively for hotel guests during the day, it opens to non-residents in the evening for fantastic sunset drinks. Music and lively energy are a given, as are views of the Duomo and the Fortezza, alongside a cocktail list that pairs the classics with 14 top-notch signature drinks.
Retrobottega
Piazza de Cimatori, 5
Here is a recommendation for a fun, flavour-packed aperitivo: Retrobottega is a cosy spot in Piazza de’ Cimatori, right in the heart of Florence just a minute from Piazza della Signoria, with stools set up outside. From morning coffee to an organic Tuscan wine list, craft beers and Italian-inspired cocktails, the welcoming team is always on hand to suggest the ideal aperitivo. Pair your drink with gourmet schiacciate, buns and cicchetti made with fresh seasonal ingredients, all prepared by hand and reimagined by the chef. From the Sloppy Rob (a pulled-beef bun) to the Bambola (schiacciata with mortadella, pistachio pesto and lime zest), Retrobottega wins you over with traditional bites given an inventive modern spin.
