The 10 best aperitivo spots in Florence
From lush gardens to central outdoor terraces, the finest spots to enjoy an aperitivo in Florence
When warm weather arrives, it is time for long aperitivo sessions in green gardens, laughter with friends and colleagues, and sunsets accompanied by a Spritz or Cosmopolitan. Florence comes alive at this time of year, offering superb spots to unwind at the end of the day—a ritual embraced by locals, students and visitors alike. From secret gardens and terraces to historic villas, here is our curated selection!
Villa San Michele
Via Doccia, 4
Just a few minutes outside Florence, along the road climbing towards Fiesole, sits one of Belmond’s five-star properties: Villa San Michele. Step through the entrance of this historic villa, whose façade is attributed to the School of Michelangelo, surrounded by the woods where Leonardo da Vinci first tested his flying machines, and you reach a magnificent terraced garden furnished with wrought-iron sofas, soft green cushions and warm orange accents. Surrounded by rose gardens and lush greenery, it commands a breathtaking panorama showing Florence in all its glory. In this chic, relaxed setting, aperitivo hour is celebrated with versatile, contemporary cocktails alongside a selection of drinks inspired by the villa’s own botanicals and flowers. To pair with your drink, there is an appetising bar menu with Tuscan treats to share, plus an offering of oysters and caviar. Villa San Michele also hosts an engaging programme of evening events, ranging from poolside DJ sets to concerts with the Fiesole School of Music, talks and mixology masterclasses. You can then continue the evening at the renowned restaurant La Loggia led by Chef Alessandro Cozzolino.
Caffè del Cibreo
Via Andrea del Verrocchio, 5R
Cibrèo is an iconic name in Florence with over 45 years of history behind it, rooted in the well-known Sant’Ambrogio neighbourhood with its many venues. But for cocktails and aperitivos, our recommendation takes us right into the centre, just off Piazza Strozzi, inside the luxurious Hotel Helvetia & Bristol, where Cibrèo has launched an innovative dining concept. The striking bar dominates the restaurant dining room with its yellow Siena marble counter and red velvet stools, while for the warmer months it doubles its space with a terrace in the very heart of the city. The signature cocktails are crafted with sophisticated combinations and served with small bites from the Cibrèo kitchen, including oysters, pâté and cheese selections. The ‘signature‘ list is extensive and caters to every taste, mixed with expertise by the bartenders, ranging from fresh and light flavours to bolder, punchier profiles.
Serre Torrigiani
Via Gusciana, 27
Tucked behind the ancient walls of Porta Romana, charming and romantic, out of plain sight yet celebrated by in-the-know locals, Serre Torrigiani takes its name from the historic Italian garden of the same name, covering over a hectare of lush flora, flowerbeds and fountains. Here, three glasshouses spanning hundreds of square metres, a kitchen garden and an artistic pergola designed by sculptor Matteo Baroni frame the bistrot. Casual yet sophisticated, with wrought-iron tables and fairy lights, it sets the stage for relaxed gatherings from aperitivo to after dinner. Enjoy cocktails and wines alongside Tuscan sharing boards, pinsa or crostini, with plenty of vegetarian choices too. The evening is set to live music from bands or DJs, and occasionally enlivened by anecdotes shared by Marquis Torrigiani, whose family has shaped Florentine life for centuries. For those who prefer the historic centre, there is also Serre Torrigiani in Piazzetta, set in a leafy courtyard just off the Duomo: a veritable urban garden bustling with cultural events, intimate concerts and lounge music.
Irene Bar
Piazza della Repubblica, 7
Here we are in the heart of Florence, on one of the most coveted terraces for locals and visitors alike thanks to its setting on Piazza della Repubblica, surrounded by designer boutique windows and right in front of the historic carousel of Florence. We are talking about Irene Bar at Hotel Savoy, a refined hotel under the Rocco Forte banner. Here, the distinctive decor designed by Emilio Pucci frames an excellent open-air aperitivo where you can sip champagne in vintage 50s coupes or a signature cocktail, rounded off by a Spritz with a Florentine twist for refined palates. For anyone keen to master the art of mixology, Irene Bar also offers an engaging experience guided by bartender Federico Galli: 90 minutes to discover the secrets of shaking, stirring and serving delicious drinks.
Beppa Fioraia
Via dell’Erta Canina, 6/R
Let us cross the river to Oltrarno and head into the historic neighbourhood of San Niccolò, packed with lively spots and renowned for its artisan workshops. Here you can step into a huge garden bordering the ancient walls of Costa San Giorgio, cool and leafy. Beppa Fioraia is actually a historic restaurant that has embraced the convivial art of aperitivo, filling its green space with comfortable deckchairs and beanbags like those at beach clubs, along with low tables and quiet corners where you can enjoy a drink or a glass of wine while tasting bites from Beppa’s well-known kitchen. The setting also suits families with children, who can make the most of the generous outdoor space in a relaxed yet polished setting. The evening can easily lead into dinner on the veranda, open during the warmer months, with a varied menu of meat and seafood dishes.
Ville sull’Arno
Lungarno Cristoforo Colombo, 1/3/5
An enchanting resort (part of the Planetaria collection) set along the riverbank, Ville sull’Arno lets you experience the charm of the river that flows through Florence. Art-inspired suites, gardens, a glasshouse and an elegant restaurant define this five-star hotel, which also welcomes non-residents for lunch, dinner and aperitivo. Inside, you will find a cosy English-style bar looking out onto the outdoor swimming pool. You can sip your cocktails or a glass of fine wine from comfortable leather sofas or at the grand Victorian bar counter with original nineteenth-century fittings, or head poolside in warmer weather as the Arno drifts lazily past. For summer 2024, Ville sull’Arno runs its AperiVì programme from June to September: regular aperitivo evenings with drinks, a buffet and garden DJ sets. It offers a chance to leave the bustle of the centre behind, while remaining just a short trip from Florence’s main squares.
Ditta Artigianale
Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 1/R
When Florence thinks of aperitivo, Ditta Artigianale immediately springs to mind, with several branches dotted across the city. We recommend the Piazza Ferrucci location, moments from San Niccolò, where the space resembles a tropical garden accented with verdant tones and classic striped parasols. Here, the aperitivo is celebrated for the drinks curated by bartender Emanuele Ventura, whose inventive approach takes you on an exploratory journey through signature cocktails, paired with dishes created specifically for the drinks: think Japanese-style marinated chicken bites, house-made guacamole with tortilla chips or warm pitta with hummus. These sit alongside modern riffs on classic drinks and gins from local brand Peter in Florence, turning this bar into a lively gathering spot and an “oasis of good living“, as described by the founders of Ditta Artigianale, Francesco Sanapo (champion barista and coffee expert) and Patrick Hoffer (creator of Peter in Florence gin).
Barbar
Via Luna, 1
We have scouted another noteworthy spot for you around Via Gioberti, set amid Florentine palazzi and historic shops. Housed in a fully restored former graniglia tile factory, Barbar features a lovely urban garden adorned with palms and Boston ivy. While renowned for its food, Barbar is also the ideal spot for an after-work aperitivo to wind down, where you can sip signature cocktails and choose from an extensive selection of gin, tequila, rum and more. Feeling hungry? The tapas menu will hit the spot with tasty morsels like salt cod croquettes, tartare or bruschetta, rounded off with burgers and sandwiches. If you wish, you can easily stay on for dinner at the restaurant—the menu is sure to tempt you.
Santa Rosa bistrot
Lungarno di Santa Rosa, 50142
Calling all fans of the Santo Spirito neighbourhood: head over the Arno to Santa Rosa, open from breakfast to after dinner, with a prime pit stop at aperitivo hour. The vibe is easygoing, with a gorgeous garden surrounding the greenhouse-like central structure that opens out through wide glass doors. Long wooden counters welcome communal catch-ups, while intimate tables provide cosy corners, with plenty of room for families too. Santa Rosa is worth visiting if only for the quirky cocktail names on the menu: try the tequila-laced “Burro e salvia“, “L’inaspettato“, “Avventura a Durango” made with rum and agave spirit, or the “Mistery box“, where you pick the base spirit and leave the rest to the bartender. Meanwhile, nibble on tapas featuring cicchetti, meatballs, crostoni and wraps, with generous vegetarian options as well. Bring your best mood along—the cheerful vibe at Santa Rosa is thoroughly infectious!
Orti Dipinti
Borgo Pinti, 76
We round off our selection with a venue unknown to most, situated at the beginning of Borgo Pinti on the path from Piazzale Donatello towards the Duomo. Pass through the gates of this historic garden to immerse yourself in a haven of flowers, plants, trees and herbs. You find yourself in a community garden championing sustainable urban development through the approach of an educational vegetable patch: a social, eco-conscious project exploring modern agriculture and environmental awareness right in the city centre, enclosed by residential buildings. Check the schedule to take part in numerous activities, from yoga and workshops to children’s initiatives and cocktail-making classes. Best of all for cocktail lovers, Orti Dipinti also hosts delightful aperitivo gatherings starring fresh herbs and produce grown right in the garden, often enlivened by live concerts, markets and jazz bands.
