The best brunch spots in Florence
Cool, delicious addresses for a weekend feast
Sunday lunch remains an untouchable Italian ritual, yet weekend trends from the United States have quietly introduced us to the delights of brunch. Halfway between an English breakfast and a traditional Italian midday meal, brunch brings sweet and savoury flavours together for an easy-going feast.
Think pancakes stacked with fresh fruit and maple syrup, crusty avocado toast, scrambled eggs or eggs Benedict, French toast, steaming mugs of filter coffee and revitalising smoothies. Finding the right spot can be tricky, so we have curated a tour of the best brunch spots in Florence.
Rooster Cafè
Via Sant’Egidio, 37r
ROOSTER CAFÈ is the spot to immerse yourself in a New York atmosphere while staying right in the centre of Florence. Just steps from the Duomo, this small American-style bistro serves freshly made dishes for a fantastic brunch. The menu offers a generous selection ranging from pancakes to bagels, smoothies and coffee drinks, alongside eggs cooked in several delicious ways. The philosophy at ROOSTER CAFÈ is clear: inspired by the States, but committed to quality produce and fresh, organic, house-made ingredients, including sauces and bread made on site.
Cuculia
Via dei Serragli, 3/R
In Oltrarno, the beating heart of artisan Florence, CUCULIA feels like a romantic Parisian bistro. The warm, relaxed dining room sets the stage for a thoughtful culinary experience, led by Roberta front of house and Oliver in the kitchen. Sunday brunch features five savoury tasting plates and one dessert, making it an ideal ritual to share with friends or family. The menu changes regularly, shaped by the chef’s passion for experimenting with fresh flavours.
Nu.Ovo
Via del Proconsolo, 3
Inside the Grand Hotel Cavour, surrounded by historic frescoes, NU.OVO is a restaurant built entirely around the humble egg. On Sundays the dining rooms host a generous brunch spread featuring cold cuts, cheeses, focaccia, savoury tarts and muffins, alongside eggs cooked in every conceivable style. Do not miss the signature egg-in-the-hole toast or the bacon and scrambled eggs, followed by glazed doughnuts, waffles, pancakes and warm croissants.
Helvetia & Bristol
Via dei Pescioni, 2
Every Sunday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, the luxury hotel HELVETIA & BRISTOL in Florence serves an elegant brunch. Set in the warm, detailed surroundings of a historic 19th-century residence, The original American Brunch at HELVETIA & BRISTOL brings an energetic addition to the traditional Florentine Sunday, featuring pancakes, dried fruit, yoghurt, eggs cooked every way, pastries and marshmallows for children, alongside an inviting American-style twist that is hard to resist. Live jazz notes and a dedicated children’s space round off the experience.
Il Palagio
Borgo Pinti, 99
Sunday brunch at IL PALAGIO, the flagship restaurant of the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, is a local institution. Popular with international travellers staying at the property, this gourmet feast is led by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Vito Mollica. Rather than leaning on American staples, the spread is grounded in prime Italian produce, with artisanal charcuterie, local cheeses, raw seafood, imaginative pasta courses, refined mains and an expansive dessert buffet, paired with bottles from the cellar.
Santarosa Bistrot
Lungarno di Santa Rosa
Set in a green pocket right against Florence’s 13th-century city walls, SANTAROSA BISTROT occupies the space of a former nightclub. Today it is a hip gathering place with a large garden that stays busy throughout the day. While famous for aperitivo, Sundays from 12pm to 3pm are reserved for brunch. Choose between the Santa brunch with scrambled eggs, French toast and pancakes, or the Veggie brunch with fresh fruit salad, hummus and grilled vegetables, all set to live DJ sets.
Le Vespe Cafe
Via Ghibellina, 76r
LE VESPE CAFE is an easy-going sanctuary from the downtown crowds. Located a short walk from Santa Croce, this cafe with an international soul serves hearty breakfasts and brunch seven days a week. The menu features fluffy pancakes, toast, eggs Benedict, fresh fruit smoothie bowls, detox juices and freshly squeezed citrus drinks. Founded in 2013 by two friends from Florence and Canada, it offers plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices.
Shake Café
Via del Corso, 28, via Cavour, 67/R e via degli Avelli, 2R
If you are looking for a wholesome weekend meal, SHAKE CAFÉ has four addresses across town: Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Via del Corso, Via Cavour and Via dei Neri. Part juice bar, part casual lunch spot, it champions seasonal produce from local suppliers with a focus on organic ingredients and balanced eating. For brunch you can pick individual dishes from the menu or put together a custom plate for a healthy yet flavourful morning.
Melaleuca
Lungarno delle Grazie, 18
The comforting aroma of freshly baked goods greets you the moment you step into MELALEUCA. This riverside cafe is a standout destination for breakfast and weekend brunch. Highlights include eggs Benedict with crisp bacon, speciality toasts, maple syrup pancakes and rich chocolate cakes layered with cream cheese frosting, paired with steaming cups of batch brew filter coffee.
The Place
Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 7
Every day feels like the weekend at THE PLACE. Brunch at this boutique hotel in central Florence is served daily from 11.30am to 3.30pm. The set menu includes a welcome drink, eggs, omelettes, crêpes, pancakes, croissants, freshly squeezed juice, a chef’s daily special and a selection of pastries. An elegant, polished setting designed for a relaxed morning of pure comfort.
