Discovering the ‘vinaini’: the best wine and charcuterie bars in Florence
An insider food tour of the best 'vinaini' to taste authentic Tuscany
Vinaini are small Tuscan spots where you can grab a bite filled with the best local produce and enjoy a glass of wine, usually house red. In Florence they are genuine institutions, so popular that some have expanded to global capitals such as London and New York.
Flawless has selected the best vinaini in Florence for an enticing tour through the most authentic flavours of the Tuscan capital, with a toast against the backdrop of its magnificent architecture.
I Fratellini
Via dei Cimatori, 38
Photo credit: lifelemonsitaly.com
A short walk from the Duomo, ‘I Fratellini’ has been open since 1875 – as the wooden sign notes – and is one of the smallest vinaini in town. Inside, there is only a tiny counter framed by an impressive display packed with bottles of wine. Small shelves set into the exterior walls along via dei Cimatori let you rest your glass while sipping wine on street stools. The top-quality ingredients served here have made I Fratellini a go-to stop for delicious bites in the centre of Florence.
L’Antico Vinaio
Via dei Neri, 76
L’Antico Vinaio has practically become a textbook marketing success, and today has outposts in numerous cities, including New York. Among the many vinaini in Florence, this address draws lively crowds and long queues along via de’ Neri for its fragrant, irresistible sandwiches. The truth is that the prosciutto and pecorino schiacciata at L’Antico Vinaio is a local institution, and no trip to Florence is complete without stopping by.
Fiaschetteria Nuvoli
Piazza dell’Olio, 15
Photo credit: attivitastoriche.destinationflorence.com
CallDirections
Near the Duomo, head to Nuvoli: inside space is limited, with just a few stools out on the street, but in central Florence a stop for a good glass of wine with crostini or the famous aubergine and truffle sauce sandwich is a must. Besides being one of the best vinaini in town, the address also includes an osteria serving hot dishes in the downstairs dining room.
La Prosciutteria
Via dei Neri, 54
Photo credit: la prosciutteria @Facebook.com
CallDirections
Also on via de’ Neri, now famous for its food spots, sits La Prosciutteria, a vinaino serving superb cured meats from its own Montespertoli farm in the Florentine Chianti hills. The venue serves mouth-watering platters paired with good wine in a warm, relaxed setting. Those looking for lighter fare will appreciate the selection of tartare and carpaccio.
Vinaino della Vecchia
Via della Rondinella, 66
Photo credit: vinainodellavecchia.it
CallDirections
Heading towards the Florence stadium area, Vinaino della Vecchia offers various types of wine on tap from wineries and farms mainly in Tuscany, alongside labels from other Italian regions (Veneto, Marche, Sardinia, Sicily and Campania, to name a few). Wine can be purchased in various formats, from classic Bordeaux bottles to convenient bag-in-box containers. Alongside wine, you will also find jarred vegetables preserved in oil by hand without preservatives or colourings, jams, preserves and other delicacies.
Amorini Panini e Vino
Via dei Servi, 16
Photo credit: Amorini @Facebook.com
CallDirections
At the foot of Brunelleschi’s Dome inside the magnificent Palazzo Niccolini, Amorini is the ideal Florence spot to enjoy a glass of wine with a panino or a charcuterie board. This vinaino is cosy and informal, with welcoming staff serving every guest. The venue also prepares lampredotto, the famous Florentine street food dish made from slow-cooked tripe.
