Aperitivo in Florence: the best spots for a sunset drink
The city's best drinks between tradition and innovation
The aperitivo ritual is a timeless Italian tradition, best enjoyed over a cocktail or a glass of wine in one of Florence’s scenic spots. It is a moment nobody wants to skip: a regular date with refined mixology or excellent wines to satisfy every palate.
Fusion bites, Tuscan flavours, live music and enticing cocktail lists: here is our guide to the best aperitivo spots in Florence for a sunset drink. Have you found your new favourite yet?
Bulli & Balene
Via dello Sprone, 14/R
In Oltrarno, one of Florence’s most characterful areas tucked away from the busy historic centre, sits Bulli & Balene, a relaxed spot well worth a stop with friends. Its quirky name comes from partners Paolo (the whale) and Emanuele (the bully), who join their chefs and bartenders every evening to stage an aperitivo inspired by Venetian bacari. A cheerful vintage atmosphere sets the scene for drinks: try one of the Spritz variations (there are at least seven), paired with delicious cicchetti, from classic creamed salt cod to truffle mortadella. The tramezzini and the thoughtful wine and cocktail list are equally rewarding.
Italian Tapas
Via Sant’Agostino, 11/R
Italian Tapas is the ideal address for anyone seeking creative small plates alongside great drinks. This tapas and cocktail bar brings the spirit of the Spanish aperitivo to Florence. From the counter, pick cured meats, artisan cheeses, crostini, flans and other creations by chef Giulio Scheggi, made with top Italian ingredients from select suppliers. The diverse menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices, all paired with Italian wines, crisp craft beers and clever twists on classic cocktails like the Spritz Osè, Nigruni, Porretta mule or Bian-chino.
Mago Balducci
Via Guglielmo Marconi, 24/r
Set in Campo di Marte, Mago Balducci brings to mind the delightful bistros of Paris with its elegant, romantic feel. At sunset, the bar turns out expertly crafted cocktails alongside an interesting wine selection and a well-curated gin list. Warm crostoni, cold cuts, cheeses and focaccia make perfect bites to accompany your drink, with mellow jazz playing in the background.
Il Santino
Via Santo Spirito, 60/R
For lovers of authentic Tuscan aperitivo—a glass of wine paired with cured meats and cheeses in a rustic, welcoming setting—Il Santino is an essential stop. An offshoot of nearby restaurant Il Santo Bevitore, this intimate wine bar sits in Santo Spirito, one of Florence’s coolest quarters. Behind the counter hangs quality charcuterie, the display case is lined with artisan cheeses, and the cellar supplies premier regional wines. It is classic, beloved Tuscan tradition, focused on genuine quality just as locals like it.
Rasputin
Borgo Tegolaio, 21/r
An unusual and much-discussed venue in town, Rasputin is Florence’s first secret bar, inspired by American Prohibition and wrapped in an evocative aura of mystery. The concept puts quality and inventive mixology front and centre, driven by a curated cocktail list featuring prime local spirits and ingredients. It has proved a huge success, with cocktail lovers eager to track down the hidden entrance to this speakeasy for a distinctly different evening drink.
Volume
Piazza Santo Spirito, 5/red
On lively Piazza Santo Spirito, Volume occupies what was once an artisan wood workshop. Plush armchairs, books and vintage details define this staple of the Oltrarno nightlife, where patrons meet to chat and listen to live music over classic cocktails or house-special Moscow Mules. Equal parts museum, bookshop and coffee bar, Volume is the go-to spot for an informal evening with friends and an enticing drink in hand.
Colle Bereto
Piazza Strozzi, 5r
Colle Bereto is easily one of Florence’s smartest cocktail bars, a fixture of the city’s glamorous night scene right on central Piazza Strozzi. A rich and imaginative cocktail list spans timeless classics and signature serves like the Tropical Jungle, Fashion Colle and Penta Negroni, complemented by a fine wine list highlighting bottles from the bar’s own Azienda Agricola Colle Bereto. Appetising bar snacks and lively DJ sets complete the experience.
Amblè
Piazzetta dei Del Bene, 7/A
For a fresh, wholesome aperitivo, Amblè is the place to head. Just moments from Ponte Vecchio, this charming spot serves tramezzini sandwiches, carpaccios, tartares and crisp crostoni to share, alongside plentiful vegetarian and vegan choices. It is a haven of relaxed conviviality where you can sip creative drinks like the Ginamble or Spritz Amblè sbagliato in a cosy vintage setting.
Locale
Via Delle Seggiole, 12
Despite its unassuming name, Locale is anything but ordinary. This refined restaurant and cocktail bar occupies historic Palazzo delle Seggiole, once a storage facility for Monte dei Paschi di Siena. Given a new lease of life by Giacomo Corti—also behind Cestello RistoClub and Convivium—it has quickly grown into one of the city’s most striking venues. It makes an ideal setting for an aperitivo or a glass of fine wine, driven by precision and balanced cocktails under the direction of bar manager Matteo di Ienno.
Manifattura
Piazza San Pancrazio, 1
No vodka or mezcal: at Manifattura, drinking is strictly Italian. A one-of-a-kind spot on the Florence scene, inspired in style and decor by the ’40s, Manifattura offers a cocktail list that is strictly Made in Italy, featuring creations named after great figures of the past such as D’Annunzio, Carosone and Modugno. Expertly steering this Florentine mixology journey is Fabiano Fabiani, formerly bartender at the renowned Golden View, whose character shapes both the drinks and the food, including original, mouth-watering gourmet pairings.
La Ménagère
Via De’ Ginori, 8/r
La Ménagère is a concept restaurant suited to any hour: from breakfast to romantic dinners, afternoon treats with friends, or picking up floral arrangements. Come aperitivo time, enjoy the bar team’s expertise across original cocktails and time-honoured classics, served alongside delicious tapas and gourmet bites. A true workshop of flavour, constantly exploring fresh ideas.
