I think it might actually be against the law to visit Florence without stopping by Cafe Rivoire at least once. Yes, you’re sure to see tourists there. But you’re also just as likely to see elegant Florentine ladies sitting in the tea room, chatting over a cup of the incredibly rich hot chocolate.
The outdoor terrace of this historic cafe has – without question – the best view in town. Facing out towards the Piazza della Signoria, towards the Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi, it’s here you can have a coffee with Michelangelo’s David (a copy, but still). Or, if it’s the end of a long (and hot) summer day, hang out here over a perfectly made Negroni to get ready for the evening.
If you don’t feel up to spending the hefty price a spot at one of the tables ensues, then choose a pastry and enjoy your coffee standing up at the highly polished wooden bar. And a box of their chocolates will make anyone back home very happy you thought of them.
Rivoire
Piazza Signoria, 3r
Florence
Closed Monday.
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It is impossible to visit (or live in) Rome, Florence and Venice without Elizabeth Minchilli!
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Well….Lets just say she makes it a lot of fun.
Well thanks you guys!
Talking about Florence, are you familiar with Procacci on Via Tornabuoni? I used to got here after school – I’d rather not mention how many decades ago, ahem – and on a recent day trip to Florence after many years I was happy to see it is still there – and still serving the panini al tartuffo (a soft roll with truffle spread inside) I used to love.
Another one of my favorites! Here’s my blog about it: http://www.elizabethminchilli.com/2013/04/procacci-florence.html
Rivoire is responsible for my obsession with Side Car cocktails. My addiction began here, on a cold November evening, when the description on their cocktail menu drew me in.
This is really bad, but I don’t know what a Side Car is! Will have to find out, because I’m sure I need one right now.
hi ..love this place and have been going since mid 1970’a ..it here or Gilli or
Paszkowski( they have the best happy hour)
I love all three. But especially Paskowski on my way to catch an early train at the station (they are open early)
Oh My! This is my kinda place!
Why yes, yes it is!
We stayed in an apartment across the piazza from cafe Rivoire. What a joy to walk out in the morning and enjoy a cappuccino and pastry on Florence’s famous, histotic piazza. It was perfectly in keeping with the sophisticated charm of Florence.
What a view you must have had!
Yes, we were certainly among those counted as tourists last June. But what a great spot to rest for a bit and enjoy a pastry.
I love Giacosa in Florence.
Giacosa is good too, even in it’s current incarnation as more trendy and fashionable
I can’t believe you wrote about Café Rivoìre and you didn’t even leave a passing mention of the chocolate hazelnut cream (think gourmet nutella, but a thousand times creamier and tastier). I can’t imagine what would happen if I ever went to Florence, and didn’t come back with (at least) a jar of it. Probably be disowned by my family.
Please accept my apologies for this complete lack of priorities!!! It is, indeed, delicious!!!