A Guide to Brunch in Florence

Brunch and Florence pair so well together for me; how could you ever say no to some freshly squeezed orange juice along the Arno as the sun illuminates your face and you’re about to tuck into some eggs Benedict?

In an Italian city as pretty as Florence, you can bet to find some incredible brunch options. Whether it’s a flaky croissant with a cappuccino to kick you into second gear or a boozy afternoon with some bottomless mimosas, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

If you’re after the ultimate Florentine Sunday brunch experience and don’t have time to join one of my Florence culinary experiences, you can check out some of my go-to choices where I like to take our customers. Prepare yourself for hearty omelets, loaded bagels, and refreshingly sweet smoothies!

Our Guides’ Favorite Brunch Spots

We believe that a slow morning in Florence is best enjoyed with a mix of sweet pastries and savory local specialties. While the concept of brunch is relatively new here, our city has embraced it with a unique Tuscan flair and style. We have selected the venues that offer the most relaxing atmosphere for a weekend gathering with friends. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Rooster Cafe Firenze

Photo credit: Rooster Cafe Firenze

If you walk along Via Porta Rossa, it won’t be long before you spot the adorable outdoor seating area of the charming Rooster Cafe, one of the city’s finest breakfast & brunch locations.

One thing that bugs me about Rooster Cafe Firenze is that you’re always so spoiled for choice. Between deciding whether to sit in the trendy indoor area or the serene patio out front decorated by flourishing greenery. And that’s before you even look at the menu.

The Grandma-Style pancakes were the winner for me the last time I came some months back. When I saw the amount of toppings as they were dropped, I didn’t know how I was going to finish them alone, from the luscious fresh cream to the freshly diced fruits.

I know pancakes are meant to be fluffy, but boy, these were on a whole other level with their bronzed-hued crust that dissolved on my tongue. And the taste? Vanilla notes with a sugary kick and divine caramelization!

Rooster Cafe Firenze (€€) – Via Porta Rossa, 63R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Closed Monday, open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 am to 11:00 pm

Tino Bistrò – ex Tino Caffè

Whenever I meet Americans on our tours, I always advise them to check out Tino Bistrò – ex Tino Caffè. It’s only a short 400-meter walk from Florence’s Central Train Station and is famed for their take on brunch classics from the US and UK.

The relaxed vibe you’ll feel when you walk through the door here is unmatched; the warm lighting, brick-themed walls, cozy seating areas, and professional yet personable team of staff make it for me.

All of the classic brunch options feature on the menu Tino Bistrò – ex Tino Caffè, including savory French toast, full English breakfast, and Florentine eggs, but my favorite is the avocado toast.

The avocado toast served here isn’t the typical way with the rectangular bread and smashed avo on top. Instead, it comes out shaped like a circle with two fried eggs on top and the avocado wedged in the middle with the toast at the bottom.

While I was taken aback when I first saw the presentation, I understood what the chef was trying to do. When I bit into it, the nutty, earthy avocado dripped out into my mouth and was followed by the creamy egg with the oozing, pungent, sulfurous yolk.

Tino Bistrò – ex Tino Caffè (€€) – Via della Scala, 55/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Closed Monday, and open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Traditional Cafés to Explore

We love the historic coffee houses that have expanded their morning menus to include more substantial, artisanal breakfast options. These grand spaces offer a sense of timeless elegance alongside your morning caffellatte and freshly baked cornetto. Our selection focuses on quality ingredients and the classic service that defines the Florentine hospitality experience. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Le Vespe Cafè

Photo credit: Le Vespe Cafè

Offering a creative foodie twist on Florentine and Canadian brunch, Le Vespe Cafè is all about comfort food with a healthy element. It’s located in the gorgeous quarter of Santa Croce, and the owners pride themselves on crafting all their dishes using organic methods.

Le Vespe Café has such a cozy ambiance; it’s as if you’ve been invited into a private residence. It’s hard not to think like that when you see the cute shelving above the coffee bar, creative artwork, and homely seating arrangements on both sides of the venue.

Without fail, I choose something new from the menu at Le Vespe Cafè whenever I pop by. I still haven’t managed to try everything, but so far, their version of Eggs Benedict, labeled Caly Benny, is a top choice for me.

The velvety eggs benedict smothered in the rich butter hollandaise sauce was enough to fill me alone. However, I was treated to a side of crunchy coated diced roasted potatoes; they were dressed in chives, which gave them a slight onion-like flavor.

Le Vespe Cafè (€€) – Via Ghibellina, 76r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every day, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

A Casa Ca.Fe by Gladius

Photo credit: A Casa Ca.Fe by Gladius

A Casa Ca.Fe by Gladius is a true local brunch location at Via della Spada near the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella.

This cafe’s small environment, adorned with bookshelves and tiny lights on the ceiling, is the perfect setting to settle down for a feed after getting your morning steps in.

You won’t be able to contain your excitement when you see all that’s on the menu: you’ve got salad and poke bowls, natural yogurts, bagels, pancakes, teas, and coffees. But, if I were to recommend one thing to try, it would have to be the bruschetta.

The bruschetta here isn’t just any old bruschetta that you can find anywhere in the Tuscan region; this one comes with eggs and avocado, and damn, it’s phenomenal.

Picture this: grilled bread overflowing with chopped tomatoes prepared in olive oil and topped with eggs with a slightly creamy and nutty taste complemented by rich buttery flavored avocado. And yes, I can confirm that for every bite, the description matches the taste!

A Casa Ca.Fe by Gladius (€) – Via della Spada, 47, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Sunday, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Mondy, 9:00 am to 10:30 pm, and closed on Thursday

Selected Eateries for a Late Breakfast

We find that the Oltrarno district hides some of the most creative kitchens for those who prefer a contemporary morning meal. These spots often use organic local eggs and seasonal garden vegetables to create hearty, nourishing plates. It is the perfect way to fuel up before a day of exploring the city’s many museums and galleries. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Ditta Artigianale Sprone

Photo credit: Ditta Artigianale Sprone

Ditta Artigianale Sprone is a beautiful brunch spot tucked away down the quiet street of Via dello Sprone. Their specialty coffee from the far-flung corners of the globe, like Central America and East Africa alone, is enough to come here.

Whenever my friends or family want to visit Florence, I send them here. There’s something about the chic interiors with the crisp wooden features and trendy bright yellow seating that makes it feel so inviting.

Ditta Artigianale Sprone at breakfast and brunch time is where it’s at, from savory options like Asian-inspired tofu bowls to sweet specialties like homemade granola drenched in yogurt.

While the Ditta Club Sandwich was one of the most expensive things on the menu when I was there, I wasn’t able to resist after I got a whiff of the slow-cooked chicken from the woman’s order at the table next to me.

The sandwich came with two separate rectangular pieces of bread without the crust. The crisp exterior blended with the juiciness of the chicken, smoky, crunchy bacon, and tangy honey mustard was a delight to savor.

Ditta Artigianale Sprone (€€) – Via dello Sprone, 5/R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy – Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 am to 7:30 pm

Brunch Etiquette in Florence

In Florence, we typically see brunch as a leisurely weekend activity rather than a quick weekday meal. You will find that most locals still prefer a simple “dolce” breakfast, so brunch spots often have a more international and eclectic vibe. We recommend checking if a reservation is needed, as the most popular tables in the smaller squares fill up very quickly. Don’t be surprised if your brunch includes a glass of Prosecco or a classic Mimosa to start the weekend festivities.

Sustainability in Florence’s Brunch Scene

We appreciate brunch spots that prioritize sourcing their eggs and dairy from small-scale producers in the Mugello valley. Using seasonal fruit for jams and fresh juices ensures that the menu remains in harmony with the local agricultural cycle. You can often find menus that highlight “zero kilometer” ingredients, which significantly reduces the environmental impact of your meal. Supporting these eco-conscious businesses helps preserve the beauty of the Tuscan countryside that surrounds our historic city walls.

Conclusion

That settles my rundown on places serving the most delicious brunch in Florence; you’ve got a nice selection of acclaimed cafes and hidden haunts to choose from on your next visit to the capital of Tuscany. 

All of these have been visited personally by the Eating Europe team and me, so rest assured you’re in for an excellent feed.