Pasticceria Buonamici Review

Tucked away on the Oltrarno side of Florence, Pasticceria Buonamici is a third-generation family bakery that’s been quietly perfecting its craft since the 1950s. I didn’t walk in expecting anything fancy or overly polished. Instead, I found a place that’s genuinely rooted in routine where locals come for their morning espresso and tourists like me accidentally stumble into something truly memorable. It’s not famous in the flashy sense, but it’s definitely beloved.

What sets it apart is how little it tries to impress and ends up doing just that. Everything here feels lived-in, from the old family photos on the walls to the way staff greet regulars by name. It’s this unforced warmth that made me want to stay longer than I planned.

Location and Ambiance

Pasticceria Buonamici sits on Via dell’Orto in the Oltrarno neighborhood, an area that feels more like someone’s backyard than a tourist map. From the outside, it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. There’s no neon sign or grand display window. Just a clean, old-school façade with a simple awning.

Inside, it’s compact but filled with character. A glass display case takes up most of the counter, packed with pastries. Behind it, you can spot the small kitchen where all the magic happens. We visited as a group and were actually invited into the kitchen (a rare treat). Watching the bakers at work, forming some of Florence’s best desserts by hand in a spotless space, was like stepping into someone’s family kitchen.

Menu and Signature Treats

Everything here feels like it comes from a handwritten recipe book. I had the chance to watch their cantucci being made fresh from start to finish. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many almonds packed into one dough. When I took my first bite, it was still slightly warm from the oven, perfectly crunchy but not jaw-breaking like some store-bought versions.

Another standout was the chocolate-dipped ricciarelli – soft, almond-based cookies dusted with powdered sugar. There were seasonal options too, like a fig crostata, and plenty of trays filled with biscotti and pastries ready for takeaway. The options don’t scream for attention, but they absolutely deliver once you try them.

Coffee and Beverage Selection

The espresso was strong, straightforward, and served without ceremony which I appreciated. This isn’t one of those cafes where coffee comes with foam art or oat milk options. It’s a proper Italian bar setup, where you drink your coffee standing at the counter. I also spotted hot chocolate and tea on the menu, though I didn’t try them. The focus here really is on the pastries, and rightfully so.

Quality, Flavor and Presentation

The flavors were clean, focused, and nostalgic. There’s something deeply satisfying about eating something that doesn’t try too hard to be clever. The cantucci tasted like they were made with actual ingredients not just sugar and flour, but toasted almonds and hints of orange zest. Everything looked homemade in the best way: a little rustic, a little uneven, but full of care.

Service and Local Feel

Service was brisk but kind. The woman behind the counter patiently explained the pastries when we looked overwhelmed. No tourist pandering, no extra effort to “sell” us anything. Just honest answers and a quiet confidence in what they bake. It felt like a true neighborhood spot, where the people working there aren’t putting on a show, they’re just doing what they’ve always done.

Pricing and Value

I paid less than €2 for a freshly baked cantuccio the size of my palm and just over €1 for a strong espresso. Compared to some of the more polished, tourist-facing cafes in Florence, this place felt incredibly fair. You’re not paying for branding or ambiance here. You’re paying for something that was made that morning, probably by someone who’s been doing it for decades.

Why Visit Pasticceria Buonamici?

If you’re looking to experience Florence through something other than museums and piazzas, this place offers a different kind of local insight. It’s ideal for breakfast or a mid-morning pick-me-up, especially if you want to take something away and eat it on a quiet bench by the river.

It’s also great for food lovers who enjoy seeing the behind-the-scenes process. That rare moment of being invited into the kitchen left a real impression on me. You could feel the pride in every detail the old recipe notes, the bakers’ rhythm, even the smell of fresh almonds in the air.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Don’t come here expecting frills. Come for authenticity. Try the cantucci while it’s still warm if you can. Grab a box of mixed cookies to take home, they pack beautifully and make great gifts. I’d recommend going on a weekday morning for the quietest experience. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch them pulling a fresh tray of pastries from the oven on your Florence food tour.

FAQs

Do they offer gluten-free or vegan pastries?
There are no labeled gluten-free or vegan items, but you can always ask. The staff will let you know.

Is there indoor seating or just takeaway?
There’s a small area to stand and enjoy your coffee, but most people take things to-go.

Can you order coffee to-go?
Yes, they’ll prepare your espresso or cappuccino in a takeaway cup if you ask.

Is the location accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, it’s easily reachable and casual enough for families with kids.

Do they offer whole cakes or boxes for gifting?
Yes, beautifully packed gift boxes are available especially around the holidays.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Florence desserts: 10 sweet treats not to miss. Eating Europe. Retrieved September 9, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/florence-desserts/

Buonamici. (n.d.). Buonamici Bottega. Buonamici Bottega. Retrieved September 9, 2025, from https://buonamiciabottega.company.site/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Florence food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved September 9, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/florence/