Pop Café Florence Review

I stumbled upon Pop Café on a warm afternoon while wandering around the Oltrarno, and it ended up being where I had one of the most laid-back aperitivos of my trip. It’s not the kind of place that screams “hidden gem”. It just does what it does well. Coffee, cocktails, and casual food in a relaxed corner of Florence.

It walks the line between neighborhood bar and café, and while there’s an air of coolness to it, it doesn’t feel curated or overly designed. It’s ideal for people who want something casual but reliable, whether you’re into spritzes, coffee and cornetto, or just sitting in the sun watching the piazza move around you.

Location and Ambiance

Pop Café sits right on Piazza della Passera, a quiet but lively corner in Oltrarno that fills up with local chatter by late morning. The outdoor seating area is the real draw, metal tables under burnt-orange awnings, shaded just enough to keep the midday heat bearable.

Inside, it’s compact but charming. There’s a narrow hallway that leads to a bar area, shelves of wine overhead, and a handful of small tables. The vibe is more “local neighborhood spot” than curated Instagram café, and I mean that in the best way. It’s the kind of place where a student might sip espresso while reading, a couple might share a cornetto, and someone else might be halfway through a spritz before noon.

Menu and Signature Dishes

The menu is straightforward,not massive, but enough to cover the bases. I came by for aperitivo, so I focused on the drink and the small snacks that came with it. I ordered a Negroni, which was served with a bowl of salty chips and some olives, basic but fresh and exactly what I wanted at that hour. Most people around me seemed to be doing the same: a drink in hand, a small bite to nibble, and not much more. The menu wasn’t handed to me unless I asked, which added to the casual nature of the place. You could tell it was more about the experience of sitting and sipping than diving into a full meal.

Ingredient Quality and Presentation

The aperitivo I had came with a small side of olives and a bowl of potato chips. There was nothing overly dressed up about the presentation, but that felt right for the setting. The drink, a spritz, was served in a straightforward glass with a slice of orange, cold and balanced without being too bitter. It felt more like something you’d enjoy regularly than something meant to impress for Instagram, and I appreciated that.

Drink Selection

Pop Café is a hybrid, it does Florentine café classics by morning and leans into aperitivo-style cocktails by afternoon. Their coffee selection includes your standards, espresso, cappuccino, macchiato but they also serve fresh-pressed juices. I saw someone order a bright orange juice that looked perfect for a sunny day.

In the evenings, the menu shifts. Spritzes and Negronis make their way to tables, and you can tell it becomes more of a local aperitivo spot than a brunch hangout. The cocktails are decent, not overly strong, but well-balanced, and come with small snacks, chips or olives, depending on the mood of the bar staff that day.

Service and Guest Experience

The staff were casual, kind, and efficient. One of the servers smiled and joked with a group of older regulars, then turned around and easily switched to English to explain drink options to a tourist couple. The energy here is relaxed, and you’re not rushed, they’re happy to let you linger.

That said, service can be a little slow during peak times. Not in a frustrating way, more like the pace naturally slows down when the square fills up and everyone starts people-watching.

Pricing and Value

Prices are mid-range, especially considering the location. A coffee and pastry combo is around €5, Cocktails are about €8–9, which is pretty standard for Florence. For me, it felt like a fair deal, particularly if you get a table outside and linger for a while.

It’s probably not a spot you’d go to every single day if you’re on a budget, but it’s a great option for when you want something fresh and reliable without having to think too hard.

Why Visit Pop Café?

Pop Café feels effortlessly local without trying to brand itself that way. It’s great for a light brunch, a lazy coffee, or a casual aperitivo before dinner. If you’re staying nearby or exploring Oltrarno, it’s an easy stop especially for travelers who are looking for something a bit lighter than pasta or panini but still flavorful and satisfying.

It also works well for different kinds of diners: solo travelers with a book, couples grabbing cocktails, or even a small group catching up over coffee and bites. The mix of locals and tourists keeps the energy lively without becoming chaotic.

Final Tips and Recommendations

If you’re visiting for brunch, try to arrive by 10:30–11:00 before the tables fill up. For aperitivo, the golden hour between 5:30–7:00pm is ideal, warm light, cooler temperatures, and a buzz in the square that’s hard to replicate.

Don’t expect an extensive menu, instead, lean into what they do well. I’d recommend the croissant for breakfast, one of the colorful wellness bowls for lunch, and a spritz with olives if you’re there in the evening.

If you’re lucky enough to grab one of the outer tables in the piazza, it’s a pretty great spot to just watch Florence go by after food tour.

FAQs

Do they take reservations or is it walk-in only?
Walk-in only, seating is casual and turnover is quick.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options clearly marked?
Vegetarian options are available and mostly obvious, though not always labeled. Ask the staff if unsure.

Is there indoor seating only or an outdoor patio too?
There’s a small indoor section, but the majority of seating is outdoors on the piazza.

Can you order anything to-go or for delivery?
Yes, takeaway is available for drinks and food.

Is it kid-friendly or more adult-leaning?
Kid-friendly during the day, more adult-focused during the aperitivo crowd in the evening.