Written by Ella Ramchand (Boston Faculty), Scholar Correspondent for CET Florence, Fall 2025
Breakfast & Cafes
- Vivaldi: House to the most effective pastries I’ve had thus far, Vivaldi is cute, cheap, and crammed with pleasant workers. It’s situated instantly throughout from the CET middle, and I take pleasure in grabbing a cappuccino and croissant between lessons. Their pistachio croissants are my favourite!
- Melalucca: Only a five-minute stroll from the CET middle, Melalucca’s cinnamon rolls are to die for! They’ve seasonal flavors, equivalent to Pumpkin Spice and Biscoff, in addition to extra basic choices. It tends to have a protracted line exterior, nevertheless it strikes shortly so long as you take it to go.
- Shake Cafe: It is a common cafe chain discovered all through Florence. Some places are greater and nicer than others, however general, it’s a excellent place to take pleasure in brunch with buddies, and even pull out your laptop computer and get some work carried out. I’d extremely advocate their mocha and banana chocolate chip pancakes!
- Forno Ghibelina: A couple of blocks away from Santa Croce is Forno Ghibelina, which is a bustling but lovable cafe. Not solely have they got pastries and occasional, however in addition they have truffles. I bought a tiramisu cake for a buddy’s birthday, and he or she beloved it!
- La Milkeria: Beloved by everybody who has been, this tiny and quaint cafe serves every kind of espresso, crepes, and treats. Its retro design makes it a enjoyable place to sit down and eat with buddies. It’s a common breakfast spot, but additionally open till late at night time.
Lunch & Dinner
- Gustapanino: Positioned within the bustling piazza proper exterior the Santo Spirito church, Gustapanino serves the most effective lasagna and bruschetta I’ve had. The waiters are pleasant, and so they have warmth lamps exterior, making it interesting in all temperatures. I got here right here with my household and buddies, who all beloved it!
- Osteria Santo Spirito: Not too removed from Gustapanino is Osteria Santo Spirito. Though the wait right here is lengthy (I needed to wait thirty minutes for a desk for 2), it definitely pays off. We ordered their well-known truffle pasta and beloved it!
- Schiacciateria dei Neri: Schiacciateria dei Neri is only a stone’s throw away from Santa Croce and is without doubt one of the hottest sandwich outlets on the town. Whereas there’s a lengthy line, it strikes shortly, and the sandwiches are huge, so you’ll be able to have them for 2 meals! It’s undoubtedly value a go to.
- Trattoria Sant’Agostino: This restaurant is a cute, native spot with a number of the finest Florentine steak I’ve had. Regardless of being a little bit of a stroll, it’s close to a number of nice gelato spots and bars. Along with the Florentine steak, I’d extremely advocate their gnudi butter and sage with saffron sauce!
- Dante e Beatrice: A preferred native spot, Dante e Beatrice is in a central location close to the Duomo and has wonderful service. I introduced my dad and mom right here once they visited for fall break, and so they actually loved it! Their pesto pasta is a private favourite of mine.
Gelato & Desserts
- Rivareno: My all-time favourite gelato place! Each taste I’ve tried right here has been superb, and it’s beloved by all my household and buddies as effectively. One of the best half is that there’s by no means a line!
- Sbrino: An in depth second to Rivareno, Sbrino has all kinds of scrumptious gelato flavors. It’s situated only a few blocks away from the CET middle, making it simple to cease by after class. Flavors I’d advocate are Speculoos and Amorino.
- Vivoli: House to the viral affogato, Vivoli is a must-see in Florence. An affogato is espresso with a scoop of ice cream inside, and it’s a basic Italian deal with. I’d personally advocate getting the pistachio ice cream affogato!
- Gelateria la Carrara: Though this store is somewhat out of the best way, it’s definitely well worth the stroll. A buddy and I visited right here lately and beloved it! Whereas there tends to be a little bit of a line, it strikes shortly.
Different
- Empireo: An aesthetic, upscale rooftop cocktail bar with the most effective views of Florence. I got here right here for drinks with a small group in honor of a buddy’s birthday, and we had a good time taking photos and having fun with the distinctive drinks. In addition they have a restaurant, though we didn’t go to it ourselves.
- Cooking Class: One of the enjoyable actions I’ve carried out in Florence thus far was going to a cooking class with buddies! We selected the corporate The Italian Manner, and collectively, we made pizza and chocolate gelato with the assistance of an professional chef, who taught us and different contributors in regards to the historical past of Italian delicacies as we went. It was a number of the finest pizza and gelato we’ve had!
