Top 4 Aperitivo Spots in Florence
It's aperitivo time somewhere.
by KATIE INTNER ★ JULY 9, 2018
As the day comes to an end in Florence and restaurants begin to prepare for dinner, cafés across town fill with people sitting outside. With an Aperol spitz in hand and a plate or two of bruschetta on the table, locals and tourists alike are in good company. While this may look like the tail end of lunch or the early beginning to dinner, it is not. This is aperitivo.
What is aperitivo? The Italian word for “appetizer,” and the magical hour or two before dinner, aperitivo is the pre-dinner light drink and snack. Typically, aperitivo cost between ten and 12 dollars and includes a drink and food, usually advertised as an all-you-can-eat buffet. Whether they are watching the sunset or talking with friends, Florentines leisurely partake in this light drink and snack each and every day. Want to partake in this popular Italian ritual too? Here are the top four aperitivo places in Florence.
The Westin Excelsior
Piazza Ognissanti, 3, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy, 39 390 552 7151
Photo via @isabelgreenberg Instagram
This gorgeous hotel is a splurge, as it is located right along the Ponte Vecchio, but the view makes it absolutely worth it. Although it may be intimidating to walk into a nice hotel you’re not staying at, the hotel welcomes non-guests to ride up to their rooftop and enjoy a drink and aperitivo. The spectacular view, along with chic cocktails and delicious bites, will put this splurge on the top of your bucket list.
Antica Sosta degli Aldobrandini
This apertivto spot is as local as it gets! This bar is by far the best aperitivo place in Florence for a few reasons, first being the drinks. From Aperol Sprtiz to Bombarding (a hot alcoholic coffee drink), Antica Sosta degli Aldobrandini serves up all types of typical Italian drinks, all made by the knowledgeable locals who own the joint. Secondly, the food spread is unbelievable. An array of crostinis, meat platters, rice dishes, roasted vegetables and more make Antica Sosta a go-to spot. Made with local ingredients, the food served is always freshly made. Not to mention, new dishes are put out hourly.
Golden View Open Bar
Via de' Bardi, 58/r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy, +39 055 214502
Photo via @goldenview_firenze Instagram
Known for its incredible view, Golden View Open Bar, is one of Florence’s most prized spots. The restaurant, which is attached to the bar, makes a fresh buffet of food, from meat and cheese platters to unique pizzas to burrata with prosciutto and melon (an Italian classic). Enjoy a nice glass of Chianti – Florence’s regional house wine – and one of the many delicious appetizer options while getting the best view of all the vecchios (bridges).
Obio
Borgo de' Greci, 1, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, +39 055 263 8611
Photo via @rita_puligheddu Instagram
Just steps away from Piazza Santa Croce, Obio serves a huge spread of little bits, ranging from crostinis to croquettes. This aperitivo joint is a restaurant by day, and a bar by night with a fun vibe thanks to its hip and young crowd. Since it is a bar, take full advantage of the bartender’s knowledge and ask the mixologist to make you something unique.
Try any one of these spots and you’re bound to fall in love with aperitivo and Florence – trust us.