How do Italians actually take their morning coffee?

Standing at the bar, in under five minutes, paying after. Italians order espresso (un caffè), cappuccino (only before 11 AM, never after a meal), or caffè macchiato (espresso with a dash of milk). Filter coffee, oat milk lattes, and to-go cups are not part of the morning ritual. Sit-down service costs roughly double; the bar is where locals stand.

What is a Florentine breakfast and what does it cost?

A cappuccino and a cornetto (the Italian croissant, slightly sweeter and softer than French). Around 3 to 4 euros standing at the bar in central Florence. Real-butter cornetti at Scudieri and Gilli are noticeably better than the supermarket-style ones served at most cafes near the train station. Sitting at a table on Piazza della Repubblica costs 8 to 10 euros for the same.

What time do cafes open in Florence?

Most historic-centre cafes open between 6.30 and 7.30 AM and serve breakfast through to 11. Gilli and Giubbe Rosse on Piazza della Repubblica are open early; Scudieri opposite the Duomo opens at 7. The hour between 7.30 and 8.30 is when Florentines actually drink their coffee — quieter than 9 AM when the day-trip crowds arrive.

What's the difference between cappuccino and caffè latte in Italy?

Cappuccino is roughly equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, served in a small cup. Caffè latte is more milk than coffee, served in a tall glass, and ordered mostly by children or the elderly. Asking for a 'latte' will get you a glass of milk; the word means milk in Italian. Espresso macchiato (espresso with a spot of foam) is what most Florentines order after 11.

The Best Cafes in Florence to Start Your Day Like a Real Florentine

TheVoyageCo asked Massimo for his local insights for Florence. This is what he said.

A real Florentine morning starts with espresso at the bar, not a hotel buffet. Four cafes worth your 8am: Gilli on Piazza della Repubblica for the true historic-centre atmosphere and pull-to-order espresso, Giubbe Rosse on the same piazza for culture alongside the coffee, Scudieri directly in front of the Duomo for an exceptional cornetto with real butter, and Caffè Museo degli Innocenti for a quieter view of the city before the day crowds arrive.

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Massimo Coppo

Location:Florence

My name is Massimo Coppo, I live in Florence, I am a tourist guide in English and French, I also work as a driver and sommelier, I have a degree in philosophy and a degree in literature, I love being able to introduce my country to those who come from far away and always learn something new.

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I was born in Florence, so I know how a real Florentine starts the day. It is not with a smartphone and a hurry. It is with coffee, with quality, with ritual. Let me show you where I take my breakfast.

Massimo was born in Florence and works as a walking companion, driver, and sommelier graduate. He studies his region every day to know it better.

1. Gilli Cafe: The Middle of the Historic Centre

Piazza della Repubblica

In the middle of the historic centre, this is the true Florentine cafe atmosphere. When I come here in the morning, I am part of the Florence routine, not the visitor experience. The food is typical, the pastry is very good.

The espresso is pulled with attention, not by a machine on autopilot. You can taste the difference. The barman knows me, knows what I want. This is the relationship of real cafe culture.

2. Giubbe Rosse: Culture and Real Espresso

Piazza della Repubblica

Another historic and typical cafe. There is more culture here than just coffee. They serve real espresso and real food. The literary events and the history of this place make it important.

When I recommend a cafe to visitors, I always include Giubbe Rosse, because here you taste what a Florence cafe is about: tradition, quality, culture, all together.

3. Scudieri: The Pastry Shop Excellence

In Front of the Cathedral

A very good pastry shop in front of the cathedral. The cornetto is exceptional, the quality is high. When I want the best pastry in Florence, I go here. The butter is real, the flour is quality, you taste the difference.

The location is perfect: you take your breakfast with the Duomo in front of you. That is a Florence morning done right.

4. Caffè Museo degli Innocenti: View and Wine

Florence

Enjoy the view of Florence while you drink coffee or a glass of wine. This cafe is less crowded than the central ones, but the quality is equal. The view makes the experience special.

I bring people here when I want them to see Florence in the quiet moment, not the crowded moment.

Florence rewards a slow morning. Skip the queue at the Uffizi, skip the buffet at the hotel, walk into Gilli at 8 a.m., and you'll already understand more about how Florentines live than most travellers will see all week.

Explore more Florence-specific insights to plan your next trip with locals.

Frequently asked

Florence cafes and breakfast FAQ