Coffee Culture & Etiquette
The Italian coffee culture is a science with strict rules — and Florence is no exception:
- Espresso (Caffè): The standard. If you order "un caffè," you get an espresso. No filter coffee. At the bar standing: 1.00–1.50€. At the table: 2.50–5.00€ (especially in tourist spots).
- Cappuccino: Only in the morning! Ordering a cappuccino after 11 a.m. is a faux pas that makes Florentines sweat. Milk after a meal? Indigestible, say the Italians.
- Al Banco vs. Al Tavolo: The price at the bar (standing) is ALWAYS cheaper than at the table — often by 50–100%. That's the law in Italy. Stand at the bar, drink your espresso in 30 seconds, and move on — that's how the Florentines do it.
- Caffè macchiato: Espresso with a dash of frothed milk — the compromise between espresso and cappuccino, acceptable at any time of day.
The historic cafés of Florence are institutions: Caffè Gilli (since 1733, Piazza della Repubblica), Caffè Paszkowski (since 1846), and Rivoire (Piazza della Signoria, famous for its hot chocolate). Sitting here is a luxury — but sometimes you have to indulge in luxury.
