Where to have brunch in Florence: avocado toast, pancakes, and more for the weekend
Where to have brunch in Florence. How would we define brunch? A sort of mix between an English breakfast and an Italian lunch. And although it's a typically Anglo-Saxon tradition, brunch has now become part of our gastronomic routine, thanks in part to the diverse offerings of local restaurants.
Some choose to keep this special breakfast on the menu all week, while others decide to only serve it on weekends. So, let's see where to have brunch in Florence.
Where to have brunch in Florence
Melaleuca
All these places have an international atmosphere, for obvious reasons. Melaleuca, for example, is a small establishment on Florence's Lungarno where even the host is of English origin, likely chosen to create a contemporary feel. Named after an Australian tea tree, Melaleuca is the perfect blend of services, both a specialty café and a gourmet bakery, all within a shabby chic setting. The offerings range from the now more familiar pancakes to bagels; cookies and buns round out the sweet treats. For those with a savory appetite, a hearty portion of sweet potato fries paired with homemade sauces is a popular choice. And then there's the unmissable brunch staple: avocado toast. In the winter, a truly must-try is the delicious cinnamon roll. Brunch is available here from Friday to Sunday.
Melaleuca. Lungarno delle Grazie 18, Florence. Tel. 055 6146894. Website. Facebook. Instagram.
Artisan Company
Ditta Artigianale is slowly becoming a Florentine institution. One of those businesses that has made its way, with dedication, has opened one location after another in the Florentine area. There are now five locations where you can enjoy brunch and more. Ditta Artigianale is undoubtedly one of those places with a menu that covers your needs from morning until late at night. The brunch menu offers soft scrambled eggs with shallot cream and excellent toast. There's also no shortage of American bagels or a more French, but still brunch-friendly, croque monsieur with French Dijon mustard, béchamel sauce, Gruyère cheese, and, of course, cooked ham. One of the house specialties are the pancakes, fluffy and just the right amount of sweet.
Artisanal Company. Via de' Neri 32R, Florence. Tel. 0552741541 / Via dello Sprone 5R, Florence. Tel. 055 0457163 / Via dei Carducci 2R, Florence. Tel. 055 9367419 / Via Lungarno Soderini 7R, Florence. Tel. 055 3874550 / Piazza Ferrucci 1R, Florence. Tel. Website. Facebook. Instagram.
Santarosa Bistrot
Santarosa Bistrot is a must-visit destination in Florence's Oltrarno neighborhood, also suitable not only for brunch, but from breakfast to after-dinner drinks. The venue features an outdoor space and an indoor greenhouse that creates a very pleasant and atmospheric play of light. Their brunch is strictly Sunday, creating a more exclusive experience to enjoy in complete tranquility and relaxation. There are the SANTAbrunch and VEGGIEbrunch options. In this case, two set menus based on your preference offer a complete meal. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, roast potatoes, grilled vegetables, guacamole, pancakes, French toast, fruit salad, yogurt, granola, freshly squeezed orange juice, and coffee for those who choose the classic version. Those who prefer the veggie option can enjoy vegetable flan, sautéed spinach, guacamole, pancakes, French toast, fruit salad, yogurt, granola, freshly squeezed orange juice, and coffee.
Santarosa Bistrot. Lungarno di Santa Rosa, Florence. Tel. 055 2309057. Website, Instagram, Facebook.
Ala Grande Caffè (Rosano's Café)
Ala Grande Caffè (also known as Caffè Rosanò) on Via San Gallo, a central location close to the university, has been a hit for some time now. From morning until 2 p.m. (closing time), you can find a variety of dishes, from pancakes to omelets. This café stands out from other places in Florence because it manages to be intimate and welcoming, yet without too many frills, offering a wide and delicious selection. The portions are generous and delicious, and the jumbo version of the traditional cappuccino is especially worth trying.
Ala Grande Caffè. Via S. Gallo 29R, Florence. Tel. 338 1541315. Facebook. Instagram.
Cuculia Restaurant
We move back to Florence's Oltrarno neighborhood and stop at Cuculia Ristorante, recently included in the Michelin Guide. Once again, the Sunday brunch is served here, featuring Venezuelan chef Oliver Betancourt: a fixed price of €20 per person for five different savory appetizers and a dessert. This restaurant's offerings are interesting, as the food they serve is a cultural and gastronomic fusion of Italy and Oliver's roots. He personally chooses what to prepare for guests who decide to enjoy brunch at the restaurant.
Cuculia Restaurant. Via dei Serragli 3R, Florence. Tel. 055 2776205. Website, Facebook, Instagram.
The Housewife
The quality is equally high when you stop by La Ménagère, a restaurant in the heart of the historic center that consistently attracts tourists and locals alike, thanks in part to its refined and attentive style. It calls itself a "scattered restaurant," given the vastness of its space. You can choose to enjoy a pleasant meal either in the botanical bistro setting of the flower shop inside, or in a small English-style library in another room. The breakfast menu, available until 12 p.m., features typical brunch dishes such as vegetable omelets, scrambled eggs, and poached eggs with marinated salmon and béarnaise sauce. Of course, there are also pancakes, French toast, baguettes, and a Parisienne with cream and whipped cream to round things off. There are also several options if you prefer a generous slice of cake, such as Sacher torte, cheesecake, and desserts of the day.
La Ménagère. Via de' Ginori 8R, Florence. Tel. 055 0750600. Website, Facebook, Instagram.
Shake Café
There are four Shake Cafés throughout the city, and like the others, they're a great place to stop at any time of day, but brunch is definitely a must-try. At Shake, you'll find authentic dishes featuring plenty of fruit and vegetables. So, there's room for fresher, more indulgent dishes, for those who want to indulge without overdoing it on the calories.
Shake Café. Via Cavour 67R, Florence. Tel. 055 0515418 / Via del Corso 28, Florence. Tel. 055 2159528 / Via degli Avelli 2R, Florence. Tel. 055 295310 / Via dei Neri 56R, Florence. Tel. 055 9060597. Website. Facebook. Instagram.
Habitat
Quality and style abound at the brunch corner at Habitat, a restaurant near the Santa Maria Novella train station. This modern and elegant restaurant offers fusion dishes like sushi, poke, and tapas throughout the day. The American breakfast, available on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. onwards, is also quite substantial. The variety of bagels available is interesting: with cream cheese and chives, with a fried egg, and other options. Try the Crunchy Avo Chicken, crispy fried chicken served with two sweet pancakes, smashed avocado, and sweet potatoes.
Habitat. Via del Giglio 59R, Florence. Tel. 055 0354039. Website: Facebook. Instagram.