Category: cafes, restaurants, and bars

Berberè

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Interior of the restaurant

Berberè pizzeria sits on a corner where wide, popular streets meet, as opposed to the narrow, more intimate alleyways that are stereotypical of the U.S.’s idea of Italy. With floor to ceiling windows taking up most of the front, passerby are allowed to see into the space. Painted white concrete walls, stylish wooden accents, and modern light fixtures let you know that it’s a rather new restaurant, but the warm and happy atmosphere carries even through the glass to anyone outside, drawing them in. From such an inviting look to the immediately welcoming waitress, I knew I would enjoy my experience. The place was packed when I went at peak dinner hour, full of laughter between groups of friends, old and young, and couples sharing meals. The couple nearest my roommate and I’s table even had their dog with them, weaving through their legs and begging for food. A great playlist came over the speakers from a sound system near my table, a mix of music from different genres and countries, just like the diverse customers. The service was as amazing as the food.

 

Pizza with pork sausage, tomato, parmigiano reggiano aged 24 months, and fennel seeds, and a can of soda made from real cola seeds.

Almost every restaurant in Italy has pizza, what makes this place special?

So right away I loved the menu. It’s great for English speaking travelers because it’s all in both English and Italian for native speakers (or anyone learning!) They have a great selection of pizza, with some really interesting options, among a few salads and other dishes. On the back of the menu they explain where they get all of their ingredients because they’re dedicated to making real food. They use organic ingredients whenever possible, “since organic is the only method of agriculture capable of preserving the earth for future generations. About 85% of the products we buy are certified organic. Some products aren’t, but they come from farmers and breeders who share our artisanal philosophy.” Their mission statement listed on their website explains it best.

“Berberè’ was born in 2010 with the mission of serving delicious artisanal pizza, made only with living sourdough, digestible and without frills, in a welcoming atmosphere. We work with organic ingredients, and our only gospel is quality.”

Cranberry Sorbetto and whipped cream, made with water, fruit, and just a bit of sugar (4.50) Sachertorte, a cocoa sponge cake with apricot jam and whipped cream (6.50)

Eating out can get expensive, how much money would I be spending here?

This isn’t the cheapest option for pizza, but for the quality and the amount you get, I think it’s definitely more than worth it. You could spend four euros on one personal slice from many of the cafes around, or you could spend ten euros for eight slices, perfect to take home as leftovers for another meal! They also have a short list of artisanal desserts made by master pastry chef Luigi Biasetto. The desserts range from four to six euros. (That’s about the price most gelato shops charge.) They also have a great selection of very affordable wines to pair with your food, with coffee, juice, or soda for the non-drinkers!

Website: 

https://www.berberepizza.it/en

When can I go?                                                  

Monday – Sunday 12-3 PM, 7-11:30 PM

Where is it?

Located at Via dei Benci, 7, just over the bridge. It’s easily accessible from all areas in the city center, but not near enough the Duomo and other major tourist areas to be overrun or unnecessarily overpriced. (They have thirteen other locations too!)

 

BULLI & BALENE – Spritz e Cicchetti

Posted on by simmonds

        Head towards “pussy alley”

An Italian Side Street with vespas
The so-called “Pussy Alley” on the corner where Bulli and Balene is located.

Every night on pussy alley there is a huge aperitivo in the streets. Beautiful Italians drinking wine while their voices carry far out onto the neighboring plaza. It is a social party full of locals, but not the type of party an American can attend. I had tried to be apart of the atmosphere, but I do not speak Italian so I could only observe the party from afar. My friends and I had a shared feeling of being left out, but we could not stop coming to Bulli and Balene. Pussy alley was captivating, we wanted a taste of the local Italian culture.

Best for:

Chalkboard Spritz Menu
The best local bar in Florence!

Those that are not drinking to get drunk, rather those who want to casually sip on some snazzy cocktails and munch on a couple of light snacks. Probably one of the main reasons Americans cannot fully be apart of the Italian experience outside of Bulli and Balene is because of the drunk American tourist stereotypes. So do yourself a favor and take care of yourself because we do not need you to get sloppy just to reinforce that. I recommend going either before or after dinner to sit and chat with friends when you want to trade in an evening filled with tourists for a flair of local culture. It is far from the crowds of the Duomo- a secret spot to see the magical art of the true Italian aperitivo.

Highlights: The Hugo Spritz and Their Cicchetti Sandwiches

Close up picture of glasses of wine, one cocktail, and one cocktail
Drinks on drinks on drinks! Two glasses of wine, one Hugo spritz, and one ginger beer.

If you are lucky enough to go into Bulli and Balene with an open mind you should try the star of the show- the hugo. This spritz is classified by me as their signature drink. Do not get me wrong, there are plenty of drinks to choose from- they have a large beer and wine list and they put funky twits on classics, but Bulli and Balene is known for their spritz’s. Trust me if you do not get one you are missing out big time! The Hugo is a mint and lime spritz that is super fresh and crisp. The drink has a hint of sweetness from the prosecco, but it is not overpowering because it is balanced out by the bitterness from the lime and coolness from the mint. The hugo is the best spritz I have ever had, and this is coming from a girl who does not like mojitos that much!

For the other half of the show you should try a cicchetti sandwich. Whenever you go to Bulli and Balene you will see customers walking with black trays full of little cicchetti sandwiches. The cristini like sandwiches which are one one of the main features of the bar are made fresh daily based on which ingredients are available in local markets. If you go there one day, and go back the next you may not see your favorite from yesterday because their cicchetti menu changes everyday! 

Get off your phone!

Wall of plants
The picturesque plant wall!

Once you get your drinks that come in vintage looking crystal glasses, or see the eloquently hand decorated hummus cristinis that look great against the plant wall you will be tempted to whip out your phone. Here is my challenge for you to not do that. I had to go back to Bulli and Balene multiple times and get photos that my friends took to post to this blog because I did not have any the first time I went. You would never see a local posting pictures to their instagrams of their aperitivos so if it is your goal to be less touristy skip the posting.

If I cannot use my phone, what should I expect?

Griping food, drinks, and conversations. The only time I find it acceptable to use your phone is when you need it for google translate because the menu is strictly written in all Italian (do not worry if you really need it there is free wifi). The place is also packed with mainly locals- you may find a couple of younger study abroad students, but expect the crowd to be young to middle aged Italians. Be prepared for those sometimes awkward interactions in regard to the language barrier.

You have made it to the end so now you can know the truth!

Bulli and Balene is on a side street called “pussy alley” because of a silver cat with piercing blue eyes that sits outside the restaurant. I knew the cat well before I knew the name of the street and I did not realize the name until I grabbed their business card on the second time I went to the bar!

Cat sleeping on top of a vespa
  Bulli and Balene’s mascot- a stray cat

By: Grace Nichols

Where can I find it?

Via dello Sprone, 14, 50125 Firenze FI 

Gino’s Bakery: A Home Away From Home

Posted on by Josie Cataldo
Don’t worry, the food tastes just as good as it looks 😉

Gino’s Bakery

*This quaint, family owned and operated bakery is ideal for someone looking to stop somewhere that speedily serves flaky pastries and strong coffee.*

Sick of Slow?

You’re someone who weaves their way in and out of mind-numbingly crowded streets, someone who anxiously taps their foot while waiting for their coffee on their way to work, and finally, you’re someone who always has a different place to be and a different task to complete. If when you were reading the previous sentence you felt as if I was peering into your soul, then boy do I have the perfect hidden gem for you. Assuming you’re a frantic, frenzied individual from the Northeast like myself, Gino’s Bakery is your cup of tea, or more appropriately, your foamy, frothy cappuccino. A diamond in the rough located in a land where a slow lifestyle is cherished and encouraged, Gino strays from Italian tradition and feeds my craving for my usual, bustling Bostonian lifestyle.

Eye spy with my little eye a decent sized cappuccino cup!

Here’s How Gino Can Help…

Gino, a one-man assembly line, knows his idyllic oasis that stands within a modest, vertical shaped storefront is a place meant for someone who’s not necessarily in need of a leisurely bite. As you take your first steps into the bakery, you are enveloped by a frenzy of fast-pace enthusiasts: Gino acts as the puppeteer, maneuvering the strings of the well-oiled machine. The shop owner paces back and forth behind the confines of the glass pastry case where he caters quickly to those whose hands are flying in the air. The excessively outstretched limbs point viscously at the delicious pastries that float before their eyes. One second their hands are empty, and the next, they look down to see a croissant in their left and a cappuccino in their right; Gino has served them as speedily as they sputtered their orders at him.

Do I Need to Break the Bank?

Unlike some of the other sidewalk cafés that dot the streets of Florence, Gino’s does not charge you five euros for a cappuccino that can be finished in one measly sip. Just two euros will buy you the perfect early morning pick-me-up. I’d also like to point out how he manages to construct this larger cappuccino much quicker than the small ones you typically receive from those other overpriced joints. Additionally, for those of you looking to treat that little sweet tooth of yours, you can snag one of his prized cannoli’s for just three euros. With that price, maybe you’ll buy all the offered flavors that tantalize your eyes with their crispy crunchy shells and smooth and creamy fillings.

Who’s This So-Called Genius, Gino?

As professed in the earlier paragraphs, Gino is a man who seeks to serve those to whom fast pace is familiar. A man eerily similar to my PaPa, Gino will greet whoever walks into his shop with a smile as sweet as the sugar-dusted pastries that are strewn across each other in the glass display cases. How he manages to stay so calm among the chaos and craze that ensues from those crazy for his croissants baffles me. The shop is stiflingly hot from the heat radiating from those inside who are packed into the close quarters like sardines. However, Gino does not let this interfere with his groove. The marvelous man will swiftly craft your cappuccino with a smile on his face while simultaneously ringing you up at the register. For someone who hardly speaks or understands English, this man has made me feel more at home than anyone else I’ve encountered here.

Another delicious dessert for just three euros!

How Do I get The Full “Gino’s Experience?”

Although your experience at Gino’s will be short-lived due to his ability to serve you at the speed of light, you can prolong the joy you feel when inside the bakery by stopping by once in the morning AND once in the evening. In my eyes, one trip to Gino’s in a day is just not enough…take my advice and I’m confident you’ll feel the same.

Gino’s In the A.M.

For early risers like myself, I walk into Gino’s just as the warm morning sunlight seeps into the shop’s front window. The gooey glaze that Gino has just painted onto the fresh, flaky croissants makes the pastries sparkle and shine in the glass case that is heated up by the striking sunlight. In my eyes, the perfect pastry to be paired with one of Gino’s frothy, delicious cappuccinos is the intricately designed apple and cheese danish. It is at this time of day that the shop is at its quietest; you can really observe and marvel at the ease with which the motions of the shop are carried out. Despite the sleepy air that surrounds the bakery in its early hours, the fast-pace environment is not compromised. When I walk in and greet Gino, there is an understanding that I’m in a hurry and about to make the long trek to school where I’ll have to weave in and out of the masses of people. Within two minutes, I’m springing out the door, cappuccino and croissant in hand, with plenty of time to spare…thanks Gino!

Those perfectly golden brown shells I was talking about!

After the Sun Has Set…

Following a Florentine day full of miles upon miles of walking, weaving in-and-out of confused tourist groups, and picking up some produce from Sant’ Ambrogio market, one should reward themselves with yet another trip to my favorite hidden gem. Unlike the rest of the day’s long-winded adventures, you can take a sigh of relief knowing that this last stop will run smoothly with speedy efficiency. Upon your arrival, do you choose coffee, chocolate chip, pistachio, or cream filling for the cannoli that taunts your yearning eyes? Why not all four? You know it won’t take long for Gino to swipe one of each from the display case. Split the sensational Italian desserts in order to sample all of Gino’s genius fillings that ooze out of the golden-brown shells.

Where can I find Gino’s Bakery?

Via de’ Guicciardini, 3/5, 50041 Firenze FI

La Citè – Liberia Caffè

Posted on by swee

La Citè- Liberia Caffè

Something about the faint melody from the record spinning or the muffled chatter that leaks out of the slightly ajar door draws me into the cozy atmosphere of La Citè. This quaint coffee shop is almost unrecognizable after sundown. The quiet and concentrated nature of La Citè transforms into a lively atmosphere. La Citè is a local’s favorite for that mid-morning cappuccino or an evening nightcap.

This sign hangs proudly on the front window.

 

Is this just a coffee shop? What makes it so special?

Tucked away, far from any tourist traps, La Citè is in a world of its own. A tourist might stumble in for coffee, but a local knows it is so much more.  This café is not meant to just satisfy your caffeine needs (although it can, I recommend the Almond milk latte), rather it is also a bookstore and wine bar. Unlike most coffee shops in Florence, La Citè urges its customers to sit down and stay awhile while drinking their morning coffee. Which isn’t hard to do at all with their sprawling patio and infinite couches adorning the space. Starting from my first visit there, I found myself right at home. The familiar bald man with the Polish accent, I now know as Robert, treats all of his customers like family. His generosity is endless—from covering my coffee when I forgot my wallet simply stating, “don’t worry about it” to even returning my sweater after I left it there. Chances are if you walk past La Citè, he will be out there, cigarette in hand, urging you to come in.

The layout is open and inviting.

If you’re looking for Barnes and Noble, go somewhere else.

Used and new books scatter every corner of La Citè, making it irresistible to not pick one up. La Citè actually has 5,000 literary texts available to purchase in the café and in their online catalog. Although you don’t have to buy them, customers can enjoy the books free of charge while in the space. La Citè even offers free wifi (yes and it works) to access these online texts. This unconventional café supplies only the most unconventional books, as they are aiming to support local and independent titles. La Citè is open to suggestions if there are any novels you would like to see on their shelf.

When does the wine bar come into play?

When dusk arrives the music roars a bit louder, chatter becomes more fervent, and the coffee mugs are exchanged for wine glasses. La Citè believes reading and tasting go hand-in-hand and that is a notion we can get behind. They believe that one of the most “dangerous” effects of a fabulous glass of wine is individualism and passion. I dare you to attempt to order a glass of the Gewürztraminer Südtirol Alto Adige or if that is too difficult, just say the “sweet, white wine” to Robert (he’ll know what you are talking about). Don’t be mistaken, it is not sweet at all, but it is still the best glass of wine I’ve had in Italy. Their wine list has been carefully composed using the criteria

Don’t forget to try the Almond Milk Latte.

of fair trade, local, and organic. They only purchase wine from organic vineyards that do not use any synthetic chemicals or herbicides. Try asking a La Citè employee about the amount of sulfur in the wine or how long the wine fermented in oak barrels. They truly care about what you are putting in your body and pride themselves on the quality of wine they serve.

What else do they offer?

To put it simply— experiences. No matter what night of the week, you can find philosophers, authors, musicians, or really any type of creative thinker performing or hosting forums. This is a chance to get conversation flowing and debates sparked. They also have live music multiple nights a week and the nights they do not offer entertainment, they always have records spinning. This place is the definition of eclectic.

One of the very many cozy corners of La Citè.

I’m sold. Anything else that makes La Citè memorable?

No experience at La Citè is ever the same and that is what keeps me returning day-after-day and night-after-night. It doesn’t matter what time it is, the ambiance is always dynamic and just what I needed. The layout of La Citè allows for privacy in the upstairs rooms (if easily distracted like me) or can be quite the opposite if you choose to socialize downstairs. La Citè can be whatever you need it to be and somehow it always leaves me wanting more.

Where can I find La Citè?

Bar Pitti

Posted on by linder
Bar Pitti in Florence, Italy

So, what makes this place so special? 

Bar Pitti has an aura about it. The kind where you feel a certain sense of warmth, and genuine happiness within the people who occupy the space. The restaurant is quaint and cozy, with a charming outdoor seating area. The menu is handwritten on paper menus in the finest penmanship that you can tell took hours upon hours of tedious work to accomplish. From the twinkle lights inside to the soft kind smiles of the staff who happened to be all family, Bar Pitti is a one-stop-shop for all of your Italian meals. Whether you’re having a long two and a half hour dinner catching up with a friend, or just need a quick bite to take home, this place is for you.  Bar Pitti is family owned and operated, and they want you to feel at home from the minute you step foot into their restaurant to the minute you walk out. And boy, do they succeed. 

 

Where can I find this hidden gem?

Bar Pitti is centered right in front of the Pitti Palace in the Piazza, just a short five to seven-minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio. The street is bustling with all different people, eager to learn about the history of Florence and smell the aromas of the food slow cooking around them, so be careful to not miss the sign. However, if you miss the sign you can spot it by the delighted faces sitting under the awning in front of the restaurant, experiencing the mouth-watering food that Bar Pitti has to offer. I came across this gem one evening while I was trying to find a good authentic gelato place near my apartment on the first or second night I spent in Florence. Instead of finding a gelato place that caught my eye, Bar Pitti was found, and I could not be happier. 

Do not miss the sign! It’s small!

What should I order? 

Bar Pitti sports a wide array of options stemming from its true traditional Tuscan roots. Personally, my favorite is the Gnocchi Sorrentina. The gnocchi is softly tossed in a robust tomato sauce that wraps each one in a deep but diluted red. The clear steam is gushing upwards towards your face, carrying a rich aroma through your nose. However, the gnocchi is not the only thing that drew me in the first night that I was lucky enough to waltz into Bar Pitti by accident. The appetizers are exemplar. From the blazing red bruschetta to the chicken liver crostini, your taste buds will be taken to heights you did not think were reachable. I also recommend you have an Aperol spritz to go along with your dinner, it’s the best spritz in town. 

You can also see a glimpse of the handwritten menus
The best spritz you can find in Florence

 

What makes Bar Pitti better than other dive restaurants?

Bar Pitti is above par in comparison to other dive restaurants because of its organic charm and authentic Italian food. It is not overly priced, so it is friendly on the wallet which is definitely a plus for us students. For those of you on the struggle bus ninety-nine percent of the time like me, you will appreciate. Most little hole in the wall restaurants that look like Bar Pitti is most likely tourist traps, that say their food is authentic, which it might be, but the prices are skyrocketed. You will never be turned away, no matter how busy. But most importantly, you will always be greeted with a smile and an enthusiastic “Buongiorno”!