If you are what you eat, then I'm a mixture of pizza, caffeine and cocktails. Here's a list of things I've been eating, drinking and loving in Florence, Italy this July.
- La mortazza pizza from Pizzaria lo Sprone
Inspired by the mortadella street food panino from Rome, this pizza was loaded with mortadella, pistachio and cheese and I still could have ordered a second pizza. Extra points for this pizzeria being just off one of the coolest little piazzas in Florence.
Pizzaria lo Sprone Via dei Sapiti, 1, 50125 Florence
- Hugo Spritz at Loggia Roof Bar
You don't necessarily need to come to Loggia roof bar for a Hugo spritz, you can find them in just about any spot in Florence. But enjoying a spritz on the south side of the river with Piazza Santo Spirito below just as the sun is setting makes an Hugo spritz taste that much sweeter.
Loggia Roof Bar Piazza Santo Spirito, 9, 50125 Florence
- Crema caffe from Vivoli
Crema caffe is a great refreshing treat, especially when you're missing iced coffee in the warmer months. You'll find a crema caffe machine at many bars around Florence in the summertime but Vivoli is making theirs to-order with fresh coffee and gelato and it's gotten pretty popular as of late. Definitely the perfect afternoon pick-me-up coupled with a caffeine jolt to boot.
Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r, 50122 Florence
- Pecorino stagionata from Mercato delle Cure
The open air market in Piazza delle Cure is where many of the locals shop since its a hop out of the historic center and you can find everything from fresh produce, to eggs and cheese, and even tripe if you are feeling adventurous. You absolutely cannot go wrong with a stop at the cheese stall and the men that work there are happy to give you a taste of anything you are curious about.
Piazza delle Cure, 50131 Florence
- Brioche al carbone from Bottega di Pasticceria
I'm usually content with just a cappucino in the morning but that has all changed since I discovered the brioche al carbone. The brioche is black because it is made with vegetable carbon and, because of this is easier to digest. So basically having a morning pastry is healthy choice now.
Via Masaccio, 22R, 50136 Florence
- Amatriciana Pizza from Cucina Torcicoda
There are no wrong choices on the pizza menu at Cucina Torcicoda but every time I go I get the amatriciana pizza. Its made with San marzano tomatoes, perfectly crispy salty guanciale, tangy pecorino and onions. Hungry yet?
Via Torta, 5/r, 50122 Florence
- Espresso tonic from Ditta Artigianale
This certainly isn't a traditional drink you'll find at most spots in Florence but that is a crime because it is the most refreshing caffeine break you'll ever have. Food & Wine Magazine even declared the espresso tonic the "drink of the summer". Its literally just as it sounds, espresso and tonic water over ice with an orange twist. Try it and thank me later.
Via dei Neri, 30/32 R, 50122 Florence
- Steak Tartare at Il Nugolo
This is my favorite restaurant in Florence so I could never pick just one favorite from the menu, but I recently had the steak tartare and it was beautiful. I could have taken a bath in the housemade mayo.
Via della Mattonaia, 27 R, 50121 Florence
