Travel Snapshot – “Madonna and Child” Street Painting in Florence

Guest Post by Katie Greenaway

Being a travel expert in Florence, Italy, my friend Katie decided to share her thoughts here with her recommendation on some top wine bars in Florence. Here are the top 5:

1. Caffe` Sant’Ambrogio – This wine bar is very busy and hopping every night.  On the weekends the patrons congregate outside in Piazza Sant’ Ambrogio where they set up tables in front of the church.  The ambiance gives off a sense of youth sliced with a feeling of that city is so very small.  People pass through this piazza many times over, where they end up stopping for a cocktail or a nice glass of red at Caffe` Sant’ Ambrogio.  Their 50 odd wines are all held in house and also can make any cocktail under the sun.  The aperitivi they serve is of typical Tuscan flavors.  Their lunch aperitivo starts at noontime as well as an evening aperitivo starting at 7pm.  Open every day from 10am-3am. Location: Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, 7
   
2. Le volpe e l’uva – A wine bar off the beaten path is just the place for people looking to get away from those crowded piazze(squares).  Located in a tiny piazza called Piazza dei Rossi, it has a welcoming atmosphere.  The staff is very helpful and kind.  If you don’t know what you type of wine to try, they will suggest something perfect for you.  And to match with your wine, there are an array of cheese plates, salame, and insalata caprese.  For something more hearty, there are panini and schiacciate made with fresh ingredients. They provide a hearty list of wines from small producers throughout Italy.  You will find wines in this shop that you won’t find anywhere else in Florence.  The hours of this lovely little wine adventure is Monday through Saturday 11-9pm, Sunday it is closed. Location : Piazza dei Rossi 1
3. Vinaino di Parte Guelfa – I can honestly say they make the best sandwiches here.  I eat here every other day and spend less than 5€.  It is a great deal and the locale is cozy like you are sitting at home talking with friends.  Locals frequent this shop on weekdays especially.  Like a bartender, Luca and Leonardo listen to the local patrons that come in just to talk about life.  They add their two sense here and there but most of the time they keep pouring the wine.  It is a release to let all your worries and concerns out onto your neighborhood sandwich extraordinaires.   Open from 11am-7pm from Monday-Saturday.  Sunday it is closed. Location: Via Val di Lamona, 6
   
4. Coquinarius – Coquinarius has a small seasonal menu of different types of bruschette for antipasti, tasty meats and fish.  Salads are delectable here; creative choices include toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, eggplant, sunflower seeds, zucchini flowers or pear.  This elegant enoteca(wine bar) has a wide range of wines from Italy, California, Argentina, Austria and Chile. The camerieri (waitstaff) are very kind and full of life.  It is a great venue to enjoy the afternoon with a book, the Italian banter and/or to get lost in your glass of wine.  Wines are served by the glass or bottle in this relaxed experience.  Even though it is located in the city center where there are tons of tourists, you will find the place filled with Florentines enjoying an long lunch.  Enjoy the solitude with your cheeses and crostini.  The hours to this quaint place is 9am to late evening.  Closed on Sunday. Location : Via delle Oche 15r
   
5. Mangiafoco Caffe` – Just a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio, Mangiafoco is located on Borgo Santi Apostoli.  Lunch is served with a simple primi, panino or other dishes considered pranzo veloce (fast lunch).  Even though the place is small it offers an aperitivo every evening.  Live music is held inside every so often as well.  The service is personable and they staff really cares what you are about to consume.  Giving you a reason why a certain dish is being served.  Explanations about the wine and why a 2003 Chianti tickles the palate.  Just like Vinaino,  people end up gathering outside on the street with a glass of wine in hand.  Colored all in viola, where viola is prevalent in support of the city’s soccer team, Fiorentina.  Open every day. Location: Borgo SS. Apostoli 26r

Katie Greenaway is a freelance travel writer and is the Local Expert of Florence for Nile Guide where she also provides the secrets of Florence on her blog.  She writes about her life in Florence on her personal blog Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino and contributes to MNUI Travel Insurance with travel articles.