Top 5 wine bars in Florence, Tuscany

Looking for a wine bar for an afternoon sit or a relaxing evening in Florence?
Here is a list of 5 places not to be missed:

1. Le Volpi E L’Uva (Piazza dei Rossi 1)

This little wine bar off the beaten path is just the place for people looking to get away from those crowded squares. It is located in a tiny square called Piazza dei Rossi. It has a homey feeling and 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 munch on from a long morning of walking, there is an array of cheese plates, salumi, and caprese. In addition, there are typical panini and schiacciatine made with fresh ingredients with superb flavor to add to the experience.

They provide a hearty list of Italian wines from small producers throughout the country. You will find wines in this shop that you won’t find anywhere else in Florence. I suggest taking advantage of this opportunity to browse the wide range of delectable collection of wines such as a classic Chianti or a stunning Brunello, not to forget, Prosecco, which is Italian champagne, and the famous Vin Santo, which is a sweet desert wine.

Even though there are wine bars galore, this one is exceptional with very reasonable prices. You will be served with the smile, left alone to enjoy the afternoon sounds or evening chatter.

The hours of this lovely little wine adventure is Monday through Saturday 11-9pm, Sunday it is closed.

2. Coquinarius (Via delle Oche 15r)

I remember frequently setting up camp at this fabulous wine bar. It is a room full of warmth and the scents of a seasonal menu. Coquinarius has a small menu of different types of bruschette for antipasti, tasty meats and fish. Salads are a forte here; creative choices include toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, eggplants, sunflower seeds, zucchini flowers or pear. This elegant and striking enoteca has a wide range of wines from Italy, California, Argentina, Austria and Chile.

The wait staff are very kind and full of life. It is a great place to sit for the afternoon, bring a book, enjoy the chatter of the other patrons, or get lost in the glass of wine. Wines are served by the glass or bottle in this relaxed, inexpensive experience of true Italian style.

Even though it is located right smack dab in the city center where there are tons of tourist traffic, however you will find the place filled with Florentines enjoying an afternoon bite at this venue. I suggest stopping in for a nice early morning snack at around 11.30 am or waiting until the lunch crowd has left and arrive around 3 pm and enjoy the solitude with your cheeses and crostini.

The hours to this quaint place is 9 pm to late evening. Closed on Sunday.

3. Sei Divino (Via Borgo Ognissanti 42r)

Simply meaning, “You are divine” in Italian. You will feel divine once you arrive at this venue. It is a great place to meet for an aperitif, which is a little buffet of great, fresh food, or an early afternoon lunch.

This fabulous wine bar is located just 2 minutes past the bridge Ponte all Carrata on Via Borgo Ognissanti 42r. It has a great outdoor café and a lounge in the back, great for parties or a secluded evening. The walls are lined with bottles of wine and cozy seating.

Everyday this trendy bar is open and every night there is a themed aperitif:
Monday: Mexican
Tuesday: Sushi
Wednesday: Vegetarian
Thursday: Mediterranean
Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Tuscan

7 Euro buys you a glass of wine and all you eat buffet from 7-10 pm. It is worth the walk to have a great evening of friends, drink, and food.

4. Zoe (Via dei Renai 13r)

Zoe is a venue that always existed yet I never knew about it. It is located close to another popular bar called Negroni. I was used to hanging out at Negroni so I ventured over to Zoe one early evening with some friends. I enjoyed myself immensely, simply because of the food selection served at the aperitif.

They have a plethora of drinks, cocktails, and wine. There aperitif spread is full of crostini, pasta dishes of all kinds and little snacks, like chips. It is a wide-open bar with high ceilings and plenty of cozy seating throughout. The bar also hosts upcoming artists and flatter the place with their artwork. There is an outside seating area that is full of people during the peak gathering hours. The aperitif starts at 7 pm to 10 pm.

In the summer months, on Wednesday evenings, it is referred to as “Frozen Night” featuring all the frozen drinks you adore. It is definitely worth the short walk from the center to this gorgeous, secluded area of San Niccolo’ also known as the Oltrarno.

I hope you make a stop at this very classy, sophisticated wine bar.

5. Beccofino (Piazza degli Scarlatti 1R)

Beccofino is a very elegant wine bar set right on the Arno River. It has a very modern take on the token Florentine restaurant. There is a very exquisite menu of Tuscan favorites. Sticking to the wine theme here, I have only been there for a nice glass of wine. Beccofino is a great place to stop before dinner with a friend or a late evening nightcap. If you want to try the food, which I have heard fabulous things about it. You must make a reservation for this extraordinary dining.

During the summertime, I suggest going there for an afternoon sit, in the nice café area and watch the Arno flow by.

To experience the true Italian way of life in Tuscany, check out our large selection of hotel accommodation in Florence on venere.com.

Photo originally posted by Ami Shah

Topic:  Top five Monday | 4 Comments
Tags:  Florence, restaurants, Tuscany

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About the author

Katie has a true obsession with Italy and she has lived in Florence on and off for the past 5 years. She has been a tourist, vacationer, student, and an au pair. All of these experiences have made her into the person she is today. This is a place she documents her life with her own thoughts and audacious lifestyle: http://www.katerinafiore.com