Café
Caffè Gilli
Florence's oldest café, founded in 1733 by the Swiss Gilli family and on Piazza della Repubblica since the early 20th century, with its original Belle Époque…
La Ménagère
A café, bistro, florist and design boutique near San Lorenzo, open daily from breakfast to late night in a series of airy, plant-filled rooms.
At a glance
- Type
- Café, bistro and concept store
- Area
- San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily · 08:00–02:00
- Official site
- lamenagere.it
Good to know
- Open daily from breakfast to late
- Flower shop
- Boutique
- Botanical library
- Garden
Why we recommend it
La Ménagère, on Via de' Ginori between San Lorenzo and the Accademia, describes itself as a melting pot of spaces under one roof. It combines a café and bistro, a restaurant, a flower shop, a boutique paying homage to Florentine traditions, a garden and a library of more than a thousand botanical books, all arranged through a sequence of high-ceilinged rooms with plants, flowers and vintage-style furnishings. It feels quite different from the traditional Florentine bar and has become one of the most photographed interiors in the city.
The kitchen covers the whole day. Mornings start with coffee, cappuccino, pastries and breakfast dishes, followed by brunch, light lunches and business lunches. In the afternoon it is a pleasant place for tea and cake, and in the evening the mood shifts to drinks, aperitivo and dinner. The menu mixes Italian and international dishes, with vegetarian options. Staff are used to visitors who come mainly for the setting, but the food is a proper part of the experience.
It is open every day from 8:00 until 2:00 the following morning, which makes it useful when other cafés are closed, whether for an early breakfast before queuing at the Accademia or a late drink after dinner. There are also private rooms and quieter corners for events, as well as a club space with a programme of botanical art courses, wine tastings and book presentations.
Prices are moderate to high for a café, reflecting the setting and the central location. It can be busy at weekend brunch and in the early evening; booking is advisable for meals, especially for groups. The flower shop is a nice place to browse even if you are not eating.
It suits couples, groups of friends, design lovers and anyone looking for a comfortable place to sit for a while, as well as solo travellers who want a relaxed table with a book. Families are welcome during the day.
La Ménagère is about three minutes' walk from the Medici Chapels and San Lorenzo, five minutes from the Duomo and about seven minutes from the Accademia. The Mercato Centrale is a short walk to the north-west.
La Ménagère FAQs
When is La Ménagère open?
Every day from 8:00 to 2:00 the following morning.
What is La Ménagère?
A café, bistro and restaurant combined with a flower shop, boutique, garden and botanical library.
Can I have breakfast there?
Yes, it opens at 8:00 for coffee, pastries and breakfast dishes.
Do I need to book?
Booking is advisable for meals, especially brunch at weekends and groups.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian dishes.
Where is it?
At Via de' Ginori 8r, near San Lorenzo and about five minutes from the Duomo.
How can I contact them?
By phone on +39 055 0750600 or by email at [email protected].