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…
Rivoire
A historic chocolate café on Piazza della Signoria, known for its thick hot chocolate and a terrace facing the Palazzo Vecchio.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic café and chocolate maker
- Area
- Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- rivoire.it
Good to know
- Terrace on Piazza della Signoria
- Hot chocolate
- Chocolate shop
- Cocktail bar
Why we recommend it
Rivoire is the café that faces the Palazzo Vecchio across Piazza della Signoria, and its terrace has one of the most famous views of any café in Italy. The business was founded in the 19th century as a chocolate maker and describes itself as the keeper of an old Florentine chocolate-making tradition, with around 150 years of history. Today it is a café, restaurant, cocktail bar and chocolate shop in one, with a sister venue in Venice.
Chocolate is still the heart of the house. The signature is its renowned hot chocolate served in a cup, dense and rich in the Italian style, and particularly welcome on a cold winter afternoon. The shop inside sells chocolates and other sweets that make good gifts, and the range can also be ordered online. The café also serves coffee, pastries, light meals and cocktails, so it can fill any gap in the day from breakfast to aperitivo.
The terrace is the big draw. Tables look directly at the Palazzo Vecchio, the copy of Michelangelo's David, the Fountain of Neptune and the statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi. As at every café on a major square, you pay a premium for table service and the view, so treat it as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily stop. For a cheaper visit, drink your coffee or chocolate standing at the bar inside, and check menu prices before you sit outside.
It suits couples, people watchers and anyone who wants to linger over the square, especially early in the morning before the crowds or after dark when the palace is lit. Children usually enjoy the hot chocolate. In the busiest months, it may take a few minutes to find a free table outside, but turnover is steady.
The café is on the corner of Piazza della Signoria and Via Vacchereccia, so the Uffizi, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi are all within a minute's walk. The Ponte Vecchio is about three minutes south and the Duomo about seven minutes north. It is a natural stop between museum visits. Combine a visit with the Uffizi or the Palazzo Vecchio and the stop becomes part of the day rather than a detour.
Rivoire FAQs
What is Rivoire famous for?
Its thick hot chocolate and its terrace facing the Palazzo Vecchio on Piazza della Signoria.
Where is Rivoire?
On the corner of Piazza della Signoria and Via Vacchereccia (number 4r).
Is it expensive to sit on the terrace?
Yes, table service on the square costs more than standing at the bar inside.
Can I buy chocolates to take home?
Yes, the shop sells chocolates and sweets, and there is an online shop.
Does Rivoire serve food and drinks other than chocolate?
Yes, coffee, pastries, light meals and cocktails are available.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or in the evening, when the square is quieter and the palace is lit.
What is nearby?
The Uffizi, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi are all within a minute's walk.