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…
Vivoli
A family gelateria near Santa Croce whose story goes back to a dairy opened in 1929, known for its coffee affogato and additive-free gelato.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic gelateria
- Area
- Santa Croce, Florence, Italy
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- vivoli.it
Good to know
- Family run
- Affogato
- Semifreddi
- Self-service
Why we recommend it
Vivoli is one of the oldest gelaterie in Florence and still run by the same family. Its story begins in 1929, when Serafino Vivoli moved his family from Pelago, in the countryside east of Florence, and opened a dairy, the Latteria Vivoli, on Via dell'Isola delle Stinche. The family has been making gelato since around 1930, and the business is now in its fourth generation. The shop sits on a narrow lane between the Bargello and Santa Croce, a short step from the busier streets.
The gelato is made without additives, preservatives, emulsifiers or colourings, according to the family, and the flavours change with the seasons. Classics such as pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate and cream flavours sit alongside fruit sorbets in summer. The house speciality is the affogato, which Vivoli calls la gran crema al caffè: a scoop of gelato drowned in hot espresso, mixing sweet and bitter, hot and cold. The shop also makes semifreddi with cream and cakes for celebrations. Vivoli has a corner in Macy's in New York and a shop at Disney Springs in Orlando, but this is the original.
The shop is self-service, with no table service, so most people eat their gelato standing nearby or on the move. Expect a queue on summer evenings and at weekends, though it moves quickly. Prices are in line with other good artisan gelaterie in the centre. Opening hours vary through the year, so check the website or call ahead if you are making a special trip in winter.
It suits families, couples and anyone exploring the Santa Croce area, and makes a good dessert stop after dinner in one of the neighbourhood's trattorias. Children are well catered for with fruit and cream flavours.
Vivoli is about two minutes' walk from the Bargello, four minutes from Piazza Santa Croce and five minutes from Piazza della Signoria. Take your gelato to the steps of Santa Croce or walk down to the river for a view of the Ponte Vecchio at sunset. In the Italian way, you choose a cup size and then two or three flavours, so ask to taste one or two before you decide. Try the affogato on a hot afternoon.
Vivoli FAQs
How old is Vivoli?
The family opened a dairy on the same street in 1929 and has made gelato since around 1930.
What is Vivoli known for?
Its affogato, gelato drowned in hot espresso, and additive-free gelato in seasonal flavours.
Where is Vivoli?
At Via dell'Isola delle Stinche 7r, between the Bargello and Santa Croce.
Is there table service?
No, it is self-service; order at the counter and eat nearby.
Does Vivoli have shops outside Florence?
Yes, including a corner in Macy's in New York and a shop at Disney Springs in Orlando.
Are opening hours the same all year?
No, they vary through the year, so check the website or call ahead in winter.
How can I contact Vivoli?
By phone on +39 055 292334 or by email at [email protected].