There’s something quintessentially Italian about adding a little bit of sweetness and indulgence to your day. The Florentines are masters at many things, and chocolate is is one of them. To find the best chocolate in Florence, the key is hitting the spots where bakers and chocolatiers know a little something about the art of balance. Perfecting the delicate equilibrium between textures and flavors is no easy feat, but these chocolate masters have managed to do just that.
The Chocolate: Vestri
The Atmosphere:
All of Vestri’s products are available online, but to really savor the shop’s charm, you have to visit in person. It is located in Santa Croce, where there are multiple boutiques, vintage shops, bars, and restaurants. Vestri’s bright and colorful packaging calls to you before you even enter the store. The staff is eager to assist and even offers a complimentary cup of rich, dark hot chocolate with your purchase.
The Goods:
Vestri is unique, and home to some of the best chocolate in Florence. The store offers a wide range of cravings-satisfying chocolate treats, such as counter-front seasonally flavored pralines that melt in your mouth. Vestri makes its own chocolate-hazelnut spread, a Florentine staple. Its “Body and Soul” line of chocolate self-care items uses apothecary secrets to alleviate all indulgence-related guilt. We tried the stressino, made of dark chocolate with hibiscus and lavender, and its crisp, fruity finish really did melt our cares away. Also, the packaging we mentioned is beautiful; so not only is Vestri synonymous with the best chocolate in Florence, it makes fantastic souvenir gifts.
The Chocolate: Coccole Cioccolato
The Atmosphere:
Coccole Cioccolato is the perfect place to stop for some of the most refined chocolate in Florence during a busy day in the center. It is just a short walk from the Duomo. The atmosphere is casual and unassuming. It’s mostly a place where locals come to enjoy delicious chocolate and get some work done. Need a quiet place to check your emails? Stop by Coccole and sip on a traditional cappuccino enhanced with subtle flavor profiles.
The Goods
In addition to the popular cappuccino al cioccolato, which is a must-try while visiting Florence, Coccole also has an assortment of chocolate pralines and classic pastries. When trying chocolate, or any desert in Florence, a good rule is to choose flavors that you likely wouldn’t find anywhere else. The Rosemary and Raisin praline we tried at Coccole was the definition of balance. It hit all the right notes of crunchy, chewy, sweet, creamy, and savory. Chocolate at Coccole is more than a treat; it’s an experience.
The Chocolate: Rivoire
The Atmosphere
Rivoire is perfectly situated on the Piazza della Signoria with unobstructed views of Palazzo Vecchio and the statue of Neptune. It has a large, covered outdoor patio which offers superior views of these historic sites. The interior is just as impressive, with art, antiques, and ornate drapery transporting you to another era while somehow still presenting an effortless air of modernity. If you’re looking for some of the best chocolate in Florence in an elegant cafe atmosphere, Rivoire is a must-try.
The Goods
Rivoire has a large menu, including cakes, chocolates, breakfast, specialty coffee drinks, and cocktails. We tried their Caffe Rivoire, and I’d recommend it to anyone upset at Florence’s lack of Starbucks. At the bottom is hot, bitter espresso. This is topped with sweet, freshly whipped cream, cookie crumbs, and chocolate drizzle. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds. The result: an aromatic pick-me-up, full-bodied in texture and flavor.
