A lean, prolonged historic street with outstanding meal spots, a variety of coffee and pastry choices, a rich cultural offer, and peculiar antique shopping opportunities
Known until 1847 as Via del Cocomero, Via Ricasolli today is a lively street that goes from Piazza del Duomo all the way to busy Piazza San Marco. It leads to the famous Galleria dell’Accademia, but don’t rush to get there, since the street has a lot to offer; from multiple restaurants to dine at, several places for a good coffee, tea and pastries or aperitivo, old theaters, impressive galleries and museums, many souvenir and curiosity stores, and nice views of the Giotto Campanile whenever you look back.
If you are craving gelato, cake, cookies, macaroons, or just anything good and sweet, you’ll find it at Don Nino, a cute corner store, with glass windows, outdoor seating, and lovely indoor decoration
Family-owned, Ristorante Buca Niccolini offers a vast menu, covering breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering dishes that range from pizza to traditional Florentine steaks, to other traditional Tuscan delicacies and finally, wine, from their centuries old tavern.
Up next, the oldest theater in all of Florence welcomes you. Dating back to the mid-1500s, it was the first modern theater of its time. Find out its program and visit the place that has entertained Florentine society for over 3 centuries. It is also a good coffee spot with outdoor seating.
If you are craving a big, juicy Bistecca alla Fiorentina, don’t hesitate and go straight to Regina Bistecca, where you’ll find a nice atmosphere, good music, and the best food. Make sure you make a reservation first!
For authentic, deep-flavor gelato, visit La Strega Nocciola Gelateria Artigianale, we recommend trying pistachio, dark chocolate, and of course, their nocciola!
This street takes its name from the aristocratic Ricasoli family, whose palace, specifically Bettino Ricasoli’s, you can find at number 9, in the corner with Via del Biffi.
In the next corner, look out for the Tabernacolo Delle cinque Lampade, a beautiful shrine with two frescos dating back to the 13th-14th century and decorated with five hanging lamps.
Opened after the Second World War and owned by generations of a family with a particular love for Philately, Torello Orlandini is a stamps collection store, full of unique, historical, and authenticated pieces from all over Italy.
As you keep on walking, keep an eye out for all the little paintings and posters of famous artworks located throughout the street!
Under the neon sign announcing it, Profumeria Invicta maintains its antique style with flowers hanging at the front door. It has a great variety of hair accessories and of course, fine perfume for all those vintage lovers out there.
Palazzo Villani Stiozzi Ridolfi is today the home to Fedora, a delightful, hidden garden restaurant and pastry shop, managed by teachers and students of the culinary laboratory of APICIUS International School of Hospitality, It offers a great variety of international and seasonally inspired dishes. The Palazzo also hosts many student art exhibits from the FUA (Florence University of the Arts) as well as little vintage and plant markets.
Discover the centuries-old, Florentine extraordinary craft next door at Scarpelli Mosaici, where you’ll be able to look up close at the expert and patient hands of those who still master this antique mosaic technique.
For a new way to experience art, you have to stop by the Selfie Museum Firenze, where you’ll be able to explore different rooms with varied styles and motives, as well as immersive installations that will be the perfect settings for your photos and videos.
Great wine, great music, and great cured meats can be found at Antiche Dogane in the corner with Via degli Alfani.
Right across the street, in little Piazza delle belle Arti you’ll find Luigi Cherubini Conservatory of Music and the world-famous Galleria Dell’accademia, best known as the home of Michelangelo’s David, and many other paintings, sculptures, and masterpieces by Florentine artists from the 14th up till the 17th century.
Right in front, Libreria Gozzini, is an antique, rare, well-stocked book store that is worth visiting as well.
To end on a high note, you should stopat the famous All’Antico Vinaio. Declared the best panini shop in 2014, it is not a surprise that the place always has a queue, but believe us when we tell you, it is really worth the wait.
