It’s funny, I had never eaten dinner alone at a restaurant before coming to Europe. My first experience was in an airport hotel in London, because of a delay I was set up for a night at a Hiltonesque kind of place. It was pretty fancy and for a girl in her early twenties, this was quite exciting. I felt so mature with the white tablecloth, cold-as-on-an-airplane bread and a glass of wine (which wasn’t included – what a splurge!). After about 10 minutes, the servers felt a little sorry for me and started to bring me extra snacks which I certainly wasn’t going to turn down. Needless to say, it wasn’t that bad.
I definitely have seen a rise on solo travelers in Europe and beyond, which I personally find very cool. Booking.com did a study that found women are now 51% more likely to be the master of their own itinerary than they were 5 years ago, while 23% of men think real adventure only comes from traveling alone. In fact, I think this trend is only going to grow, with travel companies, hotels and services wising up and offering better, more enticing deals for those who are solo. One restaurant in Amsterdam has already done so, it remains the first one-person restaurant in the world, cool right?
Again, being along and embracing it is not weird, strange or mean that you have no friends. If anything, you are the bravest person out there, and in utter control of what you want to do without having to consider anyone else – booyah!. The older the get, the more I value my ‘alone time’, especially during train travel as I hungrily read books or check my instagram account in peace ;-).
In fact, if this is you, take this time to pat yourself on the back. And read this girl’s story traveling to Paris for a weekend after her boyfriend dumped her right before the trip.
In Florence eating out alone isn’t awkward or abnormal. I do it all of the time. Many people work in the center but live outside, so they fill up corner cafes for lunch or an early dinner before heading home. While I wouldn’t exactly go somewhere super romantic, with candlelit mood lighting and kissing (or arguing) couples on my own, I generally feel very comfortable dining on my own in Italy in general and many friends feel the same. Dining in an enoteca, wine bar or at the bar might be the more ideal option.
Heck sometimes you want to be able to slobber over a pizza in peace and who could blame you?
This does seem to be quite a topic of interest since more and more people have been sending me emails for tips on where to go for a solo dining experience that is stress-free. I figured I needed to tackle this first hand on the blog so that everyone can benefit from the info, plus I am sure that some of your comments will come up with some great suggestions that I can add to this list.
And if anyone makes you uncomfortable, just start scribbling furiously into a notebook and claim you work for the BBC, you probably will get VIP treatment and awe from then on-wards (kidding). If you get that weird table near the bathroom, then ask to move while perfecting your ‘stink-eye,’ it typically works for me.
A few additional tips, even if you are in Florence for a short-time, try to be as ‘local’ as possible. Pick the same cafe and after the third or fourth time, likely the barista will remember your order and you will have made a friend.
FYI I have a pretty extensive list of eatery picks, which include vegetarian, big groups, traditional Tuscan, lunches, gelato, street food and more that I send to anyone and everyone visiting. I update it quite frequently as I hear about place and can personally vouch for, it’s a good first point of reference.
Remember: “The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” – Henry David Thoreau
Breakfast + WiFi Top Picks
- Ditta Artigianale: address: Via dei Neri, 32/R. The coffee rocks (an award-winning Italian barista is the owner), as does brunch, plus the free WiFi is decent. They also get top marks for ambiance.
- Tamarindo Juicery is the new kid on the block on Via de’ Neri 46r. Here you’ll find a great selection of cold-pressed juices, salads, avocado or fig toast and light lunch/breaky options. Opens at 8:30am
- Le Murate Caffè Letterario Firenze is always a go-to for me when I just want a cappuccino or ice coffee and a place to sit and meet with a friend or grab a quick breakfast in the Sant’Ambrogio area. This place comes alive at night but the morning is where to find peace and quiet within the confines of a former prison. address: Piazza delle Murate, 50122 Firenze FI. Opens at 10:30am.
- Caffè Cibrèo, address: Via Andrea del Verrocchio, 5r. Quintessential Florentine spot for free or a light aperitif, I it’s all class but comfortable at the same time. Take a book and sit on the outside patio to see the morning rush at Sant’Ambrogio market.
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- Cafe degli Artigiani: address: piazza della passera. You can sit outside, people-watch and sip your cappuccino(s) in piece. This is my fundamental neighborhood go-to spot.
- Le Vespe, address: Via Ghibellina, 76. North-American food in a quirky, nice ambiance. Grab a table for brunch, lunch or dinner.
- La Cite, address: Borgo S. Frediano, 20. The croissants are nothing to scream about but there is plenty of space to sit and work alone with actual functioning WiFi. My friends and I have often co-worked from this spot.
Lunch Top Picks
- ‘Primo Piano’ Mercato Centrale. Why? It’s a fancy food court above the fresh food market that quite simply has every kind of dish your heart could desire, you can quite literally pig out in peace. There is seating and (ideally) WiFi (though if its works, you’re lucky. They have something for everyone, meat lovers, vegetarians, a wine corner, you name it.
- Carduccio: Every once in awhile I have to put my pizza down and eat healthy and when I do, Carduccio on Sdrucciolo de Pitti 10/R is where I go. Spiraled zucchini with goat cheese and homemade dressing? This place is the perfect dining solo spot for anyone who finds themselves near Piazza Pitti. Also open for breakfast.
- Floret is a fashionable lunch spot located on the first floor of Luisa Via Roma in the center of town. You’ll be delighted by the leafy open courtyard and healthy options (pricey but nice) along with fresh juices, poke and much more. address: Via Roma, 19/21/r. Open 10:30-7:30pm.
- Nerbone in Mercato Centrale, address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 12-red. get a porchetta (pork) sandwich or lampredotto (which you should) on the ground floor of the central market. Famous, good and simple. Seating can be tough but come early!
- The doorway is alluring enough but walk inside family-run delicatessen Mariano and you’ll find just as many Italians as foreigners clamoring for sandwiches, salads and coffee at this pretty spot off of Via Tornabuoni. address: Via del Parione, 19R, 50123 Firenze
- Casa del Vino. address: Via dell’Ariento, 16/R. one of my favorite little wine bars/lunch spots though be aware that there are few seats. They serve wonderful crostini and wine by the glass, plus it is very Florentine.
- Santo Forno, address: Via S. Monaca 3r. Il the ‘Santo Bevitore’ family in the oltrarno neighborhood, this bakery is one of my favorite places in town. They make beautiful breads on site, using all sorts of high-quality flour, seeds and tender love & care (ok that was cheesy). They make desserts to and lunch (think panini). The Perfect lunch spot if you ask me! All hail the daily bread..
- Take a flavor trip to Tehran at this pretty restaurant serving up Persian comfort food in the heart of the historical center. address: Via dei Cerchi, 25r, 50122 Firenze
- Semel in Sant’Ambrogio. address: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 44. They are quite simply what I would refer to as ‘sandwhich masters’ who use seasonal high-quality ingredients for these little bites of happiness. Space is limited but you can eat standing up.
- Lo Sprone Vinaino, address: via dello sprone 17r. A good choice for both lunch or dinner and they also happen to be neighbors with me ;-). This little hole-in-the-wall is something special, great food, live music wafting into the night and the small menu is actually a good thing. Say hi to Peter for me when you visit!
- Quelo Bar, address: Via Borgo Santa Croce, 15r, Small and cool little spot near piazza santa croce. They make great salads for lunch and I like their freshly-squeezed juices as well. Also their moscow mules make me come back for more. Perfect for solo dining.
- Zeb is a family-run restaurant serving curated Tuscan cuisine in the San Niccolo neighborhood and has totally earned a spot in the hearts of locals. Space is limited, but pull a seat at the bar for a great wine by the glass and seasonal favorites. address: Via S. Miniato, 2/r, 50125 Firenze. Open lunch and dinner, closed Wednesdays.
- Il Santino, address: Via di Santo Spirito, 60. The owners of il Santo Bevitore can do no wrong, especially when it comes to this cute little wine bar that not a lot of people know is also open for lunch. Grab a few crostini and a glass of red or white to pair and settle into a happy mid-afternoon buzz.
- Santarosa Bistro. Dine all’aperto (outside) in what is one of my absolute favorite lunch, dinner and coffee spots near Borgo San Frediano. They offer a selection of interesting toast options and always ask for the soup or pasta of the day. Great wine list which you can enjoy by the glass (curated by Pitti Gola) Open 8am-12am, daily. address: Lungarno di Santa Rosa, 50142 Firenze.
Dinner Top Picks
- Libreria Brac. address: Via dei Vagellai, 18. This vegetarian place is a little find. Service is slow but you can sit at the bar and order a ‘piatto unico’ with some truly delicious options such as avocado sesame salad, seasonal lasagna and interesting crostini. Always, I mean always make a reservation, they get full.
- Teatro Del Sale, address: Via dè Macci, 118. It’s a dinner, no it’s a show, what the hell, it is actually all-in-one. This mainstay with local Florentines, in my opinion, is a great option for those looking for a bit of fun while dining alone since the whole concept is quite communal. They shout out new dishes and everyone gets up to try them (delicious food). You have to buy a membership card but it costs only 5 euros for the whole year. Open Tuesday through Saturday, breakfast is 7 Euros, lunch 15ish and dinner is 30.
- Il Gesto, address: borgo san frediano 27r. this new spot on borgo san frediano is super cute and friendly to those who eat alone. You order everything by scribbling on a mini-chalkboard and you can eat, drink as much as you please, in this place that seems straight out of Brooklyn or Berlin. It could be because of the vertical vegetable & herb garden or the fact that Gandhi’s face is on one of the walls. Notable items include something called a ‘sushi taco’, mini burgers and mini-cheesecake. The added bonus is that items are generally pretty cheap.
- Vini e Vecchi Sapori, address: Via dei Magazzini, 3. Small trattoria serving up local cuisine off a tiny street in piazza della signoria, I often take friends out of town here. But I also noticed every single time I have been, people were dining alone and pretty happily doing so. The service is quite casual and the food is great, I love the bread with butter and anchovies.
- Enoteca Pitti Gola & Cantina, the best wine bar in town (I’m biased) with wood-paneled walls and marble table-tops in a cozy space in the Oltrarno side of town. Perfect for curated charcuterie platters, delicious pasta dishes and an excellent selection of traditional Italian wines by the glass. address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 16, 50125 Firenze
Have a Drink: Fun Places in Town
- Manifattura is probably my favorite bar in Florence. The people are nice, the music is vintage Italian, it’s classy and the prices are right. Oh yeah, and the drinks? With Fabio at the helm, you are guaranteed to love them. This is where you should go, alone or with friends. address: Piazza di S. Pancrazio, 1 6pm-1am
- Mayday, a stones throw from some of the most famous squares in Florence, this place is much beloved, not only for their seriously creative cocktails but also for the vintage ambiance and friendly owners. address: Via Dante Alighieri, 16, 50122 Firenze
- Uva Nera, address: Borgo Ognissanti 25R. Wine bar + Food in a vintage ambiance. This place is highly ranked by my Yelp friends and serves fabulous meat & cheese platters and wine to go with it. I definitely appreciate this style quite a bit.
- The Brewdog, via faenza 1. Besides the fact that this place has pretty damn good craft beer, the casual vibe and friendly bar-staff equals to fun for solo travelers craving a cold brew after a long day in town. I also like the fact that it is located on via faenza, a street that is growing in potential as a cool destination.
- Mad Soul & Spirits is a newbie in the craft cocktail scene in the Oltrarno but is the place to go if you plan to match your cocktail drinking with that of the bartenders whipping them up. Everything I’ve ever had there is awesome (plus the drink descriptions ring hilarious). Think dive bar with quality drinks! address: Borgo S. Frediano, 36-38r,
- Rex is a popular local spot with young Florentines (and otherwise) and they have recently stepped up their cocktail game. Nice ambiance but it gets crowded at night. address: Via Fiesolana, 25r
- Irene Firenze. A bar channelling mad-men with a 1950’s retro twist, you can never have a bad day if you sidle up to the contemporary bar at Irene andare privy to one of Dario’s cult creations. address: Piazza della Repubblica, 7, 50123 Firenze
- Slowly Bar. address: Via Porta Rossa, 63. I am a little biased but I think this bar is pretty fun. I have actually been to this bar by myself (my good friend was roommates with one of the barmen and I always end up staying longer than I should. It could be because of those chocolate martinis. Besides pretty good drinks, it is a little nicer than other popular central locations. Very mixed crowd, from students to older Italians and beyond.
- Sabor Cubano, address: Via Sant’Antonino 64/rosso. Fun Cuban bar in the San Lorenzo neighborhood (close to mercato centrale) that has great margaritas rimmed with black salt (which can be dangerously addictive), and friendly servers. I certainly don’t think going there alone would be a problem since half the time I have visited, I met random new people along the way.
- Il Locale, a sexy bar/restaurant which is just as beautiful as it is good (at least for cocktails). This is THE place for a fancy pants aperitivo on your own and ask the bartender to make you a drink using one of their homemade bitters. I love everything with mezcal. address: Via delle Seggiole, 12/red, 50122 Firenze
Alternative Options & How To Meet People
Traveling alone is cool, but it can get lonely spending every evening by yourself. I suggest mixing it up by joining a cooking class or food experience which would be a wonderful way to meet people. Check out the Creative People in Florence website and attend their latest aperitivo, join storytellers each month at Todo Modo (see my monthly events list).
Otherwise contact someone like Coral, who can put you in with a group for a special aperitivo tour in some local spots around town, I always have a fun time when I get to play ‘tour guest’ while she seeks out new places. Another suggestion is to include a yoga retreat somewhere fabulous with the lovely Shari of Sole Yoga Holidays.
As always the suggestions above are 100% my opinion but I know that I am missing out on some prime spots. Let me know where you go when you are dining alone in Florence. I am planning on updating my ‘Best of Florence Eats’ list with this new category of ‘solo suggestions’ and I will credit you!
41 Responses
I knew that I should have waited until morning to read this as it is so great I’m hungry. Off for a mid-night snack
Haha thanks Gil!!!
Georgette – so glad you mentioned Quelo. The place was opened several years ago by dear friends of mine, Katia and Francesca, two very hard working women who have continually impressed me with their attention to detail, their love of their work, and their love of their clients. It’s a great place for solos for lunch or drinks, and a very relaxed place to work or study. I’ve written hundreds of pages at their tables!
I’ll tell them you spotlighted Quelo in your blog–they’ll be thrilled.
And I look forward to discovering some of the other spots you mentioned, many of which I don’t know. Thanks for your great tips.
Hello Janice, I’m actually headed there today for a working lunch. I am happy to help them out if I can at all and I always appreciate a place that makes you feel comfortable when you are on your lonesome. Thank you for checking out the blog, your support is very appreciated!
Cafe Cibreo and Teatro del Sale are run by the same owners. I loved the Cafe, where we had dinner one night. Fabio Picchi oversees it all, treating all as if we were visiting him at his home. Lovely time. We did not go to the theater, but I understand that is quite the experience. There is also a ristorante, across from the cafe. This little intersection is Picchi’s personal kingdom, and he runs it well.
We also loved Trattoria Angiolino, on Via Santo Spirito. Lovely service by the waitstaff, delicious food, comfortable ambience. I wouldn’t hesitate going here solo.
Ciao Christine, I know that they are the same owners, and the trattoria too, in fact he, Picchi, is quite famous around town. My friend who was an ex-wedding planner worked at Cibreo for many years and always talks about how cool the atmosphere there is. We are definitely planning to go to the theater soon, it is so much fun! Thanks for the other tip, I always eager to discover new places!
Love the article !
Ali
Thank you so much Ali, I know you can relate to sometimes having lunch on your own and wanting to be comfortable 🙂
La Spada, via delle Spada, 62R is fantastic for dining alone at dinner. Once you have dropped in a couple of times the wait staff simply gives you a smile, a head toss toward a table with a “prego, prego” as if you belong to the place. Twice recently my stays in Florence have entended to several weeks and dining often at La Spada netted me wonderful service, vin di Santo and Bisccoti after dinner (no charge) and I became the test customer for any new dessert they were planning to offer (again no charge). Fun, welcoming and treated like family. Also it gets busy and by being willing to share my table on several occasions I met some great people that I got together with for other fun things in Florence.
Ciao Ina, thank you for your suggestion! I actually have gone several times to La Spada but more to get food to go than eating there alone but you are probably right. I have had off and on service regarding the restaurant side of things but this was a few years ago. I do remember a beautiful chestnut panna cotta there that I would like to try again…
These places all sound yummy!
I’ve never understood what the bid deal was for people to eat out (or do ANYthing) alone. I’ve never had a problem with it. I usually bring something to read or sit at the bar and chat with either the bartender or fellow diners. It’s fun!
Ciao Wynne, they are some pretty fab places! I too agree with you that eating alone is actually quite nice. I used to be very shy about it as well (other than getting my morning coffee) but I really enjoy taking time to reflect and savor a meal without any chatting at all. I hope people do the same and feel comfortable to do so in Italy 🙂
i’m new to florence and have just found myself alone for the week, so this post was perfectly timed! thank you so much for the great tips!
I love Libreria Brac, it’s just so quaint. I totally agree that eating alone in Europe is not so strange. A few months ago I went for my first solo- trip to Milan & Lake Como and it was awesome! After the initial impact of feeling super observed, I got used to it super fast!
I’m so glad I stumbled across this – I’m travelling to Florence solo next month (only for 36 hours before I’m moving on) so I’ll be bookmarking these suggestions for when I’m there. Getting excited now!
Hello Gwen! you will have a wonderful time while here, make sure to stop by the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy on via della spada, & Company on via maggio and Aqua Flor in the Santa Croce area if you to browse some unique places. Always happy to help!
Thank you – I’ve added these to my Google map! 🙂 I’m hoping to spend most of the time just wandering around and soaking up the feeling for Florence, so I’m sure I’ll be in need of sustenance!
I love this – so many awesome places to visit and eat in Florence! I did Florence solo and it was very enjoyable to eat alone. Cheers!!
Grazie! I’m so excited to visit Italy for the first time next month. I’ll be sure to take some of your suggestions 🙂
Thank you Jessi, I am sure you will have an awesome time :).
I’m doing Florence solo in May for 2 months and this is a great article for me! Grazie!
Fantastic! You’ll find that eating solo in Florence is getting more normal by the day!
Hi! It’s so nice to find your blog, as I am currently also a solo girl in Florence right now. I’ll be here for a month and it’s not that eating solo and being lonely is the thing I worry about the most.. it’s more of the fact that I’m going into the restaurant alone, in a country that I don’t even speak the language for, that is the scariest to me. Probably also because I’m afraid of embarrassing myself as I order or some Italian restaurant etiquette that I don’t know of.. Did you possibly have the same feelings when you first started being solo in Florence?? Also, I would love to have the list of food places that you’ve mentioned!! Thanks! =]
Hello Judy, you’ll find that Italians are more than friendly and you won’t feel uncomfortable eating alone. At least I never do and it often happens that I’m out and about eating on my own. Just bring a book or something to read if you need a little ‘company’ and you’ll be just fine. The places I mention are all here 🙂
Hi there, I really like your website, especially these posts on traveling alone! Thanks for remembering the single ladies 🙂
My question is – I used to speak a little Italian, but now I’m not so confident about it – Is the best way to ask for a table for one Un tavolo per una per favore?
I’ve spent some time in Florence and I know many speak english, but I’d like to at least try!
And, a lot of articles and websites say that some waiters will be kind and maybe a little chatty with a single person – in your opinion, will they still do so even if I don’t speak much Italian?
Thanks for posting this! I enjoyed reading your other suggestions as well. I am spending a week in Florence for work and had several solo dinner failures until I finally hit the spot with Il Magazzino! Perfect spot for solo eating as the Piazza della Passera is so vibrant and fun for people watching (especially when the Caffe degli Artigiani overflows). The Gelateria on the corner provided a tasty treat to have on the benches in the piazza, and there was live music at Ditta Artigianale where a tasty cocktail capped off my night. I would definitely rank this tiny piazza as a top solo night spot!
Thanks for posting this! I enjoyed reading your other suggestions as well. I am spending a week in Florence for work and had several solo dinner failures until I finally hit the spot with Il Magazzino! Perfect spot for solo eating as the Piazza della Passera is so vibrant and fun for people watching (especially when the Caffe degli Artigiani overflows). The Gelateria on the corner provided a tasty treat to have on the benches in the piazza, and there was live music at Ditta Artigianale where a tasty cocktail capped off my night. I would definitely rank this tiny piazza as a top solo night spot!
Thank you for this post, it’s fantastic! I’m traveling solo to Italy in May 2017 and this list of places will certainly come in handy! I also love the Conquibus idea, they look incredible!
I never understood anyone’s issue with dining alone – I do it all the time, either here in NYC or whilst traveling alone. I’ll either eat at the bar and chat with the bartenders or bring a book. I rather enjoy it!
And I’m SO keeping this list – sounds like some awesome places in here!
Thank you for sharing this. Will be coming for a week solo in may and was actually looking for cooking class info and dine out places. Can’t wait to try those out.
You are very welcome Maria! Happy to help
Ciao! When I was living in Florence, I always felt comfortable going to La Menegere on Via de Ginori solo. I love the atmosphere there and the wifi works great!
They are quite a find, I love them more for coffee and a light lunch rather then dinner but they have AWESOME wifi, one of the best in the city 😉
I ate at vagalume for dinner by myself the other night-didn’t feel self-conscious at all!
That’s great! I’ve actually never been there :).
Dining out alone at lunch: I would definitely add Coquinarius. Low key, delicious food, intimate setting. Also: RED inside the Feltrinelli bookstore. It’s casual (you’re in the middle of a bookstore!) but the food is restaurant quality with full service and the menu changes often.
Thanks for your tip Lindsay, I’ve been there before with a friend and I liked it. RED is a good option too, I’ve actually never tried their food..
I am traveling to Florence in October… my first time in Italy. This was very helpful. Thank you !
You are very welcome Mary, I’m super pumped you found this useful!
great post
Thank you!