For Unique Tuscan Atmosphere - La Cite Libreria
Florentines love their books, coffee,and music.   So be like a Florentine and visit La Cite Libreria.  It’s best in the morning for a wake-up call of expresso and croissant but even better in the evening for music and a glass of vino.  It’s just south of the Arno River where tourists are hard to find.  

For any time of day - Cantinetta dei Verrazzano
Named after a bridge connecting Brooklyn with Florence (just kidding!) is this marvel is a joy any time of the day.  It’s a tapas-like beehive of Italian meats, breads, cheeses served with – you got it – honey.  Cantinetta dei Verrazzano is on Via dei Tavolini, right near the Duomo; which means that it is a special, authentic treat amongst the slew of tourist restaurants.

For Something New - Ganzo
Run by culinary students from the Firenze University of Arts, so you know the price is right, Ganzo pays off with high quality food at low prices. The menu changes every month or so, and frequently features traditional dishes not commonly found back home.  But it’s a no-risk play to try these foods because of the low cost. 

For a Chocolate Craving:  Hemingway
A Moveable Feast, Italian-style, of chocolate.  A “Gardens of Eden” of Bonbons, drinks, cakes, cookies and chocolate in about every form you can think of. The Sun Also Rises on the strawberry, banana, and chocolate milkshakes as well as the hot cocoa topped with chili pepper.  “To Have And Have Not” the flourless chocolate cake should never enter your mind – go for it.   Located “Across the River and into the Trees” of the Oltrarno, it’s not bad place for a cocktail either. 

For a late night snack - Secret Bakery…

Please don’t tell anyone about this secret but a few Florentines (and now you) know about a few locations, beginning at about 1 a.m. where a fresh bakery treat can be found.  Quietly sneak to the back door, with euros in hand, to pick up a secret snack.  My favorite is the bakery at the alleyway, via Canto Rivolto 2.