Rivoire, Florence

I was in Florence with a small group of art students, and we spent nearly every evening at Rivoire, and, like the title says, while the view from the patio is breathtaking, I prefer to stand at the bar with the locals. The prices are much lower, and the locals are friendly. If you have the luck to stop by on a night when Luca, head barista and head of the Florentine bartenders guild, is working, you're in for a treat. Luca makes the best [insert cocktail name] (I recommend the Vodka sour, champagne cocktail, and Rossini) in town, all while happily chatting away with patrons, be they florentines of turistas. I almost forgot, Rivoire's caffe latte and chocolate brioche are a great way to start a day of enjoying Firenze!

I loved how fresh and delicious their food was!!!It was like a dream restaurant!!I will rate it 100% awsome!!!!It has creamy foods with alittle magic!!!I wish i could stay their foever!!A drem plalace never to forget!!!!

The place is expensive, but do not expect anything else at Piazza Signoria. However with such prices one would expect better desserts than we have been served. Try another restaurant - great service and stuff - at the corner by Via Del Calzaiuoli if you want to spend a while at Piazza.

I use to live in Florence and in the winter they have the best hot chocolate. The view is nice, jus watchin all the tourist. I also use to get birthday cakes from Rivoire, and I must say no one was ever disappointed that is for sure.

Definitely the best seats in town, given its outdoor tables in the Piazza della Signoria. But you'll pay the piper when you realize that your drink, whether a coke or a beer, costs 9 euros each, or about US$12. The most expensive soda in town, by far.

A great cafe in a very convenient location for tourists in Florence. True chocolate lovers will this place; their extra-dark chocolates are a must have!

Anytime is a special time at Rivoire. I have enjoyed watching the waiters open the tables and umbrellas at Rivoire at 6 a.m. on a walk around the city before the day began. I have loved it for a coffee in the afternoon after a day of sightseeing. But, the best time was after a disappointing experience at Enoteca Pinchiori when we RAN here for dessert. After the enoteca, our dessert was a bargain. Rivoire is not just for tourists. Florentines love it and the hot chocolate. It is a special treat for them too. Try the proffiterols, the best in the world. If you pass by in the evening be sure to see if the windows are open in the floors above. If you are lucky and the lights are on, you will see beautiful frescos. Rivoire is a place where you take your time. You can spend all the time you want at the table. Make sure that you check the prices before you sit down and do not just sit down - that's so American. Wait for the waiter to seat you, even if all he does is motion to a table. The waiters are professionals, old school. Many have been there for years. If they are nice, you be n$ce! Remember that the prices reflect the cost of the property and the view, the finest piazza in Florence.

What a great spot - a table in the sun at 5 pm watching everything Florence pass you by. Police on horseback, smooth operators out for an evening's smooth operating. Grab a table outside, a bottle of the local white wine, a plate of olives and you'll be hard pushed to drag yourself somewhere else for dinner (which we did every night for some reason that escapes me). Only 10 minutes stroll from the Duomo, Rivoire is one of my happiest memories of Italy (and I have plenty). They didn't even object when I spoke awful Italian to them! We didn't have a kid with us but I would guess that this would be a great place to let a kid run around outside under your watchful eye provided they weren't doing it among the tightly packed tables.