Brunch has become a thing in Florence. Breakfast-meets-lunch is a seasonal Sunday affair, starting in the autumn, warming up the winter and seeing us through until spring. It’s simply too hot and humid to contemplate huevos rancheros or hollandaise sauce when the mercury hits 30 degrees Celsius. From five-star hotels to independent eateries, here’s The Florentine’s guide to brunch in Florence.
Elegant eggs
The Original American Brunch at the Helvetia & Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione is an elegant affair. The terracotta-toned walls welcome hotel guests and outsiders for a Sunday feast accompanied by live jazz music. With a price tag of 45 euro per person, the brunch begins on Sundays at 12.30pm featuring eggs made to order any which way (including crepe Suzettes flambeed before your eyes), an irresistible dessert buffet and a selection of Tuscan cured meats and cheeses. Parents can switch off for a couple of hours thanks to the complimentary babysitting service and movie area.
Helvetia & Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione, via dei Pescioni 2, Florence
www.hotelhelvetiabristol.com
Hollandaise with a twist
The daily brunch at Momio is a detail-oriented delight. From the curated wine list to the nigh-perfect eggs Benedict, Royale or Florentine served with yuzu hollandaise and lovely English breakfast, there’s always a reason for a return visit. Don’t overlook the quality coffee: espresso from Signa roastery La Tosteria or single-origin filters as Chemex or V60. For something different, opt for the Vietnamese bành, a pork liver pate and roasted belly baguette. The restaurant borrows from the owners Nadia and Marcos’ time abroad, serving brunch Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 4pm (Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm) with dishes ranging 6 to 12 euro.
Momio, via Pisana 9c, Florence
www.momiofirenze.it
Brunch bites
The Diner serves a brunch that satisfies stateside cravings. With near 10 euro prices and a casual 1950s America feel, The Diner cooks up pancakes, French toast, English breakfast, American coffee, crispy bacon and bagels. Expect “brunch all day every day,” says the menu. Or more precisely, 9am to 11pm.
The Diner, via dell’Acqua 2, Florence
www.thedinerfirenze.com
Burgers at the bar
If you didn’t hear enough karaoke in the early hours of the morning, return to Red Garter on Sunday from 11.30am until “late at night” for burgers and omelets. With a student vibe, milkshakes and NFL, one of the oldest American bars in Florence targets a particular clientele. Expect a gigantic burger for 16.50 euro and a one-person serving of bar food for around 10 euro.
Red Garter, via de’ Benci 33/r, Florence
www.redgarteritaly.com
Ravenous for rancheros
Margarita Monday, Taco Tuesday, Wednesday Wings: now Mexican restaurant Tijuana is serving a 15-euro Sunday brunch at its via Il Prato venue. Huevos rancheros and much more.
Tijuana, via Il Prato 57-59, Florence
FB Ristorante Tijuana
Mother of all brunches
The mother of all brunches (with a cost of 100 euro to match), Sunday Brunch at the Four Seasons is a special occasion. Every Sunday, executive chef Vito Mollica and his team invite you into their open kitchen, where you can taste traditional Italian dishes served buffet-style and interact with the chefs. Through the babysitter service, in collaboration with Educational Farm Tellus, children will be able to learn all the secrets of an Italian farm with sensory workshops and different games offered every Sunday. A new partner takes centrestage every Sunday, such as a guest chef or local supplier who will showcase their dishes, products and savoir-faire, as well as a guest Champagne house chosen for its excellence and a liquor brand offering an Italian aperitivo to guests.
Il Palagio at Four Seasons Hotel Florence, borgo Pinti 99, Florence
www.ilpalagioristorante.it
AVO and bagels
American student central in Florence, you’ll be lucky to score a table at Rooster Cafe’, an immensely popular international eatery not far from the Duomo. From chicken and waffles to rotating avocado toast specials, NYC bagels and juicy burgers, salad options and fluffy pancake piles, the plates are inspired by the United States but use local bio-friendly produce sourced in Italy. It’s cheap as chips, but the quality’s top-notch. Open everyday 10am-3pm.
Rooster Cafe’, via Sant’Egidio 37, Florence
www.roostercafefirenze.com
A healthier option
Feeding brunchers since 2013, the cute via Ghibellina hangout Le Vespe continues to draw a discerning crowd. Serving healthy breakfasts daily and brunch on Sundays, opt for the delicious French toast, pancakes or Mexican-style eggs. Also try the range of smoothies, freshly pressed juices and gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Le Vespe, via Ghibellina 76R, Florence
www.levespecafe.com
Coffee and croques
The piazza behind Ditta Artigianale’s Oltrarno location just got a upgrade with events in the pipeline. In the meantime, all-day everyday brunch beckons (9am-5pm): croque monsieur or madame, French toast, scrambled eggs and open sandwiches galore. The coffee’s a must, of course: flat whites and filter coffees made with love thanks to three-time Italian coffee champ Francesco Sanapo. Don’t forget the original via de’ Neri Ditta for a smaller scale but equally caffeinated brunch.
Ditta Artigianale Oltrarno, via dello Sprone 5R
www.dittaartigianale.it
