Excellent breakfast and lunch. Fantastic cappuccino, great pastries and fruits, and the lunch food looked fabulous. Friendly service. Good prices. read more

My favorite place in Florence. The most welcoming , lovely staff and casual cool vibe. We all love Matt. So sweet. So accommodating!

The International Institute of Education estimates that almost 70% of Americans who participate in study abroad programs choose Western Europe. Not wanting to skew the numbers, I spun the globe and let my finger conveniently land on the Boot Country. Here's how I kicked off my eat..pray..love story -- As a condition of my enrollment I was forced to eat "Family Dinner" every Friday with my classmates at a mom 'n pop trattoria in Piazza di Santa Croce. In typical Italian fashion it was piatti after piatti paired with Chianti after Chianti which would leave me in a sluggish pre-party state. "I think I deserve something beautiful." I'd tell my study aBROdies. We'd head to CiaroScuro Cafè and have their signature item, the Gran Caffè. Which should be renamed Kenyan Running Juice because it's like getting an insulin pump full of Red Bull. My sensitive but gender ambiguous mouth appreciates the fact that this beverage is served at room temperature rather than roiling hot, in fancy glassware meant to be sipped while a cool breeze caresses one's face. I chose to chug them instead. Ice is rarely, if ever, used in Euro drinks so my usual would turn into a double and I'd spend triple the time praying to the porcelain gods. Afterwards no amount of Binaca or Marvis mouthwash could undo the fuzziness in my mouth some call...sweater teeth. The dessert-coffee Nocciolino was the only remedy that could neutralize the acidic taste that followed a night of "never agains." It's a layer of frozen espresso chips sweetened with a jigger of hazelnut syrup topped with panna (unsweetened whipped cream). I still ask for it at every Italian eatery in Miami to no avail, apparently it's a CSC house specialty... Sometimes we'd have breakfast with our local friends before weekend excursions to Capri or some other vacation destination named after American juice pouches. Sometimes we'd even let them order -- Massimiliano, "Due pani, prego." Rony, "WTF kind of non-red blooded American breakfast is that Max? Don't serve me two pieces of bread unless they've been cored and stuffed with cheesy hashbrowns, double-wrapped in bacon, topped with a Brady bunch of fried eggs and dunked in country gravy." Mediterranean guys love to wave phallically shaped things in their male friend's faces and this one was no different. I couldn't help myself though...that fresh baked smell had me wheat drunk. Warm and crusty like the surface of Mars, with a spongy center that's like resistance training for your jaw. It wasn't even a full-on sourdough, rather just enough to trick your tastebuds into a state of constant salivation. To tell you the truth I've never used so many words to describe bread. There was a smirk on my cigarette-rolling, Vespa-riding, elegantly-disheveled magazine haired friend as I whispered to no one in particular, "This is good enough on its own." So my rant reads less like a Julia Roberts tearjerker and more like the book "Drink, Retch, Recover" but that little café was there for me every step of the way. If you find yourself in Florence in need of a pick me-up, sweet treat, or a little snackle, let your story begin and end with ChiaroScuro. read more

ChiaroScuro might resemble one of the various pan-Asian restaurants you encounter around the world... You know the type: they have xiao long bao on the menu next to pad see ew, an offering of bun bo hue might share a page with katsu curry. The variety may be awe-inspiring, but the execution tends to be lacklustre. Well, whilst I can't speak to ChiaroScuro's various other menu items (you know... coffees, cocktails, pastas, and more), I can say that I enjoyed a thoroughly excessive carafe of cioccolata alla nocciola (hot chocolate with hazelnut cream) here. At around €5, it doesn't come cheap, but finishing the whole dense mug of thick crude oil-esque decadence was beyond the realm of possibility. Be sure to either arrive early or late around the lunch rush, because it gets utterly rammed. I believe bookings can be made, but you'd have to speak Italian to do so. Also, due to the cramped and hectic environment, catching a server to put in an order may be a challenge. Take your opportunities as they come. Difficulties aside, there's unlikely to be much in the way of better options to snag a hot chocolate on a cold, blustery day than ChiaroScuro. read more

I ventured to this gem last month and it quickly became a place to meet friends for a tasty flavored cafe (rare in Firenze). I've also had their aperitivo and thought it was a pretty good one. The drink menu is great. I love trying new things. They have a great seating area in the back, so grab a friend or two and chat over a great cafe. Remember, sitting is always more expensive than ordering at the cafe bar. But to enjoy great conversation over said cafe, was totally worth it for me. read more

I was trying to find some espresso cups to purchase and bring back to the US and with a quick search found that ChiaroScuro sells them. They only had one left but the barista took one from the warming tray on top of the expresso machine and gave it to us. My wife had a café latte and I had a cappuccino and we both felt it was the best coffee we've had in our lives. Not a hint of bitterness and very flavorful. We ended up buying 250g of the espresso beans they use as well. The staff was friendly, the coffee the best I've had and they sell all sorts of authentic Italian drink ware. read more

Rolled in here around 7:30am on a weekday to grab a cappuccino before starting the day. I got a caramel cappuccino and the hubs got a cinnamon cappuccino. We both enjoyed our drinks a lot! A few policemen came came in after us to drink coffee as well! Wish we could have visited again on our trip to Florence to try out more coffee drinks. However, according to the menu, we thought the price was €2.20 each and were charged €5...we drank them at the bar so I don't think there was a service charge? Didn't want to fight the extra charge, but it was slightly annoying. Check this place out on your next trip to Florence! read more

ChiaroScuro - Caramel Cappuccino - Desserts Near Me - Florence, FI

A little coffee shop in Florence in the centre. They have all sorts of coffee and alcohol (no tiramisu). We stopped in late in the afternoon and got a little shaken iced coffee with baileys and my bf got a blue mountain coffee. They even had Sumatran kopi luwak (civet feces with embedded coffee beans). We did not order that. Cute and cozy little place with great coffee. read more

Oh the hot chocolate. Italian hot chocolate is really an experience. The first time I had it I was shocked. It really is just a melted down chocolate bar in a cup for you to drink. The hot chocolate at Chiaroscuro is delicious though. I tried the caramel hot chocolate and a friend I went with got the mint hot chocolate. Each cup of chocolate came with a cup of water which was extremely necessary because of the richness of the chocolate. The caramel hot chocolate was thick and sweet, but not overly sweet like you would think it would be. The mint hot chocolate was very minty and tasted like a peppermint patty. Chiaroscuro also sells different coffees and seemed to be a go to spot for lunch as well. I would recommend trying the hot chocolate at least once during your trip to Italy and if you can't finish the whole thing it's okay! read more

ChiaroScuro - Cioccolata al caramello e cioccolata alla menta - Desserts Near Me - Florence, FI

What a tourist trap. "Apertivo" they said, "happy hour." Come in and eat all you want. So we went hoping to enjoy a Florentine tradition. Food was fine and drinks reasonably priced but then they charged us for the "buffet." I questioned this and was told it comes free at lunch but they charge in the afternoon. Avoid the tourist trap. Charges 9 euro each. Could have had my dream sandwich down the street for half. read more

Great little place for late night espresso, drinks, dessert, and just to hang out. For a couple of Euro, you can also get a glass of wine and plenty of noshins at the bar, although this time I did not partake. The drink menu seems to draw from all over the world caters to youngins, and does not have any particularly cohesive theme. Aside from the cocktails, they also have a pretty extensive menu of teas and coffees from various areas. Did I mention that they serve sushi (maki) on Thursdays? Eclectic fa sho. I'll probably go back and sample more of their goods, so look out for an update soon. Besidesgotta figure out if miss drunken tongue shover's a regular thing at this spot, or perhaps she just happened to put on a special show just for me. Neat! proof that non-asians can get the drunken flush too! Hmm, I think Firenze's going to suit me just fine! ** Update: Had lunch here earlier today, and it was quite nice! Best way to approach it would be to wait until about 30 minutes after the proper lunch time starts (1:00PM is the normal start of lunch around here, but typically only us tourists are banging on the door right at the start). Sure, the place will probably be full, and you'll have a time finding a table, but they'll also have put out a much larger assortment of dishes to try. Just go up to the counter and point to what you'd like. They'll break out a plate for you, give you a ticket and you can go off to find a seat in the restaurant proper. The lone waiter will come by and you can then order drinks. Also, while at the counter, you can ask for una mezza of one dish and half of another dish if you'd like a bit more variety. I had a couple of lovely pastas, one including a bit of cinnamon, which worked surprisingly well. Also there was a dish with meatballs made of chicken served with peas, carrots and mushrooms that was quite tasty. However, my lunch buddy decided to try the paella which was less than great. If that's any indicator, perhaps it's best to stick with the Tuscan dishes? Sounds like a no-brainer to begin with, but hey, sometimes you've got to try things to know for sure. One more tip, it's best to save the negroni for its intended time slot just prior to dinner.I made the mistake of waking it up too early this time, and it kicked my ass in retribution. Or perhaps Gin just isn't the breakfast of champions? Sadly, no sign of miss drunkles from the evening priorshe was replaced by a young French tourist who replayed the my Pisces queen scene from Jerry McGuire, but dubbed in French. Alas, she was more into light, frequent pecks and ear holding rather than the full on tonsil hockey power forward stylings of Miss drunkles from the evening prior. read more

Fantastic spot for Apertivo! We've gone during peak summer times and there is always a space to sit and some amazing food. For only the price of glass of wine, you get a full buffet of Italian small plates. Definitely worth a try if you're looking for a great happy hour spot in Florence! read more

Rude and unfriendly. Scowling female clearly did not like non Italians. Refused to take a credit card then charged us .50 more than advertised. When we went to sit down on the edge of the room where at least 6 other tables were occupied, she told us to move to the centerfold the room because we only had drinks. Outrageous compared to so many other amazing places. read more

Little gem of a coffee place. So many varieties of coffee and it tastes so good. We got an espresso shaken with ice and an americano.

Best selection of flavored and iced espresso drinks I've seen so far in Venice and Florence. Savory and sweet brioche at very reasonable prices 1-3 Euro. My cappuccino doppio was exquisitely made: hot, creamy and smooth but I was charged 5 Euro instead of the listed 2.80 price even though I got it to go! When I asked why, the barista said because she put it in a big cup! I didn't feel like making a scene but hence the 3 star review. Be aware! read more

I would not recommend this place to anyone. i ordered the mint ciocolatta, and was terribly unimpressed. It was extremely bitter, given the overdose of mint concentrate, and was almost unpalatable. It was expensive too, 5 euros, and I was so disgusted after the first sip that I left half of it! The doughnut was dry, tasted as though it had been left out overnight, overall would not go back :( read more

ChiaroScuro - Mentha ciocolatta- extremely bitter, cream doughnut- stale :( - Desserts Near Me - Florence, FI

Looks like a lot of locals eat here during their breaks from working in the adjacent shops. That's a great sign for me. When you enter there is a display of various dishes (meats, salads, pasta, veggies, etc) that you can choose from or order off the menu. As a vegetarian & trying to avoid only eating pasta & cheese in Italy, I was elated to find veggies! The eggplant & zucchini were perfectly roasted. I also had a Greek salad which was huge. We didn't try the drinks or desserts but they looked delicious. We'll definitely return here! read more

Best espresso, cappuccino, and pastries we found. Moderate sized and quiet seating area, with Wi-Fi. But the coffee was always excellent and the staff was great. read more

If possible I would camp outside this cafe.... I have moderate experience with Italian coffee (been in Italy 4-5 times), I own a Rancilio Silvia, trying to make my own good espresso, and wherever I go I try espresso in search of the best. Well.. this one is the best I ever tried. Moreover, everything else I tried there, croissants and brioche were of good quality. The prices were pretty reasonable given the touristic spot. Therefore, I recommend to every Florence tourist, before you start your morning city tour, pay a visit here... Honestly, I find the 3.5 stars to be extremely low for my world-wide favourite cafe! read more

Bad coffee. Rude owner. We said coffee was cold and were given the explanation that "In Italy, Cappuccino cannot be hot". I did not know how to argue with such a statement :( read more

Extremely bitter espresso, chocolate is not as thick as other 'hot chocolates' like you'd see elsewhere in Europe, cappuccino is more like a latte with tons of milk. Good escape from the rain but seems like it has gone downhill. read more

Tried the Chocolate Cappuccino after a long walk in the city. So good I came back the next day and got a regular Cappuccino and a chocolate & fruit pastry. The drink does not come bitter as is. I added two brown sugars to the chocolate one and it was quite the sugar rush. I added a more conservative one package of brown sugar to my unflavored drink the next day and it made for a great breakfast with my (brand new type of dessert to me) pastry. read more