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Florence, FI

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Ala Grande Caffè

4.8 (86 reviews)
InexpensiveCafes, Italian, Bars
Closed • Closed

Ala Grande Caffè Photos

ALA GRANDE CAFFÈ ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - Ala Grande Caffè

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Jennifer G.

Fabulous pastries and coffee for breakfast. Up near the academia gallery. Be prepared to stand in line

Komal R.

Exceptional service! The best stuffed croissant I have ever had - in Italy or elsewhere. They don't skimp on the filling unlike so many other places where the entire cornetto is empty except for one tiny spot of filling in the center. We ordered the Pistachio croissant and got the Custard one on the house - it was not just us but they gave a free croissant to all the diners. Highly recommend getting either or both. The Pistachio mocha was next level, I got the medium which was huge so I can't imagine what the large must look like. Their portions are humongous, we saw huge plates on every table! For me, just the croissant and mocha itself were so filling!

Pistachio croissant
Tony G.

Pros: - Nice service (they were giving out americanos to people waiting in line in the rain). - Quick! Staff get orders out expeditiously. Cons: - Just wayyyy too cramped. Especially when people bring their luggage it can feel almost claustrophobic. Even without luggage, tables are basically shoulder to shoulder. It's a lot. - The pistachio croissant just was not good. The pistachio cream was almost frosting and did not work well. Should've known when I saw others leaving their croissants barely touched. - The cappuccino we ordered extremely watery. If you're just trying to fill up on food, this could do the trick. They give Instagram-sized portions on things. Seems like they give pretty standard American-fare. If that's something you want, great! But even then I'd say you're probably setting yourself up for a pretty mediocre experience.

Pistacchio croissant
Emily G.

I only came for coffee and croissant. I think if you are missing American food, then yes this place is for you. But with all the hype around it, I thought it'd be better. The croissant is like a (smaller) Costco croissant filled with pistachio icing. That's right, the filling was not creamy but much thicker than I was anticipating, and tasted more like icing/frosting. Definitely the worst pistachio croissant I've had (compared to those in the US, this was my first in Italy) The cappuccino was not good either, couldn't taste the espresso and the foam was not foaming. The service was relatively friendly and quick. If you ordered main entrees it seemed like they'd give you croissants for free, which is nice. I also appreciated the free coffee samples while waiting. The house coffee tasted like a good strong black coffee. It does get very busy and may have a line. There's seating indoors and outdoors, and one restroom in the back. Anyways, again, this place felt more for the tourists missing the food back home. Not really a good place if you prefer something more simple. I can't blame them for the hype, but I wish I had looked into it more instead of just looking at the high rating.

Tony omelette
Gustavo G.

Another amazing find in Florence thanks to Yelp. Great for brunch. They were giving on the house expresso coffee on arrival. We also received a pair of pastries. Really liked the spicy salame toast. The orange juice was so fresh. The pastries and omelets were ok. Service was quick. The restaurant had outdoor and indoor seating. It was rather small with many tables and chairs packed together. It was full. There was music playing and lots of folks talking.

Cappuccino

WOW! This is by far the best breakfast place we've been to in Florence. There was a small line outside (almost always the sign of a good place ) but we got sat quickly. Staff is nice and friendly and overall there is a great vibe inside and outside the restaurant. Nicole was our server and she was AMAZING. She was very attentive and brought us over an extra croissant to thank us for waiting. One of the best server experiences I've had in Italy. Great food and coffee aswell. Got the marino special omlette- and it was perfect. Also a great size for the price. Cappuccino was lovely aswell. If you're looking for a a place with great food, attentive staff and a convenient location come here!!

John M.

There will likely be a line. However, it is worth the wait. Had a late breakfast consisting of an omelette and espresso. Quite possibly the best omelette I have ever had. Seating is limited and cramped, but well worth it. Service is extremely pleasant.

This was one of the most incredible dining experiences I've ever had! My boyfriend and I came for an impromptu breakfast stop and left with a new favorite restaurant. They sat us immediately and were very attentive the entire time, all while being kind and good-spirited. The decorations are fun and the chaos just adds to the fun atmosphere. To our surprise and pleasure, one of the servers brought over the most delicious pistachio croissant and espresso, as well as freshly squeezed orange juice! This was complimentary! We had no idea what we did to deserve it, but I guess it was just because we were there. We ordered paninis (pictured) and they were HUGE! For only 11€! Nicole, one of the servers, was incredibly sweet. She felt like my Italian mom. And the chef was so friendly he sent me home with a croissant because I shook his hand and told him how much I loved his food. I couldn't recommend this place more. My boyfriend said I was smiling ear to ear the entire time -- and I still am just thinking about how great that was. Thank you Ala Grande! We'll be back!

pistachio croissant
Taylor C.

Tucked away on a busy street is the cutest caffe in florence. The service was phenomenal, specifically our server Mat. During our wait we were gifted coffee & croissants to enjoy. The restaurant is very small but filled with so much character. The food is SO FILLING and absolutely delicious. The bread and pastries are so fresh and fluffy. We found our very first matcha latte in italy and it was AMAZING.

Pistachio croissant, lemon tart, nutella/pistachio croissant
Parker S.

We found our way here before a tour of the Duomo and wow we are going to be going back in a few days because it was that amazing of an experience. Our waitress was a bundle of happiness and the food/drink was next level. First, I ordered a large cappuccino and this gigantic soup bowl of delicious espresso with chocolate/pistachio comes out and im sure my face looked shocked. Next I tried the lemon tart which was delicious and tasted a lot like lemon custard. But the biggest winner of all was the pistachio croissant. The dough was sweet and flaky, and the filling was life changing. But wait there is more. At the end of our meal our waitress comes smiling over with another shot of espresso (im already shaking because of the 6 shots of espresso I've already taken in) but I had to drink it as to not be rude right? THEN when she brings our check she brings over two little Snickers for my wife and I to leave with. This place goes above and beyond and you have got to try it out. It might be my favorite breakfast place I've been to!

Maurino Omelette
Maila M.

AMAZING! I've been in Italy for just over a week now, and I feel like food has been really hit-or-miss. However, my fiancé and I stopped in and were blown away by the friendly service, unique menu, and quaint location. We ordered the maurino omelette which was served in a very generous portion. You can tell the ingredients are fresh, and every bit of the restaurant is filled with love. I would love to come back whenever I'm back in Florence!

Omelette
David L.

OMG! This place had the best service I believe from the owner or manager name Mat. Even all the servers were kind. We had luggages and they were so kind to find a place to put it. We were greeted with some complimentary espressos as well. For the food, it was quick and delicious. For the ambiance, it just felt very warm and welcoming. I wish i could go back.

Croissants
thienly n.

Best breakfast I've had here yet! Could not recommend it enough! I had a cappuccino, Nutella stuffed pancakes, and an omelette! My friend had a croissant sandwich and orange juice! The food was so good and priced amazing esp for a sit down! The servers also let us try pastries for free and the pistachio croissant was the best I've ever had!! If you're in Florence it's a must!

XXL Cappuccino

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4 months ago

Wonderful ambience, welcoming service and delicious coffee and breakfast. Loved the experience!

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1 year ago

Best pistachio croissant I've had in Italy! Cappuccino was fabulous as well and everyone was so kind

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Ala Grande Caffè Reviews in Other Languages

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Trattoria Zà Zà

Trattoria Zà Zà

4.2(1.7k reviews)
0.2 km•Santa Maria Novella
•€€€

There are many excellent restaurants in Florence, but of all the places I've eaten over the years,…read moreZa Za stood out by far! Our party ordered four dishes: seafood pasta, shrimp pasta, fish, and steak. We loved everything! Each dish was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The service was great, and they offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Be sure to make a reservation, as the wait can be long without one.

No water, salty food, and a server (CHAIME) who literally yelled at us…read more In all my time dining out, I have never had a server literally scream at me, but that was unfortunately the highlight of our night here. From the moment we sat down, our server (Chaime) treated us with disdain. While the food itself was overly salty, the service was far worse: * Ignored for simple requests: We asked for water immediately upon being seated and followed up three times throughout the night. Despite ordering heavily--a steak, pasta, omelet, and salad (while surrounding tables shared a single dish)--we never received water during our dinner. We had to eat our entire meal with nothing to drink. * Clear bias: Tables seated long after us were given water immediately upon seating and had their orders taken well before us. * Neglect until the check: Water was only brought alongside the check, and even then, we had to ask separately for cups. When I calmly asked Chaime why our water took so long, especially given that a nearby table seated as we finished was served water right away, she told me to speak with the manager. However, when I attempted to explain the situation to her, Chaime immediately cut me off and began yelling at me. I never raised my voice once. Yet, as she was yelling, she taunted me, asking, "What tone? You gonna cry? Huh?" To be treated with such hostility and malice simply for asking about basic service is completely unacceptable. Management needs to address this server's hostile behavior immediately. Save your money and go somewhere where guests are treated with basic respect.

Photos
Trattoria Zà Zà - The African zoo room

The African zoo room

Trattoria Zà Zà - His and hers

His and hers

Trattoria Zà Zà - Outside of restaurant

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Outside of restaurant

Pensavo Peggio - The best lasagna you will ever eat.

Pensavo Peggio

4.7(702 reviews)
0.8 km•Santa Maria Novella
•€€

Happy to say this place is still just as amazing as I remember it almost 10 years ago!…read more A couple of girlfriends and I discovered Pensavo Peggio during our first trip to Italy in 2017, and it quickly became one of the reasons Florence became one of my favorite cities. Back then, I ordered the Osso Buco, Lasagna, and Tiramisu--and I still remembered how incredible everything was. So, of course, when I returned nearly 10 years later, I had to order the same meals... and yes, I said meals! Fabrizio, the same server who took care of me in 2017, asked, "Are you sure you want two dinners?" I told him, "Yes! I want to try them both." Fast-forward to 2026: I walked back in two days ago, reminded Fabrizio of our conversation, and told him I was ordering both again. He immediately started laughing. Some things never change! My boyfriend ordered the pappardelle and instantly fell in love with it. We also shared a delicious cheese and meat platter and, of course, finished with Tiramisu. Nearly 10 years later, Pensavo Peggio still holds a special place in my heart. Highly recommend this cute little spot! It just goes to show that sometimes the best memories--and the best meals--are found when you venture off the beaten path. Some places are simply worth coming back to.

Saw some reviews on here and decided to check it out with my wife. We went around 7:30 pm and there…read morewas no wait. The female server in there was awesome, very attentive and through. Very quiet and intimate spot. Food was delicious, the picture of the lasagna doesn't do it justice but everything was good.

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Pensavo Peggio
Pensavo Peggio - Crepé Florentina

Crepé Florentina

Pensavo Peggio - Limoncello Spritz

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Limoncello Spritz

La Cantinetta Osteria con Cucina

La Cantinetta Osteria con Cucina

4.5(112 reviews)
0.5 km•Duomo
•€€

We decided to stop at this restaurant on a whim. Wow! We were blown away by the food and service…read more We started with the bruschetta, which was served with fresh tomatoes, olives and arugula. It was delicious and so light! We also ordered wine. We got the Rosso di Montalcino 2024 and it was definitely one of the best glasses of wine I ever had. The steak we had was also amazing. It was tender and so flavorful. The potatoes were also fantastic! At the end of the meal, we had Vin Santo (dessert wine that you dip biscotti in). Very delicious, but very strong. Lastly, the server (maybe manager or owner) brought us out complimentary limoncello. It was also delicious. We definitely had to walk (or try to walk) it off after all that! I can't say enough about the food and service. We went to another steak place a few days before at Trattoria Dalloste. It was a couple of doors away from this place. The service and food didn't even compare to this place. We spent a lot more money for rubbery and fatty steak. They also tried to overcharge us. So, do yourself a favor and try La Cantinetta Osteria con Cucina. You won't be disappointed! If we ever go back to Firenze, we would go back to this restaurant in a heartbeat.

We visited this place last night, our first night in Florence. There weren't a lot of options in…read morethis area of Florence, near the Duomo, and most places were full. The establishment is nice and inviting, and the staff are friendly and helpful enough. The lasagna was--and I'm not exaggerating -- gross. It looked and tasted like it came out of a can or package. After having excellent lasagna in Tivoli, two of my family members were expecting something at least enjoyable. If we were in a restaurant in American, where we are from, we'd have asked for something else as substitute. I had a risotto dish that was good enough, but the wine pour could have been better. If you come to this place, you may like it enough, based on other reviews, but definitely don't order their atrocious lasagna. Grocery store lasagna is better.

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La Cantinetta Osteria con Cucina - Dining room

Dining room

La Cantinetta Osteria con Cucina
La Cantinetta Osteria con Cucina - Vermentino

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Vermentino

Trattoria Mario - Pasta bolognese

Trattoria Mario

4.5(254 reviews)
0.2 km•Santa Maria Novella
•€€

made a reservation through ig dm haha. no tables without reservations…read more the florentine steak is massive. 1 kg nice crust. cooked nicely rare. some really good bites, some okay bites florentine steak is not world class for me. BUT at the price of 45 for this is amazing value.

I've been to Florence before but didn't get a chance to try a Florentine steak. My husband and I…read moremade it a point to definitely get one for dinner on our first night in the city. I went to the internet for the best Florentine steak and Trattoria Mario consistently popped up as highly rated. I reached out to the restaurant via email to make a reservation for a Friday. I wanted to get the earliest reservation possible, so the restaurant reserved me for 7:30pm, which was when they open. I was advised to show up on time - even a 2 minute delay would make me miss my reservation. I can see why Trattoria Mario was strict on reservations. They open on the dot, and then a staff member calls out each reservation at 7:30pm like a roll call. Seemed to me that if you don't have a reservation then you're out of luck, because there was no waitlist and the restaurant small and space was limited. Service was great. Our waitress was highly attentive and got us in/out of the restaurant quickly, which was what we were going for. Food came out in a timely manner. We ordered the penne al ragu, salad misto, and a Florentine steak to share. The penne was perfectly al dente, and I liked the meat sauce. I did find the pasta sauce salty, but it could've came from the grated parmesan. The saltiness was not a fluke. The Florentine steak was just pure beef and a ton of salt... too much salt for my liking. I also decided that I'm not a fan of Florentine steak in general.

Photos
Trattoria Mario
Trattoria Mario
Trattoria Mario

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Trattoria San Lorenzo - Lasagna Florence style

Trattoria San Lorenzo

4.5(145 reviews)
0.4 km•Duomo
•€€

Trattoria San Lorenzo specializes in traditional Tuscan dishes. I'm not sure how we came upon this…read moreplace but I am super glad we did. This was my most favorite meal during our vacation. Diving right into the food, my meal started with their Carabaccia, a traditional Florentine onion soup that dates back to when Leonardo da Vinci was slurping soup. It was a wonderful start to the evening. Feeling adventurous, or maybe just hungry, our group decided to share their Bistecca Alla Fiorentina "Tradiziozale", a hefty Florentine T-bone Beef-Steak. Wow, that was incredible. They brought out a 1.4kg very thick steak for our approval before cooking. We approved, and agreed in having it served rare. I ate so much steak. Our server was great, helping us navigate the menu that resulted in this meal.

Near the Duomo and my Airbnb in prime tourist area I honestly wasn't expecting much but we had just…read morelanded and my whole family passed out so I went roaming and stopped here to bring food back. ALL of us loved their food! So much so that my Dad insisted we go there again the next day. Later in the trip we were looking for pizza since gustapizza didn't work out and their pizza was also amazing! Fair prices, excellent food, in a tourist area, in Italy???? Never heard of her until now! Besides the different pizzas, I had the Cinghale which was incredible! The Lasagna also fabulous and the spaghetti for my picky daughter. With outside seating for people watching or inside and a menu you can't go wrong with, I highly recommend this Trattoria. Only attaching the pizza photo because the other food was takeout back to the Airbnb and I never took a photo sadly.

Photos
Trattoria San Lorenzo
Trattoria San Lorenzo - Penne w/meatballs and carbonara

Penne w/meatballs and carbonara

Trattoria San Lorenzo - Back patio seating

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Back patio seating

La Giostra - My steak cooked perfectly and flavored just enough to be fabulous.

La Giostra

4.2(819 reviews)
0.8 km•Duomo
•€€€€

What an amazing evening at La Giostra! The restaurant is beautiful, warm and full of character. It…read morefeels special from the moment you walk through the door. We started with a Cynar Spritz and Aperol Spritz, along with the complimentary bruschetta with chicken liver pâté, tomato and artichoke. We also tried several appetizers, including roasted eggplant, roasted peppers, artichokes and the spinach-and-ricotta dumplings. And the fried zucchini was out of this world -- absolutely one of the highlights of the meal! For dinner, I had the sliced steak with aglio e olio, accompanied by roasted potatoes, carrots and rosemary. The steak was delicious and perfectly prepared. Jim had the cacio e pepe, and Tom had the seafood pasta. All three entrées were excellent. The wine list is enormous, and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else. Soldano Kunz d'Asburgo Lorena, from the Habsburg-Lorraine family behind La Giostra, is quite a personality. He moves around the restaurant greeting guests and has the presence of a rock star -- he really adds to the experience. We eat at a lot of restaurants in Florence, and La Giostra was a memorable one. Beautiful setting, excellent food, great cocktails and a wonderfully lively atmosphere. We will absolutely return. Highly recommended!

Tourists Beware: Check Your Bill Carefully!…read more We were pleased with the food and the service at La Giostra a restaurant in Florence. Unfortunately, what happened at the end of the meal left us with a very negative impression. When the bill arrived, the entire check was in Italian, but one message was prominently displayed in large English letters: "GRATUITY NOT INCLUDED." We found this tacky and off-putting, and it gave us the impression that the restaurant was more interested in catering to tourists than creating a welcoming dining experience. We gave our waiter a generous tip, in part because he was standing over us while we paid, making us feel rushed and uncomfortable. We didn't have a proper opportunity to review the bill before paying. When we returned to our accommodations and finally examined the receipt, we discovered that we had been charged for an extra bottle of wine that we never ordered. This was especially frustrating because we had already left a generous tip, only to discover that we had been overcharged for something we never received. It's a shame because the food was good and the service was good. However, the prominently displayed tip message, feeling rushed to pay, and the charge for wine we never ordered put a bad taste in our mouths at the end of the meal -- no pun intended! My advice to fellow tourists visiting Florence: Be careful and thoroughly check your bill before paying. Don't let anyone rush you. Take the time to verify every item, especially when ordering wine, and make sure you are being charged only for what you actually ordered. What could have been an enjoyable dining experience ended on a sour note. I hope this review helps other travelers avoid the same experience.

Photos
La Giostra - Vibes

Vibes

La Giostra - Steak

Steak

La Giostra - Interior

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Interior

Ala Grande Caffè - cafes - Updated October 2026

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