Tuscany

This tiny chocolate shop in Lucca has built a loyal following, and it’s easy to see why. The selection ranges from classic pralines to candied chestnuts and buttery biscuits, all made with the utmost care. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for one thing and end up leaving with a box.

This small café in Florence is known for its serious coffee—and rightly so, considering it was started by an award-winning barista. Beans are sourced from around the world, and the staff know exactly what they’re doing. It’s a good spot for a quick espresso, a slow brunch, or something sweet in the afternoon.

A café that doubles as a bookshop and moonlights as a bar, La Cité is one of those spots that feels like it’s been around forever, in the best way. The shelves are packed, the lighting’s warm, and the furniture looks like it came straight from someone’s living room in the ’70s. Good coffee, wine, and the occasional live concert if you time it right. Easy place to lose a couple of hours without meaning to.

This historic café on Piazza della Repubblica might look a bit grand, but it’s still very much a local spot. The vibe’s old-school—marble counters, suited waiters, and live piano in the evenings. Come for a proper cup of coffee, stay for a light lunch or a drink on the terrace. Prices match the setting, but it’s a nice spot to sit for a while.

MokaSirs is a small, unassuming café on Via Grande in Livorno where the coffee hits the spot and the pastries never disappoint, with the added bonus that both coffee and sweets are around a euro.

Gelateria Latte & Co. is a favourite in Livorno for a reason. Big scoops, fair prices, and proper flavour—whether you go for something classic or a bit more inventive. They’ve got dairy-free options too (the soy-based chocolate is worth a try), so no one’s left out.

If you’re looking for gelato in Siena, La Vecchia Latteria is a solid choice. It’s all made in-house with good ingredients, and you can tell. There are plenty of places to get ice cream in Italy, but this one’s got that extra something.