Caffè Giacosa

I seriously miss Italy and all of the espressos and cappuccinos!
Caffe Giacosa is right by the Roberto Cavalli boutique. Word on the streets is that Roberto himself visits often. Did I get to see this man? No. But I did drink a delicious cappuccino here and a super yummy pastry. I have to say, the bean game in Italy is on point. Italy is known for their espresso and cappuccinos for a reason. The froth and taste and everything is just right. Also this caffe has a selection of pastries for you to eat up. I ended up with my yummy pastry with cream inside. Just writing those words made me salivate a bit.
There is outdoor and indoor seating available. As far as ordering, it’s not as complicated here as it is at other caffes I visited. You just pay at the register and wait. Other caffes have a more traditional method (pay at register and bring receipt to barista).

I adore Caffe Giacosa.
This caffe has been here a long time before
Roberto Cavalli boutique took over the corner.
Now the entrance is on one side and there is also a patio space for those brave enough to deal with the cold.
Regulars in the neighborhood drop by and so the staff know this little corner of the world — which in Firenze is the whole world.
Older ladies in mink coats drop in. The spouses of the baristas drop by with their infants and toddlers and then everyone coos at the children.
It is a lovely ambiance and I could sit here all day to people watch.
I made friends with one of the barista staff and he is taking care that I have a perfect experience.
I ordered a piece of sachet torte type cake and he sent over a glass with fresh cream… yum!
The Giacosa is famous for their house hot chocolate with cream. Forget the calories and go for it!
There is also toilettes in the back for patrons.
This is the number 1 place I come to in Firenze where I know I will be delighted.
Ciao bello!

When the rich and famous comes to play in Florence, they head here for a good cocktail or a caffeine hit. The walls hang pictures of the young Hollywood set and models that wore the sexy Cavalli dresses that graced magazines. The café is a near the high fashion area of Florence but it’s just off to the side to not have the mounds of tourist just stand blocking every path.
The bar area is gleaming of dark black marble and golden touches everywhere. The only way to explain it is sexy and modern. No homely nonna walked through the door but clearly the Gucci or Armani carrying crowd comes through the door.
The wait staff is slightly charming but you can tell they’re a bit tired from the long days of talking to tourists in various languages. The bar and espressos are easily ordered and they’re just the perfect hit of smooth rich coffee with frothy foam. The sarchertorte is supposedly a specialty of the house according to one waiter. The dark chocolate beckoned to me and I couldn’t say no to it. The first taste was a rich deep chocolate flavour with a light sweetness from the thick apricot gelee/​jam inside. The cake is the perfect dry lightness that is known to Austrian cakes. Definitely a must have and quite different from all the creamy ricotta treats. There are some savoury sandwiches but I think other places are more appealing.
The price came up to 6.40 Euros so it’s a welcomed snack in the afternoon to keep me going before dinner.

Home to the ‘Negroni’ cocktail, which was invented here in the 1920!
This offshoot is now owned by the famous designer, Roberto Cavalli. The former residence of the rich and famous it’s now a museum. But downstairs in the center of the alcove, are tall Corinthian columns, set tables, and a swanky little café. Considering the central location of this gorgeous Palazzo, it’s relatively quiet, aside from the small groups of wandering tourists gaping at the stunning modern mirror art which hangs suspended beneath the ceiling. The place is sheltered and you can either sit inside the stylish lounge or grab a table outside. There is always a spot free!
The double espresso is only € 2 and the cocktails are delicious. The cupcakes aren’t great, although the other sumptuous baked good like they might better satisfy of a sweet tooth.
I wouldn’t come here just for great coffee or chatty bar staff (that’s sarcasm– they aren’t chatty at all). I come here with a book and a caffeine beverage+sugary treat combination to enjoy the gorgeous courtyard and imagine for a moment what kind of charmed life the original owners must have led.

Eine der besten Kaffebars der Stadt. Gehört und befindet sich direkt neber Roberto Cavalli. Sehr gutes Aperetivo Buffet. Während der Saison (Aprl-​Oktober) viel Trubel mit der Florentiner High Society und Models. Ab und zu erscheint der Meister persönlich mit seiner Entourage.

Hier ein (noch) echter Geheimtipp, der ab jetzt natürlich keiner mehr ist:
Im Caffe Giacosa im Palazzo Strozzi kann man tatsächlich für 1,30 EUR einen Cappuccino oder für 1,60 EUR eine Café Latte bekommen, wenn: man sich das Getränk selbst an der Theke holt, gleich bezahlt und drinnen sitzt. Draussen kostet der Spaß mit Bedienung die üblichen 5, — EUR!!!
Schickes Interieur, angenehme Atmosphäre.
So geschehen am Freitag, den 7. Mai 2010 um 17:00 Uhr.