Where to Eat in Florence, Italy, From a Culinary Expert

Fancy a Negroni?

The original Negroni was created in Florence in 1919-20 at  the Giacosa Café, previously known as the Café Casoni (sometimes referred to as the now-closed Café Cavalli, due to its association with the famous Italian designer’s flagship boutique located next door.) 

As the story goes, frequent visitor Count Camillo Negroni asked the barman to make his regular Campari and vermouth with gin, instead of soda water. He also garnished it with orange instead of lemon. Made up of one part gin, one -art semi-sweet vermouth rosso, and one part bitters (traditionally Campari), this drink quickly became very popular. 

There are now several variations, some of which I tried on the Curious Appetite aperitivo tour. I sampled some made with Japanese vodka, Alkermies di Firenze liqueur, red wine, Cynar (artichoke extract) and smoky ones garnished with cinnamon. If you’re not a fan or wine or negroni, try Franciacorta, a sparkling wine unique to Florence, which you can sample at Tartufi, which is also known for its truffles.