Twist Bistrot — Restaurant in Florence

We truly wish we didn’t have to write this review, because there are things this establishment did well: the coffee is great, the decor and vintage aesthetic are beautifully curated, and the atmosphere initially made us excited to support a creative local space. We had such high hopes—so much so that intended to enjoy coffee in the morning, as well as the advertised evening entertainment, particularly the drag show scheduled for October 4th.

As a well-traveled LGBTQ couple, having visited over 20 countries, we always approach new places with respect for local culture and customs. The only country where we have ever anticipated the possibility of hostility because of who we are is Russia. Yet even there, we were treated more neutrally than we were here by one staff member: Hirbod.

Our experience began around 10pm on our first night. We arrived to find the doors closed, curtains drawn, and a man standing outside who informed us the place was closed. Trusting him, we began to leave. As we turned toward our hotel, he shouted at us, “The bars are that way.” When my wife explained we were heading to our hotel, he sarcastically replied, “Oh yeah, because I don’t know the area.” This was completely unprovoked, and we still have no idea why he was standing outside or why he felt the need to comment on where we were going.

The following morning, we returned for coffee and to inquire about tickets for the evening show. The employee assisting us (not Hirbod) explained the options and noted our 10pm reservation in a notebook, confirming we did not need to pay until we arrived later. We left, excited for the evening.

When we returned around 9:55pm, the restaurant was full and the show had already started. We waited briefly and then approached the bar, where Hirbod, who had been outside the night before, was behind the bar. He made a disgusted face and used hand gestures to shoo us off. When we explained our reservation, he pretended not to hear us and commented, “I remember you from last night, you were drunk.” We were shocked and clarified politely that we had not been drunk. Another employee stepped in, listened to us respectfully, and went to find us a spot. While that staff member was helping, Hirbod continued to make rude comments, and it quickly became clear that his hostility was personal and directed at us. Feeling unwelcome and unsafe, we decided to leave.

This was an awful experience—disrespectful, embarrassing, and shocking for an establishment that claims to be inclusive. My wife and I have traveled extensively, and never once experienced such judgment, harassment, or hostility. We are sadly leaving Florence with a very bad taste in our mouths.

We know this review may not change how this establishment operates, but we hope it alerts other guests and spares someone else from this...

After reading so many price-sensitive reviews of Twist Bistrot in Florence, I felt compelled to share mine. To be fair, I’m American, and when I travel, I don’t focus on prices—I’m all about the experience. Maybe I’m not your average American.

My husband and I wandered in late one night—maybe a Sunday or Monday (too much wine on that trip to keep track). The guy working behind the counter? Absolutely adorable and incredibly welcoming. The vibe here is cozy and unique, more like a charming coffee shop than a full-on bistro. If you’re expecting the kind of queer spaces you’d find in NYC or CDMX, you’ll need to adjust and embrace the local flavor—Florence’s LGBTQ+ spots are smaller, more intimate, and reflective of the city’s own rhythm.

The food was good—we had a sandwich and some wine, a perfect late-night snack. Sadly, I didn’t get the name of the staff member, but he deserves all the credit for making the experience warm and memorable. The decor is quirky and fun, and I couldn’t help but wish we’d come back for breakfast instead of stopping by so late. If I had planned better, maybe I would’ve known the perfect time to visit, but all in all, Twist Bistrot was a gem in its own way. Go in with an open mind, savor the local vibe, and...

A beautiful independent little bar/cafe and vintage store- with electric furniture and eclectic maximalist decorations with teacups, posters, art, and 80s toys and books- a real feast for the eyes - LGBTQ+ friendly, with the odd drag queen host for special events. There are two indoor areas - one you can smoke in and one that is non smoking. Staff are friendly - and drinks are reasonably priced (and strong) for Florence. Worth checking out if you are looking to meet up with new or old friends as a relaxed atmosphere or looking to support a local...