Vivoli — Restaurant in Florence

🍨 Vivoli – A Charming Gelato Spot with a Viral Twist and Delicious Affogato ☕🍦

I discovered Vivoli through the internet while searching for the best places to try Affogato in Florence – and it did not disappoint. In fact, it turned out to be one of the most unique and memorable gelato experiences of my entire Italy trip.

✨ Affogato Presentation: Their Affogato is not only delicious, it’s also beautifully crafted. Served in a creative, eye-catching presentation, the rich gelato blends perfectly with a shot of Illy espresso, offering a bold yet balanced flavor. You can tell they care about both the aesthetics and the taste.

☕ Coffee Quality: Using Illy coffee – one of Italy’s most respected espresso brands – the shot is aromatic, smooth, and pairs incredibly well with the creaminess of the gelato. It elevates the affogato into something truly special.

🪟 The Famous “Window” Experience: One of the quirkiest and most charming features here is that you can receive your gelato through a tiny serving window in the wall – an old architectural touch that’s now gone viral on social media. It’s fun, playful, and adds an authentic local flavor to your visit.

🏛️ Atmosphere: The shop itself is beautifully styled with a warm, vintage interior. Despite being popular online and attracting lots of visitors, it still maintains a cozy, welcoming charm. Whether you’re inside or waiting outside, it feels like you’re part of something classic and cultural.

⏳ Wait Time: Yes, it’s popular – so expect a bit of a line, especially during peak hours. But don’t worry – the line moves quickly, and the staff are efficient and organized.

👩‍🍳 Staff: The team is friendly, helpful, and very patient, even with crowds. They happily explain the flavors, offer suggestions, and manage the vibe really well. You’ll feel taken care of.

💶 Pricing: For such a famous gelateria with top-tier ingredients and a unique experience, the prices are very reasonable. Definitely worth it for the quality and the vibe.

✅ Overall: Vivoli is not just a gelato shop – it’s an experience. From the delightful affogato made with Illy coffee to the quirky service window and the inviting interior, this place has everything you’d want from a traditional-meets-viral Florence gem. It’s definitely worth the visit, and I’d go back in...

An absolute gem in Florence – Vivoli serves one of the best affogatos I’ve ever had!

Tucked away in the charming streets of Florence, Vivoli is a must-visit for anyone who truly appreciates high-quality gelato and authentic Italian desserts. I had heard a lot about this historic spot, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

I came specifically to try their affogato, and it was exceptional. The gelato was rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced in sweetness – not overly sugary like many tourist traps around the city. I chose a classic vanilla flavor, and the espresso poured over it was strong, aromatic, and freshly brewed. The hot espresso melting into the cold gelato created this incredible contrast that was both bold and comforting.

What sets Vivoli apart is the quality of their ingredients – you can taste the difference with every bite. The affogato wasn’t just a dessert; it felt like a carefully crafted experience. It’s clear they take their craft seriously, and they’ve been doing it for generations.

The staff were friendly and efficient, even though the place was quite busy. There’s a cozy, authentic vibe inside – no flashy signs or gimmicks, just a true Italian gelateria doing things the right way.

If you’re in Florence and looking for a real treat, skip the overrated gelato chains and head straight to Vivoli. Whether you’re grabbing a scoop or indulging in their affogato, you’ll taste the love and tradition in every spoonful.

Highly recommended – I’ll definitely return on my next visit...

Like many, I found this place through social media, and decided to check it out. When we arrived, there was a very long line, but I had read there’s a trick to skipping it, and it worked!

You’ll see two sections: one is the Affogato Bar, and the other is the classic bar/gelateria right next to it. The line for the bar/gelateria is much shorter. I was a bit confused about the difference, so I asked the lady at the till.

Here’s the breakdown: • The Affogato Bar offers six different affogato variations, and that’s all they serve. • The classic bar/gelateria offers regular coffee, ice cream, and just two types of affogato, classic and pistachio.

We waited maybe 5 minutes in line at the classic bar, while the other line looked like a 30–40 minute wait. So if you’re going for the classic or pistachio affogato, definitely head to the gelateria/bar instead, same owners, same quality, way faster!

As for the product itself: The pistachio affogato (€9) and classic (€6) were good, but we found the ice cream too sweet, which threw off the balance. An affogato should have a nice contrast between the bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the ice cream, but here it was all just sweet.

That said, it’s still a fun experience and worth trying if you’re curious, just make sure to choose the faster line if you’re not after all six...