Florence's most historic gelateria, open since 1930, on Via dell'Isola delle Stinche near Santa Croce. Vivoli serves gelato in cups only (no cones), using traditional recipes passed down through four generations. Famous for affogato al caffe (espresso poured over gelato), pistachio, hazelnut, and seasonal fruit sorbets.
Vivoli is Florence's oldest surviving gelateria, founded in 1930 on Via dell'Isola delle Stinche near Piazza Santa Croce and still operated by the Vivoli family four generations later. The shop is a classic of the Florentine artisan food tradition: narrow, family-run, and making gelato to the same recipes and techniques used since the founding. Vivoli serves only from cups — no cones — a detail that distinguishes it from tourist-oriented gelaterias and underlines its focus on the traditional Florentine style of eating gelato without the distraction of a cone. The affogato al caffe — a cup of gelato (usually stracciatella, vanilla, or hazelnut) drowned in a shot of hot espresso — is Vivoli's signature and one of the great pleasures of an afternoon in the Santa Croce quarter. The pistachio, hazelnut, and seasonal fruit sorbets (including blood orange, strawberry, and fig in their respective seasons) are the other consistent standouts. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday 9am to 1am; the gelateria is closed Monday and during most of August and January. Phone: +39 055 292 334.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 9AM-1AM (closed Monday; also closed in August and January-early February) |
| Reservations | No reservations needed |
| Address | Via dell'Isola delle Stinche, 7R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy |
Signature dishes
- Affogato al caffe (gelato + espresso)
- Pistachio gelato
- Hazelnut gelato
- Stracciatella
- Seasonal fruit sorbets
Good to know
- Known for
- Artisan gelato in cups only — traditional Florentine recipes since 1930
Weather through the year in Italy
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Italy.
Location
Via dell'Isola delle Stinche, 7R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
43.7697, 11.2591 View on map
Highlights
- Florence's oldest gelateria, founded in 1930 — four generations of the Vivoli family still running it
- Gelato served in cups only — a traditional Florentine distinction from tourist gelaterias
- Famous affogato al caffe: gelato drowned in hot espresso — the house signature
- Exceptional pistachio, hazelnut, and seasonal fruit sorbets using traditional recipes
- Located near Piazza Santa Croce — ideal post-church gelato stop
Tips for visiting
- Affogato is the signature — order the hazelnut or stracciatella with a shot of espresso poured over
- The shop is closed on Mondays and during August — plan accordingly
- Vivoli is a locals' gelateria; expect a mixed crowd of visitors and Florentines throughout the day
When to visit
Afternoon from 3-5PM for a mid-day gelato after visiting Santa Croce or the Bargello nearby. The gelateria is open until 1am, making it an excellent late evening stop.
Accessibility
The gelateria is at street level with a narrow interior. Wheelchair access to the serving counter is possible from the street.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Does Vivoli serve cones?
No — Vivoli serves gelato in cups only, in keeping with the traditional Florentine style. Cup sizes vary; the smallest is adequate for a single flavour.
What is the affogato at Vivoli?
The affogato is a cup of gelato (typically stracciatella, vanilla, hazelnut, or pistachio) with a shot of fresh espresso poured over it — one of the most popular items and a definitive Florentine cafe experience.
When is Vivoli closed?
Closed on Monday year-round, and also closed during most of August and January to early February. Hours Tuesday through Sunday are 9am to 1am. Phone: +39 055 292 334.