Food & Sweet Treats for a Florence Valentine’s 2021

Vanilla Cake macarons

SWEETS FOR YOUR SWEETIE

Vanilla Cake
Piazza Niccolò Acciaiuoli, 7r

The Vanilla Cake bakery creates the cutest pastries and delicious treats that are always on theme with holidays. With heart shaped cakes and cookies, macarons, and cupcakes, the love will be felt all around. For a rich and delectable dessert, relish in their cream tart hearts with layers of red velvet or chocolate cake and whipped cream, topped with raspberries, pieces of candy bars, or sprinkles.

Call +39 0550462755 or order online for pick-up or delivery.

Vestri
Borgo degli Albizi, 11r

Shower your loved one in chocolate. Vestri, operating since the 1960s, has an extensive history in genuine Italian chocolate making and only invests in the highest quality of raw materials to make their products. If you really want to spoil your partner, give them something from the new “Lovebites” line. Try their dark, milk, or white chocolate hearts filled with pistachio or dark chocolate cream. Coming in various sizes, they also come coated in hazelnuts or pistachios. Some even have a bonus gift inside (it’s a secret!) to make a really special treat for the one you love. Or, if you know you’ll both be fighting for the last bite, they also offer gift sets like Antica Gianduia Fiorentina for two— a sweet chocolate spread mixed with hazelnut, or Soft Sensations— a 16-piece assortment of soft Vestri pralines.

Call +39 055 2340374 or shop in-store.

LUNCH AND BRUNCH

Melaleuca
Lungarno delle Grazie, 18

A favorite go-to spot amongst locals and foreigners alike, you can never go wrong with a bite from Melaleuca. For this Valentine’s weekend, try their chocolatey Guinness cake with cream cheese frosting (with the option of having your lover’s name written on top), gluten-free red velvet cupcakes in gift wrapping, or their giant frosted cinnamon rolls.  Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, another option is to have a leisurely brunch at Melaleuca and order such specialities as Eggs Benedict, avocado toast, pancakes (pictured), bacon, sausage, bagels, even the French pastry pain au chocolat and more.  Reservations are essential: 055 614 6894.

For a cozy morning at home, order their DIY Breakfast-in-Bed Kit: freshly ground D612 coffee – a Florentine specialty roast by Lucian Trapaneszani and prepared for a Moka pot, aeropress, French press, or V60; selection of hand-rolled croissants; bagels or sourdough English muffins; probiotic cream cheese, harissa, and pumpkin seed pesto; either dill house cured salmon or smoked bacon; and a decadent dessert.

Pre-order for delivery by February 13.

Call +39 055 614 6894 to reserve dine-in.

Pino’s Sandwiches
Via Giuseppe Verdi, 36r

For laid-back fare, stop by Pino’s for their signature Valentine’s sandwich, the Cupino: choice of schiacciata or focaccia bread and truffle or hot sauce, with finocchiona, brie cheese, sweet bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. Available from February 12 – 15, closed Sunday.

Call +39 055 244517 to order for pick-up or delivery.  With delivery comes a free soft drink or a bottle of water.

Hard Rock Cafe
Via dei Brunelleschi, 1

Introducing “Flavors of Love,” the Hard Rock Cafe’s special menu will be available from February 13 – 16. It features a limited-time Sweetheart Shake for Two composed of Absolut Vanilla vodka, vanilla ice cream, strawberry and lemon flavors, and topped with strawberry-infused whipped cream. Lovers can share the shake with a custom sweetheart straw. For the main course, choose between Strip Steak Scampi, Deluxe Steak with Mushrooms, or a California Cobb Salad. Finish off the meal with an espresso martini or chocolate fudge cake.

More information on their website.

Order delivery here.

Twist Bistrot
Via Cavour, 52r

Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. Retro cafe Twist Bistrot invites lovers to spend brunch with drag performer, Miss Flo. From 12:30 – 3:30 pm, the entertaining meal fares for  €15, excluding drinks.

Check out the event here.

Call +39 055 2694313 to reserve.

Rooster Cafe
Via Porta Rossa, 63r (10 am – 6 pm) or Via Sant’Egidio, 37r (10 am – 4 pm)

For a cozy but lively atmosphere and a filling morning, take your sweetie to Rooster Cafe. There’s nothing better than bonding over good food and generous portions! Couples who visit the Cafe on Valentine’s Day can enjoy one of their specialty cocktails as a welcome treat and heart-shaped pancakes. Both locations are open and will be serving brunch all day until supplies last.

Call +39 055 2645006 (Via Porta Rossa location) or +39 055240208 (Via Sant’Egidio location).

Order delivery here.

Ristorante Logo
Via Romana 80r

Edgy and passionate, head chef David Nigi of Ristorante Logo has whipped up a five-course Valentine’s Tasting Menu to tantalize your taste buds. Using Tuscan cuisine as a foundation, his style is refined and modern, making for a meal unlike any other.

Check them out on Facebook.

Call +39 055 7093901 to reserve. (cathy doherty)