It seems to be final, Caffe Giacosa in Florence has gone. Giorgio Armani took over the space after Roberto Cavalli closed. The caffe became part of the Cavalli shop after the original one closed.
The Armani renovation took months. I was hoping that they would save some room and continue Giacosa. It has been my favourite place to go for coffee in Florence for 14 years quite apart from the fact that it has been a part of Florence for a couple of centuries.
The Armani shop is just a shop and I think it was a lovely opportunity lost.
I have been on the hunt for a new place to start my day in Florence and the obvious place to start was Caffe Gilli on the Via Roma corner of Piazza della Repubblica. It is the oldest cafe in Florence, opened in 1733.
The interior is elegant and full of delicious treats. If you stand at the counter your coffee and pastry will cost only around €2.50. The toilets are great too. (This is important, public toilets are few and far between in Florence)
I found another great spot on the other side of the Arno in Via della Sprone in the Santo Spirito area. Ditta Artigianale is just a few years old and a completely different style. They serve excellent coffee and snacks at good prices.
I still miss Giacosa, but I think I will get by.
What a shame Deb. It certainly will be sadly missed.
By: Wendy Bradford on November 20, 2018
at 9:31 pm
Nice to hear from you! Giacosa was always my first stop in Florence.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 20, 2018
at 10:36 pm
Always sad when places we love disappear….
By: Sue on November 20, 2018
at 9:34 pm
Yes, it is. I think Armani could have included the cafe. The shop is huge…and had no customers when I walked past.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 20, 2018
at 10:37 pm
Time will tell if they have been short sighted….
By: Sue on November 21, 2018
at 9:25 am
That’s really sad Debra….looks a delightful piece of Florence history gone…
By: Lyn Weston on November 20, 2018
at 9:39 pm
It is sad. It was an important piece of Florence.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 20, 2018
at 10:37 pm
Oh No – what a shame , and yes you will get by, but it was such a lovely thing to do early in the day especially before heading off shopping – and those very beautiful Italians having coffee at Giacosa, were lovely to be amongst.
By: Dianne Cant on November 20, 2018
at 10:05 pm
It was fun. Gilli will gave to do.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 20, 2018
at 10:38 pm
For a moment i had the same feeling that i had when i heard that Luciano Pavarotti was dead – i would never have the chance to experience his voice in real life. But, i am relieved that in Florence a very nice substitute is waiting for me still! For coffee, that is:)
By: Jan on November 20, 2018
at 11:13 pm
My 2 new destinations are great.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 21, 2018
at 4:01 am
It is always disappointing when your favourite place/thing is no longer available…but usually a good substitute is found after some exploring!
By: Kerry & Jim on November 20, 2018
at 11:22 pm
I miss the lovely ladies I used to see in Giacosa each time I went.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 21, 2018
at 4:02 am
We also loved to stop at Giacosa, especially afternoon cafe and treat. Such a special place and we will miss it too!
By: Sue & Mark on November 20, 2018
at 11:42 pm
Gilli is a fine substitute.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 21, 2018
at 4:02 am
It is always regrettable when these traditional places disappear. They are part of an era which is fading away….
By: Mulino Dominillo on November 21, 2018
at 5:44 am
It is a real pity. Armani had a shop further down the street. I don’t see the point of their move.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 21, 2018
at 9:26 am
What a shame. I remember when Armani had a cafe here in Sydney. I did go there once and it was quite nice although I don’t know how long it lasted. As you say, a lost opportunity.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on November 22, 2018
at 10:25 pm
Sad to hear when a historic business like that closes. I’m glad you have found a new place that is good.
By: Karen on December 5, 2018
at 8:39 pm