Florence, the capital of Tuscany and epicenter of the Italian Renaissance, boasts many excellent bars. Locale Firenze (translated into English as "Local Florence") is one such cocktail bar, pairing modern mixology with centuries-old surroundings.
Housed in the historic Concini Palace, which dates back to the 1500s, the building's foundation is thought to date even further back to ancient Roman times.
It was once the home of Bartolomeo Concini, an influential diplomat whose family married into the all-powerful Medici family.
Opened in 2015 by a young Italian chef, Locale Firenze features a gorgeous atrium bar in the former palace courtyard where carriages would pick up and drop off visitors.
A green wall of plants helps evoke the feeling of being in a garden. The restaurant serves modern cuisine in several beautiful dining rooms. In 2021, Local Firenze ranked #51 on The World's 50 Best Bars list.
My Experience
I arrived at about 8:40 p.m. after eating dinner at another bar during aperitivo time. I grabbed a red-upholstered seat under the bar's dim lights and glass roof just as a party of two left.
Once they cleared their empty glasses, I was given a glass of water, snacks, and a distinctive yellow cocktail menu.
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After perusing Locale Firenze's drink menu and talking with the English-speaking bartender about my preferences, I splurged on the Sorbetto di Ruggero, a gin cocktail with Violetta, pink grapefruit, kumquat, tonic, and lime.
A green leaf garnished it, and they used a spoon to serve little egg-like balls. It was a light, refreshing, and playful citrus cocktail.
When I asked for the check, they brought additional snacks and a complimentary Cosmopolitan shooter. My drink cost $22 (€20).
Speaking of the check, I couldn't help but notice the cocktail was named "Cock Ruggero," which led to a quick Google search and the discovery that it's the name of an Italian man who starred in adult films.
I wondered if all the cocktails had alternative names on the check. Or did I get lucky?
Locale Firenze is pricey, but I'd happily return for more, given the ambiance and fantastic cocktails at one of Florence's best bars.
Visit Locale Firenze
- Address: Via Delle Seggiole, 12/red, 50122 Florence, Italy
- Dress Code: Nothing specific.
- Reservations: Recommended for the restaurant; make them via the website.
Read an interview with Matteo Di Ienno, Local Florence's Bar Manager.
