As an American studying abroad in Florence, I quickly noticed that coffee culture is quite different, and iced lattes are definitely not a staple here. Coffee culture in Italy is centered around quick shots of espresso at the bar or cappuccinos, not oversized drinks to go. Still, getting an iced latte on my way to class became a small way for me to feel connected to home and keep a sense of routine, which made it feel even more important to find a good one. What started as a simple habit quickly turned into a bit of a personal mission to find the best iced latte in Florence.
Wild Buns Café
My search started at Wild Buns Café, which felt the most similar to what I’m used to at home. I ordered an iced vanilla latte with oat milk, and while it was definitely good, it leaned on the sweeter side and was a little smaller than I expected for the price. It was also one of the longer waits, usually around 10 to 15 minutes, which made it less ideal when I was trying to grab something quickly before class. That being said, the overall vibe was very aesthetic and familiar, making it a comfortable starting point in my search.
La Milkeria
Next, I tried La Milkeria, which had a much more specialty, almost curated feel to it. I ordered the same iced vanilla latte with oat milk, and while it was still good, it felt more focused on the quality and uniqueness of the ingredients rather than just a classic latte. The space itself is pretty small, so it is almost always busy and hard to find a table, and the wait was usually around 10 minutes or more. It felt more like a destination café than a quick stop, and while I appreciated the elevated approach, it was not necessarily my favorite for an everyday iced latte.
Starbucks
Of course, I had to try Starbucks, which was probably the most predictable stop on my list. I ordered a grande iced vanilla latte with oat milk, and it tasted exactly like it does at home, consistent, a little sweeter, and very familiar. It was also one of the quicker options, usually taking around 5 to 10 minutes, which made it convenient when I was in a rush. However, it ended up being one of the more expensive options for the size, which made it feel less worth it compared to other places. While it was nice to have something familiar, it felt the least connected to the Italian coffee experience and more like a fallback than a place I would go out of my way for.
Caffè Mario
My favorite by far was Caffè Mario, which felt the most authentic and effortlessly local out of all the places I tried. I ordered an iced latte with lactose free milk and vanilla, and it was easily the best balance of flavor, not too sweet, not too strong, just really well done. It was also the quickest option, usually ready in under five minutes, which made it perfect for grabbing on the way to class. What really stood out was the atmosphere and the staff, who were always friendly and accommodating, making it feel like a place you actually want to come back to. It ended up being the best combination of quality, price, and overall experience.
When comparing each place, I found myself paying attention not just to taste, but also to price, wait time, and how easy it was to fit into my daily routine, especially on busy mornings before class.
Since then, Caffè Mario has become part of my everyday routine. I stop there on my way to class almost every morning, and it has turned into the perfect little pick-me-up to start the day. It is quick, reliable, and feels like my own small routine in a city that is still new to me. Even though iced lattes are not traditionally Italian, this experience made me appreciate how coffee here is less about the drink itself and more about the moment it creates.
A Night Cooking at Home in Florence
Written by: Katelyn Passino, Lily Paine, Elly Luckman, & Bella Farron