Go Somewhere: The Place To Bookmark For Your Trip To This Italian City

Cannot believe I let 2016 run out without devoting an entire post to this place! We literally stumbled across it by accident while wandering the streets of the San Lorenzo neighborhood in Florence this past Fall. La Menagere, named for the oldest homewares store* in the city that had occupied the same space up until about ten years ago, is the most stunning concept restaurant and bar I've ever seen. Mostly because it's so much more than your standard side street bistro or cafe. It's actually millennial Martha Stewart (aka Blake Lively, GP, and any number of maker/food bloggers) meets high industrial interior styling (modern 'unfinished') meets Italian hospitality. So, you've heard of the restaurant/bar collab or the classic bookstore/coffee bar combo, but ever hear of a destination that combines cocktails, food, flowers, java, kitchenware, and all sorts of live music? Me. Neither. That being said, here's a look at the best of what LM has to offer whether you're planning your first or fifth trip to Firenze:

1. Fresh Flowers 

Yup, it's a florist! You're greeted with gorgeous displays before you even walk thru the front door in fact. (And have no fear because there are more situated toward the back of this airy, shabby chic space.)

2. Coffee Bar

Next, grab a coffee (True story: Across the board, the coffee in Italy was so strong that I found myself ordering a pot of hot water on the side, to dilute and take the edge off. Consider yourself warned...All the more reason to drink more wine!) and a pastry, which happens to be the standard in Italian breakfast fare btw. 

3. Restaurant, Bar & Live Music Venue

At night, it turns into a bar and restaurant, buzzing with small groups and couples and a regular schedule of live music from a handful of different genres. Uhhh, wow!!!

4. Housewares Store

And right when we thought it didn't have anything else to offer, we realized they also sell dishes, glasses, furniture, and the like. Now, I don't care if you're a tried and true Home Goods devotee when you're at home in the States, this is the place to stalk for souvenirs for yourself or your besties.

*Once you know this factoid, the napkins that read 'Firenze 1896' make total sense, especially because the updated and expanded version of La Menagere has only been open since 2015.

Ciao for Now,

Patty J

Photo Credits: Additional photos courtesy of the La Menagere Insta.