If you are anywhere near the Ponto Vecchio before dinner and are feeling a bit famished head just west of the bridge along the Arno to the Lungarno Hotel. A four star hotel that holds the Fusion Bar. Whether you are inside in the winter or outdoors on one of the few quiet patios in Florence, this is the best bar for people watching and aperitivo.

The dress here is a little more formal than most places for aperitivo, call it business casual. The drinks are top-notch with fabulous flavor combinations and the ambience is both elegant and relaxed. The servers bring small plates of artfully arranged and extremely well-made appetizers while you sip on your perfect cocktail and gaze at the beautiful people of Florence.

The prices here are a bit higher than most bars for apperitivo, 12-14€ on average, but this is definitely one of those “you get what you pay for” situations.  Incredibly comfortable seating, service that is attentive and not intrusive, an environment and decor that are made for a zen like experience and of course delicious appetizers, which the server kept bringing until I was ready to burst.  I had to skip a first course at dinner after all the little delicacies but will go again in a heartbeat. One of my Top 3 in Florence for aperitivo and hands down the most elegant and relaxing.

Vicolo dell’Oro, 5, Florence (FI)

So, it was a Monday night and there was an overwhelming craving for thin, crispy wood-fired pizza. Being that it was a bit chilly we did not want to stray to far and so walked to Via Vai (Via Pisana 33r).

When we arrived there was no one at the front except another customer, either at the bar or at the hostess stand. Within a couple minutes both a waitress and manager (owner perhaps?) had approached and we were lead upstairs.

The interior of the restaurant was open, spacious and had a simple but stylish decor. If you are a “people watcher” the second floor with the open design is very entertaining.  The specials for the day were written on two large chalkboards and seemed to broaden the scope of the menu nicely, but we were in a pizza mood. So we ordered and watched everyone else for a while and the pizzas coming out and being served.  I was absolutely DYING with the aroma of fresh cooked pizza wafting up to the second floor. Our pizzas arrived, very quickly, I might add considering how busy the restautant seemed for a Monday and we were extremely happy with them, both the DOC and one of the specials of the day.

Cold weather always makes me want dessert and so I indulged in cheesecake, which although not up to the same standard as the fabulous pizza was quite good, as was the coffee.

I think the restaurant may have been a little busier than normal for a monday and that was why there was no one at the front when we came in. Also, when I ordered a second glass of wine, I received a different, and unfortunately lighter wine without being told about the change. But overall, a very good experience, great pizza, great ambiance, friendly service and I will most definitely be happily returning. If you are a “people watcher” the second floor with the open design is very entertaining.