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Liam Hetherington
Liam Hetherington
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5 out of 5
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A Treat for Chocolate Lovers

  • November 20, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by airynfaerie from St. Augustine, Florida
A Treat for Chocolate Lovers

There is one place that comes to mind in Florence when thinking about cacao. Close to every chocolate-love in the city, Vestri, is such a stop that can satisfy any sweet-tooth. Founded in Arezzo in 1966, this chocolate shop has been making handmade, quality chocolates for Italians and visitors alike for years!

Located just a few blocks north of Santa Croce, and very much in the city center, this small family-owned shop is a great place to stop in and grab a treat. One of my favorite things to get here is the "cioccolato freddo" (cold chocolate) drink which they offer in the warmer months. When the winter hits, they switch it up for the traditional hot chocolate. You can add several flavors to it if you want as well, like cinnamon, nut, bitter orange, or pepperoncino. What's even better about their drinks, is that there are 3 sizes, and the smallest is only 1 euro...plus it's just enough to satisfy a craving without breaking your diet. I would just grab this on the walk to the market each week.

There is also a display case of gelato flavors as well (all based on varieties of chocolate) with a mix of flavors like mint, wild strawberries and more. Then don't forget to look around at all the handmade chocolates: truffles, bars, covered fruits and nuts, wafers and molds. All of the items can be wonderfully gift-wrapped as well, and I liked giving (and receiving) treats from here.

The prices are a bit high, but being the quality of chocolate, it's worth a little splurge. There are now 3 locations, the original Vestri in Arezzo, this one in Florence, and a recent addition all the way in Miami, Florida. The space in the Florence shop is very limited, and usually packed with just a few people inside looking around or standing in line. There are two small benches in the entryway, but most of the time I'd just get my chocolate to-go and enjoy it as I walked around the city.

• Borgo degli Albizi, 11
• +39 055 234 0374
• http://www.vestri.it/

From journal Sweet Treats in Florence

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