Rari

Brunch time with romantic view for this splendid little heaven above the river.
Of course it gives its best during warm seasons, outdoor seating is refreshing.
They have different services:
— the Saturday brunch is a buffet filled with delicious food, fresh vegetables and delightful desserts! (The time I went it seemed they dropped the salt in every dish, but taste was still good), juices, water, tea, coffee are included in the price of 20 €
— A la carte, which can be either during buffet or not, has different choices, very light and tasty. I once tried the salmon, OMG it was awesome
— Aperitivo time, appetizers and more with drink, and a view on the sunset caressing the Arno that’s just too beautiful
Also dj set is quite always getting you high with cheerful music and if you’re like you can also find place on the vintage leather armchairs!

When my kids asked to learn how to swim I got no doubt: the Rari Nantes swimming pool was the choice! Why? Because it a has a deep tradition in Florence and because Siamo Rari is one of the best places to get a drink when your kids swim…
This is perfect: while my two boys swim, me and my little daughter enjoy our time at the Siamo Rari bar… She get a glass of milk and I get a glass of prosecco.
Great for moms who want their kids grow strong ;)

I collaborated with Kristina from Unilocal to host an event here last week. I’d heard that the place was super hipster, and seen that the brunch was recently cited in a good magazine as the best brunch in Florence (but IMO, brunch that starts at 12:30pm is not a brunch, call me american!). The event, which consisted in guests performing ‘show and tell’ in english, was a lot of fun, with great turnout and interesting stories.
The location is certainly unusual and unique, there are not many terraces on the Arno like this, and even fewer have an adjacent swimming pool! (Used for sports team training, no, we could not jump in.) The place is unquestionably hipster and a little too bohemien — its collection of antique couches and random tables is a bit dirty and could use some touches to make it more welcoming.
The staff was disorganized, though they finally did come through with location, food and drink, which I thought was quite good for the price — the 10 euro buffet had a reasonable variety and some excellent fresh fruit — but if one wanted a second alcoholic drink, it got pricey. The waitress was unfriendly and I kept feeling bad asking her for «favours», although we had brought 50 people to the place on a weeknight.
I read that the pool and bar will be closed down in September along with other locations on the edge of the Arno due to water flow safety. It’s being contested and it’d be a shame to lose such a cool location, though new management would be a good thing!

I am so happy that I discovered this place recently. During the summer we are always looking for cool places to have a drink outside and this is a great one. I have been here for a party just a few months ago in their restaurant and when I came back the last time it was for apertivo with friends.
Don’t expect to eat very much at the aperitivo (people tend to swarm the table like flies) but the drinks are good and affordable which is rare when a ‘terrace’ is involved. At least in Florence! I highly recommend coming with friends to escape the center madness and also to see a beautiful glittering view of the arno river and city view. This place is a realy find!