Florence, Italy: The Aperitivo with the BEST View in the City- Golden View Open Bar

Golden View Open Bar is one of the best places in the city to enjoy an upscale cocktail (top shelf) and an amazing view.

Sometimes, my husband and I are not in the mood for dinner, so we do the Italian Aperitivo, which is usually livelier. If we've had a very heavy or late lunch, then a nice cocktail with some tasty munchies are in order, and that is exactly what you will find at Golden View Open Bar.

The crowd tends to be a bit more sophisticated than some of the other bars in town that cater to rowdy students. So, if you are in the mood to dress up a bit and hang out with grown-ups, this is definitely the place. It's also perfect for a romantic date night with your significant other.

The soft lighting, mellow music and scenic view set the mood for intimate conversation and a good time. The bar is attached to a wonderful restaurant that offers a full menu of Tuscan favorites (even pizza) and a good wine list, so if you want to stay for dinner it's only a few steps away (in high season it's best to reserve a table beforehand).

Since the aperitivo buffet is prepared in the same kitchen and by the same cooks as the restaurant, the food tends to be high-quality. On the night we went, there was an array of sample dishes containing pureed chickpea, butternut squash and tender pork, herb-breaded chicken, baby mozzarella with cherry tomatoes and olives and artichoke popovers. Is your mouth watering yet?

Drinks at the bar cost 10,00 euro and 12,00 euro if you decide to sit at one of the tables (totally worth the extra 2,00 euro, trust me). The buffet is free with purchase of a drink.

Both the bar and the restaurant are busy at night, especially since they offer live jazz. For more information, visit their website: http://www.goldenviewopenbar.com/ Thank you for reading!

C. De Melo
Author & Artist
www.cdemelo.com