Libreria Brac

Tucked away on a quiet side street just steps from the Arno River, Libreria Brac is the kind of place you could easily walk past without noticing. But step inside this unassuming doorway and you’ll discover Florence’s best-kept secret for plant-based dining—a charming hybrid of bookshop, café, and restaurant that feels worlds away from the tourist crush at Ponte Vecchio.

What sets Brac apart is their unwavering commitment to making vegetarian and vegan food that actually excites. The menu shifts with the seasons, but expect beautifully executed pastas, creative lasagna variations, and vibrant salads. Their house-made seitan is a revelation—boldly spiced with cumin, cloves, coriander, and kombu seaweed that delivers real depth of flavor. The potato-stuffed tortellini take a traditional Tuscan preparation and elevate it with fresh ginger, a punchy tomato sauce, arugula pesto, and a generous shower of herbs.

Beyond the food, the whole experience feels like a welcome escape. There’s excellent coffee for lingering over interesting books, a thoughtfully curated wine list, and a courtyard that transports you somewhere entirely unexpected. Whether you’re a dedicated herbivore or simply looking for a lighter meal between heavier Florentine indulgences, this is a spot that rewards the curious.

For a midday retreat from sightseeing or a relaxed meal with friends who appreciate creative, health-conscious cooking, Libreria Brac delivers on every level. It’s proof that Florence’s culinary scene extends far beyond bistecca and that sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you almost missed.