Best Bars & Cafés in Cortona — Where to Drink in Tuscany
Cortona’s bar and café culture is one of the town’s great pleasures — and one of its best-kept secrets. The best bars in Cortona go beyond the obvious spots near the main Piazza, the town has a handful of places that reward those who know where to look. Here’s our guide to the best bars and cafés in Cortona.
Caffè Vittoria — The Classic Cortona Bar
If there is one bar that defines Cortona, it is Caffè Vittoria. Sitting on the corner between Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Signorelli, right in the heart of the historic centre, Caffè Vittoria is where Cortona begins and ends its day.
In the morning, it’s cappuccino and cornetto — served quickly, perfectly, at the bar, the Italian way. In the afternoon, a glass of wine or a Campari, watching the world go by from the outdoor terrace. In the evening, an aperitivo with local specialities and the unhurried rhythm of a town that has been doing this for centuries.
Caffè Vittoria has been mentioned in Frances Mayes’ books about Cortona — and not without reason. It’s the kind of place that makes you understand why people come to Tuscany and never leave.
Best for: Morning coffee, aperitivo, people-watching
Where: Corner of Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Signorelli
Hours: Early morning to late evening
Insider tip: Sit outside on the terrace and order nothing more complicated than a cappuccino and a fresh pastry. Watch Cortona wake up. This is what you came for.
Il Solco — Cortona’s Most Unexpected Bar
Walk a little further into the historic centre, and you’ll find something completely different: Il Solco, a cocktail bar, record shop and urban art space that feels like it was beamed in from Florence — and that’s exactly where its owners came from.
Founded by former DJs from Florence, Il Solco is Cortona’s alternative bar — house and hip-hop music, graffiti and street art on the walls, craft cocktails made with Tuscan spirits, homemade wine, and fabulous gyoza from the kitchen. Open from 8am to 2am, it serves coffee in the morning and turns into a proper bar as the evening progresses.
If you’ve spent a few days absorbing medieval Tuscany and need a change of pace — or if you simply want a great cocktail in an interesting space — Il Solco is the answer. It’s also, quietly, one of Cortona’s most welcoming spots: the owners are genuinely friendly, the music is always good, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay.
Best for: Cocktails, evening drinks, music lovers, alternative atmosphere
Where: Via Guelfa, 2
Hours: 8am – 2am (closed Wednesdays)
Instagram: @ilsolco_cortona
Insider tip: Look out for Amaro Cortona on the shelf — a local bitter liqueur made in Cortona, and one of the bar’s signature serves. Also try the gyoza — they’re made fresh and are genuinely excellent. Come on a Friday or Saturday evening for the best atmosphere.
Quick Guide
| Place | Best for | Vibe |
| Caffè Vittoria | Morning coffee, aperitivo | Classic Italian bar |
| Il Solco | Cocktails, evening drinks | Urban, alternative, music |
Insider Tip
The best bar experience in Cortona is not about finding the perfect cocktail — it’s about finding the right moment. A coffee at Caffè Vittoria at 8am when the town is quiet. An aperitivo at Il Solco as the sun goes down over Piazza della Repubblica. Each one is Cortona at its best.
