Florence may be the cradle of the Renaissance—home to Michelangelo's David, the soaring Duomo, and the glittering treasures of the Uffizi Gallery.
However, once you've finished exploring the top cultural sights, it's time to embark on your culinary adventure. Florence's local delicacies, such as bistecca alla Fiorentina, ribollita, peposo, and lampredotto are not just food; they're an experience that deserves a spot on your holiday bucket list. And what better way to wash them down than with a glass of the best Chianti?
The historic center of Florence is small, and its 300,000 inhabitants are joined annually by 11 million visitors - so it's worth planning ahead. You'll want to avoid standing in line with a grumbling stomach only to fall into a tourist trap offering sad microwaved lasagne and soggy pizza.
Where to Eat in Florence
Alla Vecchia Bettola (Oltrano)
This is a true neighborhood trattoria situated across the Arno in the charming Oltarano neighborhood. The tables are communal, so you will find yourself dining cheek-by-jowl with local Florentines and a few savvy tourists in the know. The menu changes daily and boasts all the Tuscan classics - except dishes like bistecca Fiorentina, chicken liver crostini, pappa al pomodoro, marinated mushrooms, and artichokes.
- Address: Viale Vasco Pratolini, 3/5/7, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
- Tuesday-Saturday: 12:30-2:30 pm & 7:30-10:30 pm
- Closed: Sunday, Monday
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi (San Lorenzo)
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Hidden behind the stalls in the leather market of Piazza San Lorenzo, this local institution has been feeding hungry Florentines since 1915. 'Da Sergio' is a no-frills family affair run by the fourth generation of the Gozzi family. A member of the Italian 'Slow Food' movement, they source all their ingredients daily from the local market and cook up Florentine classics such as Peposa, Ribollita, and hand-rolled pici pasta. They are only open for lunch and don't take reservations, so you should arrive early or be prepared to get in line with other tourists and locals. The wait is worth it for a hearty Tuscan meal that is very friendly on the wallet.
- Address: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 8R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- Monday - Saturday 12 - 3 pm Only
- Closed: Sunday
Vini e Vecchi Sapori
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Eating near Florence's major must-see sights is notoriously difficult - the streets around the Duomo and the Uffizi are brimming with tourist traps serving up mediocre and seriously overpriced food. Vini e Vecchi Sapori is one of the few spots near Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi where you can eat proper homemade Tuscan food. The handwritten menu tells you all you need to know - "no pizza, no cappuccinos, no ice, no spritz". Menu classics include ribollita, a divine pappardelle with duck ragu, and chicken with fried artichoke. This is a small family-run trattoria with just a few tables and is well known, so booking your table well in advance is advisable.
- Address: Via dei Magazzini, 3/r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Monday - Saturday: 12-2:30 pm & 7-10:30 pm
- Closed: Sunday
Buca dell'Orafo
Blink, and you'll miss it - buca means hole, and Buca dell'Orafo is a literal hole in the wall. This intimate restaurant is nestled into a former wine cellar tucked away in an alley just steps from the famous Ponte Vecchio. Established in 1945, this is a more refined trattoria, ideal for a romantic evening. Tuscan classics reign supreme on their menu. Indulge in ribollita, elegant pasta, quality bistecca, and sautéed porcini mushrooms in season. Also, try their excellent 'tortino al carciofi', a delicate artichoke omelette. In addition, a stellar wine list backs up all this Tuscan fare. Overlook the occasionally spotty service, and you'll be rewarded with a thoroughly authentic Florentine meal. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
- Address: Via dei Girolami, 28/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Tuesday - Saturday 12:30-2 pm & 7:30-10 pm
- Monday 7:30 -10 pm Only
- Closed: Sunday
Osteria Cinghiale Bianco
Osteria Cinghiale Bianco is hardly a hidden gem after Stanley Tucci dined here during his 'Searching for Italy' series. However, given its relatively central location, this is a solid spot for a good Florentine meal. The menu and space is extensive, so it's ideal for families and groups. The food is traditionally Florentine, so expect hearty meat stews, beans, bistecca, and, of course, cinghiale, boar, a highlight of Tuscan cuisine. The crowd is international, but all worshipping at the altar of Italian food.
- Address: Borgo S. Jacopo, 43, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
- Saturday- Sunday 12-2:30 pm
- Monday- Friday 6-10:30 pm
Trattoria Sostanza
A charming traditional setting, an open kitchen, and a short but traditional menu. Sostanza is a perfect Italian trattoria. People know this, so if you want to eat here, plan ahead and book in advance. The handwritten menu includes just a half dozen pastas and secondi. Absolutely unmissable are the tortina di carciofi (a feather-light artichoke omelette cum frittata) and the iconic petti di pollo al burro. This latter dish is unusual for Italy - two chicken breasts, grilled and then bathed, no, drowned in more butter than you will ever eat in Italy. It's decadent, Baroque even, and one portion is certainly enough for two.
- Address: Via del Porcellana, 25/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- Monday - Friday 12:30-2 pm & 7:30-9:45 pm
- Closed: Saturday& Sunday
Osteria Santo Spirito
Is this the absolute best place to eat in Florence? Probably not. However, if you want to eat good food on an impossibly beautiful Italian piazza without breaking the bank, then Osteria Santo Spirito is perfect. Piazza Santo Spirito encapsulates a perfect Florentine neighbourhood piazza, far removed from the more touristy squares near the Duomo. This osteria offers typical Tuscan fare at fair prices. Personally, I'd skip the grilled meats in favor of the pasta and antipasti. However, the highlights include a gnocchi gratin with cheese and truffle oil, which is a guilty pleasure. A great casual spot in an idyllic spot. Well worth a visit.
- Address: Piazza Santo Spirito, 16/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
- Thursday - Monday 12:30-2:15 pm & 7:30-10 pm
- Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
Trattoria Due G
This wonderful suggestion came via two guides and the fabulous Elizabeth Minchilli. Eating well near a train station can be challenging, but those in the know will always know a place. Due G is just such a spot. The atmosphere is that of a traditional Tuscan osteria - wood panels and checkered tablecloths. It's an unassuming place, mainly frequented by business people -definitely not a highlight on the tourist trail, which is exactly why you should visit. The local businessmen favor bistecca al Fiorentina, which is excellent. However, also check out the ribollibata in the winter and the penne alla carrettiere - a pasta with a tomato sauce that packs a spicy kick.
- Address: Via Bernardo Cennini, 6/red, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- Monday-Saturday 12- 2:30 pm & 7:30-10 pm
- Closed: Sunday
MORE GREAT CONTENT FROM THE BLOG:
- Everything You Need to Know to Visit Florence in 2024
- The Best Things to Do in Florence in 2024
- Where to Stay in Florence
- The Best Tours of Florence
- The Best Museums in Florence
- What to See in the Uffizi Gallery
- The Best Street Food in Florence
- Where to See Michelangelo in Florence
We hope we’ve whetted your appetite for a foodie visit to Florence! Through Eternity Tours offer a range of insider itineraries in the City of the Medici, so if you’re taking a trip to Florence this year check out our website or get in touch with our expert travel planners today!
