July 26, 2018

Where to Eat in Florence, Italy – The Ultimate Restaurant Guide

While living abroad in Italy I was fortunate to visit Florence quite a few times and try some of their amazing restaurants. Although there is no shortage of wonderful restaurants, there is an equal amount of tourist-traps to try to avoid.

I like to have an idea ahead of time about where I’m going to eat when traveling in Italy because I get overwhelmed when restaurants try to hustle me to come into their restaurant. In general, I’ve found that the best restaurants aren’t trying to hustle you in as the restaurant speaks for itself.

I also want to mention that it’s usually best to be cautious of restaurants that have a picture menu. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to have bad food, but this can be an indicator of a low quality, overpriced, horrible service type of restaurant. In addition, since this is a heavily visited city, it’s also best to make reservations whenever possible!

A few of my favorite things to try when visiting Florence include:

Florentine steak
Coccoli (fried dough ball with cheese and prosciutto – YUM!)
Wild Boar Ragu
Truffle pasta (mushrooms are local)
Tuscan wine (Brunello and Vin Santo (a dessert wine) are two favorites!).

Here’s a comprehensive list of wonderful places to try in Florence.

Breakfast

Lunch

Un Caffe – quick paninis
Ino
Da Nerbone – always the longest line in the Mercado Central
Snack Bar Anna – Bagel sandwiches italian style
Fattoria Rossi Firenze
Semel – Small Panini shop near the School of Leather
Sandwichic – No English menu (which is a great sign!)
Fratellini
All’ Antico Vinaio – Try the Inferno panini if you like things spicy!
Antico Noe

Pizza

Simbiosi Organic Pizza
L’Pizzacchiere
Gustarium
Gustapizza
Pizzeria I Camaldoli – Gluten free pizza
Bottega Conviviale

Aperitivo Hour

The Aperitivo hour is the best hour in Italy if you asked me! Go to a new spot each night (preferably on a rooftop) and order yourself an Aperol Spritz or glass of wine! Usually you will receive complimentary snacks.

La Terrazza Rooftop – Continentale hotel – Perfect of Sunset drinks
Sesto of the Excelsior hotel
Le Volpi e L’Uva
Rivalta Cafe
Le Volpi e l’Uva
Grand Hotel Minerva
Caffe’ La Terrazza
JJ’s Cathedral Irish pub – If you’re husband is in need of a beer, there is a small balcony that overlooks the entire piazza and Duomo in this tiny pub.
Savoy Hotel (Irene)

Dinner

La Giostra – Try the pear ravioli!
La Menagere
Osteria Santo Spirito – You can’t go wrong with the truffle gnocchi!
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
Del Fagioli
Trattoria Mario – excellent Florentine Steak and family owned
Trattoria ZaZa
Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Il Latini
Acqu Al 2 – They have Blueberry steak (Fileno Al Mirtilio)!
Pensavo Peggio
Cacio Vino Trallallà
Accaddmia Ristorante

Gelato

Buon Appetito!

Planning a trip to Florence, Italy?

If you’re traveling to Florence, I’ve created the perfect itinerary for first-time visitors that includes a wonderful mix of tourist sights and local favorites. This itinerary makes sure you aren’t spending wasted hours going back and forth across the city and allows you to maximize your limited time. If you’re a first-timer to Florence, this guide will help you check off the boxes for all of your must-see activities. If this is your second or even 25th visit, you’ll find great recommendations for restaurants, activities, and local favorites that will help you to pretend you’re an Italian (even if for just a little while!).