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!).
What you’ll find inside:
* 25+ page comprehensive travel guide
* 2 full day itinerary (and a 3rd alternative day) with only the BEST places to stay, things to do, sights to see, and restaurants to try
* Over 30 hotel recommendations for every budget
* Recommendations for the perfect day trips from Florence
* Useful Italian phrases and tips for riding trains in Italy
* Stylish, full-color photos and an easy-to-read layout that you can access on your phone or print-out and bring with you
* Helpful details about the city, cultural insights, and other tidbits to maximize your experience and minimize your stress!
Sample Itinerary Pages:
Buy the Florence Perfect Itinerary and Travel Guide for First-Timer’s Here:
Buon Viaggio!
