Updated Fall of 2026 for 2026–2027 travel
Just thinking about eating the Tuscan food found in Florence, Italy gets my mouth watering. Florence is—without a doubt—my favorite food city in the world!
Although quite regional, good Italian dishes are generally comprised of only a few exquisite ingredients, pasta and meat are served as separate courses, and balance is the name of the game—pizzas aren’t dripping with cheese, pasta is not drenched in sauce, and dishes capitalize on fresh, seasonal ingredients. There are many wonderful restaurants in Florence that practice that food ethic. I’ll provide some of my favorites, but I’ll also give some tips so you can uncover your own (and hopefully share them with me!).
If you only have one day in Florence, don’t worry—you can still eat extremely well. In this guide I’ll show you where I actually eat, which traditional Tuscan dishes are worth ordering, and which restaurants I return to on nearly every visit. This Florence restaurant guide covers the best traditional Tuscan restaurants, pizza, pasta, panini, gelato, cafés, and food tours, based on my own experiences eating in Florence.
Who is this Guide For?
This guide is perfect for: first-time visitors, food lovers, families, budget travelers, couples, solo travelers, cruise passengers, travelers looking for authentic Tuscan food. Basically…anyone who enjoys great food.
Why Trust My Florence Restaurant Recommendations?
I’ve been returning to Florence for over a decade and often stay for at least a month at a time. When I’m there, I regularly eat my way through the city. The restaurants in this guide aren’t simply places I’ve found through online reviews—they’re places I’ve personally eaten at and would recommend to my own friends and family.
Best Restaurants in Florence (Quick Answer)
If you’re wondering where to eat in Florence, here are my top recommendations:
Best traditional Tuscan restaurant: Trattoria Sergio Gozzi
Best fresh pasta: L’Arte di Dori
Best pizza: Livio
Best sandwich: Red panino stand outside Mercato Centrale (Lupen e Margo)
Best gelato: Gelateria dei Neri
Best food tour: LivTours Semi-Private Florence Food Tour
Best Florence Restaurants at a Glance
| Restaurant | Best For | Neighborhood | Price |
| Trattoria Sergio Gozzi | Traditional Tuscan food | San Lorenzo | €€ |
| L’Arte di Dori | Fresh pasta | Oltrarno | €€ |
| Livio | Pizza | San Lorenzo | € |
| Osteria Buongustai | Tuscan classics | Duomo | € |
| La Fiaschetteria | Pizza and pasta | Santa Croce | € |
What Food Is Florence Famous For?
Florence is famous for hearty Tuscan food that makes the most of simple, high-quality ingredients. Florence has also taken steps to protect its local food heritage. In 2016, the city introduced rules requiring new restaurants and food shops in the historic center to source 70% of their products from Tuscany.Some of the foods you should look for when visiting Florence include bistecca alla Fiorentina, ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, cinghiale, peposo, lampredotto, schiacciata, and artisan gelato.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Bistecca alla Fiorentina is Florence’s famous thick-cut steak, traditionally made from Chianina beef raised in Tuscany. It is generally grilled over a hot fire and served rare or medium-rare with little more than salt and olive oil. The simplicity is the point—you want to taste the quality of the beef.
Ribollita
Ribollita is a hearty Tuscan soup made with vegetables, beans, and bread. Its name means “reboiled,” reflecting its origins as a practical peasant dish that could be reheated and enjoyed over several days.
Pappa al Pomodoro
Pappa al pomodoro is a rustic Florentine dish made with tomatoes, Tuscan bread, olive oil, garlic, and basil. It is simple, filling, and one of my favorite things to order in Florence. Trattoria Sergio Gozzi makes an especially good version.
Cinghiale
Cinghiale, or wild boar, is another Tuscan specialty you’ll frequently encounter in Florence. It is often served as a hearty ragù with pasta or prepared as a stew. If you enjoy game meat, this is one of the dishes I recommend trying.
And don’t forget to fare la scarpetta—use a piece of Tuscan bread to scoop up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Tuscan bread is traditionally made without salt, which makes it an especially good vehicle for flavorful sauces.
Peposo
Peposo is a slow-cooked beef dish seasoned generously with black pepper. Its origins are traditionally connected with the workers who helped build Brunelleschi’s dome at Florence’s Duomo. The pepper gives the dish a wonderful kick, and you’ll find it on the menus of many traditional Florentine restaurants.
Lampredotto
Lampredotto is Florence’s famous street-food sandwich, made from slow-cooked beef stomach and served in a crusty roll with green sauce and spicy red sauce. It is one of the city’s most distinctive examples of cucina povera, the traditional cooking of necessity that made use of inexpensive ingredients.
I’ll admit that lampredotto isn’t something I choose every time. Give me a panino con bollito—a sandwich made with boiled beef and the same flavorful sauces—and I’ll be very happy. In fact, it’s one of the first things I eat when I arrive in Florence and one of the last things I eat before I leave.
Schiacciata
Schiacciata is a Tuscan flatbread similar to focaccia. In Florence, you’ll often find it split and filled with ingredients such as prosciutto, mortadella, cheese, or truffle cream. It makes an excellent quick lunch or snack while exploring the city.
Gelato
No discussion of Florence’s food is complete without gelato. Florence has a long artisan gelato tradition, and you’ll find excellent gelaterias throughout the city.
Traditional gelato is generally denser and less airy than American-style ice cream, giving it a particularly creamy texture. My favorite flavor at Gelateria dei Neri is the dark chocolate fondente—and it may be good enough to make the price of the flight worth it.
If you’d like to learn how authentic Italian gelato is made, LivTours also offers a hands-on Gelato Making Class in Florence.
Florence Food at a Glance
Famous for: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, lampredotto, cinghiale, gelato
Best food neighborhood: San Lorenzo or Oltrarno are my favorites
Best sandwich: Panino con bollito (but Florentines would say lampredotto or schiacciata)
Famous wine: Chianti
Average dinner: €20–40 per person (including drinks)
Reservations recommended: Yes (especially dinner)
Best Restaurants by Neighborhood
Although I’m always finding new favorites, here are a few of the places that I think are the best restaurants in Florence. Many of these places are old favorites that consistently serve up the best food in Florence, whereas some of them just made the list for the first time this year. If you’d rather let a local guide introduce you to Florence’s best restaurants and regional specialties, I recommend LivTours Semi-Private Florence Food Tour (save 10% off two or more tours with my embedded link and code AMYRH10).
Best Restaurants in San Lorenzo, Florence
My Favorite in San Lorenzo–Trattoria Sergio Gozzi (Piazza San Lorenzo)
Best for: Traditional Florentine cooking
My pick: Pappa al pomodoro, peposo, pasta, bistecca
Why I recommend it: This restaurant is open for lunch-only, sadly depriving the city of its immense talents at all other times. I adore the pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup) here. Although the menu changes daily, I have never had a pasta dish that I didn’t enjoy. The chicken salad gives a lite diversion from carbohydrate-heavy fare. If they have peposo on the menu–a peppery stewed beef–you should probably order it. This would also be a great place to sample the city’s famous bistecca alla Fiorentina. If you can only come here once, I would come hungry and sample a lot of dishes with your dining companions.
Osteria Pepo (via Rosina)—this restaurant is in the touristy Mercato Centrale neighborhood but has traditional Tuscan food at decent prices. Jon loves the lasagne and I could sing praises about their meatballs (polpette) all day long. I also enjoy their cinghiale dishes and grilled vegetables.
Trattoria Mario (via Rosina)—you will likely want to make reservations for this crowded place. If you’re looking for a different place to try Bistecca alla Fiorentina, this restaurant serves up a good one. Reasonably priced, too.
Impressione Chongqing (via Sant’Antonino)—This place is intense and crowded, but serves up some of the best Chinese food I’ve had in Florence (and in the world). The menu is expansive and prices are moderate; I would suggest getting a bunch of dishes and sharing, but definitely get the dumplings and some fried rice. We also enjoy the beef and leeks.
Livio (via Nazionale)—This small restaurants serves up excellent Napolitano style pizza that doesn’t break the bank. I highly recommend trying it out for a taste of Naples in Florence.
Trattoria da Guido (via Faenza)—This trattoria offers fixed priced menus that provide a great value for those looking to try a few courses. They specialize in classic Tuscan cuisine at a decent price. Outdoor dining available.
Mercato Centrale (Piazza del Mercato Centrale)—the upstairs of this famous market has a decent food court. I enjoy the pizza place there which makes Neapolitan style pizza, as well as the pasta place next door. During the day, the market is open downstairs and there are several good vendors there, including famed Nerbone (known for their sandwiches). I have my own favorites for a panino (see below), but Nerbone is good and there are several places to grab the day’s pasta or secondo special.
Best Restaurants Near the Duomo in Florence
My Favorite near the Duomo — Osteria Buongustai (via dei Cerchi)
Best for: Fresh pasta and traditional Tuscan food
My pick: Truffle pasta, roast beef, bruschetta
Why I recommend it: This female-run restaurant serves some of the best pasta in Florence. The truffle pasta will make you happy you are alive. The roast beef salad is a nice lite dish. They also have a nice selection of bruschetta. My favorite is lardo di Colonnata (thinly sliced ribbons of lard on toasted bread). Who knew fat could be this good?!?
Cantina de Pucci (via de Pucci)—This restaurant has a wine window out front that is often drawing the crowds but serves up some thoughtful cuisine in the cellar. Although a little pricier than some of the other places we frequent, we enjoy the bubbly staff and attention to detail. Jon had a lovely chicken salad and I had the nice pici with ragu the last time we were there.
Osteria Zio Gigi (via Folco Portinari)—on our very first trip to Florence in 2016, the hotel recommended this place. We enjoyed our meal, but by the next year when we were in Florence, I had forgotten the name of it and we couldn’t find it. I’ve been searching ever since. You can imagine my delight then, when I stumbled across it while wandering on a small side street in the back on the Duomo. I promptly made reservations for the next evening. Once we were seated, we knew we had found it again. There is a fixed menu for lunch with many tasty options at a very fair price. For dinner, we enjoyed steaks, chicken, pasta, and all sorts of things (we kept coming back). The service is warm and friendly and Zio Gigi will burst out in song at a moment’s notice. Prices are very fair.
Rosticceria Cinese Tian Tian Hong (via dei Servi)—this is our new favorite Chinese restaurant in Florence. The dumplings (ravioli) are delicious, as is the fried rice, beef with onions, and beef with mushrooms. Prices are very fair, especially given the great location between the Duomo and Piazza Santissima Annunziata.
Best Restaurants Near Santa Maria Novella
My Pick near Santa Maria Novella — Osteria dei Centopoveri (via Palazzuolo)
Best for: Affordable Tuscan cooking
My pick: Daily fixed-price lunch
Why I recommend it: we were pleasantly surprised at this restaurant…for lunch and dinner. For lunch during the weekdays, they do a fabulous fixed price menu that changes daily. For 12€, you get water, wine, first course, and second. I don’t know how they do it. The prices are decent for dinner, too. The menu was a little long, which is generally not a good thing, but I had a very nice steak here. The pizza looked good, but we didn’t try it. We did sample, however, their pizza crust with olive oil and it was delicious.
Le Antiche Carozze (Borgo Santi Apostoli)—this restaurant has a prime position on Piazza Santa Trinita and across from the flagship Ferragamo store. Due to its location, it’s a little pricier than competitors but it had good food and I would go back for the hamburger I had there. The hamburger, served with carmelized red onions was one of the best I’ve had in Italy. I keep going back for that burger every time I’m in town. Jon had a pizza which he enjoyed. Our fellow diners said they enjoyed various pasta and fish dishes.
Trattoria Marione (via della Spada)—Jon and I often order different courses and have them served at the same time because I often want a primo and he often wants a secondo. Unless I’m able to get a mezzo (half) porzione, rarely am I able to eat both a primo and a secondo. For primo, this trattoria serves a delightful truffle pasta. For secondo and contorno, I recommend bistecca and spinaci.
Best Florence Restaurants in Santa Croce and Near the Uffizi
My Favorite near Santa Croce/Uffizi — La Fiaschetteria (via dei Neri 17r)
Best for: Pizza/pasta
My pick: Fettunta, pizza, pasta al cinghiale, lemon chicken
Why I recommend it: My husband found this restaurant years ago. We were looking for a place that wasn’t had good prices and served pasta (for me) and pizza (for him). Normally, one can’t find a place that makes both pizza and pasta well, but La Fiaschetteria is the exception. We’ve been going back ever since. It’s a small little gem that we keep revisiting. Both of us usually start the meal with fettunta (toasted bread rubbed with garlic and served with oil). Lately, I’ve been enjoying the chicken with lemon and grilled vegetables, too. The service is always warm and welcoming and we feel like family there.
Trattoria Il Giova (Borgo Santa Croce)—in the heart of a student area, this small restaurant cooks classic Florentine cuisine at affordable prices. We ordered two filets and were shocked that one was big enough for two people. Next time, we will bring bigger appetites or share courses.
Los Chicos (via dei Benci)—this Tex-Mex restaurant won’t win a Michelin star but it does offer Qdoba/Chipotle style cuisine that tastes fresh and tasty. If you’re looking for a change from pizza and pasta, this provides it.
Pizza Napoli (via dei Neri)—they won my heart years ago with a heart-shaped pizza and Jon and I still go back for good wood-fired pizzas. Sit outside and watch the crowds storm the various outposts of Al Antico Vinaio.
Trattoria Antico Fattore (via Lambertesca)—a historic restaurant that makes authentic Florentine cuisine. I had an excellent cinghiale here. They’re a little pricey and I recommend going with more classic dishes, like Cinghiale, to get the best of what they have to offer.
Best Restaurants in Oltrarno
My Favorite in Oltrarno–L’Arte di Dori (via dei Serragli)
Best for: Fresh pasta
My pick: Whatever house-made pasta is on the menu with their house sauce
Why I recommend it: while you’re in the Oltrarno, this restaurant is a “can’t miss.” They make your pasta fresh to order. Whatever is in the house sauce is magical and should absolutely be savored.
Antico Ristoro Perditempo (Borgo San Jacopo)—this restaurant has seats at the back offering a splendid view of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio. A great place to enjoy a glass of rose you will also want to order a tagliere to nibble on. Make sure you try nduja (a spicy salami spread that I like to think of as pork butter). Heaven!
L’Brindellone (Piazza Piattellina)—this restaurant on the Oltrarno side of the river serves local cuisine seemingly to mainly locals. Try sausage with beans (fagioli all’uccelletto). Cannellini beans are cooked with tomato sauce, sage, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper…and are delicious. The roast beef in tomato sauce is excellent, too.
Trattoria Sabatino (via Pisana): This family-run restaurant right outside the San Frediano gate serves home-cooked food that is so low-priced it makes me wonder how they do it. The low prices don’t mean low flavor though. This place services up tasty food and atmosphere in abundance. Arrive early as they don’t take reservations.
La Vecchia Bettola (viale Vasco Pratolini)—make reservations for this local favorite since it books up for popular dining hours. They serve great Florentine cuisine. Worth the walk from the city center.
What are the Best Florence Cafes?
Caffe Gilli (via Roma), Caffe Rivoire (Piazza della Signoria), and Caffe Scudieri (Piazza San Giovanni) are all elegance and history personified. The gilded (and sometimes frescoed) interiors boast marble floors and beautiful cases. Stand at the counter to enjoy your morning espresso and pastry and you will find that the duo only costs a few euro. It’s remarkable considering these three richly-designed places occupy some of the best real estate in town on three of the city’s most prominent squares. Gilli has great cappuccino. They also have great desserts (try the schiacciate di Firenze—sponge cake). The thick and rich hot chocolate at Rivoire can’t be missed (see the picture). The pastries at Scudieri are perfection.
Where to Find the Best Gelato in Florence
The places that I think serve the best gelato in Florence are (in order with my favorite first): Gelateria dei Neri, Vivoli, Gelateria la Carraia, La Strega Nocciola, Perche No, and Cono Gelato. All of these places serve up creamy, rich gelato in small batches. They know what they are doing and their flavors explode. You really can’t go wrong with any of them, but the fondente (dark chocolate) at Gelateria dei Neri makes the price of the flight worth it for me. When the weather gets warmer, I love an orange granita from dei Neri or strawberry gelato (seeds included) from La Strega. If you really want a neat experience, you can learn how to make gelato from a maestro with the LivTours Gelato Making Class. This semi-private experience gives you the chance to visit a family-owned and run Gelato Academy right in the heart of Florence. https://livtours.com/tours/gelato-making-class-in-florence-semi-private/ (save 10% on 2+ experiences with this link and code AMYRH10)
Where to Get the Best Panini
My favorite sandwich stand is Lupen e Margo. It is a red stand located on a corner within the San Lorenzo market outside of the Mercato Centrale at via dell’Ariento and via Sant’Antonio. Inside of the market is Nerbone–a restaurant famed for their sandwiches–which is good, but not as good as this red sandwich stand outside. The prices are great, the service is quick, and the food is amazing. Get the beef sandwich (panino con bollito) with both the green and the red sauce (verde and piccante). Fabulous!
If you’re looking for wine and a sandwich, try I Fratellini. This restaurant is literally a hole in the wall but serves cheap wine and tasty low-priced sandwiches filled with good charcuterie. They also have inexpensive crostini, if you just want a little bite with your wine. Hang your wine glass up on the rack on the outside wall when you leave.
Da Vinattieri (via Santa Margherita) serves up another type of sandwich the city is famous for—schiacciata. Schiacciata is a flat square focaccia-like bread that this sandwich spot toasts to perfection. There are all sorts of interesting fillings to choose from like truffle cream, prosciutto, mortadella, tuna, and much more.
Retrobottega (Piazza Cimatori) creates some truly unique sandwich concoctions. Jon and I enjoyed the “Sloppy Rob” on our last trip to Florence—pulled beef that had been slow cooked in red wine and onions served with barbeque sauce and honey mustard on a perfectly toasted yet soft bun.
Notably, I’m leaving out Al Antico Vinaio, which is a very popular sandwich shop (now several shops) on via dei Neri. They are known for large sandwiches. Generally, they have lines out the door (there are several locations around the city though) and people clog the streets Instagramming their sandwiches or vlogging about them. Perhaps it is their social media fame that deters me from going…or maybe it is the endless lines, but I can’t report back on that sandwich. For years, I have passed right by (on pretty much a daily basis) and not felt compelled to stop. If you want a report, there are numerous vloggers on YouTube who can report back; they also have sandwich places in Rome, New York, and other major cities.
To try truffles (the city is known for its truffle dishes) at a fairly reasonable price, I recommend the dainty, finger-sized truffle cream panini at Procacci. Located on the most expensive shopping street in town, via de’ Tuornabuoni, the interior is sumptuous as are the sandwiches. The panini won’t fill you up, but make a lovely complement to their vast wine selection. Have a couple before dinner as an aperitivo. There are only a few tables though, so space is limited.
Should You Take a Florence Food Tour?
Yes!One of the best ways to discover a city’s culinary traditions is on a guided food tour. Rather than wondering which restaurants are worth your time, you’ll be led by a local expert who knows where Florentines actually eat while learning the history behind the dishes that have made this Renaissance city famous.
My top recommendation is LivTours Semi-Private Florence Food Tour, a semi-private experience limited to just six guests. Along the way you’ll enjoy Tuscan wines like Chianti and Brunello, a heavenly selection of cheese and meats, three regional pasta dishes, enjoy classic lampredotto, and end the evening with gelato. Your guide doesn’t just introduce you to exceptional food—they also share the fascinating history, culture, and traditions that make Florence so distinctive. It’s one of the best ways to experience both the flavors and stories of Florence in a single evening. https://livtours.com/tours/semi-private-food-tour-in-florence?af_code=E1DDN61
Roaming Historian readers receive 10% off two or more LivTours experiences with the code AMYRH10 and my affiliate link.
You might also enjoy food tours offered via Tour Guy, Viator, or GetYourGuide.
Best Cooking Classes in Florence
If tasting Florentine cuisine leaves you wanting more, why not learn to make it yourself? The Tour Guy offers various experiences from making a 4-course meal in a local’s home to exploring local markets and being guided by a local chefs to cooking pizza in a Tuscan farmhouse and more. Explore their options here: https://tidd.ly/4wOuHeP
Here are some of the best cooking classes in Florence:
Hands-On Pasta Class: 3 Recipes, Endless Wine During Meal https://tidd.ly/4fQoibI
4-Course Meal at a Local’s Home in Florence https://tidd.ly/4c4KvBH
Sant’Ambrogio Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local Chef in Florence https://tidd.ly/4g2OS1s
Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in a Tuscany Farmhouse in Florence https://tidd.ly/4xmTmXN
Viator Cooking Classes https://www.viator.com/Florence-tours/Cooking-Classes/d519-g6-c19?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
What Mistakes Do Tourists Make When Eating in Florence?
- Ordering a huge lunch before visiting Mercato Centrale
- Eating only near Piazza del Duomo
- Skipping bistecca because of the price
- Ordering cappuccino after lunch
- Thinking all gelato is homemade
- Never leaving the historic center
Where Would I Eat in Florence With Only One Day?
If I had only one day in Florence, I would start with a flaky pastry from Caffè Scudieri, followed by a perfectly crafted cappuccino while watching the city come to life beneath the Duomo.
For lunch, I’d get in line early for Trattoria Sergio Gozzi, one of my favorite traditional Florentine restaurants. If the line was too long or I couldn’t get a table, I’d happily walk over to Osteria Buongustai for another outstanding take on Tuscan cuisine—their truffle pasta alone is worth the visit.
In the afternoon, I’d treat myself to one of the elegant desserts at Caffè Gilli. Their Florentine sponge cake (schiacciata—the dessert, not the sandwich bread!) is a local specialty that’s well worth trying, although it’s hard to go wrong with any of their beautiful pastries.
For dinner, I’d skip the stress of choosing just one restaurant and join LivTours Semi-Private Florence Food Tour. It’s the best way I know to experience the flavors of Florence in a single evening. You’ll sample classic Tuscan dishes, enjoy excellent local wines, finish with authentic gelato, and—best of all—learn the fascinating history behind each stop from an expert local guide. If I only had one night in Florence, that’s how I’d spend it. If I couldn’t book LivTours’ food tour, then I would still book one, like the one below.
Do You Have to Order Every Course in Italy?
Traditional Italian meals follow a structured progression of courses. Do you have to order every course? No, you don’t have to order every course—but understanding them helps you navigate any menu with confidence. Portion sizes are smaller but they’re not tiny. A practical approach is to share an antipasto, order either a primo or secondo, and…if you still have room…split a dessert. This lets you enjoy the experience without feeling overly full.
| Course | What It Includes | Examples |
| Antipasto (Starter) | Light bites to stimulate your appetite before the main meal. | Bruschetta, prosciutto and other cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables |
| Primo (First Course) | The carbohydrate course—and often the most beloved (at least by me). Pasta is a course, not a side dish. | Pasta, risotto, gnocchi, soup |
| Secondo (Main Course) | The protein course. | Meat, fish, polpette (meatballs) |
| Contorno (Side Dish) | Vegetable or starch sides ordered separately to accompany the secondo. | Roasted vegetables, potatoes, salad |
| Dolci (Dessert) | Sweet ending to the meal. | Tiramisu, cake or torte, fresh fruit |
| After Dinner | Traditional beverages served after dessert. | Espresso (caffè), limoncello, grappa, other digestivi |
If you only have one day to experience Florence’s food scene, this itinerary combines my favorite café, trattoria, pastry shop, and food tour into a day you’ll never forget. I hope this article whetted your appetite and prepared you for the best restaurants in Florence. What are your favorites?
Happy travels! Amy
Frequently Asked Questions About Food in Florence
What food is Florence famous for?
Florence is famous for Bistecca alla Fiorentina, pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, lampredotto, cinghiale, fresh pasta, Chianti wine, and artisan gelato. Tuscan cuisine emphasizes high-quality local ingredients prepared simply. Of course, you can sample each of these individually by visiting some of the restaurants I’ve noted but I recommend you consider a food tour. Led by a local, your guide will show you the cuisine the city is famous for all while telling you stories about Florence and its history. Better yet? Once you book the food tour, you don’t need to make any more reservations–no language barrier. I recommend LivTours “Semi-Private Food Tour” or the “Florence Evening Food Tour” by the Tour Guy. Both are delicious choices.
Book LivTours here (save 10% off 2 or more tours with code AMYRH10 and this link: https://livtours.com/tours/semi-private-food-tour-in-florence/?af_code=E1DDN61
Book Tour Guy here: https://tidd.ly/45Yjvk1
What is the best restaurant in Florence?
This is an impossible question, because my favorite restaurant depends on what I’m hungry for–pizza, pasta, meat, sandwich, Chinese, Mexican-American…the list goes on. For the biggest bang for your buck, especially if you’re short on time and trying to please multiple palates, I recommend visiting Mercato Centrale. There, you can enjoy sandwiches from Nerbone or Bambi, fresh pasta, fresh seafood, oven-fired pizza, and much more. At Mercato Centrale (aka Mercato San Lorenzo) you can enjoy authentic Florentine cuisine at a good value; it’s one of the places I return to every time I visit Florence. I’ve also tried, and really loved, a tour of the market. The “Florence Central Market Food Tour” from Eating Europe takes you around San Lorenzo and throughout the market. Book here: https://www.getyourguide.com/florence-l32/florence-san-lorenzo-food-market-wine-tasting-tour-t436787/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
Is Florence expensive for food?
Not necessarily. Florence has options at almost every price point. You can still find affordable trattorias and lunch specials, while bistecca alla Fiorentina, wine, and higher-end restaurants can push the bill considerably higher.
What time do people eat dinner in Florence?
Most Florentines eat dinner between 7:30 and 9:00 p.m. Many restaurants don’t even open for dinner until around 7:00 p.m.
Should I make restaurant reservations?
Yes. Reservations are highly recommended for popular restaurants, especially during spring, summer, and fall. Even casual trattorias can fill quickly during peak travel seasons.
Should I tip in Florence?
Tipping isn’t expected the way it is in North America. Leaving a few euros for excellent service is appreciated but not required. See my guide: Do You Tip in Italy? a Guide to Tipping in Italy
Is it safe to drink tap water?
Yes. Florence’s tap water is safe to drink. Bringing a reusable bottle and refilling it at public fountains is a great way to save money.
How can you avoid tourist trap restaurants in Florence?
Avoid restaurants with aggressive staff trying to pull you inside or menus featuring dozens of cuisines. The best Florentine restaurants typically focus on traditional Tuscan dishes made with seasonal ingredients. My guides will help you know how to find authentic restaurants in Italy.
How to Find the Best Authentic Restaurants in Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice)
How to Spot a Tourist Trap Restaurant in Italy
What is the best food tour in Florence?
For travelers wanting both exceptional food and historical context, I recommend LivTours Semi-Private Florence Food Tour. Small groups and knowledgeable local guides make it one of the best ways to experience the city’s culinary traditions. The Tour Guy also has some unique options and Viator and GetYourGuide cull food tours from locals that are constantly being updated.
What is the best cooking class in Florence?
Florence offers excellent pasta, pizza, and gelato classes. Whether you choose a market tour, farmhouse experience, or small-group cooking school, it’s one of the most rewarding souvenirs you can take home. I like the variety of options offered through Tour Guy, Viator, and GetYourGuide.
What is the best area to eat in Florence?
For me, it’s a toss-up between San Lorenzo and Oltrarno. San Lorenzo is convenient, especially if you’re visiting Mercato Centrale and the Medici sights, and it has some of my favorite traditional restaurants, including Trattoria Sergio Gozzi. Across the Arno, Oltrarno has a more neighborhood feel and plenty of excellent, less touristy restaurants. If I had to choose between the two, I’d happily eat in either one.
What should I order at a traditional Florentine restaurant?
If you’re vegetarian, try ribollita or pappa al pomodoro. Both are traditional Tuscan dishes built around vegetables, beans, tomatoes, and bread. Meat eaters should try bistecca alla Fiorentina, peposo, or pasta al cinghiale. These dishes showcase the hearty side of traditional Florentine and Tuscan cooking. If you’re sharing a meal, I’d order a few different dishes so everyone can sample the flavors of the region.
How far in advance should I reserve a restaurant in Florence?
Many restaurants in Florence can accommodate same-day reservations, especially if you’re flexible about where and when you eat. For popular restaurants, however, I recommend reserving a few days ahead, particularly during the busy spring, summer, and fall travel seasons. If there’s a restaurant you really want to try, don’t wait until the last minute—make the reservation as soon as you know your plans.
Keep Planning Your Italy Trip
Use my Visit Italy guide, to plan a fabulous trip. If you’re looking for Florence specific recommendations and travel guides, scroll down to “Florence” on my Travel Guides page.
I also have a lot of travel tips that pertain to Italy, check them out on my Travel Tips page.
These guides are found on the above pages but to help you locate them faster, here are some pertinent ones.
Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
A Favorite Italy Tour Partner: LivTours
LivTours is a boutique, family-owned company specializing in high-quality, semi-private (maximum 6 people) and private tours, primarily in Italy, as well as Spain, France, England, Austria, and other parts of Europe. They are highly regarded for skip-the-line access to major sites, expert, English-speaking guides, and curated, immersive experiences designed to avoid “cookie-cutter” travel. We’ve had amazing experiences with them and enjoy that they hire local guides exclusively.
LivTours offers Roaming Historian readers 10% off two or more tours! Save on your next favorite European memory by using our coupon code “AMYRH10.” We highly recommend this company; they offer topnotch tours, tickets, and experiences and you can save money with Roaming Historian! Book with LivTours here: https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
Tours, Tickets, & Experiences: Viator and Get Your Guide
If you’re planning tours, attraction tickets, or local experiences during your trip, Viator and Get Your Guide are two of the most widely used platforms for discovering and booking activities around the world. Both allow travelers to compare itineraries, prices, reviews, and ratings for thousands of experiences ranging from guided historical tours and museum tickets to day trips and unique local activities. Many listings on both platforms include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds flexibility when travel plans change. Pro tip: because these platforms host experiences from many different tour operators, always check recent reviews and overall ratings before booking to ensure a high-quality experience.
Browse tours and experiences here:
Viator: https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
GetYourGuide: https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
Our Favorite Travel Insurance Site
Protect your vacation with Travel Insurance dot com. This awesome travel site provides quotes from numerous travel insurance agencies and allows you to purchase them with no added increase to you: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Going on a Cruise? Try Shore Excursions Group
If you’re visiting ports during a cruise, Shore Excursions Group is a reliable alternative to booking excursions through the cruise line. Their tours are often smaller, more affordable (sometimes up to 40% less than ship excursions), and led by knowledgeable local guides. They offer carefully designed shore excursions in ports around the world. Even better, they provide a guaranteed on-time return to the ship, giving cruisers peace of mind when exploring independently. Just plug in your cruise ship and sail date and your ports will automatically populate, so you can browse excursions for your cruise ports here:
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com
The Tour Guy
The Tour Guy has been offering amazing small group tours in Italy and the rest of Europe for quite some time; in fact, we’ve been taking their tours for so long that they were just The Roman Guy when we started with them. They find the best local experiences and offer them in private or small groups (about 15 people or fewer). They are known for providing unique, behind-the-scenes access to major landmarks like the Vatican and Louvre, often including all entry fees, taxes, and expert guides, making them a reliable choice for curated, stress-free sightseeing.
Book with The Tour Guy here: https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi
Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners
Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.
- LivTours (high-quality semi-private and private European tours led by expert guides)
Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (valid on two or more tours).
https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61 - The Tour Guy (engaging small group & private European tours)
https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi - Viator (compare thousands of tours, day trips, and experiences worldwide)
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector - GetYourGuide (flexible booking options for tours, attractions, and local experiences)
https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher - Shore Excursions Group (high-quality shore excursions with lower prices and return-to-ship guarantees.)
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com - Expedia (flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages)
https://expedia.com/affiliate/p7ZcFsz - Hotels.com (book hotels globally and earn free nights through their rewards program)
https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/rdDAFaG - VRBO (private homes and unique stays ideal for families and longer trips)
https://vrbo.com/affiliate/KvF3nms - Travel Insurance.com (compare policies side-by-side to protect your trip at no extra cost)
https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
Affiliate Disclosure
Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.