Where to eat in Florence: our handpicked selection of restaurants, cafes and casual meal options in Florence city center to taste the best of the city.
You will never go hungry in Florence.
The city has an outstanding food tradition and the quantity and quality of what is on offer is so high, in Florence city center you’ll never find yourself far from amazing food addresses.
However, like in all tourism-heavy cities, Florence has some more local paces, some more touristy ones, some that are nothing to write home about and some that are worth seeking out specifically for ambiance, food or both!
Over the course of our many trips to Florence, we have tried many and now we have a tried and tested list of favorites that I am now happy to share with you in this article.
These cover a few different styles and this reflect the different ways we have experienced Florence: as a couple, with the kids, with my parents and with or without foreign friends.
Some of the places are full sit down meals with an upscale ambiance, some are very traditional small places with a handful of tables, some are know you probably already known as popular with overseas tourism. All are worth it!
I hope this variety means means you will find one or more that suit your requirements too! For ease, I have divided them into categories.
However, places tend to offer a mix of things so for instance in most bistros you’ll find coffee, wine and platters; in wine places some food to go with the wine and so on.
The list is based entirely on my experience: we pay for all our meals and do not receive any compensation or incentive to include specific addresses. The order is casual and does not reflect quality, all those on this page are places I like.
Please note: this post contains affiliate links to Tripadvisor and, if you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.
Remember you can find all our guides to Florence including city center walking itinerary, top attractions, what to do with kids, and more in our Florence Guides section of the website.
Before we dive into my list of where to eat in Florence: bookmark or pin this page!
Florence food: what to order
Florence is famous for specific dishes and what you order is often as important as the overall quality of the place you order from.
While you will find a bit of everything, the main dishes that are the proud and joy or restaurants here are:
Pasta (various types) with Ragu Toscano – pasta with meat based sauce (beef)
Fiorentina – very large, thick steak, served almost raw
Lampredotto – tripe, it is usually served as filling for a sandwich and is a typical street food from the markets in Florence
Pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, panzanella – these are all bread based dishes that originated in the home as a way to use left over bread and are now among the most praised and sought after dished in any authentic Tuscan restaurant. Pappa al pomodoro and ribollita are soups with bread and vegetables, panzanella is more like a salad.
Truffles – when in season, they are an expensive but popular and typical ingredient in Florence
Pollo alla fiorentina – Florence’s take on fried chicken
Tagliere Toscano – platters of cheese and cured meat from Tuscany, usually served with pane sciapo (bread without salt), a local specialty and crostini with Pâté (olive, liver, artichockes etc)
In terms of desserts, cantucci col vin santo (Tuscan biscuit with a dessert wine), schiacciata alla fiorentina, zuccotto and castagnaccio are all local specialties.
As you can see, the menus are very meat heavy; however, restaurants also have vegetarian options and there are more and more places now catering to vegetarian and vegan diets. I include those I know in this list.
Our top picks for restaurants in Florence city – with map
Martare’, Via degli Alfani, 93r, 50121 Web: http://www.martare.it/
Upscale feel yet welcoming and not stuffy. Close to Accademia, popular with locals too and one of my absolute favorites for all occasions.
Unlike many others, they do not go for the ‘rustic trattoria’ feel but opt for a more refined one: for instance, their Crostino Toscano is on a croissant rather than a country loaf and while I am usually not fond of this type of twist, the results absolutely outstanding!Trust the staff with wine recommendations!.
Email booking is possible, but phone bookings take precedence. Lunchtime booking is not always necessary.
Osteria dei Fiorentini, Via Cimabue 1R, 50121
Lovely restaurant with a good choice of Tuscan staples pus seafood dishes and surprisingly good value too. The feel is casual and cozy, with shelves filled with bottles of wine, and a typical Italian osteria appearance. A little detached from the center, it is worth the little extra walk for both quality and value.
Antico Noe’ (casual) delicious food and relaxed atmosphere, this was first recommended to me by my dad, who is regularly in Florence for work and has proven excellent time and time again! It has both a kitchen and sandwich option (both excellent)
Online booking possible and recommended! Address: Volta di S. Piero, 6/R, 50100 Website: https://anticonoe.business.site/
Nero Carbone (casual): delicious, cute, relaxed, small bistro, perfect for a casual lunch or an early dinner, think paper plates and table settings.
This is a small place with a deli counter with lovely local cheeses and meats that they offer in platters but they also have a hot menu that changes daily. Get the table near the window to have the most space and a view on local life passing by!
Address: Via del Parione 43r, 50123 Web: https://www.nerocarbone.com/ Online booking available.
La Giostra, Borgo Pinti, 10/18R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy Web: https://ristorantelagiostra.com/ Online booking available
Very popular and internationally well-known place with a very attractive decor with small lights that give the place a dreamy atmosphere. More expensive than others but a consistently good address for the quality of food, very popular with all our visitors! Online booking is available.
La Bussola, Via Porta Rossa 56 / R – Piazza Davanzati 1 / R, 50123
La Bussola is a restaurant, pizzeria, wine bar and cocktails bar, a great place when you want to satisfy different cravings.
They have some traditional dishes such as lasagne, steak, risotto etc but also dishes such as caesar salad if you are craving something different. Gluten-free pasta is available (careful as it is not necessarily suitable for coeliacs: inform the staff if you need to avoid cross-contamination)
Online booking is available. Web: https://www.labussolafirenze.com/
Trattoria 4 Leoni, Via de’ Vellutini 1r Piazza della Passera, 50125 (online booking request available), also a wine bar and wine shop. The feel is cozy and welcoming and the choice varied, so you know everyone in your party will find something to their taste.
This is a great address close to Palazzo Pitti. Web: https://www.4leoni.it/
Trattoria Mario (lunch. Only open for dinner Thu-Fri) Trattoria Mario is a tiny, casual place with a limited menu that changes daily to guarantee freshness and avoid waste. It’s a great lunch spot especially if you don’t need to linger too long after your meal (the demand is so high, people eat and leave to make room for others).
Address: Via Rosina, 2r, 50123 Firenze Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gNk1SmdoddjWFeAa9
Mercato Centrale is a famous market with hot food and a seating area upstairs. Very informal and relaxed, also VERY popular, it is a good place to grab food to go or casual dining . Address: Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HfzqSkZLJk9HYShh7
Ristorante del Fagioli, Corso dei Tintori, 47-red, 50122 Traditional Traditional Tuscan fare, in typical Florentine setting: small menu, don’t be afraid to ask the waiter for explanations and tips, they are happy to and speak English. All around good address with options for everyone, including Florentine steak for meat lovers! Reviews here.
Gluten free, Vegan and Vegetarian restaurants in Florence
You’ll find naturally gluten free and vegetarian dishes in most restaurants in Florence.
However, they may not be able to cater to coeliacs or people in need to avoid cross-contamination.
In case of serious intolerance and allergies, double-check the menu and ask the server before ordering and don’t just trust the web, things change fast!
Some addresses you want to consider are:
Ciro & Sons gluten free restaurant and pizzeria– Gluten Free, lactose free and vegan options. Online booking possible Web: https://www.ciroandsons.com/gluten-e-lactose-free/?lang=en
Sgrano Gluten Free restaurant and take away sandwiches Web: https://www.sgranoglutenfree.it/contatti/
Mr Pizza (gluten free), Piazza del Duomo, 5r, 50122 Surprisingly nice and reasonable especially if you onsider the outstanding location! Several options catering also to gluten free, lactose free and vegan diners
Ristorante Quinoa (Vegan friendly), Via dei Vecchietti, 17, 50123 Lovely restaurant with began friendly and gluten free options in nice surroundings. Online booking available. Web: https://ristorantequinoa.it/prenota-un-tavolo/
Starbene Gold Bakery (Gluten free), Via dei Neri, 13/r, 50122 Firenze
Great Restaurants for Fiorentina steak
You’ll find Florentine steak in so many places in Florence, it will be hard to avoid it but some places come to mind specifically for it:
Fuoco Matto Grill and Pizza, Via Ventisette Aprile, 16, 50129 Online booking available. Web: https://www.fuocomatto.it/ This is my TOP PICK especially if you are in Florence with kids as they have a playroom for kids! One of my favorite kid-friendly restaurants in Florence.
I’Tuscani, Piazza San Pancrazio, 2/R 50125 Booking by whatsapp message available. Web: https://ituscani.com/
Natalino, Borgo degli Albizi, 17, 50122. Booking by phone only. Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1FoDUKe1QYM2aJYc7
Trattoria dell’Oste, several locations in the city center. Web: https://trattoriadalloste.com/en
Need to know: Florentine steak is a large cut of meat and the cost reflect that. Always check the price beforehand and make sure you are happy with the amount of meat you’ll get, especially if you are a light eater – a Florentine steak has defeated many!
Best gelato in Florence
Did you know that gelato was born in Florence? It is, and walking around Florence UNESCO city center with gelato in hand is still oh so worth it!
I have addresses for you but first, let me tell you the best way to spot good gelato, no matter where you are.
When choosing a gelato place, look at the following:
- Make sure the gelato is not piled up in massive piles that go above the rim of their container. Real gelato is not icy enough to resist in stiff piles, it would melt. You want gelato that stays well within the container is in (with or without lid)
- Color: real ingredient do not make for flashy colors in most cases: pistacchio is not fluorescent green, for instance… while strawberry and some other fruits go give gelato a lovely color, make sure the look of the flavors look colors real food would provide
- For the best taste of fruit flavors, opt for fruit that is in season
- Look for the work ‘artigianale’ (artisan). Gelato artigianale is Italian gelato, as opposed to industrial ice cream.
Good to know: in case of allergies, I recommend you bring an allergy card in Italian and English that explains what you cannot eat and that you must avoid cross contamination. All gelato shops have protocols and they must list ingredients but it is always best to be very clear especially if the place is very busy.
Some tried, tested and delicious addresses are:
La Strega Nocciola, Via Ricasoli 16r, 50122, Firenze Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gVgBnRavxsNo9VAfA
I gelati del Bondi, Via Nazionale 61R 50123 (close to Mercato centrale) Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QunCFvFu9XcPfLvU6 Vetulio Bondi is also a gelato school! You can book a gelato class with him and his storytelling is exceptional.
Edoardo, il Gelato Biologico, Piazza del Duomo 45/R 50122 Florence Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yRes9wSAGatFsMrc8
Perche’ No, Via Dei Tavolini 19R, 50122, Firenze Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tBSMJjD2XRZhSQ5U
Gelateria La Carraia, Piazza Nazario Sauro 25 (Oltrarno), 50124, Firenze Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vVWPv6Ju8dzcN8tK9
La Sorbetteria, Piazza Torquato Tasso 11/r (Oltrarno(, 50123, Firenze Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/E75nZboubLZJMpcC8
Badiani (several locations, the one we first discovered was on Via dei Mille, but they have more in the center ), Piazza del Mercato Centrale/ Via dell’Ariento Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UYCTNmMqahRgZLRHA
Venchi (big chain but still nice): Via dei Calzaiuoli, 65/R, 50122 Firenze Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QGSxWxxyqf614AHg9
American Breakfast and Brunch in Florence, Pastry shops, bakeries and cafes
It Italy, breakfast outside the house is a quick pastry + coffee affair (in the house and in hotels it is rather different, you can read all about Italian breakfast here).
You can find breakfast in this fashion pretty much anywhere as all bars will have some offering of pastry + coffee. However, not all have tables to sit, so having some addresses can be handy.
For pastry, coffee and sandwiches, good addresses to have, all with sit down tables, are:
A la Grande Cafe, Via San Gallo 29/31R, 50124 Florence, popular place with a wide offering ranging from cornetti (Italian croissant) to bagles, sandwiches and more Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QVEbghdpqNk954HUA
S. Forno (Oltrarno), Via di Santa Monica 3R, 50124 Florence Bakery with bread, schiacciata, sandwiches, viennoiserie and cakes.
Bottega di Pasticceria, via Lungarno F. Ferrucci, 9c r Web: www.bottegadipasticceria.it
Much more than a patisserie, this is an upscale patisserie and cafes / lunch / aperitivo places with offerings from pastry in the morning, to lunch with hamburgers, Tuscan platters and other staples and a good aperitivo offering (alcoholic and non alcoholic)
If you crave a bigger breakfast with eggs, pancakes, etc, then you want places that offer what we call ‘American Breakfast’ or brunch.
For American breakfast, good places are:
Malaleuca Bakery, Lungarno delle grazie, 18 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G18ojBxtYhm3YpP2A
Rooster Cafe, Via Porta Rossa, 63R, 50123 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2cWEh6QPSY9NERzm9
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, specifically for their Sunday brunch (high end, as the location suggests)
Wine windows in Florence
Florence is know for the peculiar tradition of ‘wine windows’ (buchette del vino), small windows you can order wine from – the literal hole in the wall!
Only some of them are active and novelty is maybe the main thing about them but they are fun and a cool memory to have. The ones below are operational and attached to establishments where you can also have a meal.
Buchetta del Vino di Babae (also a good place for lunch) Via Santo Spirito 21R, 50125 Florence Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uf8ZegXDKDKhmzit7
Osteria delle belle donne (also a good place for lunch), Via delle Belle Donne 11/13 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3rDgJ7Ydr3XckXuf9
Osteria San Fiorenzo, PIazza dei Peruzzu 50122 Florence Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kjsTw1J4h84TPqjq5
All these places are also lovely for aperitivo and casual bite.
Where to eat in Florence when you crave a sandwich or quick bite
Florence has made a name for itself as a place for great sandwiches, and some of its once humble and local sandwich places are now social media darlings with lines out the door and, sometimes, even branches in the US!
If you want to try some of the best known panini in Florence, names to seek out are Antico Vinaio and Il Girone de’ Ghiotti.
Other places you may like are La Schiacciata (mercato centrale), Casa del vino, Fiaschetteria Nuvoli.
Good to know! The quality of cheese and meats is so high in Florence, you can also very economically pop into any supermarket, go to the deli and get them to make you a sandwich just as you want it!
Good to know! Quick bites in Florence are ubiquitous and you will find plenty of places for an informal meal. Charcuterie boards are a local specialty (the one in the photo is from Nero Carbone, already mentioned) and you will see them in pretty much all establishments from cafes to restaurants.
In all restaurants you can order as much or as little as you want and it is normal to only have one course: I know many expect Italian meals to be a long and overindulgent affairs, but they don’t have to be – you can go to any place on this list and just have one course.
Where to eat in Florence with a view
Florence has some lovely terraces that offer aperitivo or full meals with a view. Some you’re likely to enjoy are
Angel Roofbar & Dining – Address: Via Calimala, 2, 50123 Firenze Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X9asyRVeWwd2zJty8
Three Sixty Rooftop Bar – Hotel Minerva Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 16, 50123 Firenze Map: https://g.co/kgs/wcjSLqL
Caffe La Terrazza – La Rinascente (inside the department store) Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 4, 50123 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ek1gnPTie3k1ksZL6
Not as high up as the others but with a nice view of the Duomo dome: Caffetteria delle Oblate – Oblate Public Library Address: Via dell’ Oriuolo, 26, 50122 Firenze, Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/a6nzxjhjNpPGQhQh8
Where to eat in Florence: pin this!
Trending Products
Tec Italy Lumina Shampoo & Cond...
