See Also
- My preferred places to stay in Florence
- Some favored lodging possibilities for families in Florence.
- My Favorite Places of accommodation in Florence
My Recommendations for Food & Wine Tours in Florence
Note: Book ahead! These excursions are excellent and fill up months in advance).
- Florence Food Tour (3.5 hours) – Highly recommended!
- Small Group Wine Tasting Excursion to Tuscany (4.5 hours)
- Small Gathering Wine & Food Excursion from Florence (8 hours)
My Tips for Eating in Florence
- Most eateries charge a seating fee for tables, listed as “coperta” on the menu and receipt. This is usually €1-2 per individual, including kids, but in tourist regions, the cover charge can be higher. This price is solely for using space; it does not cover the complimentary bread, water, or services, so declining the free bread they bring will not reduce the fee. The coperta must be noted on the menu; if it’s not there, you may have it waived.
- If dining at a table, you may also incur a service cost or “servizio.” This increasingly prevalent charge is found in zones like Florence that cater to tourists, but is scarce in other parts of Italy (besides for substantial gatherings; nearly every restaurant will charge a servizio for groups). The 10-15% servizio fee does not substitute for a tip. Instead, it goes to the restaurant to assist offset the expense of staff.
- It is not customary in Italy to provide a gratuity after every meal. That is if you are Italian. In major tourist cities, such as Florence, it is starting to be anticipated that Americans will tip. Whether you do or don’t is ultimately up to you, but it is advisable to tip if you have received exceptional service or if your table has been particularly demanding. If you choose to tip, though, the amount is not based on a percentage of the overall bill. It is usually just a few €1-2 coins or rounding the bill up to the nearest 0 or 5. There is usually no tip line on the receipts, so bring cash if you plan on tipping.
- Restaurants commonly serve bottled water with table service, and requesting a glass of tap or filtered water is generally not customary. While a few establishments have begun offering filtered water by the glass, it remains uncommon throughout most dining establishments.
- In Italy, consuming milk with coffee after 11:00 a.m. is seen as unsanitary – locals will grimace deeply if they observe this behavior. Cappuccinos are deemed an early meal drink exclusively, while straight espresso is preferred for later hours. Exceptions exist for the espresso macchiato, an espresso shot with a dollop of milk froth atop, and the marrocchino, an espresso shot with chocolate and a little milk (basically a mini-mocha). Coffee is generally ordered, provided, and partaken standing at the counter; sitting at a table with your coffee will frequently result in an additional cost.
- Individuals in Italy commonly dine later in the evening, usually between 8:00-9:00 pm. To mitigate any hunger pangs preceding the meal, they frequent a bar or winery (known as an enoteca) for an aperitivo. While comparable, this tradition is not entirely identical to happy hour. Numerous locations offer complimentary platters of cured meats and cheeses to guests ordering beverages like wine or cocktails, helping to tide them over until suppertime.
The Best Restaurants in Florence
1. Pensavo Peggio – Santa Maria Novella • $$
+39 055 230 2987
With a rustic Italian menu, charming ambiance, and a staff exhibiting a close-knit family atmosphere, this eatery has become a favorite spot for local Florentines as well as visiting Italians. Pastas are hand-crafted in the exposed kitchen, with pici pasta and lasagna especially praised dishes. The meat-focused selections emphasize tender Tuscan beef stew, ossobuco, balsamic-marinated steak, and wild boar during seasonal periods. This intimate restaurant fills up rapidly; advance reservations are suggested.
2. Trattoria Mario – San Lorenzo • $$-$$$
+39 055 218550
For six decades, this humble Florentine eatery has specialized in classic Tuscan cuisine. Signature items incorporate bean and vegetable soup, tripe sandwiches, generously-portioned Florentine steaks which are always served rare, and pasta dishes. Wild game appears regularly on the menu too, especially rabbit and boar fixed in diverse preparations. Diners experience authentic regional flavors prepared simply. Open solely for lunch hours, the crowded restaurant has a casual atmosphere where diners socialize at long shared tables. No reservations are taken; clients register upon arrival and wait to be notified of table availability.
3. All’Antico Viniao – Santa Croce • $
+39 055 238 2723
This simple sandwich establishment achieved such prominence they launched a second locale next door to the original, then a third one straight across the street. Focusing on schiacciata sandwiches, crafted with conventional Tuscan seasoning flatbread, preserved meats, fresh vegetables, and house-made sauces. They do hold a comprehensive menu yet entirely in Italian, thus most patrons order off the straightforward directory near the entry listing their most favored sandwiches. Among them The Inferno with porschetta and char-grilled greens, Favolosa with Tuscan salami and pecorino, and La Boss with Tuscan ham and truffle cream. The original location has no space for sitting, and you`ll notice a plethora of patrons partaking standing in the alleyway or seated on the sidewalk. Their second and third sites hold larger directories and some sitting space but seating remains extremely restricted and wait times are considerable. Cash only, approximately €5 per sandwich, no reservations needed.
4. Acquapazza – San Marco • $$$$
+39 348 919 7665
This acclaimed seafood restaurant specializes in seasonal cuisine showcasing fresh fish and seafood from Tuscany prepared with artistic flair. Homemade pastas and local produce also feature prominently on the diverse menu. A curated wine list highlights Italian sparkling varieties alongside an assortment of Tuscan reds and whites with some imported French and German bottles. While shellfish and preparations involving octopus or fish reign most popular, standout options include a succulent grilled Florentine steak and varied selections of free-range duck and guinea fowl depending on availability. Advance reservations are recommended.
5. Essenziale – San Frediano • $$
+39 055 247 6956
Hip warehouse restaurant in San Frediano where young chef Simone Cipriani reimagines Tuscan cuisine with an international edge. Intriguing dishes change daily based on the season and availability in the market. One server takes orders and serves wine; all dishes are served and explained by the chefs. Reservations recommended.
6. La Leggenda dei Frati – San Niccolò • $$$$
+39 055 068 0545
The most stylish dinner venue in Florence offering scenic views is perched on a hill in Giardino Bardini. The cuisine features Michelin-starred Italian gastronomy while the wine list contains the finest available Tuscan varieties. Cooking workshops are also conducted in their Chef`s Kitchen. Advance reservations strongly advised.
7. Trattoria Giovanni – Santo Spirito • $$-$$$
+39 371 194 0715
Situated in a refined yet casual setting, this restaurant emphasizes high quality, seasonal ingredients from the local region in their traditional Tuscan cuisine. Specializing in elevated adaptations of rustic classics, many opt to try favorites such as tomato soup, pancetta, butter-sage dumplings, or rare Florentine steaks here. Be sure to finish with the customary almond biscotti dipped in sweet Vin Santo wine. Reservations are advisable, especially during peak season.
8. Gustapizza – Santo Spirito • $
+39 055 285068
An informal spot for brick-oven pizza in a fun environment. The menu remains small with seven types of pizza, a couple pastas, and wine served in plastic cups. Seating proves limited and communal, with a few long tables and wine barrels substituted for tables. Staff constantly shares jokes with each guest and one another in the open kitchen. Lines become long during lunch and dinner rushes, but service proves efficient and the wait short. Ordering in Italian, even without fluency, results in a heart-shaped pizza.
9. Trattoria dall’Oste – City Center • $$
+39 055 213142
Featuring numerous varieties of high-quality beef, this Italian steakhouse chain offers a diversified menu. Sourcing their meat from environmentally-conscious farms, they serve beef in various preparations and cuts, including distinctive breeds such as Chianina cattle. In addition to steaks, pasta and wine connoisseurs will find much to enjoy, along with surprisingly plant-based selections.
10. Le Vespe Café – Sant’Ambrosio • $$-$$$
+39 055 388 0062
For hearty breakfast and brunch fare with robust portions, this eatery serves as a heavenly respite, notably as perhaps the sole venue in Florence to provide drip coffee hot or iced. Skilled preparation yields beautiful eggs alongside wholesome American, Canadian and British-style meals. Beverage innovations like reimagined mimosas and coffee cocktails complement the dishes. Both vegetarian and vegan selections are bountiful though the restaurant also excellently prepares meat cuts.
11. Trattoria da Ruggero – Porto Romana • $$-$$$
+39 055 220542
This traditional Italian eatery has long attracted local patrons while avoiding heavy tourist volumes. Its menu prioritizes time-honored preparations of dishes like steak Florentine and ribollita alongside typical pasta dishes. Staff written by hand in the native tongue but gladly interpret or make recommendations upon request. Standouts are the roasted pork arista, the stewed assortment of tender meats known as bollito misto, as well as the savory spaghetti alla carrettiera prepared with breadcrumbs. The small-scale restaurant welcomes lunch and dinner customers, making lunchtime seating readily obtainable whereas dinner reservations prove advisable.
12. Boccadarno – San Niccolò • $$
+39 055 386 0860
This friendly eatery specializing in seafood and wine is run by a brother and sister duo. Most dining takes place indoors, though several outdoor tables face the bustling heart of the San Niccolò district. Open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., reservations are strongly advised, particularly if touring down from Piazzale Michelangelo after nightfall (the restaurant sits just below the popular viewpoint).
13. Forno Becagli – Santa Maria Novella • $$
+39 055 215065
This award-winning family-run bakery popular with locals is renowned for freshly baked breads and tarts but also provides excellent sandwiches, pizzas, pastries and more. As there is no seating, planning to procure your food to go is advised. Open Monday to Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; closed Sundays.
14. Trattoria Pandemonio – San Frediano • $$-$$$
+39 055 224002
A family-operated eatery offers regional delicacies from Florence along with modern additions and an extensive wine selection (over 260 labels emphasizing Tuscan reds). This restaurant is one of the best in the city to sample the Florentine steak, though the thinly sliced beef with porcini mushrooms also presents an excellent choice along with the citrus and shrimp ravioli. Advance reservations are highly recommended, yet patrons may be able to secure a table for two if arriving promptly at 7:30 when doors open.
15. Enoteca Pinchiorri – Santa Croce • $$$$
+39 055 26311
Santa Croce boasts Florence’s finest table, the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in Tuscany. Chef Annie Féolde utilizes French techniques to create sophisticated Tuscan-based cuisine – think pigeon in a cocoa bean crust, risotto with sea scallops, and roasted veal marrow.
16. S. Forno – Santo Spirito • $$
+39 055 239 8580
A veritably artisanal bakery in San Frediano focused on naturally fermenting local flours into exquisite schiacciata, breads, pastries, and bagels. Associated with the highly-regarded Il Santo Bevitore eatery and Il Santino wine lounge adjacent.
17. Bottega del Buon Caffè – San Niccolò • $$$
+39 055 553 5677
Michelin-starred, designer-chic restaurant serving farm-to-table dishes with spices to make the local ingredients shine – vegetables come from just outside Florence and meat from nearby farms. The wine list is unmatched with over 1100 labels featuring local Tuscan, regional Italian, and international varieties.
18. Brac – Santa Croce • $$
+39 055 094 4877
Hidden vegetarian/vegan bookshop/kitchen near the Uffizi with a leisurely atmosphere. Browse shelves, savor a glass of wine, and feast on wholesome, organic fare.
19. Il Cantuccio di San Lorenzo – San Lorenzo • $$
+39 055 290034
Revered as the top spot for biscotti in Florence. This diminutive bakery focuses on tender Tuscan cantucci biscuits available in about ten variations alongside additional baked goods like cakes, scones and cookies. Items can be purchased individually or in bulk packages making them ideal souvenirs.
20. Libreria Caffé La Cité – San Frediano • $$
+39 055 210387
Eclectic cafe fosters intellectual atmosphere through diverse inventory and live performances. Young patrons gather daily. Space facilitates relaxed discussions any time while catering to different needs throughout.
21. Irene – City Center • $$$$
+39 055 273 5891
A restaurant renowned for high-quality fare and beverages lies at the epicenter of Florence`s historic Piazza della Repubblica. Irene`s seasonal menu evolves from Tuscan roots under the direction of skilled chefs serving patrons in a cordial manner while sharing their expertise. Those wishing to observe the lively square`s characteristic street performers and rotating carousel from an outdoor table would be wise to reserve well in advance particularly for this al fresco experience.
22. Osteria Bruciategami – Bagno a Ripoli • $$-$$$
+39 055 682 1276
This renowned restaurant places strong emphasis on sourcing top-quality, authentic ingredients from the local region, such as fresh truffles, handcrafted pici pasta, organic cheeses, and finely cured pork from Arezzo. The seasonal menu highlights the freshest locally grown vegetables and meats available during game hunting season (such as venison, wild boar, duck, and rabbit from September through February). Their thoughtfully curated wine list features the finest boutique wines throughout Italy with an emphasis on Tuscan varietals.
23. Il Santo Bevitore – Santo Spirito • $$
+39 055 211264
Candlelit dining amid arched ceilings allows sampling of skillfully prepared modern Tuscan fare. Naturally, an exceptional wine selection enhances the classy atmosphere. Standouts like wild boar homemade pasta and ricotta-filled rolls imbued with fiery pork sausage warrant strong recommendation; small size demands reservation to experience the popularity.
24. Rooster – City Center • $$
+39 055 264 5006
Contemporary eatery highlighting Tuscan flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Expect a welcoming environment, friendly staff, and a casually elegant setting. Equally well-suited for sampling a Florentine steak or one of their nutrient-dense vegetarian plates like butternut squash gnocchi and herb gnudi. Open nightly from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; advance reservations advised.
25. #RAW – City Center • $$
+39 055 219379
Serving up raw vegan cuisine and minimal design to meat-loving Florence, #RAW offers a distinct change from the norm. Nourishing salads, gently warmed burgers and tacos alongside cold-pressed juices or smoothies.
26. Ciro & Sons – San Lorenzo • $$-$$$
+39 055 289694
This renowned restaurant is known for its traditional and award-winning gluten-free versions of pizza and pasta dishes. The food quality here is exceptional, as every item can be made gluten-free or lactose-free without compromising the taste. Their gluten-free pizzas, pastas, and baked goods are indistinguishable from conventional options. Highly recommended is the Vesuvio pizza with buffalo mozzarella, Tuscan ham, and truffle sauce, the lobster spaghetti, or the Bolognese lasagna. Outdoor dining with shade and string lights at night is available, though the interior dining room merits particular praise for its frescoed walls and ceilings dated back in history.
27. Vivanda – San Frediano • $$-$$$
+39 055 238 1208
This restaurant specializes primarily in vegetarian and vegan cuisine crafted from local seasonal produce, meticulously made pastas, coupled with estate-grown organic wines. While a small assortment of meats and seafood round out the primarily plant-based menu. Dishes change with the seasons though perennial favorites like fried dumplings, creamy polenta, and saffron risotto satisfy along with numerous gluten-free selections. Vivanda additionally offers wine tastings and pasta preparation workshops. The intimate ambiance emphasizes reservations for the popular eatery.
28. Martarè – Santissima Annunziata • $$
+39 339 425 2115
A small family-run restaurant located in an intimate space featuring just 12 tables. The husband and wife team source ingredients from their own farm to create elegant yet simple dishes served à la carte or through a well-priced tasting menu. Operating for lunch from noon to 3 p.m. and dinner from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, reservations are advised.
29. La Cova – Santo Spirito • $$
+39 055 267 0076
Indulge in authentic Spanish tapas and pintxos and sip chilled cava at the bar of this trendy Santo Spirito location. The menu evolves regularly, so there are usually new delights to uncover.
30. Ora d’Aria – Santo Spirito • $$
+39 055 200 1699
A Michelin-starred Tuscan restaurant concealed by the Ponte Vecchio. Chef Marco Stabile balances custom and creativity at `Hour of Air`. The lunch menu is a great selection of `Tuscan tapas`.
31. Leonardo – Santo Croce • $$
+39 055 013 2711
Family-operated artisanal biscuit shop in Santa Croce, specializing in amazing Florentine cantucci since 1960. Biscotti unlike any you have ever tasted.
