What and Where to Eat and Drink in Florence, Italy
One of the best things about Florence is the food! From grab-and-go panini to high-end dining, Florence really does have it all. We have been to Florence many times and try something new, as well as something tried and true, each time we are there. We love to test whether a spot was a one-off or is always that good, and we repeat restaurants we’ve visited before as much as we like to try new places. After spending months traveling across Italy, we find that the cuisine and culture of this fabulous Tuscan city always have us coming back for more.
To help you navigate the city, it is worth noting that most of the action happens in two areas: the Centro Storico (Historic Center) and the Oltrarno. The Centro Storico is the heart of the city, where you will find the Duomo, while the Oltrarno is just across the river and tends to feel a bit more local and artisanal.
In this blog, we’re sharing our favorite places to eat and drink in the city, along with the must-try items to order while you’re there!
Signs of a Tourist Trap
Before you sit down at any restaurant or cafe, look for these red flags. If you avoid these six things, you likely won’t have a bad meal in Italy!
Red and white checkered tablecloths: These are often a sign of a place playing into American stereotypes rather than authentic Italian dining.
Wait staff standing outside: If a restaurant is eager to pull you in from the sidewalk, it is usually because the food cannot speak for itself.
Pictures on the menu: Authentic spots let the ingredients do the talking. If there are photos, keep walking.
Giant menus: A menu with too many options usually means nothing is being made fresh to order.
Multiple languages: While English menus are common, if you see the menu translated into five or six different languages, it is a tourist trap.
Proximity to major sights: Places right beside the Duomo or the Uffizi are often overpriced. Go just one or two streets away for a better experience.
Common Restaurant Terms
Bar: This is not like an American bar. In Italy, a bar is where you get coffee, beer, gelato, and quick breakfasts. It is more of a coffee or snack bar than a place for late-night cocktails.
Caffetteria: Very similar to a bar, but these spots usually place a heavier focus on coffee and pastries. They are often great places for a light breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.
Osteria: Historically an unpretentious hole-in-the-wall tavern with a small menu and snacks to go with your drinks. However, some modern Osterias have evolved to feel more like full restaurants.
Trattoria: A smaller, less formal, and usually cheaper version of a full restaurant.
Ristorante: A nicer, more formal sit-down establishment, similar to what you would expect from a standard restaurant in the States.
Pizzeria: A place focused on pizza. If the menu has too many non-pizza options, it is best to avoid it.
Gelateria: Where you find the best treat in the world: gelato!
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Bistecca alla fiorentina from La Buchetta
Dishes to Order While in Florence
Bistecca alla fiorentina: Commonly known as Florentine steak. It is a thick-cut T-bone steak that is char-grilled to perfection.
Ribollita: A hearty, traditional Tuscan soup made with bread, cannellini beans, and kale. It is the ultimate comfort food.
Pappa al Pomodoro: A thick, delicious tomato and bread soup served warm or at room temperature.
Prosciutto e melone: This is prosciutto and cantaloupe. It is a simple appetizer, and while the idea may sound off-putting at first, we promise it is delicious.
Panini: The ultimate Italian sandwich. This is the perfect quick lunch food made with fresh focaccia and perfectly sliced meats. Just note that the word "panini" is plural: ask for a "panino" if you just want one.
Cornetto: This is what you order for breakfast. It looks like a croissant, but it is a bit sweeter and less flaky than the French version.
Affogato: We call this a food because it is more gelato than espresso. This is a cup of vanilla gelato served with a shot of espresso. The sweetness and creaminess of the gelato paired with the strong, bitter espresso make it the perfect marriage in a cup.
Aperol Spritz from the wine window at Babae
Drinks to Order While in Florence
Tuscan Wine: Tuscany is the region in which Florence is located, and the wine produced here is famous for good reason.
Negroni: Legend has it that the Negroni was invented in Florence. If you want to order the real thing at the original (though contested) establishment, head to Giacosa Café for this bitter drink.
Aperol Spritz: The iconic cocktail of Italians during aperitivo (happy hour). It is almost impossible to find a bad one in Italy.
Espresso: You won't see Italians sipping on large coffees. Instead, the typical way to order coffee in Florence is to walk into a bar and order an espresso or doppio espresso (double espresso) to sip on quickly while standing at the counter.
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If you're dreaming of a romantic terrace overlooking the Duomo at night, staying at a chic boutique hotel with clever touches, or using miles and points to stay with your favorite brand in this historic city, we’ve got you covered!
Our Favorite Casual Eateries in Florence
Il Mercato Centrale: A food hall near the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station. It is perfect for groups with varying tastes or dietary restrictions.
Ala Grande Caffè (caffè Rosanò): A great breakfast spot if you are heading to the Galleria dell’Accademia in the morning.
Oblate Cafeteria: Perfect for a light breakfast of coffee and a cornetto with a great view of the Duomo.
Pino’s (Salumeria Verdi): This has been a staple since 1991 and is our favorite place for incredible panini. If you aren't sure what to get, try the Springtime sandwich.
I' Girone De' Ghiotti: Another phenomenal panino spot. We highly suggest the Discordia or anything featuring their wild boar salami. If you see a massive line at the famous All’Antico Vinaio, don't stress: just head here or to Pino's for a sandwich that is just as good without the hour-long wait.
La Ménagère: This is a stunning space that is part flower shop and part cafe. It is a great place to sit down for a casual bite or a long coffee break.
Our Favorite Must-Have Dining Reservations
La Buchetta: Hands down our favorite place to eat in Florence. We would recommend this to anyone. You have to order the Florentine Steak served with candle butter and the Angels and Demons Gnocchi. That gnocchi is genuinely life-changing. 10/10 experience.
La Galleria Il Vino dei Guelfi: Located in the heart of the Oltrarno, this spot is cozy and welcoming. Trip after trip, we revisit this place for their hearty Italian dishes and their pizza, which is one of our favorites in Italy. It’s not the trendiest or even the most scenic, but it’s cozy with warm and friendly staff, has exactly the hearty Italian dishes you’re hoping for, and won’t break the bank.
Il Vezzo: A highly-rated spot that offers a more refined but still very approachable dining experience. The food here is thoughtful and delicious.
Ostaria dei Centopoveri: This was recommended to us by a local B&B owner. It is family-run, authentic, and offers fantastic food at a great price.
Trattoria Zà Zà: This place has a great atmosphere and large portions. It is very popular but remains a reliable, delicious, and reasonably priced choice.
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Queue for the wine window at Babae
Florence’s Best Wine Windows
When in Florence, you need to visit a wine window (or a few). These buchette del vino date back to the 17th century, when wealthy families sold wine directly to people through small holes in their palace walls to avoid contact during the plague. They had a huge resurgence during the you-know-what in 2020 and are now a beloved part of the Florence experience.
How to use a wine window:
You usually ring a small bell or knock on the tiny window in the side wall. An employee will take your order from the window (sort of like a drive-through), and then you’ll pay them through the window. Seconds later, a glass of wine or a cocktail will be passed back through the window to you! You won't find a place to sit: the tradition is to stand outside on the street and enjoy your drink in the sun. When you are finished, you simply hand your glass back through the window or return it inside the attached restaurant.
Our favorite wine windows:
Babae: Located in the Oltrarno at Via Santo Spirito, 21R. This is our favorite wine window experience. It is popular, so expect a line, but it is worth the wait.
Osteria Belle Donne: Located at Via delle Belle Donne, 16R in the Centro Storico. This is another wonderful, historic option.
Cantina De' Pucci: Set within a historic palace just a short walk from the Duomo. This window is active and offers a very authentic, tangible link to the past.
Fiaschetteria Fantappiè: Located in the Oltrarno on Via dei Serragli. This is more of a local haunt and feels very unpretentious.
Pietrabianca: Found in Piazza dei Peruzzi. This is a great example of a modern restaurant integrating a historic feature. It is a quick and casual way to sample their wine while exploring the center.
Vivoli: Not only is the gelato legendary here, but they also have a beautifully maintained original wine window.
Where to Find Good Coffee and Sweets
For a proper sit-down coffee experience rather than a quick espresso at a bar, check out these spots:
Ditta Artigianale: A haven for those who love a good latte, fresh-roasted pour-over, or specialty coffee.
Fluid (Specialty Coffee & Sharing): A very modern third-wave coffee shop. It is a bit more of a walk, but they take their roasting very seriously.
La Ménagère: If you are near the Galleria dell’Accademia, it is a stunning, spacious place to relax with a specialty coffee.
Surprisingly, not all gelato in Italy is good gelato! As long as you avoid a few things, you will have a great experience. Look out for gelato piled high, as this is usually a trick to bring in tourists. You also want to avoid brightly colored gelato, as those artificial colors never taste as good as the real thing. Authentic shops let the gelato speak for itself!
Here’s our favorite places to find good gelato in Florence:
Vivoli: A historic staple. They don't even display their gelato in a case; it is tucked away in metal tins. Their affogato is legendary, and they even have a wine window.
My Sugar: A small, local shop in the San Lorenzo area. We love grabbing a cup here after visiting the Accademia and walking around the neighborhood.
Gelateria Della Passera: An unassuming little shop in the Oltrarno that offers perfection in a cup or cone.
Barroccino (L’ora del Gelato): A phenomenal gelato shop in the historic center. You can get a great affogato here as well.
Perchè No!: They have been around since 1939 and use incredibly fresh ingredients. It is a fantastic "tried and true" spot.