Travelling to a country that largely builds its cultural identity on its culinary heritage can be slightly daunting. When walking from Ponte Vecchio to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, you will stumble across at least 50 different restaurants, between candle-lit osterie, small trattorie, with red and white tablecloths, pizzerie displaying the best pizzas, or even the typical Florentine taverne, all flaunting what looks to the eyes of a foreigner as wonderfully authentic Italian food.
But this is not always the case, especially in highly touristy cities such as Florence. Tourist traps abound, which is why this guide is important, helping to direct you to the true Italian restaurants that serve genuine and authentic food from Tuscany and all over Italy.
Here’s my list of the best foods you need to try out on your next trip to Florence.
1. Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Bearing the name of the Italian artistic capital, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, or simply called La Fiorentina, may well be the culinary symbol of Florence par excellence.
With its distinctive T shape, this traditional Italian steak typically derives from the Chianina cattle, an autochthonous Tuscan breed, and must follow strict, non-negotiable cooking methods over burning coal, which give it just the right level of blood-red soft consistency.
Where to eat the best Bistecca alla Fiorentina in Florence
- Trattoria Mario
With a warm and cozy atmosphere, TrattoriaMario is one of the city’s historical trattorias. The restaurant’s faithful respect for the authentic way of serving the steak rare is playfully conveyed by the sign at the entrance that reads: “It is forbidden to ask for a well-done Fiorentina”, so don’t dare challenge the cooks!
- Trattoria Antico Fattore
In this old wooden trattoria, framed by dangling plants at the entrance, you will find the grill always lit and blazing hot, ready to cook the Fiorentina the traditional way of our grandparents. Make sure to pair it with their homemade fagioli all’uccelletto and a glass of local Chianti wine.
2. Panino con il Lampredotto
You cannot visit Florence without trying one of the fundamental foods that make locals proud to be fiorentini! Lampredotto is nothing more than a part of the veal’s stomach, which you can relish slow cooked in tomato, onion, celery and parsley, or, as locals really like to have it, simply stuffed between two crunchy slices of bread.
Where to eat the best Panino al Lampredotto in Florence
- ‘l Trippaio di San Frediano
In the heart of the San Frediano district lies an unmissable reference point for many Florentines eager to rediscover the old flavors from the past in a real and authentic way. This small kiosk offers their specialty just the way the locals like it: in a crunchy bun, seasoned with their favorite salsa verde.
- Osteria Tripperia il Magazzino
But Lampredotto is not just a street food. It can also be beautifully served on a plate for consuming while sitting comfortably on chair, and Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino is an evident example!
Elevating humble and unpretentious food to a sophisticated fusion of cuisines, the restaurant proudly serves Lampredotto sushi: tempura-fried rice wrapped in nori seaweed and topped with a thin slice of lampredotto meat, seasoned with a few drops of soy sauce. Or why not try the lampredotto and caramelized onion stuffed ravioli?
3. Il Peposo
Literally translated as peppery, peposo is another culinary symbol of Florence with deep roots in the humble and inexpensive ingredients and cooking methods of the old medieval cucina povera.
Making use of every edible part of the animal, peposo is a hearty and succulent stew, slow cooked in traditional terracotta vases with red wine, garlic and, yes, you guessed it, lots of pepper!
Where to eat the best Peposo in Florence
- Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Located a few meters from Piazza della Signoria, Vini e Vecchi Sapori is a landmark for locals, both for the exceptional quality of its cuisine thanks to the incredible cook, Rosanna Mazzanti, who declares having made it almost every day for the past twenty years. Another fundamental aspect of their winning recipe is the wine, which she proudly proclaims is “a Tuscan red of course”.
- Il Paiolo
An offshoot of Sabatini, one of the most famous and historic restaurants in Florence, Il Paiolo has certainly won itself an unequal reputation. The secret to their recipe lies in the finishing touch: once the wine has been absorbed during a few hours of cooking, a bouquet of herbs, rosemary, sage and thyme, is thrown in and it is left to simmer for two more hours.
4. Ribollita
If you’re trying to cut down on meat and increase your intake of veggies, nothing beats the Florentine ribollita, a bread-based chunky vegetable stew mainly made with black cabbage and cannellini beans.
Being a traditional peasant’s dish, ribollita was typically reheated and enjoyed the following day, as the name implies.
Where to eat the best Ribollita in Florence
- Da Burde
At Burde’s, Thursdays are all about ribollita, this is because traditionally Wednesday was the day for using up all the stale bread to make the dish, which was then reheated the next day. But Burde’s gives an usual and original touch to his recipe: he boils the vegetables in a rich and flavorful meat stock and adds a sprinkle of fresh thyme. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and it’s ready to be savored!
- La Casalinga
If you’re looking for a more down-to-earth restaurant, La Casalinga is the place to go to! Located in the Santo Spirito district, La Casalinga is an unconventional restaurant which refuses reservations, but which makes you feel at home like no other place. Served in the traditional terracotta pots, this homemade-like ribollita is irresistibly tasty!
5. La Carbonara
But in Florence you don’t only find local food: the city is increasingly developing a reputation for presenting one of the best cuisines from other regions of the country.
It’s especially the case with Carbonara, the traditional Roman pasta dish loved by the whole world – now, it seems, you no longer have to travel to Rome to try it…
Where to eat the best Carbonara in Florence
- Caffè al Duomo
It’s indeed true, to taste an authentic Roman Carbonara you no longer need to go to Rome. As a matter of fact, the best Carbonara in Italy has been rated to be in Florence, just opposite the main cathedral. Just sit and close your eyes while enjoying your creamy and peppery Carbonara and it’ll feel just like being in front of the Colosseum.
- Le Cappelle Medicee
In the heart of San Lorenzo Square stands a warm and welcoming restaurant renowned in the city for its unmistakably delicious Carbonara. If you feel like tasting the classic Roman dish the authentic way then don’t hesitate to stop at the Cappelle Medicee.
6. Pappardelle al Ragù di Cinghiale
An Italian all-time favorite is Pappardelle al Ragù di Cinghiale, a popular variant of traditional ragù, made with wild boar, which confers a distinctive rich and intense flavor. Usually paired with fresh Pappardelle pasta, this wonderful rich and flavorsome sauce is typical of the Maremma area, in Tuscany, and has now become a staple all around the region.
Where to eat the best Pappardelle al Ragù di Cinghiale in Florence
- Ristorante Trattoria L’Oriuolo
In the heart of the historic center of Florence, a few blocks away from il Duomo, you will find one of the city’s landmarks for traditional cuisine. A typically Tuscan ambience will welcome you offering the classic recipes of the cucina povera tradition, amongst which is the irresistible Pappardelle al Cinghiale, the restaurant’s culinary highlight.
- La Pentola dell’Oro
La Pentola dell’Oro, a historic restaurant founded by Chef Giuseppe Alessi, offers traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern touch. Classic recipes are reinterpreted and adapted, adding an unexpected twist and original touch to each and every dish, which is what makes the restaurant such a unique and popular site for locals and tourists.
7. Arancini
Has all that walking and city-seeing made you hungry? If you’d like a bite but don’t want to stop for long, these delicious Sicilian risotto balls may just be what you’re looking for! Filled with cheese or ragù and coated in a thick layer of deep-fried risotto rice, Arancini are a symbol of simple and nourishing Italian street food.
Where to eat the best Arancini in Florence
- La Casa di Marzapane
Arancini are undoubtedly one of the greatest classics of Casa di Marzapane, a Sicilian-specialized bakery and ice-cream shop. Friday is, or was, the traditional day for serving their specialty but due to their popularity, they had to duplicate production and they are served on Tuesdays too! So get there quickly or you won’t find any more left!
- Ristorante Arà: è Sud
Just as the name suggests, Arà is all about the culinary traditions of the South. A warm yet refined atmosphere: wooden interior with majolica on the walls, a wood-burning oven in the corner and a lot of Arancini neatly displayed for the hungry passersby.
This is thanks to Chef Carmelo Pannocchietti, who wanted to introduce the locals to the flavors and aromas of his hometown, Modica, on the southern tip of Sicily.
8. Lo Zuccotto
If you’re feeling like something sweet, you’ll have to try the traditional dessert of Florence, a dome-shaped sponge cake made with whipped cream, ricotta and an aromatic pink liqueur.
Legend has it that Zuccotto was the first ever semifreddo dessert in the history of Italian cuisine, created in honor of Catherine de’ Medici, and continues to hold a fundamental cultural importance. In fact, last year the first edition of ‘Lo Zuccotto Fiorentino, tra Tradizione e Modernità’ was launched with the aim of valorizing a local gastronomic specialties. And amongst the top-rated patisseries there was…
Where to eat the best Zuccotto in Florence
- Da Quei Ganzi
Located in one of the main streets of the city centre, in this Osteria Zuccotto is a truly renowned masterpiece! Served with a chocolate coulis or with fresh whipped cream, their specialty truly is an ode to Italy’s longstanding dessert making tradition!
- Pasticceria Marisa
If you’re wondering where to buy a takeaway Zuccotto for a dinner you are hosting, then there’s no better place than Pasticceria Marisa. From fresh pastries, biscuits and multiple layered cakes to the most refined and exquisite patisserie, Marisa offers excellent sweet delicacies, but the undisputed king of all is undoubtedly Zuccotto!
9. Tiramisù
Why not go for the good old Tiramisù? A staple Italian dessert that never grows old, Tiramisù is a symbol of Italy’s century-old pastry-making heritage and an all-time favorite which quite literally lifts you up!
Where to eat the best Tiramisù in Florence
- Osteria di Giovanni
Located slightly north of the Arno river, Osteria di Giovanni is a well-known place to go when those tiramisu cravings hit you. Just make sure you leave enough space for it because the portions are definitely very generous!
- Gino’s Bakery
Despite the anglophone name, Gino’s Bakery is an Italian Pasticceria which retains the country’s refined culinary expertise. Their mini tiramisù will get you hooked pretty quickly!
10. Gelato
Nothing’s quite beats a cold and refreshing gelato on a hot summer day! But when it comes to ice-creams, it’s a tough choice selecting the best one in town. Here are just a few of the most popular and authentic gelateries.
- Gelateria La Carraia
This ice-cream shop gets pole position for its choice of natural, homemade ingredients and the resulting softness of the ice cream, which quite literally melts in your mouth. Highly recommended is the Delizia Carraia flavor, with white chocolate flakes and an irresistible pistachio coulis on top.
- Gelateria Badiani
Badiani is located near the stadium and is particularly known for its famous Buontalenti flavor, named after the 15th century Florentine architect who was believed to have invented ice cream. A painting inside recounts the story behind the origin of this flavor.
In honor of the famous architect, in 1970, all the gelateries in town participated in a competition to see who would make the best ice-cream. When Badiani came up with this rich and creamy flavor, it was clear who was going to be the winner. Since then, many have tried to replicate it, but only at Badiani’s can you try the incomparable flavor.
Related: Pisa Food Guide
Related: Best Foods to Sample in Rome
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