My favorite places
To eat and drink
Let’s be honest: one of the best parts of being in Italy is the food. And while there are plenty of famous restaurants around, I wanted to share the spots I personally love as someone living here. These are the places I’d take my friends to when they visit.
You need to try these:
Schiacciata lampredotto
This is a must-try local delicacy. It’s a traditional Florentine sandwich made with tender tripe, usually served with a green sauce. It might sound unusual, but it’s definitely worth tasting!
Bistecca alla fiorentina
Don’t worry if the steak is served with a bit of blood on the plate. This is a traditional Florentine dish and the meat is carefully prepared. It’s meant to be rare—trust me, it’s delicious, and the tenderness is unbeatable.
Salame
You absolutely have to try it. It’s a rich, flavorful salami that’s unique to the region and pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine.
For a schiacciata
Schiacciata is Florence’s must-try sandwich. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and stuffed with everything good.
All’Antico Vinaio
Fermentino
SchiacciaMatta
For coffee break or breakfast
Ditta Artigianale
Malaleuca
Pasticceria Buonamici
Pasticceria Giorgio
Wild Buns Bakery
For gelato
Gelateria Baroncini
Badiani Gelato Tosinghi
Gelateria dei Neri
Gelateria della Passera
Gelateria La Carraia
For pasta
Cibleo - Tortelli & Ravioli
Osteria del Tegolaio
Trattoria Zà Zà Firenze
For bisteca fiorentina & meat
Perseus
Trattoria da Tito
Trippaio del Porcellino
For a cocktail
Bulli e Balene
Loggia Roof Bar
The Box
For pizza
Pizzeria Cipiglio
Pizzeria Primavera
Please note: None of the places listed in this guide have paid me to feature them. I wish they would invite me for a free meal one day!
A little advice
Florence is full of amazing places to eat—but not all of them are worth your time (or money). Just a heads up: you can easily end up paying €30 for a basic pasta dish if you’re not careful.
The places I listed above are the ones I personally go to and recommend. They’re not fancy, but they’re good, local, and fair.
This is the “official” list of top restaurants according to TripAdvisor
Trattoria dall'Oste
Osteria Belle Donne
Trattoria Zà Zà Firenze
Enoteca Alessi
Osteria Vecchio Cancello
Perseus
Where to shop for food
Esselunga
This is the most accessible supermarket and a great option for everyday needs. It’s widespread, easy to find, and has everything you might need.
La Coop
Personally, I love the Coop for fresh meat. The quality is great, and it’s worth checking out for your next dinner.
It’s cheaper to buy deli meat at the counter rather than the pre-packaged stuff. Plus, it’s way fresher! To ask for deli meat in Italian, you can say: “Ciao, mi fai 1 eto di [insert deli meat here]?” (which means “Hi, can you give me 100 grams of [insert deli meat here]?”).
Products I love
One of the best ways to bring a piece of Florence (and Italy!) home with you is by picking up some local food products. You’ll find these items at most supermarkets in the city, and they make perfect, tasty souvenirs for yourself or as gifts. Here are some of my top picks:
Mutti & De Cecco
These two are fantastic brands for tomato products and pasta. If you're looking for top-quality ingredients to bring the taste of Tuscany to your own kitchen, these are the ones to trust.
Tuscan olive oil
Florence and Tuscany are known for their high-quality olive oils. Look for a local, cold-pressed olive oil. It’s perfect for drizzling over salads, dipping bread, or making your own Italian dressings.
Nutella
The world’s favorite hazelnut spread is, of course, made in Italy. Whether you spread it on toast or use it in desserts, it’s a delicious reminder of your time in Florence.
Pesto
Florence and the surrounding region are famous for their fresh basil, and pesto is a classic way to use it. Grab a jar to add some authentic Italian flavor to your meals back home.
Cantucci
These traditional Tuscan cookies are perfect for dipping into a glass of Vin Santo (a sweet Tuscan dessert wine). They're crunchy, delicious, and a true local delicacy.
Mulino Bianco
My favorite biscuits (known as galleggi) are any from Mulino Bianco. They’re the perfect sweet snack and much cheaper than most packaged alternatives.