TimeSavour

Florence

BY: Amelia Quinn

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February 9, 2024

A Celebration of Food and Wine

Florence, the jewel of Tuscany, where every bite tells the rich story of Tuscany’s culinary heritage. This city isn’t just about renaissance art and history, it’s a paradise for foodies, offering an array of dishes that are as diverse as they are delicious. Florence’s food scene is a vibrant mix of traditional Tuscan flavours and innovative dining experiences, and we’re here to share with you the best restaurants Florence has to offer. But before jumping into the list, let’s paint a picture of how a day of eating could look like in this magical city.

Start with the basics: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick, succulent steak cooked over blazing hot coals, and Ribollita, a hearty soup that’s a testament to Tuscan comfort food. Don’t miss the Schiacciata, a flavourful, olive oil-infused flatbread usually filled with a huge amount of charcuteries and cheese, perfect for snacking as you explore the city. For something truly Florentine, try the Lampredotto, a savory sandwich filled with tender, herb-seasoned tripe – a street food staple.

Florence is also home to a variety of restaurants catering to all tastes. From quaint trattorias serving up Chicken liver paté on crusty bread, to modern eateries experimenting with classic ragu dishes, there’s something for everyone. And for those with a sweet tooth, Florence claims bragging rights to some of the best Gelato in Italy, with flavours ranging from traditional to avant-garde.

No culinary tour of Florence is complete without sampling the local wine and spirits. Sip on a glass of robust Chianti, a staple of the Tuscan wine country, or indulge in a classic Negroni cocktail, born from Florence’s own storied bars.

Florence invites you to dive into its culinary heart, from timeless recipes passed down through generations to contemporary takes that continue to evolve. Here, food is life, it’s a celebration of Tuscan heritage and innovation. Join us on this delicious journey through the best restaurants in Florence. You can expect authentic, high quality, food. From the simplest Gelato to the most savoury Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Our best restaurants in Florence

Il santo bevitore

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$

Il Santo Bevitore, situated in Florence’s Oltrarno district, offers a menu of contemporary tuscan cuisine, highlighting Tuscany’s culinary traditions with a modern approach. The restaurant features an extensive wine list that perfectly complements dishes made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Located on the less-touristy side of the Arno River, Il Santo Bevitore provides a unique dining experience, combining innovative cooking techniques with the timeless flavors of Italy. Additionally, don’t miss their charming wine bar “Il santino”, situated just down the street.

ilsantobevitore
Photo credit: Il santo bevitore

Regina Bistecca

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$

Located just a few steps from piazza del duomo Regina Bistecca presents an impressive selection of premium steaks from Tuscan Chianina to sought-after international cuts. The restaurant offers an unparalleled dining service where the server presents various steaks at your table, allowing for a personalized selection which really elevates the dining experience. Alongside a wine list tailored to complement the flavors of the meat, the restaurant also delights with a couple of great starters and a charming dessert trolley to round off the meal.

Regina bistecca
Photo credit: instagram/@mingjieloh

Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$

Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina is a beautiful little wine bar located in front of Palazzo Pitti, this venue offers a delightful selection of wines to complement its culinary counterparts. If the main reason for your visit is wine, you’re definitely in the right place and we would recommend you to try one of their wine flights, they’re both affordable and really good. However, you should come here for the food as well, it is so elegant and could be explained as a mix between modern and traditional Italian cuisine, with a big emphasis on fresh and local ingredients.

enoteca pitti gola e cantina
Photo credit: Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina

All’Antico Vinaio

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $

Indulge in All’Antico Vinaio’s iconic Schiacciata, where the perfection of freshly baked bread meets top-tier cold cuts, including the tuscan sbriciolona salami, prosciutto and succulent porchetta. The sandwich also comes with different types of cheeses like mozzarella and pecorino, and other toppings like truffle cream and pistachio, taking this sandwich to another level. Founded in 1991, All’Antico Vinaio, with its original spot near Palazzo Vecchio, remains as one of the most popular eateries in Florence so be prepared to stand in line or come early.

All antico vinaio
Photo credit: All’Antico Vinaio

Mercato Centrale

Place: Food market
Price range: $

Experience Florence’s culinary heartbeat at Mercato Centrale. This lively marketplace is a sensory feast, offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and authentic Tuscan dishes. From savory panini to traditional pizza, every bite tells the story of Florence’s rich culinary heritage. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, guided by passionate local vendors, making Mercato Centrale a must-visit for an authentic taste of the city.

Mercato Centrale
Photo credit: Mercato Centrale

Trattoria Sostanza

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$

Sostanza is your go-to spot for traditional, no-frills food. In this bustling trattoria, savor simple pastas, flavorful grilled meats, and their famous buttered chicken. The compact space creates a lively atmosphere, offering reasonably priced Bistecca Fiorentina and delightful artichoke omelets. Don’t forget the chocolate-chip meringue with wild strawberries for dessert. Despite being a cash-only establishment, we believe Sostanza is a must-visit for experiencing authentic Florentine flavors.

Trattoria sostanza
Photo credit: Instagram/@emikodavies

Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$

This cozy family-run spot that’s been a local favorite for ages. Here, it’s all about simple, down-to-earth dishes that showcase the best of the region’s culinary traditions. Fresh, local ingredients take the spotlight, giving each bite a taste of authenticity. The atmosphere is as friendly as the food, with decor that shares tales of Florentine life. Regulars and first-timers are all welcome here, but due to limited space, we strongly suggest calling and booking in advance.

Vini e vecchi sapori
Photo credit: Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Trattoria Cammillo

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$

This family-run establishment has been welcoming diners with open arms for generations. At Cammillo, the focus is on simple, honest dishes that speak volumes of the region’s culinary heritage, prepared with ingredients that embody the essence of freshness and locality. The ambiance here is as warm and inviting as the food, with a décor that tells stories of Florentine life and traditions. Regulars and newcomers alike are greeted by the comforting aromas of home-cooked meals, making every visit feel like a return to a beloved relative’s dining room.

Trattoria Cammillo
Photo credit: Trattoria Cammillo

Caffè Gilli

Place: Bar, Café
Price range: $$

Conveniently located in the bustling Piazza della Repubblica, Caffè Gilli stands as a beloved family-run establishment, offering a perfect haven for weary wanderers and avid explorers alike. After a day of immersing yourself in the rich history and beauty of Florence, Gilli provides a great spot to unwind and indulge. Find a seat and order one of their delightful pastries, like the cannolo, paired with an espresso or the signature Negroni, we can assure you that you’ll have your energy back in no time.

Caffe gilli
Photo credit: Caffè Gilli

Cibreo

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

Cibreo encompasses a collection of venues that each offer a unique interpretation of Tuscan cuisine. From the casual charm of its trattoria to the refined elegance of the ristorante, and beyond to its other inviting spaces, Cibreo celebrates Florentine culinary traditions across a spectrum of dining experiences. Guided by Chef Fabio Picchi’s dedication to quality, seasonality, and innovation, each Cibreo venue invites diners to explore the rich tapestry of Tuscan flavors. For an authentic journey through the heart of Florence’s gastronomy, Cibreo is a must-visit destination.

cibreo
Photo credit: Cibreo

Trattoria dall’oste

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

This award-winning Tuscan steakhouse, boasting several locations in Florence, has earned its place on the ’50 Best Steaks’ list, thanks to its great variety of premium meat and expert preparation. Beyond the classic Bistecca Fiorentina, the menu offers a variety of steaks, carefully sourced from top meat producers both in Italy and globally. Each location is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and authenticity, creating a genuinely Tuscan dining experience within a welcoming atmosphere.

Trattoria dall'oste
Photo credit: Trattoria dall’oste

I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $

I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti is a great alternative to the more famous sandwich shop All’Antico Vinaio, the line is shorter but the sandwich is just as good. Specializing in a variety of gourmet sandwiches, this spot uses the freshest local ingredients to craft mouthwatering creations that capture the essence of Florentine street food. The toppings features a selection of premium cold cuts such as porchetta, sbriciolona and mortadella, paired with a variety of cheeses including pecorino and gorgonzola. Make sure to try this place out.

ghironeghiotti

Manifattura

Place: Bar
Price range: $$

Manifattura is a cocktail bar that stands out in Florence for its dedication to Italian spirits and artisanal craftsmanship. Celebrating Italy’s rich aperitivo culture, this cozy bar offers a curated selection of cocktails with a strong focus on Italian ingredients, from classic concoctions to innovative creations. The interior, reminiscent of a mid-20th-century Italian bar, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for both locals and visitors. This is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to savor the true essence of Italian cocktail artistry.

Manifattura
Photo credit: Manifattura

Cantinetta Antinori

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

Located within a historic palazzo, this upscale restaurant marries the rich heritage of the Antinori wine legacy with the essence of Tuscan cuisine. Expect an intimate and elegant dining experience, where each dish is representing local flavors and traditions, thoughtfully paired with Antinori’s prestigious wines. The elegant yet cozy ambiance reflects the family’s passion for both winemaking and gastronomy, making it a culinary gem for those seeking Florence’s gastronomic and vinicultural excellence.

Cantinetta Antinori
Photo credit: Cantinetta Antinori

Atelier de Nerli

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

This restaurant redefines luxury dining in Florence with its fusion of exquisite Italian cuisine and opulent design. The menu offers a refined interpretation of Tuscan culinary traditions, elevated by premium ingredients and exceptional cooking skills, crafted for the most sophisticated palates. The restaurant’s interior, almost a destination in its own right, boasts a luxurious decor and a sophisticated ambiance that beautifully complements the artful presentation of dishes, elevating the entire dining experience.

Atelier de Nerli
Photo credit: Atelier de Nerli

La strega nocciola

Place: Café
Style:
Price range: $

La Strega Nocciola, a charming gelateria with multiple locations in the city, delights visitors with its artisanal approach to gelato making. The gelato menu features a wide array of flavors, from classic favorites to innovative combinations, all crafted using the finest natural ingredients resulting in the most creamy and rich gelato.

La strega nocciola
Photo credit: La strega nocciola

Buca Mario

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

This establishment has been a bastion of Tuscan cuisine for generations. Renowned for its dedication to traditional recipes and the finest local ingredients, the menu offers a rich tapestry of flavors that focus on the culinary heritage of the region. Accompanied by a great wine list, each dish is an invitation to explore the depths of Tuscany’s gastronomic culture. The ambiance of Buca Mario, with its venerable decor and warm, welcoming atmosphere, transports diners to a forgotten era of Italian dining.

Buca Mario
Photo credit: Buca Mario

Osteria dell’Enoteca

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$

Established by the same team that runs Enoteca Pitti Gola E Cantina, this restaurant offers Italian gastronomy with a focus on Tuscany’s rich culinary heritage. Here, the menu is a celebration of regional flavors, featuring a selection of meticulously prepared traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The wine list is a curated journey through Italy’s vineyards, with a special focus on Tuscan labels. For those seeking an authentic taste of Tuscany in the Oltrarno area, Osteria dell’Enoteca is a great choice.

Osteria dell'Enoteca
Photo credit: Osteria dell’Enoteca

Ristorante Frescobaldi

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

Ristorante Frescobaldi offers a blend of traditional Italian cuisine and modern culinary innovation, using the finest local ingredients. This restaurant is part of the Frescobaldi family’s wine legacy, pairing its exquisite dishes with an extensive selection of Frescobaldi wines. The restaurant’s elegant decor combines historical charm with contemporary luxury, reflecting the family’s Tuscan heritage. Located in a scenic setting, Ristorante Frescobaldi provides a memorable dining experience, where the ambiance and flavors celebrate the richness of tuscan culture.

frescobaldi
Photo credit: Frescobaldi

Essenziale

Place: Restaurant
Price range: $$$

Essenziale stands out in the culinary scene with its inventive approach to Italian cuisine, offering a menu that creatively reinterprets classic dishes. This restaurant is known for its commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh and vibrant dining experience. The modern and minimalist decor of Essenziale is designed to focus attention on the culinary artistry, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and welcoming.

essenziale
Photo credit: Essenziale

Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

Place: Restaurant
Style:
Price range: $$$

Located just a few steps from the river Arno, this restaurant offers a contemporary interpretation of Tuscan cuisine. Part of the Il Borro estate, the restaurant serves exquisite dishes crafted from local ingredients, paired perfectly with their renowned wines. With elegant décor blending historical charm and contemporary luxury, the bistro provides a memorable dining experience, celebrating Tuscan culture.

ilborro
Photo credit: Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

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