November 7, 2024

First Timers Guide To The Best Food in Florence

ItalyRestaurant Guides

From traditional Tuscan dishes to innovative cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs, Florence is a great destination for travelers who love to eat. Although the true food lovers likely know that Emilia Romagna is Italy's true foodie capital. Regardless, Florence offers a feast of flavors. Whether you're strolling along cobblestone streets in search of a cozy trattoria or eyeing the colorful displays of fresh gelato, Florence has something delicious waiting around every corner.

But the sheer amount of highly-rated restaurants in Florence can be so daunting to a first-time visitor. That’s why I am here to help!

I’ve carefully curated this food & restaurant guide to feature some of the best restaurants and quintessential food spots in Florence. From crisp Italian biscotti and overstuffed sandwiches to freshly made pasta and creamy gelato, I’ve broken down this Florence restaurant guide by meal. Each stop on this list offers a unique experience. These places embody the heart of Florentine food culture. So loosen your belt, bring an appetite, and prepare to fall in love with Florence’s rich culinary heritage!

First Timers Guide To The Best Food in Florence

Coffee & Bakeries

Ditta Artigianale Specialty Coffee

I am admittedly not a big fan of Italian style espresso. It always tastes over-roasted and bitter to me. So prior to visiting Florence, I did my research to find third wave coffee shops. Ditta Artigianale is where Florence’s coffee lovers find their daily fix of expertly crafted espresso in a trendy, cozy setting. Known as Italy’s first specialty coffee shop, Ditta was founded by champion barista Francesco Sanapo, who brings global coffee culture to this historic city. With single-origin beans sourced from around the world, the shop also offers an inventive brunch menu.

S. Forno Panificio

This hidden gem bakery on Via Santa Monaca has been a local favorite for years, offering traditional Tuscan breads and pastries with a rustic, artisanal charm. Known for its hearty loaves and the flavorful focaccia, Panificio di Via S. Monaca uses traditional grains and natural leavening techniques, providing a truly authentic taste. The shop also has a small gourmet section, where you can buy upscale canned goods, sardine tins and high-quality oils. 

Pasticceria Buonamici Bakery

Pasticceria Buonamici is a haven for sweet tooths, known for crafting some of Florence’s finest pastries since 1859. This family owned spot oozes with charm. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by the warm, mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked goods. From delicate sfogliatelle to the beloved Florentine schiacciata alla Fiorentina, each pastry is handmade using recipes passed down through generations. You can learn some of those recipes in their cooking classes!

Brunch

La Menagere

One of the trendiest restaurants in Florence is La Menagere. It is an enchanting blend of restaurant, cafe, book shop and florist, creating a unique atmosphere where every meal feels like a special occasion. Take a sneak peek inside La Menagere on my TikTok video about the restaurant. I am just obsessed with the design here! I especially liked the room with the long table with a wall lined with colorful vintage glassware. The Italian fusion menu is all sorts of delicious, with innovative yet comforting food.

Sandwiches & Street Food

Pino’s Sandwiches - Salumeria Verdi

Owned by Pino, a charismatic Florentine who treats every guest like family, this spot has fresh, custom-made sandwiches packed with local ingredients. It feels like more of a neighborhood favorite than All Antico Vinaio (mentioned below). Popular favorites include "Il Dante," made with Tuscan salami, pecorino, and truffle spread. I didn’t like the bread here quite as much, but I found the flavors to be well-balanced and delicious.

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All Antico Vinaio

A legend in Florence’s street food scene, All’Antico Vinaio has a reputation for serving up some of the city’s best sandwiches. Lines may be long, but they’re worth the wait. Try to time your visit at an odd hour, such as early lunch or late night snack, to minimize waiting time. We went at 9:30pm on a weeknight, and only waited for about 20 minutes. The generously stuffed sandwiches are iconic. There are a number of signature sandwiches, filled with high-quality ingredients like mortadella, pistachios, and pecorino cheese. This is mostly a take-out restaurant, so expect to eat your sandwich at a standing table or on the street.

Friggitoria al Cartoccio

If you need a quick fried snack on the street in between all your visits to the Uffizi Gallery and Duomo, Friggitoria al Cartoccio is the place to go. Specializing in fried snacks "al cartoccio" (in paper cones), this small eatery serves golden, crispy bites like calamari, artichokes, and zucchini flowers, all freshly fried to order. There’s something especially satisfying about eating these crispy treats while wandering Florence’s picturesque streets. 

  • Address: Via dei Cerchi, 23, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
  • Website: None
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Salumeria Pirgher Marzio

Tucked away in Florence’s historic center, Salumeria Pirgher Marzio is a family-owned deli that offers a curated selection of local meats, cheeses, and wines. Perfect for those who want to create their own sunset picnic, this salumeria provides everything from flavorful salami and prosciutto to truffle cheese and pecorino. The owner is usually there and he is quite the character! He has branded himself the "King of Cheese". Pick his brain for suggestions because his knowledge of regional products is unmatched.

  • Address: Via dei Serragli, 39, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
  • Website: None

Dinner

Il Santo Bevitore

Housed inside a former coach house in Santo Spirito, the aesthetics of this restaurant are swoon-worthy. With vaulted ceilings and dark wood paneling, Il Santo Bevitore is one of Florence’s most romantic yet rustic restaurants. At “The Holy Drinker”—the restaurant’s name, translated into English—wine is important. A carefully curated assortment of wines from Tuscany and Piemonte fill the wine list, priced at surprisingly reasonable rates. And let us not forget the food. It is excellent! Combining creative Tuscan fare with a slow-food emphasis, the menu here focuses on seasonality and changes regularly.

Gurdulù Gastronomia

Gurdulù Gastronomia combines the best of Tuscan tradition with an inventive, contemporary twist, making it a standout spot in Florence. Gurdulù has morphed from a high-end gourmet restaurant into a deli/takeaway/eat-in hybrid. Helmed by the celebrated chef Alessio Ninci, this stylish spot reimagines local flavors with dishes that are both beautifully crafted and rich in flavor. Gurdulù’s interior is equally inviting, with sophisticated retro decor in moody blues and 1950s-style brass lamps. For the quality, prices are surprisingly reasonable!

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Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura

Gucci Osteria is where haute couture meets haute cuisine, offering an extraordinary 1-michelin star dining experience. Although famed Italian chef Massimo Bottura’s name is on the restaurant, it’s Mexican chef Karine Lopez who’s in charge of the kitchen. Italian traditions are blended with global influences, resulting in a bold, artfully crafted menu full of surprises. We came for lunch to celebrate my 35th birthday, and opted for an 8 course tasting menu. My favorite dish was either the prosciutto & melon pasta or Nonna's tomato dumpling. Set in a chic, whimsical interior that reflects Gucci’s iconic style, you are bound to be impressed by a meal here.

Gunè San Frediano

Located in San Frediano, Florence’s coolest neighborhood, Guné is a sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant that I suspect will have a Michelin star within the next few years. Guné brings a modern flair to Tuscan dining, delivering a culinary experience that’s both innovative and rooted in tradition. The dishes here were SO interesting, with flavor combinations I have never tasted before. And they were plated beautifully! Award-winning bartender Eleonora Romolini has a real flair for mixology so you can get a cocktail pairing with your set menu. 

Osteria Pastella

Osteria Pastella is a cozy spot on the outskirts of Florence’s old town, specializing in traditional yet refined Tuscan cuisine. Known for their tableside truffle tagliolini, you can expect dinner and a show! Check out my TikTok to see what the experience is like. A giant parmesan cheese wheel will be rolled over to your table and then set on fire (flambeed), as the staff cook your dish in front of you. The smells will have your mouth watering in seconds. What's not to like about flaming cheese and truffles? This viral sensation is popular nowadays, so you’ll often find a line out the door. Reserve a table a few days in advance to skip the line. 

Wine & Drinks

Le Volpi e l’Uva

This cozy enoteca specializes in showcasing Italy’s lesser-known, small-production wines. Located just a stone’s throw from the Ponte Vecchio, this spot serves an impressive selection of Tuscan wines and small plates that include artisanal cheeses and cured meats. Knowledgeable staff members are eager to help you find the perfect wine pairing, whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur.

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Loggia Rooftop

An ideal spot for aperitif drinks with beautiful views of Florence is Loggia Rooftop. Situated atop the historic Hotel Palazzo Guadagni, this rooftop bar offers a menu of small plates and artisanal drinks that blend Italian tradition with modern tastes. I sipped on several Aperol Spritz here as golden hour descended over Florence. With its relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, the Loggia Rooftop is a perfect spot for a memorable evening in Florence.

Buchetta del Vino (Wine Windows)

The Buchette del Vino, or "Wine Windows," are small, arched openings set into the walls of historic buildings that have recently exploded in popularity, thanks to social media. These wine windows originated in the Renaissance when Florentine families used them to sell wine directly from their cellars. By passing wine through these windows, they avoided taxes and facilitated socially distanced transactions long before it was popular! Many wine windows have been recently restored, and a few still operate, allowing visitors to purchase wine just as it was done centuries ago. Two spots worth visiting are:

Osteria Belle Donne 

Babae

  • Address: Via Santo Spirito, 21R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
  • Website: None

Gelato & Dessert

Vivoli 

Vivoli, which dates back to 1929, is Florence’s oldest gelateria. Vivoli crafts its gelato with traditional methods, using only the highest-quality ingredients without any artificial flavors or preservatives. There are no cones here—just cups—and the only ingredients that are purchased externally are pistachios and hazelnuts. Otherwise, everything else is grown by the family that owns the shop. This commitment to tradition makes it one of the most beloved gelato spots in Florence. I think one of the best things to order here is an affogato, the famous Italian coffee dessert. You can even get a pistachio affogato! 

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Grom Gelato

Just steps away from the Duomo, Grom Gelato is the best choice for gelato in Florence’s tourist core. Offering all-natural, artisanal gelato made without preservatives or artificial colors, Grom was founded by two Italian gelato enthusiasts. You can taste the difference! Grom is famous for its dedication to quality, using farm-fresh ingredients and seasonal fruits to create a consistently creamy and rich gelato experience. Must-try flavors include pistachio, hazelnut, and stracciatella.

La Carraia

When I searched for the best gelato in Florence, Gelateria La Carraia kept appearing. Owned by a husband and wife, Gelateria La Carraia opened in 1990, dishing up scoops of classic flavors like stracciatella and chocolate. After developing a strong reputation, more inventive flavors began to emerge like After Eight mint and ricotta and pear. There's often a line leading into the simple, bright shop but it moves fast. Grab your gelato to go, and enjoy it sitting in front of Basilica of Santa Croce which is just around the corner.

Rivoire

Since 1872, Rivoire has been a symbol of Florentine elegance, offering exquisite chocolates, pastries, and Italian-style coffees in a prime location on Piazza della Signoria. The cafe’s refined interior and outdoor seating make it an ideal spot for people-watching while sipping a decadent hot chocolate or enjoying a delicate pastry. Rivoire is famous for its handmade chocolates and pralines, and the iconic Rivoire hot chocolate is a must-try for any visitor. 

Have thoughts or questions about this Florence food guide? Tell me in the comments!

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