Verified Writer4.912527 reviews
Verified Writer
Florence, Italy
4.93(122)
10 Guests Max
3 hrsFew cities in the world do food like Florence. Voted the world's best food destination in 2023, Florence specializes in la cucina povera (poor cuisine), a style of cooking that favours flavours and simplicity above all else — both in sourcing the ingredients and the methods of cooking.
When planning your trip, you're bound to be asking yourself where to eat in Florence. Luckily for you, we've broken down a list of the best restaurants in Florence so you can save time planning and steer well clear of the tourist traps. From Florentine staples to classic Italian cuisine, you'll find food from all over the Renaissance city, and get a taste of the kind of flavours you should seek out in Florence or can taste as part of our Private Florence Food tour.
Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Firenze
Open: Daily, 9 am - 11 pm (until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays)
Website: mercatocentrale.com/florence
For first-time visitors to Florence, I always recommend visiting Central Market (Mercato Centrale). It's situated in the heart of the San Lorenzo district, just a few minutes from the Duomo, and is also mere minutes from the central train station of Santa Maria Novella, making it perfect for day-trippers from Rome.
The food hall on the top floor has everything, including two stands selling the famous lampredotto (tripe) sandwich. You can get something quick to go or park yourself at one of its benches or tables and savour a heartier steak, pizza, or pasta meal.
Address: Via Rosina 2r, 50123 Firenze
Open: Daily (lunch only) ~ 12:00 – 15:30 pm
Website: tripadvisor page
This is a classic no-frills Florentine trattoria tucked next to the famous central market in Florence. Founded in 1957, it retains a strong sense of local tradition: hearty Tuscan fare, communal tables, and the sort of bustling lunchtime vibe that feels very “Florence authentic”.
Their highlight is the steak — a proper Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina) served with vigour and generosity. Because it is only open for lunch and you often can’t book, arriving early or being flexible is a smart move. Expect simple surroundings but great food, strong value, and a very local feel.
Address: Viale Vasco Pratolini 3/5/7, 50124 Firenze
Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 12:00 – 14:30 and 19:30 – 22:30
Website: tripadvisor page
Down in the San Frediano/Porta Romana side (a more “neighbourhood” feel), this is a warm, convivial trattoria with hearty portions and genuine Tuscan charm.
Their “vodka pasta” is consistently praised for creative pasta options alongside generous portions of traditional Tuscan fare. Alla Vecchia Bettola is a great choice after sightseeing in Oltrarno or at Palazzo Pitti and away from Florence's most tourist-heavy areas.
Address: Via Ghibellina 70/Rosso, 50122 Firenze
Open: Sunday and Thursday to Saturday: 12:00 – 14:30, 19:00 – 22:00 (or 22:30
Website: Daqueganzi.it
Da Que' Ganzi was my favourite restaurant for the five years I lived in Florence. They do excellent pastas, fantastic meat dishes (including of course the steak), and the owner, Domenico, is warm, friendly, and great at recommending which wine to pair with your meal.
Because it’s slightly off the main tourist drag (but still central), it has a mix of locals and travellers, which often leads to a more authentic experience. It’s wise to book ahead if you’re going for dinner, as it tends to fill.
Address: Via della Chiesa 16r, 50125 Firenze
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 12 - 2:30 pm, 7:30-10:30 pm
Website: N/A
Some find that Florentine restaurants can be a bit too heavy on steak selections. If you're looking for Tuscan cuisine that is not based on steak as the main option, Dalla Lola should be high up on your list as their menu is among the most interesting in Florence.
The rustic, shabby-chic interior of Restaurant Dalla Lola
There are many intriguing options to try here especially if you're feeling adventurous (cervello fritto, fried brain, is a particular favourite of ours). The food is pretty different from what you find elsewhere, but the recipes and concepts have served the city and region very well for a long, long time — making this the perfect place for something different.
As well as being a brilliant place to try the cucina povera that forms the centrepiece of our Florence food tour, Dalla Lolla is also very reasonable: with pasta dishes costing around €8 and mains and sides a total of €15.
Address: Via Andrea del Verrocchio 8r, 50122 Firenze
Open: Daily, except Sunday, 12-2:30 pm, 7-10:30 pm
Website: cibreo.com
If you want a more high-end dining experience (outside of August, when the restaurant is closed all month), be sure to book a table at Cibreo. As well as Florence’s most famous restaurants, Cibreo is an institution, and the food here is incredible. It often comes recommended by tour guides and locals alike, so our advice is to reserve as early as you can as it's usually very busy.
The food here is again a classic blend of Tuscan classics, and you also will find one of the most diverse wine selections in the city. The food is tremendous, with a great range to select from. You should have no problem finding something on the menu list, as they are so extensive, they suit almost any palate.
There is much to enjoy here, and the atmosphere is great. If you fancy a few drinks afterward, nearby Enoteca dei Macci is perfect for an after-dinner nightcap.
Address: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli 4, 50123 Firenze
Open: Daily, 7 am-12 am
Website: lungarnocollection.com
If you are looking for a local treasure, look no further than this tremendous, little hotspot. This is known for having a very calm and friendly ambiance. You will feel like you have met the staff before because they treat you like family the minute you walk in the door!
If you are looking for a lunch or evening experience, make this a priority to come and check out. The food is matched only by the views you have all around you. Perfect for a romantic evening, and with a very diverse menu to pick from, you should have no issue finding a favorite - though the pappardelle al cinghiale (flat pasta with a wild-boar ragu sauce) is especially delicious.
Situated along the River Arno, Caffe dell'Oro is one of the most atmospheric places for al fresco dining
Indeed, it is even recommended by the Michelin guide for food in Florence. It is somewhat expensive, but the food and the setting are of such a high standard that it can feel worth every penny you pay.
Open: Daily, 10 am - 10 pm
Website: allanticovinaio.com
All'Antico Vinaio offers the viral Florentine lunch experience, serving fantastic schiacciata sandwiches that people travel from all over to savour. It has three branches across Florence, all of which are open until 11 pm so you can still grab a substantial late night snack.
If you are looking for a top-class lunch experience, be sure to try out their panini. The sheer range of options for toppings and cheeses makes it very easy to make the panini of your dreams. Everything is locally sourced, too, so you know it is going to be of a high standard indeed.
Our advice, though? Get here early. This is a constantly busy place, so do not expect to be served within less than 20 to 30 minutes.
Address: Via de' Bardi 58/r, 50125, Firenze
Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 12 - 3 pm, 6:30 - 11pm
Website: goldenview.it
Last but by no means least is the restaurant with arguably the finest views in Florence. Here, the name lives up to its reputation. First things first – the food here is very expensive but worth every Euro you pay. More important, though, is the amazing setting.
You will find yourself looking out across the Arno River, with a fabulous view of the Ponte Vecchio as you eat. On top of that, you will find that the food range is as diverse as you would hope for. The food here ranges from vintage oysters to more specific choices like liver crostini.
View of the Ponte Vecchio from the Golden View Restaurant
If you are on a romantic trip to Florence, as many are, paying the money to get booked here would be highly recommended. The quality of the food, location, and service is beyond reproach. If you want to get that vintage Florentine restaurant experience, look no further than this phenomenal restaurant.
Food in Florence is a feast of flavours, and the restaurants we've listed are some of the finest places you'll find. But the best way to ensure you taste all the best of the Tuscan capital is to treat yourself to a Private Food Tour.
If you're looking to discover the cultural as well as culinary highlights of Florence, check out our Florence Tours. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine, or nightlife of the Renaissance capital, our tours have something for everyone.
Book up one of the many small group tours Italy has to offer with Carpe Diem Tours and you can guarantee that you'll make memories to take back home with you. We can't wait to welcome you! 🇮🇹
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Florence, ItalyEnjoy Traditional Drinks and Scandalous Stories in the Heart of the Renaissance City.
This isn’t your typical tour. The Tipsy Tour in Florence is the perfect blend of fascinating history, tasty drinks, and making memories with newfound friends. Explore the vibrant nightlife of the Renaissance City and sample signature Italian cocktails, wine, and shots. Along the way you’ll hear about Florence’s less savoury past with some saucy stories and dark history, all the while getting tipsy of course! This tour is all about bringing people together so if alcohol isn’t your thing, not to worry! We’ve got some alcohol-free options for travellers who want the social experience without the hangover.
Your fun-loving guide will wow you with scandals from Florence’s history. Sip away as you learn the life stories of some of Florence’s most notorious figures. The Medici are a great starting point – specifically, Catherine de Medici, believed by many to have had a penchant for poison and a dabble in the dark arts.
As we travel from bar to bar, tracing the steps of prisoners and sex workers alike, your guide will immerse you in the bloody tale of the Pazzi Conspiracy, where Lorenzo de Medici and his entourage were attacked in Florence’s cathedral during High Mass on Easter Sunday. Then you’ll find out what happened to the Pazzi family, too.
Spoiler alert – it was way worse.
During the experience, we’ll visit at least two vibrant bars and enjoy drink stops outside famous sights. Plus, we’ll order shots from a wine window on the street, like a true Florentine. You might wonder why wine from a window never became a worldwide phenomenon, and trust us – we don’t know either.
When the Tipsy Tour is over, the night out officially begins. We’ll enjoy the city long into the night, making unforgettable memories with our Tipsy besties.
Spaces fill up fast, so book your Florence Tipsy Tour today!
4.96(1077)
Florence, ItalyFlorence’s Accademia Gallery houses one of Europe’s richest collections of art and sculpture. Hone in on its highlights on a tailored tour and come face to face with the world’s most famous sculpture: Michelangelo’s David.
This private Accademia tour is perfect for art enthusiasts looking to broaden their knowledge and fill in the gaps. It covers the evolution of western art from the Giotto’s gilt gold of the Florentine Gothic to Botticelli and Lippi’s humanist masterpieces the High Renaissance.
See for yourself why the statue of David is considered one of the most life-like sculptures ever carved and learn the historical context that saw the Florentines adopt the biblical David as the symbol of their city.
Learn about the artists behind the work, their history and the techniques they used. Gain insider knowledge of lesser-known works like Michelangelo’s Prisoners or Slaves, and enjoy free time at the end of the tour to wander through the museum at your own pace.
4.94(93)
Florence, ItalyMost people are familiar with the Uffizi’s international reputation as a gallery. Its halls house masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, and Caravaggio. But the Uffizi didn’t start life as a gallery. Deriving its name from the Middle Italian for ‘the Offices’, this 16th-century complex constitutes the most beautiful and architecturally innovative administrative office complex ever designed. And while going into the office isn’t something you typically associate with being on holiday, here you must make an exception.
The Uffizi was designed by the architect and biographer Giorgio Vasari, under the patronage of Cosimo I. After Cosimo died, his heirs lost interest in politics. His eldest son, Francesco I, brought his private collection of artworks and made the Uffizi his private museum. The collection they accumulated over the coming centuries is what you see today.
And our private tour of the Uffizi brings you face to face with its highlights.
4.94(211)
Florence, ItalyEvery cobble in Florence tells a story. Its 14th-century walls contain such a wealth of archaeological and artistic treasures that the city centre itself is a UNESCO site – a global centre of cultural importance. This private walking tour of Florence tells the story of Renaissance city through the monuments it leaves behind.
Accompanied by your expert, licensed guide, you’ll explore Florence’s streets and discover its attractions, being transported through its illustrious history – from its founding as a Roman colony through to its patronage by medieval Europe’s most powerful bankers and merchants (not least the infamous Medici).
Your private walking tour takes you through Florence’s world-famous sites. Gaze up at Brunelleschi’s 15th-century Duomo – the dome of Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – and the Golden Doors of Paradise on its adjacent Baptistery. Learn to decipher the symbols and reliefs that adorn the Tower of Giotto beside the Duomo and learn why the Florentine’s chose them and what they said about their city.
Stroll past Piazza della Repubblica, Italy’s most important square in the mid 1800s when Florence was the country’s capital, and admire the statues that line the niches of the nearby Church of Orsanmichele. Florence’s most picturesque piazza lies just a short stroll away: Piazza della Signoria, in the background of which loom the medieval fortress of Palazzo Vecchio and the Renaissance offices converted into the world’s most famous gallery: the Uffizi.
Head through the vaulted arches of the Uffizi and you arrive at Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s most famous bridge, which dates back in its current form to the days of the Medici. Absorb its rich history, and some of its seldom shared secrets, as your expert guide shares their expertise and answers all your questions.
4.97(16)Florence, ItalyNowhere does food quite like Florence and with our Private Florence Food Tour you'll go on an exclusive culinary journey with dedicated attention from a local guide who will take you to authentic eateries in the Oltrarno neighbourhood. It's here where you'll sample the best of Tuscan cuisine; savour hearty meat dishes and indulge in full bodied wines, all at your own pace.
We’ve taken care of every detail: from a curated tasting menu to reserved spots at beloved local eateries. All that’s left for you to do is relax, indulge, and experience the flavours of Florence one delicious bite at a time.
This private tour focuses on the city’s famed “cucina povera” or “poor cuisine”, a style that transforms humble, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients into bold, unforgettable dishes. Start with crispy schiacciata bread, artisan cold cuts and cheeses, and refreshing Chianti wine before heading to a cosy local trattoria to dive deeper into Florence’s culinary heritage.
Your personal foodie guide will bring the city’s food history to life, sharing stories, traditions, and insights into Florence’s most iconic dishes, before ending the tour on a sweet note at one of the city’s best-loved gelaterie.
Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveller, or simply looking for a unique and intimate experience, this private food tour is packed with local flavour and personalised insider recommendations you won’t find in any guidebook.
Book now to reserve your private slice of Florence, availability is limited!
4.93(122)