Alright, let’s get real for a second. When you think of Florence, your mind probably goes straight to Michelangelo’s David, the Duomo, and world-famous art. And yeah, that’s the main draw.
But what if I told you that Florence’s true masterpiece is on your plate? This city isn’t just a museum with streets; it’s the beating heart of Tuscan cuisine, where recipes passed down for generations meet modern creativity.
If you leave Florence without falling in love with the food, you’ve missed half the story. This is where “cucina povera” (humble cooking) becomes pure art.
Get ready to have your taste buds schooled by the masters. We’re steering clear of the overpriced tourist traps around the Ponte Vecchio and diving straight into the real, soul-satisfying best restaurants to visit in Florence, Italy.
This is your curated guide to where Florentines actually eat, from tiny, family-run trattorias where nonna still runs the kitchen to innovative spots redefining Tuscan flavors.
Whether you’re craving the perfect bistecca alla Fiorentina or a plant-based feast, your culinary awakening starts here. Let’s eat our way through the Cradle of the Renaissance.
1. Trattoria Sostanza (Il Troia)
Walking into Sostanza is like stepping back in time. This place isn’t fancy—it’s a no-frills, marble-topped-table institution that’s been serving Florentines since 1869. They don’t have a big menu. They don’t have a website.
What they do have is a fiercely loyal following for a handful of dishes they’ve perfected over a century. The vibe is bustling, loud, and utterly authentic. You’ll likely share a table with strangers and leave as friends.
You come here for two things. First, the legendary butter chicken (Petto di Pollo al Burro). It sounds simple, but it’s a revelation—a golden, buttery, crispy-skinned chicken breast that melts in your mouth.
Second, their artichoke omelet is an iconic starter. This is the definition of a historic Florentine restaurant. It’s cash-only, reservations are essential, and the experience is unforgettable. This is one of the top restaurants to visit in Florence for a true taste of tradition.
2. Osteria dell’Enoteca
Nestled in the quieter, chic Oltrarno district (the “other side” of the Arno), Osteria dell’Enoteca is a modern classic. It’s the kind of place that feels both sophisticated and warmly welcoming.
The atmosphere is cozy and elegant, with a focus on exceptional ingredients sourced from across Tuscany. This spot is perfect for when you want to elevate your meal without any stuffy pretense.
Their menu is a love letter to seasonal Tuscan produce. The handmade pasta is a must, particularly their pici (a thick, hand-rolled local pasta) with a rich wild boar ragù. Their take on the classic Florentine steak is superb.
The service is knowledgeable and passionate about the food’s origins. For a refined yet relaxed dinner that showcases the best of the region, this osteria is a top restaurant in Florence for a special night out.
3. All’Antico Vinaio
Don’t let the perpetual line down the street fool you—this is not a tourist gimmick. All’Antico Vinaio is a Florentine phenomenon for a very good reason.
What started as a small wine shop and sandwich counter has exploded into a culinary empire, but the quality hasn’t dipped one bit.
This is the home of the epic schiacciata, a glorious, fluffy Tuscan flatbread piled high with incredible cured meats, cheeses, and spreads.
The process is part of the fun. You point to what looks good behind the glass, the friendly staff builds your masterpiece, and you take it to go. Find a spot on the nearby steps or by the river for the best picnic of your life.
The “La Favolosa” and “L’Inferno” are legendary combos. For an amazing, fast, and incredibly delicious lunch, this is arguably the best casual eat in Florence. It’s a rite of passage.
4. Il Vegetariano
Tucked away on a side street, Il Vegetariano has been a pioneer since 1981, long before plant-based eating was a global trend. This quirky, charming self-service restaurant feels like a secret garden or a cozy commune.
You grab a tray, choose from a daily-changing array of vibrant, wholesome dishes, and pay by the weight. The vibe is peaceful, rustic, and distinctly bohemian.
The food is hearty, flavorful, and 100% vegetarian, with many vegan options. Think lentil stews, baked savory tarts, fresh vegetable sides, and wholesome grain salads.
It’s a welcome haven of vegetables in a city known for meat and cheese. The courtyard seating is lovely in warmer months. For anyone seeking fantastic vegetarian food in Florence, this unique spot is a must-visit oasis of green.
5. Da Nerbone in Mercato Centrale
To eat like a true local, you must go to the source. Mercato Centrale (the Central Market) is a bustling, covered temple of Tuscan food. On the main floor, amid the butchers, cheesemongers, and produce stalls, you’ll find Da Nerbone.
This historic food counter has been serving market workers and savvy Florentines since 1872. Grab a stool at the shared counter or stand at the bar—this is where the magic happens.
Their signature dish is the lampredotto sandwich. Now, before you scroll away, hear me out. Lampredotto is a classic Florentine street food made from the fourth stomach of a cow, slow-cooked in a herby broth until it’s incredibly tender.
It’s served on a roll and often topped with a spicy green sauce. It’s delicious, affordable, and the ultimate authentic experience. Even if you skip the lampredotto, their boiled beef sandwich (bollito) is a masterpiece. Eating at Nerbone is one of the most authentic things to do in Florence.
6. La Giostra
Run by the flamboyant and charming Habsburg prince, Dimitri Kunz d’Asburgo Lorena, La Giostra is an experience. The cozy, dimly lit dining room is decorated with fairy lights and feels enchantingly romantic.
The prince often greets guests himself, setting the tone for a meal that feels both regal and warmly personal. This is a splurge-worthy spot for a magical evening.
The menu features refined Tuscan dishes with a creative, almost whimsical touch. Their pear and pecorino cheese ravioli in a truffle sauce is legendary. The meat and fish dishes are cooked to perfection.
Every plate is beautifully presented. Dining here feels like being invited to a noble family’s private dinner party. For a touch of fairy-tale romance, La Giostra is a truly special occasion restaurant in Florence.
7. Trattoria Zà Zà
Sprawling across a picturesque corner of the Mercato Centrale square, Trattoria Zà Zà is a beloved institution. It’s big, busy, and full of life. The walls are covered in vintage knick-knacks and photos, creating a wonderfully chaotic and welcoming atmosphere.
While it’s no secret to tourists, it maintains its quality and heart, which is why locals still frequent it, too.
The menu is massive, covering all the Tuscan classics. Their peposo (a black pepper stew) is a standout, and they do an excellent Florentine steak. The truffle pasta dishes are indulgent and heavenly.
It’s the perfect place for a group where everyone can find something they love. With its prime people-watching location and reliable, hearty food, Zà Zà is a solid, classic trattoria in central Florence.
8. Semel
If you want to see the future of Florentine street food, go to Semel. This tiny, innovative sandwich shop in the Santo Spirito area is redefining the panino.
They serve just one type of sandwich per day, based on what’s best at the market. The concept is brilliant: hyper-seasonal, gourmet ingredients stuffed into a perfectly chosen bread. They open at lunch and close when they sell out—often within a few hours.
The combinations are creative and change daily. You might find roasted pumpkin with robiola cheese and hazelnuts, or braised beef with salsa verde.
Each sandwich is a thoughtfully composed small meal. It’s a favorite haunt for local chefs and food lovers. Finding Semel and snagging one of their daily creations is a must for foodies visiting Florence.
9. Osteria Santo Spirito
Located right in the heart of the trendy Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno, this osteria is the neighborhood’s living room.
The atmosphere is lively, friendly, and unpretentious. It’s the kind of place you go for a long, leisurely meal while watching the world go by in one of Florence’s most authentic squares.
The food is solid, traditional Tuscan at fair prices. Their pappa al pomodoro (a savory tomato and bread soup) is excellent, and their pasta dishes are always satisfying.
It’s particularly wonderful in the evening when the square is buzzing. For a genuine taste of local life and good, honest food, Osteria Santo Spirito is a great spot to eat in the Oltrarno.
10. Il Santo Bevitore
Just around the corner from Santo Spirito, Il Santo Bevitore is a chic, contemporary restaurant that’s perennially popular. The vibe is stylish but relaxed, with a sleek interior and a knowledgeable, welcoming staff.
They focus on a creative, seasonal menu that interprets Tuscan traditions in a modern way, using impeccable ingredients.
The dishes are beautifully presented and full of complex, balanced flavors. They offer a fantastic tasting menu that’s a journey through the region’s best.
The atmosphere is perfect for a sophisticated dinner or a special celebration. For modern Tuscan cuisine in Florence, Il Santo Bevitore is a consistent leader and a fantastic choice.
11. Trattoria Mario
This is the quintessential Florentine lunch spot. Trattoria Mario, located just behind the Mercato Centrale, is a no-reservations, shared-table, cash-only legend that’s been run by the same family since 1953.
They open for lunch only, and the line forms early. It’s loud, cramped, and utterly wonderful.
The menu, scribbled on a piece of paper, features a handful of daily classics: ribollita (Tuscan bread soup), pasta with ragù, and their famous roast.
The portions are huge, the prices are low, and the energy is electric. You’ll be elbow-to-elbow with market workers, students, and travelers all digging into the same hearty fare. Getting a seat at Mario’s is a chaotic, delicious must-do lunch in Florence.
12. Cibrèo Trattoria
The Cibrèo family is a culinary dynasty in Florence. While the famed (and pricey) Ristorante Cibrèo gets the headlines, the Trattoria Cibrèo next door is the brilliant, accessible sibling.
It shares the same legendary kitchen but in a more casual, trattoria setting with simpler table settings and lower prices. It’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets for high-quality food without the formal fine-dining bill.
You can enjoy their famous velvety tomato-less yellow pepper soup, exquisite pasta, and sublime desserts from the same genius, Fabio Picchi.
The experience is less about ceremony and more about pure, extraordinary flavor. Securing a table here is a savvy move for experiencing one of Florence’s great culinary institutions. It’s a top-value fine dining experience in Florence.
13. SandwiChic
For a quick, delicious, and high-quality bite, SandwiChic is a step above the average paninoteca. They focus on organic and local ingredients, crafting beautiful sandwiches, salads, and plates.
It’s a great option for a lighter lunch or for those with dietary preferences, offering many creative vegetable-forward options.
Their schiacciata is excellent, and they have options like roasted chicken with artichoke cream or a superb vegan falafel.
It’s a modern, clean, and friendly spot. For a fast, fresh, and healthy meal in the city center, SandwiChic is a reliable and tasty Florence lunch spot.
14. Konnubio
A relative newcomer making waves, Konnubio is a beautiful restaurant that champions a “zero kilometer” philosophy, meaning nearly everything on your plate comes from within Tuscany.
The setting is elegant in a restored historical building, but the feeling is warm and contemporary. They have a strong focus on sustainability and seasonality.
The tasting menus are a journey through the Tuscan landscape, with inventive dishes that look as stunning as they taste. They also offer an entirely plant-based tasting menu that is celebrated as one of the best in the city.
For a fine dining experience in Florence that is deeply connected to the land and forward-thinking, Konnubio is a shining star.
15. I’ Brindellone
Venture a bit outside the main tourist center to this authentic, family-run trattoria in the residential San Frediano area. I’ Brindellone is the real deal—a place where Tuscan grandmothers would feel at home.
The decor is simple, the service is brusque but kind, and the food is profoundly satisfying.
They serve all the classics flawlessly. Their Bistecca alla Fiorentina is perfectly charred and juicy, and their pasta dishes, like pappardelle with hare sauce, are deeply flavorful.
This is where you go to eat, not to be seen. For an authentic Florentine meal away from the crowds, this spot is a treasure.
16. Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Tucked on a tiny street near the Palazzo Vecchio, this tiny gem has just a few tables. The sign outside says “No Pizza, No Steak, No Ice,” telling you immediately they focus on specific, traditional Tuscan dishes.
It’s run by a charismatic team who will happily guide you through the short, daily menu.
The food is spectacular—think incredible crostini, perfect pasta, and succulent meat dishes. It feels like eating in someone’s home. Reservations are absolutely essential.
Finding and dining at Vini e Vecchi Sapori feels like winning the Florence food lottery, making it one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Florence.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—your culinary map to one of the world’s greatest food cities. You’ve journeyed from century-old trattorias to modern innovators, from chaotic market counters to serene vegetarian havens.
Florence teaches you that the best food isn’t about fancy techniques, but about respect for incredible ingredients and generations of know-how.
Now, the delicious task is yours. Will you queue for a legendary sandwich or book a table at a historic bistecca temple? Will you explore the Oltrarno’s chic spots or dive into the market’s vibrant heart? The best plan is to mix a little of everything.
Don’t just dream about these incredible restaurants to visit in Florence, Italy—start planning your edible renaissance.
Book those essential reservations, pack your appetite, and get ready to understand why Tuscany is a paradise for the senses. Your unforgettable Florentine feast is calling. A tavola!