Discover Florence by Taste: Best Restaurants and Streetfood in Tuscany!

A Journey Worth Taking!

Florence, or Firenze, is a city that embodies the very essence of Italian culture, history, and culinary artistry.

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is a city that has long captivated the hearts of travelers and historians alike.
This comprehensive guide explores why Florence is a must-visit destination, delving into its unique culinary offerings.

Florence is a city that captivates the senses, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect its cultural heritage and culinary traditions. From its iconic dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Ribollita to its vibrant street food scene and bustling markets, Florence is a paradise for food lovers. The city's diverse dining options, from rustic trattorias to Michelin-starred restaurants, ensure that every meal is a memorable experience.

Whether you're sampling gelato from a local gelateria, enjoying a glass of Chianti at a wine bar, or learning to cook traditional Tuscan dishes, Florence offers endless opportunities to indulge in its culinary delights. A visit to this enchanting city promises not only a feast for the palate but also an unforgettable journey into the heart of Italian gastronomy.

Street Food: Savoring Florence on the Go

Credits: Aden Films

Florence's markets are a feast for the senses, offering a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other culinary delights. These markets are not only great places to shop but also to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the ingredients that make Florentine cuisine so special.

Mercato Centrale

Located in the San Lorenzo district, the Mercato Centrale is Florence's most famous food market. The ground floor is a bustling marketplace where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. On the upper floor, you'll find a modern food court offering a variety of prepared foods, from traditional Tuscan dishes to international cuisine. The Mercato Centrale is a great place to sample local specialties and enjoy a meal in a lively, vibrant setting.

The stall from the video is located on the first floor of the bustling central market.

Nerbone’s food stall has been serving up steaming plates of warming nourishment to hungry market workers since 1872 and is a great place to find local color and rock-bottom prices. The specialty is lampredotto served in a bun with bright green salsa verde. You can also get great pasta dishes and roast meats - a must try!

Schiacciata! Italy's Famous Flatbread

Schiacciata is a type of Tuscan flatbread that can be enjoyed on its own or stuffed with various fillings.

This crispy, golden bread is often filled with ingredients like prosciutto, pecorino cheese, and arugula, making it a perfect snack or light meal. You can find schiacciata at bakeries and street vendors throughout the city.

But one of the best, if not the best, is All'antico Vinaio!

Credits: Aden Films

Anyone who has strolled through the streets of Florence will recognize the sight of a queue winding from a small panineria towards Piazza della Signoria. Why do so many people wait? The answer lies with All’Antico Vinaio, a famous sandwich shop on Via dei Neri. The name cleverly combines "vino" and "panino," two beloved Tuscan staples. Let us introduce you to this renowned foodie hotspot, and you'll soon be craving a bite yourself!

Building on this tradition, the Mazzanti family established All’Antico Vinaio in 1989, opening their shop in a historic wine cellar. When Tommaso Mazzanti (Tommy) joined in 2006, the store transformed from a beloved local sandwich spot to an iconic destination for street food lovers from around the world.

What makes it so special? You'll have to try one to find out, but we can tell you that the freshly baked bread and typical Tuscan ingredients like truffle, pecorino, and prosciutto crudo are incredibly satisfying and delicious.

All’Antico Vinaio has topped TripAdvisor's most-reviewed restaurants list for years, proving its universal appeal. This remarkable achievement underscores its widespread popularity.

Dining Experiences:

From Trattorias to Michelin Stars

Florence's dining scene is diverse, ranging from rustic trattorias to upscale Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, the city offers something for every palate.

We Present To You Some Of The Best Restaurants In Florence

Locale Firenze is a bar of significant architectural importance to Florence. Located in Palazzo Concini, a building dating back to the 1200s, it has been flawlessly restored, offering an unparalleled setting. The bar features centuries-old chandeliers, mirrors, and antique furniture, contrasted with modern details like green walls, hanging balloons, and a high bottle rack dominating the bar area.

The seasonal drinks list reflects the team's deep connection to their ingredients, using a low-waste approach and lab techniques. Bar manager Fabio Fanni's minimalist cocktail list includes Nocciolo, a signature drink made with homemade fruit stone liquor, a blend of rum and scotch, and sweetened with sherry. The seasonal menu features Zolfini, a local bean spirit served at room temperature, accompanied by a dorayaki-style cake, bean gelato, and olive oil to refresh the palate.

1.Locale

Credits: Aden Films

2.Trattoria dall'Oste Chianineria

For steak lovers visiting Florence, Trattoria dall'Oste Chianineria is an essential stop. Located in the heart of the city, this renowned restaurant specializes in Chianina beef, sourced from one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious cattle breeds. The star of the menu is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick, juicy T-bone steak grilled to perfection and seasoned to highlight the superior quality of the meat.

The Ultimate Destination for Steak Lovers in Florence:

Credits: Aden Films

Trattoria dall'Oste Chianineria is dedicated to excellence, ensuring every steak is prepared with meticulous care by expert chefs. The restaurant's warm, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to culinary quality make it a must-visit for any steak enthusiast. If you're searching for the best steak in Florence, look no further than Trattoria dall'Oste Chianineria for an unforgettable dining experience.

Trattoria dall'Oste Chianineria is renowned for its commitment to providing exceptional quality through a certified process. The restaurant meticulously selects and researches its meats to ensure only the finest reach the table. All animals are sourced from controlled and certified farms, where they are fed high-quality, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free food.

The restaurant prides itself on supply chain integration and upholds principles of environmental and social sustainability. Ethical breeding practices ensure that the animals grow in a way that respects their well-being and natural habits, avoiding any unjust suffering.

Understanding what you eat is crucial, and at Trattoria dall'Oste Chianineria, the meat is not only delicious but also healthy and safe. Guests can enjoy their meals with the confidence that comes from the restaurant's dedication to quality and sustainability.

3.La Leggenda dei Frati

Innovative classics:

La Leggenda dei Frati, nestled in the heart of Florence, is a culinary gem that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Located in the historic Villa Bardini, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of the city along with an exceptional menu that highlights the best of Tuscan cuisine.

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After a pleasant uphill walk, you’ll arrive at the Villa Bardini museum complex, where you’ll find the elegant and welcoming La Leggenda dei Frati restaurant. This charming eatery is the perfect setting for delicious, creative, and modern cuisine. Chef Filippo Saporito is known for his continuous experimentation and perfection of dishes that focus on Italian culinary traditions. The restaurant prides itself on using top-quality ingredients, preferably sourced from sustainable supply chains, including various types of meat, bread, and pasta. The diverse menu even includes a vegetarian option.

During the summer, guests can enjoy their meals on the romantic terrace, surrounded by greenery and the fragrant scents of herbs, with a view of the Santa Croce church in the background. Although the center of Florence is nearby, the setting feels like the Tuscan hills, complete with the occasional sound of cicadas. La Leggenda dei Frati offers an extraordinary dining experience that beautifully combines the best of Italian cuisine with an enchanting atmosphere.

La Leggenda dei Frati is not just about food; it’s about the entire dining experience. The elegant ambiance, stunning art installations, and impeccable service make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an extraordinary culinary journey in Florence. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Florence, La Leggenda dei Frati should be at the top of your list.

Florence's Food Markets:

A Feast for the Senses

Florence's markets are a feast for the senses, offering a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other culinary delights. These markets are not only great places to shop but also to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the ingredients that make Florentine cuisine so special.

Mercato Centrale

Located in the San Lorenzo district, the Mercato Centrale is Florence's most famous food market. The ground floor is a bustling marketplace where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. On the upper floor, you'll find a modern food court offering a variety of prepared foods, from traditional Tuscan dishes to international cuisine. The Mercato Centrale is a great place to sample local specialties and enjoy a meal in a lively, vibrant setting.

Sant'Ambrogio Market

For a more local experience, head to the Sant'Ambrogio Market. Located in the eastern part of the city, this market is less touristy and offers a more authentic glimpse into Florentine daily life. Here, you can find fresh produce, meats, and cheeses, as well as a selection of prepared foods. The market's outdoor stalls and indoor vendors provide a wide variety of options, making it a fantastic spot for food shopping and tasting.

Cooking Classes:

Learn the Art of Tuscan Cooking

For those interested in a more hands-on experience, Florence offers numerous cooking classes where visitors can learn the art of Tuscan cooking. These classes provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of Florence's culinary traditions.

Many cooking schools in Florence offer classes that begin with a visit to a local market. These tours allow participants to select fresh ingredients and learn about the seasonal produce and traditional products that define Tuscan cuisine.

Cooking Classes with Market Tours

Cucina Lorenzo de' Medici

Taking a course at Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de’ Medici is a unique experience both for the professionalism of the didactic offering and the prestigious venue in which courses take place: in the Central Market in Florence, putting course participants in direct contact with the market’s top-quality culinary ingredients and food producers, true “artisans of taste” and an endless source of culinary inspiration.

All courses at Scuola di Cucina are taught by professional chefs in state-of-the-art, air conditioned kitchens designed by Arclinea.

Florence Culinary Arts School

This school offers a variety of classes, including market tours and specialized courses focused on pasta-making, pastry, and more.

he culinary instructors at this esteemed school are more than just traditional Italian “mammas.” With extensive expertise in the culinary arts and a proven track record of teaching students from diverse cultural backgrounds worldwide, they bring a wealth of knowledge to every class. Not only do they share a wide variety of recipes, but they also offer a deeper understanding of Italian culture, making each lesson a rich and immersive experience.

Classes are held in cozy home kitchens and charming local restaurants, providing the perfect setting for mastering authentic Italian homemade cooking.

More Amazing Restaurants we have tested for you

Top Picks

Trattorias and Osterias

Trattorias and osterias are traditional Italian eateries that serve hearty, home-cooked meals in a relaxed setting. Some of the best trattorias in Florence include:

• Trattoria Sostanza: Known for its butter chicken and artichoke omelette, Trattoria Sostanza is a small, unpretentious eatery that has been serving traditional Florentine dishes since 1869.

• Trattoria da Ruggero: Located just outside the city center, this trattoria is famous for its simple, flavorful dishes, including ribollita and roast pork.

Fine Dining

For those seeking a more refined dining experience, Florence boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants that offer innovative cuisine crafted from the finest ingredients. Some notable options include:

• Enoteca Pinchiorri: This three-Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its exquisite tasting menus and extensive wine list. The dishes are a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, making it a must-visit for gourmet enthusiasts.

• Ora d'Aria: With one Michelin star, Ora d'Aria offers a contemporary take on Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant's elegant setting and creative dishes make it a popular choice for special occasions.

Wine Bars and Enotecas

Florence's wine culture is deeply rooted in its history, and the city is home to numerous wine bars and enotecas where you can sample the best of Tuscan wines. Some top recommendations include:

• Le Volpi e L'Uva: This cozy wine bar offers an excellent selection of Tuscan and Italian wines, along with a variety of cheeses and cured meats.

• Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina: Located near the Pitti Palace, this enoteca is known for its knowledgeable staff and impressive wine list, featuring both well-known and rare labels.

Why a Culinary Journey to Italy is a Must-Do for Food Lovers

Italy is a dream destination for food enthusiasts, offering high-quality ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, and artisanal cheeses. Each region has unique culinary specialties, from Piedmont's truffles to Sicily's seafood, reflecting Italy's rich culinary heritage.

Italian cuisine, with its traditional recipes and dishes like homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas, is prepared with love and care. The Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, includes fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats.

Italy's diverse culinary landscape features excellent restaurants, from rustic trattorias to Michelin-starred establishments. Italian cuisine is celebrated globally for its simplicity, quality, and depth of flavor. A culinary journey to Italy offers an unparalleled experience, making it a top destination for food lovers.

Where to stay?

Find Amazing Hotels & Accommodations in Florence

"As a well-traveled culinary enthusiast, I have spent many years exploring the rich and diverse world of food. My passion for cooking has led me to dine at some of the best restaurants across the globe, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge about top-quality ingredients and products.

Having visited numerous places around the world, I cherish the opportunity to meet new people and immerse myself in different cultures. I firmly believe that food has the power to connect us all, transcending boundaries and bringing people together."

-Oliver

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