Where to Eat in Florence, Italy: 12 Best Restaurants & Dishes

Last Updated on September 19, 2025 by Tori Pines

If you’re planning a trip to Florence, be prepared for some of the best food of your life. I’m not exaggerating; Florence is one of those places where every single meal feels memorable. Whether you’re craving traditional Tuscan flavors, perfect pizza, homemade pasta, or just want to eat your way through every gelateria in the city, (same, girl, same) this guide of where to eat in Florence is for you.

Here’s where to eat in Florence, including our favorite spots from our two-week Italy trip, what to order at each, and a few of my best tips to make sure every bite is amazing.

Why Florence Is a Food Lover’s Dream

Florence is located in the heart of Tuscany, and that means three things:

• Fresh ingredients
• Hearty, rustic flavors
• Pasta and wine perfection

Florentine food is less about fancy presentation and more about tradition. Think handmade pappardelle with wild boar, thick cuts of grilled steak, fresh pecorino cheese, and rich red wines from nearby vineyards.

The food in Tuscany was hands-down the best meals we had our entire two weeks in Italy, without question! The other places we visited, like Rome and the Amalfi Coast, had delicious food, don’t get me wrong! But every single meal we ate in Florence, and Tuscany as a whole, was ten out of ten.

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Tips for Dining in Florence

• Make reservations: Especially for dinner. Many places book up days in advance.
• Eat late: Italians don’t usually sit down for dinner until 7:30–8:00 PM at the very earliest. Most kitchens won’t open before then. Even the children will be out eating at a restaurant past 10pm.
• Avoid tourist traps: Skip places with photos on the menu or overly aggressive hosts standing outside. Walk a few blocks away from major landmarks to find the real gems.
• Take your time: Meals in Italy are meant to be slow and savored. Don’t rush it.
• Cover charge is normal: Most restaurants charge a small “coperto” fee per person (usually €2–3). This is standard and covers bread and table service.

Where to Eat in Florence Map

Best Sit-Down Dinners in Florence

1. Parione

If you’re only going to eat one proper dinner in Florence, let it be Parione. This place is popular with both locals and travelers, which is always a good sign. It’s the cutest and quirkiest little spot, located in the center of town just steps off the river.

I did a ton of research before heading to Florence for three days, and I wanted to make sure we had the best dinners here. I read incredible things about this spot and man, where they spot on! The service was awesome, and the food was out of this world good. My husband and I had the best dinner here, gorging ourselves with the food because we could not get enough, and drinking one too many glasses of their delicious red wine.

• What to order: The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a must. It’s a huge T-bone steak, served rare in true Tuscan style. It’s the most famous thing to eat in the city, and a must-try to every visitor. We also loved the buffalo mozzarella appetizer and the house red wine.
• Tori Tip: Pop across the river after dinner to Gelateria La Carraia. It’s super close-by and the gelato is some of the best you’ll find. This combo of dinner and dessert makes up my favorite way to spend a night in Florence.

2. Cecchini in Citta

If you’re looking for an incredible Tuscan dinner with some fame, look no further than Cecchini in Citta. This spot is fairly new, it was opened in September of 2024 by the super famous Tuscan butcher Dario Cecchini. He’s world renown for his beef cuts and you used to have to travel into the heart of the Tuscan hillside to get a taste. But now, you just need to book a reservation at Cecchini in Citta!

I fully expected the menu to be wildly expensive since you are partly paying for the name, but it’s not! The a la carte menu is super reasonably priced and everything on the menu sounds delicious and authentic to the region.

However, I highly recommend you go for the Cecchini Griglia experience instead. It’s served in a separate section of the restaurant where you are seated family style with other guests. They’ll serve you course after course (after course!) of traditional appetizers, meats, and sides with the local Tuscan red wine flowing throughout the meal. All are welcome here, and kids under five are even free!

This spot sadly was not open when we last visited, but will be the first place we go on our trip next year!

• What to order: Cecchini Griglia experience
• Tori Tip: Make your reservation FAR in advance as this place is super popular! For the Cecchini Griglia experience you have to email them for a reservation. More information can be found on their website!

Casual Eats in Florence

3. Gustapizza

Looking for the best pizza in Florence? You found it. Gustapizza is loved by locals, students, and travelers alike. We loved, loved, loved our pizzas from here. My husband still talks about them to this day. They’re wood-fired and the toppings are so incredibly fresh. But the dough is just the perfect combo between crispy and chewy.

• What to order: Anything, honestly. The pizzas are wood-fired and perfectly chewy. Get the margherita if you’re a purist or the “Gusta” special with arugula and burrata if you want a little extra flair.
• Tori Tip: The line for a table can get pretty long. If you don’t want to wait, grab it to-go and eat near the Arno River or back at your hotel for a cozy, chill dinner.

4. Mercato Centrale

Part market, part food court, Mercato Centrale is a fantastic way to sample tons of local favorites in one spot. I have a ton of favorite places to eat in Florence, I know, but this one really is amazing too!

There’s just something I LOVE about a food hall. I guess it’s because I can never make up my mind, and I want to try a little of everything. And the Mercato Centrale food court offers that. Well, maybe not EVERYTHING because that would be a ton of food, but you know what I mean. And this way, everyone in your group can get what they want instead of all having to decide on the same place

Head here for lunch or dinner and try a variety of super authentic Florentine dishes! The market is downstairs, so head upstairs and pick out a few things to eat! I wish you luck, because it’s impossible to decide.

Want an even more authentic experience? Head to Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, the other market in town where all of the locals go. You can check out the food stalls here and sit for a bite as well.

• What to try: Truffle pasta, fresh seafood, mozzarella-filled panini, or a fried artichoke.
• Tori Tip: If you visit at night, don’t be surprised if it’s pretty quiet outside. Circle the building until you see the escalator, once you open the doors at the top you’ll be greeted with thousands of others enjoying Florence’s iconic food!

Florence’s Street Food & Sandwiches

5. All’Antico Vinaio

No food guide to Florence would be complete without mentioning All’Antico Vinaio, the most famous panini shop in Italy (and maybe the world?). You’ll know you’re close when you see the line wrapping around the block.

They’re known for their massive panini sandwiches stuffed with local meats, cheeses and spreads. I was so incredibly excited to try this spot since I love a good sandwich, but honestly it was kind of a letdown. With so much hype about this spot I expected everything to be outstanding but I didn’t really love it all. Maybe I just ordered wrong? I’m not saying not to try it because it’s obviously famous for a reason, but if you have limited time, like one day in Florence, then maybe skip this spot and hit the market for lunch instead.

• What to order: Trust the sandwich maker. They’ll usually ask what kind of flavors you like and craft something on the spot.
• Tori Tip: There are three storefronts within steps of each other to help spread out the line. Don’t worry, it moves fast!

Top Gelato Shops in Florence

Florence takes gelato very seriously. Your Italy itinerary better be filled with delicious gelaterias. Skip the tourist traps and head to one of these for creamy, real-deal deliciousness.

If you’re out looking for gelato on your own in addition to the places I list below on my where to eat in Florence guide, be sure to know what you’re looking for to find good gelato. First, wander away from the main tourist areas. The worst gelato is usually in the center of the action (not always, but usually). Second, avoid any gelato shops where the gelato is piled high in tall mounds, you want to find a place where it is flatter, or even covered with a lid is best!! And third, avoid places that have brightly colored gelato. If the pistachio is bright green and not a more natural brown-ish green then run away! It won’t be good, I promise!

Some of the best flavors to try at any of these gelaterias include pistachio, bacio (chocolate hazelnut), Stracciatella (Basically chocolate chip) and Tiramisù.

Oh, and if you get time to explore any of the towns near Florence, head to San Gimignano, home of the “world’s best gelato” at Gelateria Dondoli.

6. La Strega Nocciola

The gelato at La Strega Nocciola was hands-down one of the best gelatos I had in all of Italy. Creamy, natural, and flavorful. And this spot is one of the few remaining gelaterias that cover each container with a metal lid. As I mentioned above, this is a telltale sign that the gelato will be incredible, and it was. I love their gelato so much I even bought a t-shirt here!

7. Perché No!

Open since 1939, Perché No! is a Florentine classic. Their gelato is made in-house daily using fresh ingredients. While the gelato here is creamy and delicious, I especially love this spot for its location! You’ll walk right past it coming from the famous Ponte Vecchio to the Duomo, a perfect stopping point on your adventures.

8. Gelateria La Carraia

Another local favorite, especially for late-night cones after dinner in Oltrarno (the area across the Arno River) is Gelateria La Carraia. We made several stops here during our time in Florence because it was super close to our hotel. And every flavor we tried was outstanding!

Breakfast & Light Bites

9. Local Bars for Cappuccino & Croissants

In Italy, “bars” = coffee shops. Start your day the Italian way with a cappuccino and a sweet pastry at a local bar. Most locals eat standing up at the counter, and you’ll want to also. If you sit down at a table they charge you a LOT more, so either hang at the bar or take it on the go!

• What to order: A cappuccino and a cornetto (Italian croissant, sometimes filled with jam, cream, or my favorite, chocolate!).
• Tori Tip: Order confidently, “Un cappuccino e un cornetto, per favore!” Although they’ll all speak English (I was bummed I couldn’t practice my Italian!), they appreciate you making the effort since most tourists don’t bother.

Wine & Aperitivo Bars to Try

10. A Wine Window

One of the most unique experiences in Florence that many tourists don’t know about are the wine windows. They’re little holes in the wall (literally a hole) around the city where you can walk up and order a glass of wine. Most have outdoor seating, but not all. And usually you can get them in a to-go cup to enjoy as you walk around the city. Yes, it is legal! It’s fun to wander the city looking for these windows, but a few of the best are Cantina de pucci, Babae and Ristorante Pietra Bianca.

• What to order: A Chianti Classico or Sangiovese.
• Tori Tip: Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the city to find new ones! It’s way more exciting when you find one yourself.

11. Golden View

Located along the Arno, this is the perfect sunset spot to start your evening with Aperitivo! Aperitivo is the Italian “happy hour” where locals gather after work for a drink with friends. It’s so much fun as a tourist to experience, with a spritz and some light snacks that are typically served with your drink for free. Golden View is one of the best spots in the city for this experience since the views are dreamy.

• What to order: An Aperol Spritz
• Tori Tip: Get here well before sunset to ensure you have a good table with a view.

The Ultimate Florence Dining Experience

12. An Italian Cooking Class

I cannot write a guide of where to eat in Florence without recommending the #1 meal we had in the city for both taste and experience. Believe it or not, it was at a cooking class. We took the pasta and tiramisu cooking class with Florencetown and it was the most amazing experience; we loved every second of it. And what’s crazy is the meal we made and ate was the best pasta we had in all of Italy. I swear, it was just that good!

I also love recommending this cooking class because it is the best souvenir you can buy yourself. Too often we buy junky tourist items on vacation that just take up space at home. Why not buy yourself the gift of delicious dinners for life! Bring home the skills (and recipes) to make authentic Italian food at home.

This class, in particular, takes you through the local market to buy the ingredients first and learn more about the local food. Unfortunately, we booked the class on a Sunday in Florence when the market was closed, but it didn’t matter because the class was outstanding anyways. I will absolutely return here for another class on our next trip!

Must-Try Dishes and Foods in Florence

When you’re eating in Florence, keep an eye out for these traditional Tuscan favorites:

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Bistecca alla Fiorentina is the iconic Tuscan steak! It’s a massive T-bone (sometimes weighing over 2 pounds!) that comes from the local Chianina cattle, one of the oldest and largest cattle breeds in the world. The steak is cut extra thick, simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grilled over a wood or charcoal fire.

The tradition is to serve it rare, basically seared on the outside and red in the middle. So don’t even think about asking for it well-done. Seriously, they will say no. It’s meant to be shared, usually sliced at the table, and paired with beans, potatoes and a bold Tuscan red wine like Chianti or Brunello. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience!

And don’t worry, if you really can’t get behind the whole rare thing, eat around the edges where it’s fully cooked and leave the center for your meat-loving friends.

Pappardelle al Cinghiale

Wide ribbon pasta served with a slow-cooked wild boar ragù. The red sauce is hearty and rich, and my favorite thing to eat in Italy. Tuscany is known for wild boar. They don’t have any natural predators here, so there are actually way too many of them, and they are destroying the countryside so we must eat them!

Ribollita

A traditional Tuscan bread soup made with vegetables and beans. Great as a starter in colder months. Not necessarily my favorite thing in the world to eat, but it is incredibly authentic and common here in Florence!

Cantucci & Vin Santo

Almond biscotti served with sweet dessert wine for dipping. The perfect end to any meal on my list of where to eat in Florence!

Lampredotto Sandwich

I definitely did not try this famous Florence dish, Lampredotto is the fourth stomach of a cow. Everyone claims it’s delicious but I just couldn’t stomach it (pun definitely intended 😉). Served on a crusty bun with lots of juice, if you’re interested in trying unique meats, then go for it! It’s famous for a reason. I recommend giving it a try at Mercato Centrale, that way if you don’t like it, there’s plenty of other options around.

Panini

I mentioned one panini shop above, but panini in general is the most popular street food in Florence. You’ll find them pre-made and piled high in windows all around the city, and many spots making it fresh in front of you. It’s a great way to fuel up as you walk all day long exploring the city.

Truffles

Another local ingredient that you must try is a truffle! They’re found in the countryside of Tuscany (I highly recommend taking a truffle hunting tour if you have time!!), and are a delicacy. Usually found on pasta, but they add this to everything honestly!

Red Wine

And finally, red wine, of course! There is SO much red wine made in Tuscany and all of it is outstanding. You can order house red at basically every restaurant you visit. Yes, even the little sandwich shops and markets will sell you cups of it! And get this, often it’s cheaper than water. So when in Rome…I mean Florence…have local red wine every chance you get! My favorites are the Montepulciano and the Chianti Classico!

Florence has no shortage of incredible places to eat, from classic trattorias to hidden neighborhood gems. Whether you’re here for a quick trip or a longer stay, the food will be one of the highlights of your time in the city. No matter where you sit down, you’ll find that eating in Florence is just as memorable as seeing its famous sights.