Culinary Journey Through Florence: Where and What to Eat in the Cradle of the Renaissance

 


Florence is known not only for its artistic treasures and architecture but also as a haven for gourmets. Tuscan cuisine, with its simple yet refined flavors, reflects the rich history and traditions of the region. Join us on a flavorful journey through Florence’s best restaurants, traditional dishes, and unforgettable food experiences.

Traditional Dishes to Try in Florence

  • Ribollita – hearty bread and bean soup

  • Crostini Neri – chicken liver pâté on toasted bread

  • Pappa al Pomodoro – tomato and bread stew

  • Lampredotto – the city’s beloved street sandwich

Where to Eat

  • Trattoria Sostanza

  • Trattoria Cibreo

  • Alla Vecchia Bettola

  • Buca dell’Orafo

Best Steak Houses

  • Perseus

  • Trattoria dall’Oste

  • Regina Bistecca

Coffee, Sweets, and Hidden Cafés

  • Ditta Artigianale

  • Gilli

  • Caffè Rivoire

Final Tips for Food Lovers

  • Reservations, cash, and the joy of seasonal menus



  • Florence is famous not only as a treasury of art and architecture but also as a paradise for gourmets. Tuscan cuisine, with its simple yet refined dishes, reflects the region's rich history and culinary traditions. Let's take a gastronomic journey through the best restaurants in Florence and get acquainted with dishes that are definitely worth trying.

    Traditional Dishes You Must Try in Florence

    Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak)

    The most famous dish of the city is undoubtedly the Florentine steak. This impressive T-shaped piece of meat weighing from 1 to 4 kg is traditionally prepared on the grill, seasoned only with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. The steak must be pink inside—don't try to ask for well-done, as this would offend both the chef and Florentine traditions. Traditionally, it is cooked over aromatic chestnuts to impart a smoky flavor and served for one or more people.

    Lampredotto

    This is one of those dishes that divides Florentines: some adore it, others hate it. Lampredotto is a sandwich with thinly sliced tripe (specifically using the fourth stomach of the cow, abomasum), which is slow-cooked in broth with tomatoes, onions, parsley, celery, salt, and pepper. It is usually served in a sandwich, with the top part of the bun soaked in broth, and the dish itself seasoned with green sauce (salsa verde). True connoisseurs look for this dish from street vendors in the city squares.

    Ribollita

    Literally translated as "reheated"—this is a traditional Tuscan soup made from stale bread, white beans, tomatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Originally it was a commoner's dish, using leftover food in the house, but now it is one of the most hearty and popular dishes in Florence. The soup is prepared, then left overnight for the flavors to combine, and the next day it is reheated and served with olive oil and grated parmesan.

    Pappa al Pomodoro

    This is a Tuscan tomato bread soup, prepared from the simplest ingredients: tomatoes, bread, basil, and garlic. It can be served either hot or cold, reminiscent of Spanish gazpacho but with a thicker consistency.

    Crostini Neri (Tuscan Crostini)

    These miniature appetizers consist of toasted slices of bread covered with a rich chicken liver pâté, seasoned with garlic, capers, and anchovies. This is a classic appetizer, often offered at the beginning of a meal.

    Best Restaurants in Florence

    Classic Trattorias

    Trattoria Sostanza

    A cozy, one-room trattoria with just a few tables. In the back, open windows of a small kitchen allow you to watch as chefs prepare your grilled steak or create a plate of warm pasta. This is one of the most beloved restaurants for many visitors to Florence. Tables are hard to get, and booking is necessary. It is recommended to start with an assortment of appetizers or tortellini in broth, then order the signature chicken in butter.

    Trattoria Cibreo

    A favorite restaurant in the Sant'Ambrogio district. The trattoria is part of the Cibreo restaurant family, which has been around since 1979 and also includes a café and a more upscale restaurant. It is recommended to start with baked lasagna and then move on to chicken meatballs with ricotta.

    Alla Vecchia Bettola

    A traditional Tuscan restaurant with communal tables. It's a great way to meet other travelers or locals. Be sure to order their signature dish—Penne alla Bettola.

    Steakhouses

    Antico Ristoro di' Cambi

    Come here for Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak). They cook one of the best steaks in Florence.

    Trattoria Dall'Oste

    A famous steakhouse with a rustic, traditional setting, specializing in premium cuts of meat, including Chianina and Wagyu beef. This is the place to go for one of the best Florentine steaks in town!

    L'Osteria di Giovanni

    A friendly, family-run osteria with a warm, traditional atmosphere, featuring exposed wooden beams and a lively local crowd. Famous for its Florentine steak and pici cacio e pepe (handmade thick pasta with grated cheese and black pepper).

    Cafes and Bakeries

    Todo Modo

    Walk through this bookstore, and you'll find the coziest little café hidden in the back, surrounded by bookshelves and hanging plants. There are a few tables, perfect for journaling, reading, or working on a laptop.

    S. Forno

    One of the best bakeries in Florence. They sell a variety of pastries, from bread to croissants, as well as drinks and lunches. There are only a few tables inside, so if you don't come early, you might have to eat on the go.

    Forno Ghibellina

    Just a few blocks from the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio market, this neighborhood bakery makes the most delicious Italian pastries. Their stuffed brioches are definitely worth trying; they also serve coffee and sandwiches, making it an ideal place for breakfast or a quick lunch.

    Sandwich Bars

    Pino's Sandwiches

    Go here instead of All'Antico Vinaio. This is a real place where you can often find Pino himself preparing your sandwich. The menu is huge, and they also offer vegetarian options, which is a plus.

    Semel

    Cheap wine and amazing sandwiches made from local, fresh ingredients. Just a few steps from the Sant'Ambrogio market.

    Sergio Pollini Lampredetto

    A favorite sandwich kiosk known for its famous lampredotto sandwiches. Lampredotto is slow-cooked cow stomach, a local delicacy and favorite of Florentines.

    Features of Florentine Cuisine

    Florentine cuisine is deeply rooted in the tradition of "cucina povera" (poor man's cuisine). This may seem surprising given the famous Florentine steak and dishes with truffles, but for most of the region and throughout history, dinner meant seasonal ingredients collected locally, grown in one's own fields and gardens.

    Meat was hard to come by, eggs were a rare luxury, and soups and stews were a great way to use stale bread and an abundance of leafy greens. Nevertheless, "cucina povera" is very tasty! Like most Italian cuisine, it emphasizes seasonal, simply prepared dishes that highlight the flavor of ingredients.

    Tips for Gourmets

    1. 

    Avoid tourist traps — beware of restaurants with food photos and menus in multiple languages located right next to major attractions.

    2. 

    3. 

    Choose real gelato — avoid vendors with bright mountains of artificially colored gelato and overly decorated garnishes. Look for small-batch production. If the color of the pistachio flavor is brighter than a dull greenish-brown, keep walking—it's not quality, handmade gelato.

    4. 

    5. 

    Respect traditions — don't ask for a well-done Florentine steak or parmesan for seafood dishes.

    6. 

    7. 

    Explore beyond the center — some of the best restaurants are in less touristy areas such as Oltrarno or Sant'Ambrogio.

    8. 

    9. 

    Book in advance — popular restaurants such as Trattoria Sostanza or Vini e Vecchi Sapori require booking weeks, if not months, in advance.

    10. 

    Florence is a city where culinary traditions are rooted in centuries of history. From simple "cucina povera" dishes to luxurious steaks, here every meal is an opportunity to touch the real Tuscan culture through its cuisine. Buon appetito!

    Sources:

    1. https://thetravelfolk.com/best-restaurants-in-florence-italy/

    2. https://curiousappetitetravel.com/travel-tips/must-eat-foods-in-florence

    3. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/florence/articles/15-foods-you-must-try-in-florence-italy

    4. https://dancingpandas.com/2025/02/best-dining-in-florence-italy-2025/

    5. https://www.firenzemadeintuscany.com/en/article/the-7-dishes-you-cant-miss-in-florence/

    6. https://curiousprovence.com/traditional-foods-of-florence/

     


    Lampredotto





Ribollita



Crostini Neri


Bistecca alla Fiorentina 


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