Where to Eat in Florence (Off-The-Beaten-Path)

Our girls’ trip to Florence included not only touring the historical sites and shopping for the perfect leather jacket, but for each evening during the 7 nights, we took turns choosing where to eat in Florence. Remember, it is always worth making dinner reservations. 

• La Buchetta (Via dei Benci, 3): Our #1 favorite restaurant hands down! Extensive wine selection and waiters are helpful in making suggestions based on the types of wines you prefer. Order the Gnocchi Angeli e Demoni (Gnocchi Angels and Demons). My favorite. Of course, La Buchetta is known for its Florentine steak. Remember when and where you eat in Florence, Bistecca alla Fiorentina will be served rare. For dessert, it was definitely the cheesecake served warm. When you make your reservation, the restaurant will contact you on the day of your reservation to confirm. Be sure to have your cell or at least a What’sApp number for the restaurant to reach you.

• Francesco Vini (Borgo dei Greci, 7): This was so popular with everyone, we returned for a second time. If you Google for a list of where to eat in Florence, you should definitely see it listed. We decided to order several dishes and share. One of the more adventurous dishes was Pappardelle al Coniglio; pasta served with rabbit sauce. Delicious and worth trying. The other favorite was Pici al Ragu' di Cinghiale; a wild boar sauce over what I would describe as fat spaghetti noodles. For dessert, try the Cantuccini e Vin Santo; a small almond-type biscuit served with wine. Pick up a box of Cantuccini at a local market for your morning coffee.

• Il Borro Tuscan Bistro (Lugarno Acciaiuoli 80R): You are going to find yourself near the Ponte Vecchio at some point, so instead of asking a guide or shop owner where to eat in Florence, go directly here. It has a comfortable atmosphere and the service is amazing. We accidentally stopped in for lunch to give our feet a break from walking. The Caprese salad, a special for the day, did not disappoint. Be sure to purchase some of their vinegar to take home with you.

• Osteria Antica Casa Torre (Piazza de San Pier Maggiore 7): Order Pappardelle al cinghiale if you have tried it and liked it elsewhere. This is one of the best prepared! As a starter, Bruschetta al Pomodoro, will please everyone at your table. Osteria Antica Casa Torre has a very relaxed atmosphere with the small kitchen in full view. The Ribollita, a soup with bread, beans and vegetables, is a must-try when in Tuscany. Many locals frequent this establishment. Hint: It is only a 6-minute walk from Leonardo’s shoe store at Via del Cerchi 7R.

A “Where to Eat in Florence” list must include our favorite gelato shops:

• Vivoli (Via Isola delle Stinche 7R): Family-owned for four generations. 

• Gelateria Dei Neri (Via Dei Nero 9): Close to the Uffizi. 

• Gelateria La Carraia (Piazza Sauro Nazario 25R): This is on the Oltrarno side of Florence. Easy to find because there will be a line of people out the door. There is a second one near Santa Croce.

The Last Supper at San Salvi (Via di San Salvi, 16): This painting by Andrea del Sarco is located in a convent outside of the city center so I suggest taking transportation, although we did walk from our accommodations in Santa Croce. You can locate a detailed commentary on your phone as you examine the many aspects of this remarkable painting. It was one of the highlights of our trip. 

Leonardo’s Shoes (Via Dei Cerchi 9/r): How can you visit without buying a pair of Italian made shoes? Each  of us bought a pair at Leonardo’s because of the high quality leather, exceptional sales and friendly staff! And yes, a few of us bought more than one pair!

Artisan at Work - Giuliano Ricco (Piazza di Santo Spirito, 12): A real treat to visit. The artisan will take you down a very, very narrow staircase to see where he makes the gorgeous jewelry. It is difficult to find, so don’t hesitate to call him for specific directions/guideposts. Once in the courtyard, look to your right. His workshop/showroom is located off the inner courtyard. Don’t hesitate to walk in; he is usually downstairs working. He had many trays of jewelry being shipped off to Neiman Marcus! A real find!