Curator’s statement
Embodying my Italian roots, it's no wonder that Italian cuisine holds a special place in my palate, with the regional delicacies of Tuscany, particularly Florence, captivating my culinary heart. As an avid foodie, I take great pleasure in meticulously planning dining experiences months in advance, be it in a star-studded Michelin restaurant, a hip and cool eatery, a local hidden gem or a bustling local market. Here's my hand-picked selection of eateries guaranteed to deliver not only exceptional food but a truly enjoyable experience during your visit to Florence. It's important to note that most establishments in Florence have varying opening hours, typically closing between 2-7pm. Therefore, I recommend having lunch before 2pm and planning for a late dinner, as kitchens usually open around 8pm. Always make a reservation especially for dinner as Florence is one of the busiest cities in Europe. By keeping these tips in mind, you can embark on your very own food tour and savor the delights of Florence. Buon appetito!
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Where to stay in Florence
Places to eat & drink in Florence
Fine Dining
Osteria Della TrePanche - A Tuscan osteria located in Hotel Hermitage, featuring a charming rooftop and specializing in truffle dishes. This is the place for truffles in Florence.
Borgo San Jacobo - Michelin-starred restaurant near the Arno River. More of a romantic setting and the food is more of a modern interpretation of traditional Italian and Tuscan cuisine using high-quality local ingredients.
Gucci Osteria - A collaboration between Gucci and renowned Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura, combining fashion and culinary art in a vibrant and modern space at the heart of Florence. Think gucci style fashion in the dining room!
Caffe dell’oro - Located in the modern Lugarno Collection hotel with stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio, here you can get a beautiful atmosphere, excellent service, and modern cuisine.
Il Borro - A chic bistrot-style eatery with a twist on Tuscan tradition, offering views of Ponte Vecchio and boasting a culinary experience by the Ferragamo family.
Enoteca Pinchiorri - A prestigious three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Florence, promises an extraordinary culinary journey that speaks for itself.
Konnubio - Beautiful aesthetics, chic ambience, and modern takes on tuscan cuisine.
Cantinetta Antonori - Modern italian cuisine in an elegant 1400s renaissance style palazzo and also a great selection of wine.
Cool Vibes
San Paolini - Located in the hip 25 hours hotel, San Paolini has great selection of italian classics in a hip and cool ambiance.
Il Santo Bevitore - Great food, service and wine in a beautiful wooden and dark interior.
La Menagere - A very “instagrammable” destination that uniquely combines a boutique, bar and restaurant. It’s also perfect for aperitivo or for a nightcap.
Atelier e Nerli - Cool interior and great atmosphere with high-quality tuscan dishes and great service.
Casual Spots
Antico Vinaio Firenze - The famous sandwich shop with long lines, but the delicious sandwiches make the wait worth it- there are two locations facing each other.
La Prosciutteria Firenze - A fun and casual spot offering excellent wine and charcuterie boards, perfect for enjoying during aperitivo time.
Mercado Centrale - Great for lunch or a casual dinner where you can have the best Italian delicacies from paninis to cheese and charcuterie boards and everything in between.
Classic Trattorias/Eateries
Trattoria Cammillo - A true Florentine classic with great service.
Trattoria Za Za- In the heart of Florence this place is always crowded and loud, but great Tuscan pasta dishes and great prices.
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco - Known for their Bistecca Florentina and meats this place specializes also in wild boar and pasta dishes such as papardelle in a casual, family friendly atmosphere in a medieval setting.
La Giostra - Charming interior adorned with lights serving great pasta dishes and a great wine selection in a fun atmosphere. Gnocchi al gorgonzola with pear and pistachio is to die for.
13 Gobbi - Cozy and fun atmosphere and great prices. Get their rigatoni alla vodka- probably one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had.
Cafes/Ice Cream Shops
Ditta Arteginale - A modern coffee shop with great coffee and cool vibes.
Caffe Lietta - Charming location where you can get good coffee and other pastries and even a light breakfast or lunch.
Vivoli il Gelato - One of Florence’s oldest gelaterias, great place for high quality gelatos, exquisite pastries and treats. The hazelnut and pear gelatos are amazing!
La Sorbettiera - Not so touristy as the others but just as good. They are known for their pistachio ice cream and salted caramel are truly unforgettable.
Venchi-Venchi - Occupying a prime spot in a bustling central area, Venchi presents an array of chocolates and sweets and delicious gelato within an stylish setting.
Grom - Not so local as it was recently bought by Unilever, but nonetheless they offer high quality gelato. There speciality is chocolate flavors.
Gelateria de Medici - Old school gelateria with a variety of flavors
Cafe Gilli - A classic grand cafe in the heart of Florence, in piazza della repubblica. The interior is beautiful, but I would sit outdoors in the plaza for people watching in the lively atmosphere of the plaza.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary For Your First Time in Ushuaia, Argentina.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Florence.