Where to Eat in Florence

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all covered in this comprehensive guide on where to eat in Florence, allowing you to taste a mix of what’s old and new in Florentine cuisine.

Italian food is one of the most internationally reproduced cuisines, and who can blame us, Italian food is simply delicious, a crowd pleaser every time. What many people don’t realise however, is that every region in Italy has its own regional cuisine. Florence for instance, located in Tuscany, is influenced by food local to that region. This includes ingredients like mushrooms, olives, cheese, meats and grapes, which are used to make beautifully crisp Tuscan wine.

Interestingly, Tuscan food is based on the Italian idea of cucina povera, meaning “peasant cooking” or “cooking of the poor”. A concept that started very literally, cucina povera is all about making simple meals, that are inexpensive, in large quantities. This was made easy and tasty by the region’s gentle hills which produce rich, fresh grown produce. Today, Tuscany’s cuisine remains largely the same, although by choice rather than economy. The quality of their food speaks for itself, needing little additional seasoning, different ingredients are carefully paired together to complement one another and bring our their natural flavours.

I’m sure by now your stomach’s stirring and you’re ready to find a place to satisfy your hunger for Florence cuisine. Well, not to worry, here we have a carefully selected list of the best places to eat whilst you’re in Florence. Enjoy!

Breakfast:

To kickstart your Florence exploring you need something to perk you up and get you out of bed in the morning, and these breakfast spots are sure to do just that.

• Malaleuca bakery + bistrot

  Just as it says on the tin, Melaleuca in Florence offers freshly baked goods from croissants, to bagels and beautifully fluffy breakfast muffins, the perfect accompaniment to your morning. All made using quality Tuscan ingredients, Melaleuca believe in making fresh food from scratch, foraging, picking and fermenting the food themselves. Check them out for genuinely delicious food, a light, green environment and excellent service.

• Ditta Artigianale

  If you need your coffee with a bit more of a kick, try heading to Ditta Artigianala. The ‘speciality coffee roasters’ roast their coffee right there in Tuscany. They also have a decent selection of brunch options, from avocado toast to hearty club sandwiches with chips.

• Le Vespe Café

  Started by a Florentine and a Torontoian, this little café serves the best breakfast options with a healthy twist, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They cater to a range of diets, including vegan, trying to source their products seasonally and locally to ensure they provide their customers with the best organic dishes. Head to Le Vespe for a healthy detox and try one of their refreshing juices alongside their wholesome granola or treat yourself to their French toast with house syrup.

Lunch:

Okay, so you’ve started the day well, but breakfast is starting to feel like a long time ago. You’ve done so much walking and seen so many attractions since then. It’s time to stop for lunch!

• Trattoria Giovanni

  A warm and welcoming atmosphere to sit down and relax whilst sampling the best food, all revolving around one word – tradition. Their menu offers a range of typical recipes central to Tuscany, remaining faithful to the flavours and aromas of the region. Think saucy pasta, cold meats with dip, and roasted vegetables topped with garnish and all served with a glass of wine.

• Tamero Pizzeria

  For a classic Italian pizza, Tamero Pizzeria doesn’t disappoint. Bread experts show you that the secret to a good pizza is all in the base. They handle their dough with love and passion, before topping it with a rich tomato sauce and chunky toppings to create a mouth-watering plate that you can’t wait to get your hands on.

• Trippa Pollini Lampredotto

  If you’re looking for something a little less formal and more on the go, then check out the Trippa Pollini Lampredotto truck on Via dei Macci. Offering fast, fresh street food in the form of tripe sandwich rolls marinated in sauce. A Florentine specialty, tripe is a dish made from the edible lining of a cow’s stomach, although it can be made from other farm animals. Don’t judge it before you try it!

Dinner:

Wow, it’s been a long day, time to slow it down for the evening and reflect on what you’ve seen during the day over a delicious dinner.

• Osteria dell’Enoteca

  For the perfect fusion of old and new, Osteria dell’Enoteca takes the win for the best all-round food and ambience. Fresh homemade pasta, fantastic grilled meats and some of the best steaks. With help from the experienced in-house sommeliers, choose your drink from a selection of over 150 wine labels and allow your mouth to become alive with flavour. You’ll be savouring the tastes of Osteria for a long time to come.

• L’Brindellone

  A no-frills place, this restaurant makes up for its lack of interior grandeur with its generous portions of steak, pasta and salad. Always full of locals, this place gives off a truly Italian vibe, making your dinner experience fun and relaxing. Perfect if you don’t feel like dressing up.

• Del Fagiolo

  For a truly Florentine dinner spot, Del Fagioli steps up, offering visitors a cosy ambience to enjoy authentically tasty food at a reasonable price. Historical and family run, this place will make you feel like a local, as you sit and share the experience with those around you. After your main meal, don’t forget to try one of their daily desserts, new and rich, you’ll be in dessert heaven.

Have fun trying this array of food, we hope this list has given you plenty to choose from and will make your trip to Florence that bit more unforgettable.

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