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Where to Eat in Florence, Italy: 25+ Best Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, & More

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I’m a huge fan of the food scene in Florence. Who wouldn’t love dining in a tiny, family-owned trattoria on the outskirts of the city center, savoring a warm bowl of ribollita, a perfectly charred Florentine steak, and finishing with a scoop of creamy gelato for dessert?

That’s the essence of Florence’s food scene – friendly, warm, hearty, and savory. I’ll be honest though, after a few meals, you start to wonder if your stomach (and heart) can keep up with all the indulgence.

Having visited Florence many times and tried numerous restaurants, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite places to eat – from authentic trattorias to sandwich shops and everything in between. This guide to the best restaurants in Florence will help you eat your way through the city like a local.

Cafes & Bakeries

Todo Modo – Walk through this bookstore, and you’ll find the coziest little coffee shop tucked in the back, surrounded by bookshelves and hanging plants. There are a few tables, perfect for journaling, reading, or getting some work done on your laptop. Website / Location

Il Conventino – A bit out of the way, this quiet cafe is located inside of a former convent. You’ll find plenty of tables inside, and on warm days, the courtyard is a lovely spot to relax. It’s a great place to get away from the crowds and enjoy a slow cup of tea or coffee. They also sell savory and sweet snacks. Website / Location

S. Forno – One of my favorite bakeries in Florence. They sell a variety of baked goods, from bread to croissants, and also sell drinks and lunch items. There are only a few tables inside, so unless you arrive early, you may have to eat on the go. Website / Location

Cantinetta dei Verrazzano – A traditional Italian bakery selling cookies, cakes, bread, sandwiches, and more. Great spot to stop for a little snack. Website / Location

Forno Ghibellina – Just a couple blocks down from Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, this neighborhood bakery makes the most delicious Italian-style pastries. Their stuffed brioche is a must-try, and they also serve coffee and sandwiches, making it a perfect spot for breakfast or a quick lunch. Location

Best Gelato

La Gelatiera – My #1 favorite gelato shop in Florence. The texture is spot on – smooth, creamy, and slightly melty. I love the pear and crema flavors, especially when combined. Location

Sbrino – Sbrino has a delicious selection of gelato with a perfect balance of classic and inventive flavors. What sets this shop apart is the freshness of its flavors and its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can instantly tell the gelato is freshly made using high-quality ingredients. Location

Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera – Several years ago, while staying in Oltrarno, we stumbled upon this gelato shop during a late-night search for a sweet treat. Back then, it was just a tiny window with the owner working behind the counter. Today, it has expanded into a few locations around Florence, but it’s still one of our go-to spots for gelato. One flavor I particularly love is “Sofia,” a custard (crema) base with candied orange peel and chocolate. It’s smooth, flavorful, and refreshing – just as memorable as the first scoop we had years ago. Location

For my full list, read Top 10 Gelato Shops in Florence.

Best Bars

Casa del Vino – A small enoteca with wooden shelves filled to the brim with wines. A fantastic spot for aperitivo. Order crostini or a plate of meats and cheeses, and let the owners recommend a wine. Location

Loggia Roof Bar – Located on the terrace of Palazzo Guadagni, one of the best boutique hotels in Florence, this is a fabulous rooftop bar with views overlooking Piazza Santo Spirito and a great selection of cocktails and fresh juices. Website / Location

Best Sandwich Shops

Pino’s Sandwiches – Go here instead of All’Antico Vinaio. This is a genuine spot, where you’ll often find Pino himself making your sandwich. The menu is huge and they offer vegetarian options as well, which is a plus. Website / Location

Lo Schiaccavino – Highly recommend for Schiacciata-style sandwiches, a delicious flatbread from the Tuscany region. Website / Location

Ino – Yummy, fresh sandwiches just around the corner from the Uffizi Gallery. Gran one to-go and enjoy it by the Arno River. Website / Location

Sergio Pollini Lampredetto – A beloved sandwich stand known for their famous lampredetto sandwiches. Lampredetto is slow-cooked cow stomach – a local specialty and a favorite among Florentines. Website / Location

Semel – Cheap wine and amazing sandwiches made with local, fresh ingredients. Just a few steps from Sant’Ambrogio market. Location

I Fratellini – A simple, no frills sandwich shop with the option to build your own panini. Location

Best Restaurants in Florence

Trattoria Sostanza – A cozy, single-room trattoria with just a few tables. In the back, the small kitchen with open windows lets you watch the chefs as they char-grill your steak or whip up a warm plate of pasta. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Florence. Tables are hard to come by and reservations are essential. Start with a sampling of appetizers or tortellini in brodo, then order the butter chicken for your second course. They also make an incredible Florentine steak, so why not order all three? Location

Dalla Lola – A refreshing twist on traditional Tuscan cuisine, this restaurant is led by Matilde Pettini, part of the Trattoria Cammillo family. The daily-changing menu is handwritten on large piece of brown paper and brought to your table, where the waiter explains each dish in detail. We started with a beetroot appetizer, followed by miso gnocchi and pumpkin sausage tagliatelle for our first courses. For the main, we chose a vegetable and chickpea curry, and finished with a cumin fruit tart for dessert. Location

Trattoria Cibreo – A neighborhood favorite in Sant’Ambrogio. The trattoria is part of the Cibreo family of restaurants, which has been around since 1979, and also includes a cafe and higher end restaurant. I recommend starting with the baked lasagna for your first course and follow it with the chicken and ricotta meatballs for your second. One of my most memorable meals in Florence. Website / Location

Buca Lapi – Recommended to us by a local, this restaurant has a solid menu with excellent meat and pasta options. Start with the spinach gnocchi, then choose either the braised beef or the Florentine steak for your main course. Website / Location

Trattoria Marione al Trebbio – A fantastic spot for lunch. Start with the ribollita, a hearty Tuscan stew, and follow it with the ossobuco – a rich, slow-cooked veal dish in a red wine sauce. Italian comfort food at its finest! Website / Location

Antico Ristoro di’ Cambi – Come here for the Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak). They make one of the best in Florence. Website / Location

Trattoria Sabatino – Cafeteria-style dining with shared communal tables, this spot is a favorite for affordable, home-cooking. Arrive at least 30 minutes before opening, as they don’t take reservations and there’s always a line. The family-style menu features hearty dishes at unbeatable prices—a plate of pasta is just €5, and a meat dish is around €7. Website / Location

Gusta Pizza – Expect a wait at this popular spot, but it’s worth it – the pizzas are fantastic. I’m usually wary of “discovered” restaurants, but this one surprised me. The dough is perfect Neapolitan style: chewy, soft, yet with a slight crisp. Order the “Gusta Pizza,” topped with cherry tomatoes, arugula, parmesan, mozzarella, and olive oil. Yum! Location

Alla Vecchia Bettola – A traditional Tuscan restaurant with communal tables. A great way to meet other travelers or locals. Order the Penne alla Bettola. Location

Trattoria Camillo – A Florence classic. It’s a bit crammed but I enjoyed the seasonal ravioli and curry chicken. Location

Trattoria Ruggero – One of my most memorable meals in Florence. It’s a bit out of the way – you’ll need to take a taxi or be ready for a long walk from the center – but it’s worth it. This true Tuscan restaurant feels warm and cozy, with a hearty menu full of classic dishes. They excel at meats, so don’t miss those, and be sure to ask about their favorite pasta dish. Website / Location

Atto di Vito Mollica – Highly recommended by a local, this 1 Michelin Star restaurant is the place to go for a fine dining experience with Tuscan favorites. Website / Location

Vini e Vecchi Sapori – Authentic Italian food at its best. You need to make a reservation weeks in advance, as this is a popular spot with limited seating. Location

Osteria Santo Spirito – This restaurant has been made famous thanks to social media. I came here with a friend not expecting much, but I was pleased with my walnut tortellini dish and the pici cacio e pepe. Try to snag an outdoor table – it’s located in Piazza Santo Spirito, one of the best squares in Florence. Location

Florence Food Tours & Cooking Classes

Anytime I travel, I like to book a food tour or cooking class. It’s a great way to try a variety of local dishes or learn how to cook the local cuisine yourself. Here are a few options in Florence:

Cooking Classes

Food Tours

Making A Reservation

Booking a table in Italy can be a bit tricky. You’ll often need to call directly, as online reservations are almost non-existent, and it’s sometimes hard to get someone to answer. Be patient and keep trying, at least that’s what I tell myself!

The language barrier can also be a challenge for non-Italian speakers. I usually start the phone call with a bit of Italian and then ask if they speak English. If they don’t, have Google Translate handy and give it a go in Italian. When all else fails, ask your hotel to make the reservation for you – or just let them handle it from the start!

Here are a few additional tips:

  • Book in advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to call at least 2-4 weeks in advance to secure a table.
  • Try last-minute options: If you decide on a place last minute, you can always arrive just before it opens. Some restaurants hold a couple of tables for walk-ins, especially for smaller parties. We’ve done this a few times in Italy, but it’s harder in big cities like Florence. Reservations really are necessary.

Tips for Eating Out in Italy

Eating out in another country can feel a bit confusing at times. Here are a few tips to help you feel more at ease with Italian dining customs.

  • Tipping isn’t required in Italy, but if you enjoyed your meal or service, any tip is appreciated. A small amount—typically 10-15%—is perfectly fine.
  • Most restaurants charge a coperto, a small per-person fee that covers bread, linens, and tableware. You’ll usually see this fee, ranging from €2–€5, printed on the front of the menu.
  • Italian menus are divided into appetizers, first courses, second courses, and desserts. Pasta is typically served as a first course (primo), while meat or fish dishes are second courses (secondo). You’re not expected to order both.
  • Meals often last 1.5-3 hours. Don’t expect fast or quick service at restaurants. Italians expect people to take their time and enjoy the meal.

ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE

Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.

Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.

Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.

Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.

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