The important thing to know about Italian cuisine is that it differs big time depending on whether you’re up North or down South. Since Florence is more on the Northern side of the boot-shaped country, it specialises in couple important food products:
- truffle(!!)
- steaks
- beans
- sandwiches
And of course we can’t forget about Tuscan wine! Located in the middle of the lush green Tuscan landscapes, Florence is the center of some of the most delicious wines on the planet. You can recognise Tuscan wine from the word ‘Chianti’ on the bottle.
It’s recommended that you also check that the bottle has a picture of a rooster under the cork. That’s the best quality Tuscan wine. In terms of grapes I recommend looking for the word ‘Sangiovese’ on the bottles. Fruity, dark, absolutely delicious!
But now, let’s get to business: the best restaurants in Florence are listed here next.
For lunch:
Orizi Mariano (€)
In Florence you will see people queuing to sandwich places. But those places aren’t even worth the wait compared to this spot known only to the locals. Tucked away on a quiet side street just off the luxury brand street, Tornabuoni, Orizi Mariano avoids most of the tourist crowds.
This little cellar bistro is like Subway but classy! You can order sandwiches from their menu or assemble your own. They also have a small shop in one corner where you can buy local wine, olive oil and cheese.
Open only til 3pm, but a must-visit for lunch or a snack. Delicious food and wonderful service without tourists inconveniencing you.
Wild Buns Bakery (€ – €€)
An award-winning Scandinavian-inspired Wild Buns Bakery is a café and bakery that I absolutely love! Their selection of bread, pastries (including all the Scandi classics!) and bigger dishes like wraps and breakfast burgers are all freshly made that day.
It’s a tiny place but you absolutely must make your way there! My personal favourites are the cinnamon buns, sourdough bread and the caesar salad wrap. But basically you can order anything and you’ll be a happy ducky. They also have excellent coffee and always stellar service.
For dinner:
Trattoria Dall’Oste (€€€)
One of the best restaurants in Florence for those who like a good steak! As mentioned, Florence specialises in steaks and this place offers some of the best meats in town. Instead of the regular pepper steak I recommend trying the local stuff here.
So, look for words like bistecca, which is a t-bone steak, and arista, which means roast pork. They have very clear instructions of different kinds of meats they offer on the menu, which is helpful.
Luppolo e Grano (€)
Of course I, as a pizza enthusiast, have to start this ‘Best restaurants in Florence’ list with a pizza place!
Luppolo e Grano is my number 1 recommendation for PIZZA! Authentic Italian pizzas with thin bottoms and delicious fillings. My absolute favourite is Pizza US/Pepperoni (which is actually Diavola, but there’s a Uni with loads of US students behind the corner, so I guess they’re accommodating…)
They also have pasta and burgers, and vegetarians are welcome here. I’ve personally tried the pizza with brie cheese and walnuts, it was deliisshh. Grab a pint of beer with your pizza and relax in one of the busiest local corners of the city.
Osteria Cinghiale Bianco (€€)
An adorable but not very spacious Italian restaurant with an authentic atmosphere. If you want to taste traditional Florentine home cooking, this place is a must-visit. Staff here is always serving with a smile, and the food is absolutely delicious.
My personal recommendation for lunch specifically is the bread salad called panzanella. So fresh and delicious, and keeps you going until the next snack time.
Osteria dei Pazzi (€€)
For a truly laid-back restaurant with a cosy atmosphere and stellar service, Osteria dei Pazzi is what you need! They have done things a bit differently: their menu may not be filled with details of the dishes, it’s better: it will bring a smile to your face.
Service at this place is always great, the waiters are absolutely hilarious. And a reason why it’s one of my definite best restaurants in Florence is the fact that they can offer you food outside of the menu as well:
We saw someone having a glass of strawberries with mascarpone foam for dessert. We wanted the same but couldn’t distinguish it on the menu. So, we asked and they delivered! (See photo above)
L’Ortone (€€€)
If you’re looking for a food experience that’s a bit more on the fine-dining side of things, but still casual, L’Ortone is the place! Located right next to the Sant’Ambrogio Market Hall, this place is easy to find. Chill and local atmosphere here is paired with stellar service and a versatile menu.
This option on my best restaurants in Florence list offers all Florentine classics as well as global favourites. From melt-in-the-mouth beef tartar to extra tasty pasta topped with wild boar ragu, I recommend this place warmly.
Osteria delle Tre Panche (€€€)
If you’d like to know which one is MY go-to place from all the best restaurants in Florence, it would be Osteria delle Tre Panche! This is the first restaurant I visit every time I arrive in Florence. It’s my warm welcome-back hug.
Situated on the rooftop of the Hermitage Hotel right next to Ponte Vecchio you have views over this historic landmark and across other historic rooftops of the beautiful city.
Now, this place specialises in TRUFFLE! So if this is something you don’t like, maybe give this place a wide berth. Otherwise, a huge recommendation from me. Whether you want truffle on your pasta, steak, eggs, tartare, here you can have it. And the wine selection here is sublime.
Signorvino (€€)
Last but definitely not least on our Best Restaurants in Florence list is Signorvino. Equipped with the most perfect location right next to Ponte Vecchio and opposite to the Uffici Gallery, this place also offers amazing food and great local wine.
On their menu you can of course find multiple pasta dishes but also burgers and delicious vegetarian options.
Despite being extremely touristy, this place surprised me with their food quality and taste. In Italy even tourist places put proper grub in front of you ? The vibe here is always high and positive, which is why I often stop here for a glass of rosé Prosecco on my afternoon walk.
Conclusion
Florence is every foodie’s heaven. Being one of the richest cities in Italy in terms of art and architecture, it’s also home to some of the best wine in the world. And truffle, let us never forget about truffle!
This Best Restaurants in Florence guide has introduced you to a wide range of places including their location information with Google Maps buttons. Thus you can easily find out where each of these places is and make sure you eat well while there. The most important aspect of traveling in Europe.
