Florentine cuisine is truly a delightful journey for the senses! While you may first imagine the mouthwatering pairing of crusty bread with exquisite olive oil, there's an entire world to explore. At its core, Florence's culinary heritage cherishes simplicity and local ingredients, embracing a beautifully authentic cooking style. Consider the iconic bistecca alla fiorentina—a perfectly grilled T-bone steak that showcases the exceptional quality of the meat. This straightforward yet sophisticated approach to cooking has deep historical roots, tracing back to the culinary innovations of the Renaissance in Florence.
While genuine local eateries might be outnumbered by cookie-cutter pizzerias and trattorias, they're absolutely worth seeking out. After all, when in Florence, why not make the most of experiencing real local flavors? Let me share some restaurants that do justice to this rich culinary heritage.
1. Il Vezzo
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Traditional Florentine
Price range: €€
Tucked away in a quiet alley from the tourist crowds, Il Vezzo is a hidden gem that delivers an authentic Florentine dining experience. While the setting is modest, the food is anything but - each dish is a masterpiece of flavors and presentation. Their bistecca alla fiorentina is arguably the best in town, with a perfectly crusty exterior. The handmade pasta dishes, particularly the gnocchi, are outstanding, and their cheese appetizers are a must-try. Include a carefully curated wine selection and warm, attentive service, and you've got all the ingredients for a memorable Florentine meal.
2. Trattoria Zà Zà
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Tuscan
Price range: €€
Trattoria Zà Zà is a delightful maze of cozy dining rooms where they serve traditional Tuscan cuisine. Their T-bone steak and lobster pasta are absolute standouts, while the truffle tartar might just be the best you'll find in Italy. The menu is extensive, featuring perfectly cooked fresh pasta — try the Gorgonzola gnocchi if you're feeling indulgent. With live music adding to the atmosphere and knowledgeable staff who'll happily guide you through their impressive wine selection, it's no wonder this place gets packed. Just remember to book ahead!
3. La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Traditional Florentine
Price range: €€ - €€€
La Buchetta balances traditional Florentine cuisine with modern flair. Their dry-aged bistecca alla fiorentina is a showstopper, presented with theatrical flair before cooking. The pasta dishes are equally impressive – from the tableside Pecorino-spun pasta to the heavenly angel & demons gnocchi and the rich pappardelle with duck ragu. What really sets this place apart is their attention to detail: patient servers who guide you through the menu, expertly paired wines like their Chianti Classico, and a hot cheesecake that locals claim is the best in Italy.
4. L'Osteria di Giovanni
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Tuscan
Price range: €€ - €€€
If you're exploring around the Uffizi Gallery and craving an authentic Tuscan feast, L'Osteria di Giovanni is your spot. Every bite showcases why Tuscan cuisine is world-famous, from their perfectly charred Florentine steak to the fresh, handmade pasta dishes. Don't miss their artichoke appetizer with shaved Pecorino Romano. The intimate wine cellar adds to the experience, and thoughtful touches like complimentary lemon sorbet and biscotti make dining here special. Plus, seeing local families dining alongside tourists tells you you're in the right place.
5. Sergio Pollini Lampredotto
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Street food
Price range: €
For a true taste of Florence's street food culture, head to Sergio Pollini's cart for the city's famous lampredotto sandwich. Don't let the fact that it's made from tripe scare you off – this slow-cooked delicacy tastes amazing when topped with spicy salsa verde. Grab your sandwich and a €1 cup of wine, then join locals on the steps of Chiesa di Sant'Ambrogio.
6. Ristorante Borgo Antico
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Florentine
Price range: €€
This family-run spot, operating for nearly half a century, sits in a charming location with views of the Basilica Santo Spirito. Their truffle carbonara is legendary, and the wild boar ragu showcases authentic Tuscan flavors. Whether you're dining inside their cozy space or at one of the outdoor tables, you'll find an extensive menu ranging from perfectly crusty pizzas to delicate pasta dishes. The house wine is excellent, and the service makes you feel right at home.
7. Lo Scudo Ristorante Firenze
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Florentine
Price range: €€ - €€€
Just steps from the Duomo, Lo Scudo is where you can try an impressive antipasti spread featuring truffle-infused bites, polenta, and premium cured meats. The pasta dishes, from classic aglio e olio to rich lasagna, consistently deliver. Though it leans toward the pricier side, the quality justifies the cost. It's a perfect spot to recharge after climbing the Duomo, especially during the quieter late afternoon hours around 4pm.
8. Trattoria Dall'Oste
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Florentine Steak
Price range: €€ - €€€
If you're serious about experiencing Florence's famous steaks, Trattoria Dall'Oste should be on your radar. They serve up both Chianina and Marchigiana varieties of the classic Florentine T-bone, and while opinions vary, most diners love the quality and flavor here. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between casual and special occasions, and their chicken liver pate bruschetta is worth trying too. Make sure to book ahead – this place gets busy, which isn't surprising given its reputation for excellent beef and reasonable prices.
9. Osteria San Fiorenzo
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: €€
This charming spot is known for its unique wine window – a delightful throwback to old Florence where you can grab a glass to enjoy while strolling the streets. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy with classic red and white tablecloths and shelves lined with wine bottles. The homemade pasta (especially the lasagna) is outstanding, and their steaks are consistently excellent. While it's in a touristy area, don't let that fool you – the quality of food and warm service make it worth every euro.
10. Ristorante dei Rossi
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Tuscan
Price range: €€
Tucked away just north of the Ponte Vecchio, this hidden gem serves up some of Florence's finest Tuscan cuisine. Whether you're craving the classic Florentine steak (enhanced with their signature black salt) or feeling adventurous enough to try their deeply flavorful wild boar ragu, Ristorante dei Rossi delivers with style. Their truffle pasta and porcini mushroom dishes are standouts, and save room for the pistachio lava cake. With both indoor and outdoor seating, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to wind down after exploring the nearby Pitti Palace.
11. BaccoMatto
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: €€
Tucked away from the tourist crowds, BaccoMatto offers that perfect blend of intimate wine bar and serious dining destination. The menu features standouts like their delicately cooked octopus and expertly prepared beef tartare, while the pasta dishes – especially the Cacio e Gamberi – rival the best in Florence. What makes this place special is how they nail both the basics and the refined touches: from perfectly crispy bruschetta to thoughtful wine pairings suggested by knowledgeable staff.
12. La Fettunta
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Tuscan
Price range: € - €€
La Fettunta is one of those gems that proves great Florentine dining doesn't have to break the bank. This cozy spot serves up classic Tuscan dishes that'll make you wonder why you didn't discover it sooner. Their bistecca alla fiorentina is everything you'd hope for. What really sets it apart is how they nail the basics while keeping prices reasonable.
13. Degusteria Italiana
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: €€ - €€€
This intimate spot, with just eight tables, offers an incredibly romantic setting for a memorable meal. Their truffle tasting menu is a standout, featuring creative dishes like 62-degree eggs with white truffle and aged Parmesan ravioli with pear. Each course shows thoughtful technique and beautiful presentation, paired perfectly with their expert wine selections. While it's definitely upscale, the quality and experience make it worth every euro. Just remember to book ahead – it fills up fast!
14. Restaurant Buca Mario
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Florentine
Price range: €€ - €€€
Housed in a cozy, rustic setting that whispers old-world charm, this restaurant delivers both atmosphere and flavors. Their bistecca alla fiorentina is generously portioned and cooked to perfection. While the steak might be the star, don't skip their other offerings. The wild boar meat sauce and melt-in-your-mouth ossobuco are equally impressive.
15. La Giostra
Location: Get there
Cuisine: Tuscan
Price range: €€ - €€€
La Giostra offers one of those magical dining experiences that stick with you long after leaving Florence. Picture this: thousands of twinkling lights blanket the ceiling, creating an incredibly intimate atmosphere that sets the stage for what's to come. Their pear ravioli has achieved near-legendary status, and the Florentine steak is absolutely sublime. While the menu stays true to Tuscan traditions, there's an innovative touch that elevates each dish. The attentive service and extensive wine list complete what feels like a perfectly orchestrated fine dining experience —though without any stuffiness.
