Florence is more than just art and the magnificent Duomo. There’s incredible food to be found in this ancient city if you know where to look (and where not to). Firenze is in the heart of Tuscany, so you can expect a number of rich Tuscan dishes on this list. We’ve also included a great rooftop restaurant since a roundup of the best restaurants in Florence wouldn’t be complete without one!
You might want to feel more confident knowing how to order food in Italian as you speak with your cameriere (waiter). They’ll help you choose the right vino (wine) pairing with your bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) or panzanella (Tuscan salad). And Rosetta Stone can help you perfect your pronunciation with TruAccent, so you get instant feedback to sound like a local while you eat at these delicious restaurants in Florence.
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Best restaurants in Florence near Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery
Chances are you’ll be spending some time near the Arno River as you explore the Uffizi Gallery, the most-visited museum in Italy. And it just so happens to be located really close to Ponte Vecchio, the historic bridge that is now home to numerous gioielleria (jewelry shops) that display endless emeralds, diamonds, brooches, and gold chains. After wandering through these two attractions, you’ll likely be hungry, so here are a few of the best restaurants in Florence, Italy, around the Uffizi Gallery.
Trattoria Antico Fattore
Price: $$ – Reservations recommended
A city as old as Florence deserves to have a historic trattoria as the first ristorante (restaurant) on this list. Trattoria Antico Fattore has been serving delicious Tuscan fare to locals and tourists since 1865! If it weren’t for the garland of greenery around the doorway, you could walk right past this little restaurant. Fortunately, now you know it’s one of the best restaurants in Florence, and you’ll head right inside.
At an establishment like this, we recommend letting the professional camerieri (waiters) suggest what to eat and drink. They won’t steer you wrong since the food is locally sourced with seasonal ingredients. We recommend trying the ribollita (bean soup), wild boar ragu, fagioli all’uccelletto (white beans in tomato sauce), or any grilled lamb dish.
Cantinetta della Terme
Price: $ – Great for seafood
This little restaurant might not look like much on the outside, but the menu packs a punch. Come hungry for frutti di mare (seafood) and dolce (dessert)! The interior is cozy with old wine cellar vibes, so it’s ideal for couples and pairs of friends dining out. You’ll see a wall of wines to choose from, but you can also let your waiter offer suggestions.
What should you order? Well, the seafood platter may sound like a menu item from the South, but it’s perfectly acceptable here too. In fact, it’s likely their most popular item along with their octopus. But save room for a treat—we think Cantinetta della Terme has some of the best tiramisu around. And the creme brulee is no exception either.
>> Planning your trip? Find out the best cities to visit in Italy!
The Fusion Bar & Restaurant
Price: $$$ – Reservations recommended
If you prefer a brighter, more modern place to eat in Florence, then head to The Fusion Bar & Restaurant. This is a great spot to dine at if you’ve been in Italy for several days and are looking for something a little different. You’ll find a variety of international tastes paired with classic Florentine flavors, including custom cocktails and even some vegetarian dishes.
As for food, we recommend trying one of the seafood dishes such as the ceviche or smoked salmon focaccia with goat cheese, spinach, and shallots confit. You won’t go wrong with the Tuscan pasta or margherita pizza either. It may be a little pricier than some restaurants, but the refined vibe might be just what you’re looking for.
Where to eat in Florence’s Santo Spirito district
Santo Spirito is the district across the Arno that’s considered the foodie destination of Florence. If you love food tours, you’ll likely be exploring trattoria and ristoranti in this area. But if you just want to know what to eat in Florence at some of our favorite restaurants, give these a try.
Pizzeria Totò atto Il
Price: $ – Vegetarian options
We can’t write a list of the best restaurants in Florence without including a pizzeria. While Florence might not be as famous for pizza as Naples or even Rome, you’ll still find a great pizza while you’re here. Located near Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace), Pizzeria Totò atto II puts out some delicious pizzas. Normally, we don’t recommend many restaurants near tourist attractions, but this one is worth a midday stop. You’ll probably need to order your pizza to go (takeaway) since there are very few seats. We definitely recommend trying the calzone sfizioso!
Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino
Price: $-$$ – Traditional Florentine menu
An osteria is similar to a casual trattoria, and Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino is a great foodie choice in Santo Spirito. It’s located a few streets away from Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita, so it’s easy to find. The interior is warm and inviting, though small like a traditional osteria. Still, there are tables for four people if you’re traveling with a few friends or family.
You’ll find an extensive wine list here and it’s a great spot to try a hearty trippa (tripe) dish or even lingua di mucca (cow’s tongue) if you’re feeling adventurous. We also loved the gnocchi and mouth watering ragu here. This is your ideal place to eat if you’re looking for hearty, traditional Florentine food.
Trattoria Sant’Agostino
Price: $-$$ – Private rooms for groups available
Along with tasty Tuscan dishes, this restaurant offers an unusual chance to book a small room for a group of travelers. Space is a premium in Italy, so this is your best spot if you’re in Florence with several travel partners. The vibe is cozy without being too small, and they have a charming wine cellar that is sure to offer the perfect pairing to your primi (first course), secondi (second course), and dolce (dessert). Trattoria Sant’Agostino’s claim to fame is gnudi. Think of a ravioli filling without the pasta, and that’s exactly what it is—smothered in butter and sage. Because why not? It’s definitely worth ordering. Whether or not you share is up to you!
>> On your way to Rome next? Use our list of the best things to do in Rome!
Best places to eat in Florence near the Duomo
Florence is a delightfully walkable city so it won’t take long to get where you’re wanting to go. And it’s safe to assume that you plan to visit the towering Cattredale di Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Florence Cathedral or Duomo. We don’t recommend many eateries near the cathedral since they are often tourist traps, so you’ll want to wander a little further away. Here are our recommendations of the best restaurants in Florence that are close to the Duomo.
Trattoria Dall’Oste
Price: $$-$$$ – Reservations recommended
This restaurant is almost certain to bring on the meat sweats. Trattoria Dall’Oste is a steakhouse with a well-deserved reputation as one of the best restaurants in Florence, so you’ll want to plan ahead and book reservations before you arrive. There are lots of seats, but we think the waiting area is also cool since you’ll see prime cuts of beef displayed in the windows. Along with the traditional tomahawk style bistecca alla Fiorentina, you can order steaks from around the world here, from Japan and Italy to black Angus from the United States. Now, excuse us while we go make our reservation too.
La Ménagère
Price: $$ – Vegan options available
Located just 5 minutes away from the Duomo, you’ll find a cool restaurant that’s kind of a bistro / bar / gallery / floral shop all rolled into one. It’s called La Ménagère, and it’s been open since 1896! The interior is much more modern yet whimsical than traditional Tuscan-style eateries. It’s also the perfect place to eat breakfast in Florence or to grab drinks after dinner since they’re open after midnight. You can find traditional cornetto (croissants) here along with a variety of Italian caffe (espresso). Don’t hesitate to try the cake of the day!
Panini Toscani
Price: $ – Build-your-own panino
Sometimes all you need is a quick bite to eat. And if you’re near the Florence Cathedral, then head to the east side where the dome is and find a tiny little panino (sandwich shop) called Panini Toscani. It’s a rare recommendation near a major city attraction, but if the line isn’t long, then it’s a great choice. What’s also unusual is that you can build your own panino with some yummy toppings like fresh pecorino cheese, salame toscano, melanzane (eggplant), peperoni sotto aceto (vinegar peppers), and much more. You really can’t go wrong here!
Atto di Vito Mollica
Price: $$$$ – Reservations required; vegetarian options available
There are six Michelin-star restaurants in Florence and Atto di Vito Mollica is one of our favorites. It’s tucked inside the elegant Palazzo Portinari Salviati where you’ll dine under frescoed or stained glass ceilings that elevate your dining experience. You can order à la carte here and enjoy king crab, champagne risotto, and lamb. However, it might be worth ordering one of the tasting menus (traditional or vegetarian) that are extensive and sumptuous as well as beautifully prepared. You won’t regret it.
>> Learn how to order coffee in Italian!
Best Restaurants in Florence near Stazione Santa Maria Novella
You can get to the Florence Cathedral in just 7 minutes from the Santa Maria Novella stazione (train station), so if you choose a restaurant from this list, you’re still quite close to all the things to do in Florence. But there are a few gems near the central mercado (market) here that you’ll want to try, including the mercado itself.
Mercado Centrale
Price: $-$$$ – Gourmet and street food options
Italian mercadi (markets) offer more amazing food and local goods than most markets in the United States. If you love to sample a variety of foods in one place, then head to Mercado Centrale. Some of our favorite things to eat here are very traditional Tuscan foods that hearken back to a heritage of impoverished farmers. We recommend trying a traditional lampredotto panino (tripe sandwich) that’s filled with flavorful meat dripping with tasty juices on a soft bun rather than the usual ciabatta. Or a porchetta panino which is roasted pork seasoned with herbs and spices. You’ll also find plenty of foods to buy and take home (meat is prohibited) like pasta, marmellata (marmalade), or olio d’oliva (olive oil).
B-Roof
Price: $$-$$$ – Reservations recommended
B-Roof might be an uninspiring name but the view is anything but boring. In fact, you might say it’s rather stunning. As you dine on brunch or dinner, you’ll be treated to a magnificent panoramic view of the Florence Duomo and the rest of the city. Whether you see it during the day or at night, this view will become an unforgettable memory from one of the best rooftop restaurants in Florence. For dinner, we recommend trying capesante arrostite al timo (thyme-roasted scallops), or the galletto disossato con salsiccia Toscana (boneless cockerel with Tuscan bell peppers). Be sure to ask for a creative cocktail from the bar!
Ciro and Sons
Price: $$ – Friendly to most dietary restrictions
We love Ciro and Sons because of the upscale vibe that belies the delicious pizzeria-style food. Beneath a Murano glass chandelier, you can dine on ridiculously tasty seafood pastas or truffle ravioli. Their pizza is authentic Neapolitan pizza, so you won’t go wrong if you order a classic margherita or one loaded with prosciutto. But what appeals to so many travelers from the U.S. is that they cater to many food allergies. You’ll find vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and even lactose-free menu items at this pizzeria. That combination is almost unheard of in Italy, so if dietary restrictions are a concern, then this will be the perfect spot for you.
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