We've asked the most knowledgeable people in the city—our guides—for their top recommendations on where to eat so you can dine like a local. Remember to book ahead if you want to grab a table at some of the city's better trattorias. These small restaurants are popular for a reason!
Florence may be the cradle of the Renaissance—home to Michelangelo’s David, the soaring Duomo, and the glittering treasures of the Uffizi Gallery.
However, once you’ve finished exploring the top cultural sights, it’s time to embark on your culinary adventure. Florence’s local delicacies, such as bistecca alla Fiorentina, ribollita, peposo, and lampredottoare not just food; they’re an experience that deserves a spot on your holiday bucket list. And what better way to wash them down than with a glass of the best Chianti?
The historic center of Florence is small, and its 300,000 inhabitants are joined annually by 11 million visitors – so it’s worth planning ahead. You’ll want to avoid standing in line with a grumbling stomach only to fall into a tourist trap offering sad microwaved lasagna and soggy pizza.
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Alla Vecchia Bettola (Oltrano)
This is a true neighborhood trattoria situated across the Arno in the charming Oltarano neighborhood. The tables are communal, so you will find yourself dining cheek-by-jowl with local Florentines and a few savvy tourists in the know. The menu changes daily and boasts all the Tuscan classics – except dishes like bistecca Fiorentina, chicken liver crostini, pappa al pomodoro, marinated mushrooms, and artichokes.
Where?
Alla Vecchia Bettola
Viale Vasco Pratolini, 3/5/7, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi (San Lorenzo)
Hidden behind the stalls in the leather market of Piazza San Lorenzo, this local institution has been feeding hungry Florentines since 1915. ‘Da Sergio’ is a no-frills family affair run by the fourth generation of the Gozzi family. A member of the Italian ‘Slow Food’ movement, they source all their ingredients daily from the local market and cook up Florentine classics such as Peposa, Ribollita, and hand-rolled pici pasta. They are only open for lunch and don’t take reservations, so you should arrive early or be prepared to get in line with other tourists and locals. The wait is worth it for a hearty Tuscan meal that is very friendly on the wallet.
Where?
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi
Piazza di San Lorenzo, 8R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Eating near Florence’s major must-see sights is notoriously difficult – the streets around the Duomo and the Uffizi are brimming with tourist traps serving up mediocre and seriously overpriced food. Vini e Vecchi Sapori is one of the few spots near Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi where you can eat proper homemade Tuscan food. The handwritten menu tells you all you need to know – “no pizza, no cappuccinos, no ice, no spritz”.
Menu classics include ribollita, a divine pappardelle with duck ragu, and chicken with fried artichoke. This is a small family-run trattoria with just a few tables and is well known, so booking your table well in advance is advisable.
Where?
Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Via dei Magazzini, 3/r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Buca dell'Orafo
Blink, and you’ll miss it – “buca” means hole, and Buca dell’Orafo is a literal hole in the wall. This intimate restaurant is nestled into a former wine cellar tucked away in an alley just steps from the famous Ponte Vecchio. Established in 1945, this is a more refined trattoria, ideal for a romantic evening.
Tuscan classics reign supreme on their menu. Indulge in ribollita, elegant pasta, quality bistecca, and sautéed porcini mushrooms in season. Also, try their excellent ‘tortino al carciofi’, a delicate artichoke omelette. In addition, a stellar wine list backs up all this Tuscan fare. Overlook the occasionally spotty service, and you’ll be rewarded with a thoroughly authentic Florentine meal. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
Where
Buca dell'Orafo
Via dei Girolami, 28/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
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