Italy is the synonym of good food. The Italian cuisine is simple, tasty, mainly based on local products and oozing off a unique temperament, like its people. The dishes are tasty, friendly to the stomach and most of them have something in common…Parmesan! Parmesan is everywhere…In the crust, the filling, the base, it is used as garnish or as a main ingredient for a dish!

Florence is a city that will not give you a hard time when it comes to food, as it provides tons of options. Tuscany’s cuisine is not light and it is based on salted bread, cheeses, chicken, game (wild boar, venison and rabbit) in many versions, thick soups and beans. Of course, everything is accompanied by some great local wine. In the city they love good food, either enjoyed sitting at some tavern or on the go with a filling panini. For a full meal in a trattoria you will pay 25-30€ / person with wine, while for a panini you will pay 5€. Do not miss out on trying the famous bistecca alla fiorentina (steak), the pasta dishes, the trippa alla fiorentina (tripe), the popular antipasto crostini di fegato (liver pâté with bread), the local Chianti wine, and to wrap it all up we recommend the Schiacciata Fiorentina and the dozens of gelato flavors!

Important: 1) Most decent trattorie, which care more about quality than profit, are located on the other side of the river, in the Oltrarno area. 2) Many bars-restaurants offer free buffet with your drink (aperitivo) every afternoon. Seek such places that will immerse you in the culture of the Florentines. Read the useful tips about food HERE!

Tamero’ pasta bar is the locals’ (as well as Travelens’) favorite hangout. The restaurant is famous for its amazing fresh pasta dishes and its relaxed atmosphere. The interior space is diligently sloppy and the staff is polite and attentive. Every afternoon, after 18:30, you can enjoy your drink with flavors from the free buffet (aperitivo), while in the evening the meal might be accompanied by the sound of a live band. If the weather allows it, opt for the exterior space, so you can enjoy some people-watching at the Santo Spirito Square. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: The wonderful Tortellini with octopus.
Our order: 1 Tortellini with octopus, 1 Ravioli with spinach-ricotta, 2 Aperol Spritz. Total cost: 42€.

Total score: 9.4
Product quantity: 9.5
Product quality: 9.5
Taste: 9.5
Cost: 9
Environment: 9.5
Service: 9.5
Product appearance: 9

This is the temple of the famous Βistecca alla fiorentina dish. It is located on the left side of the Arno river and to be seated you must have made reservations, as the locals fill it up daily. The staff is quite hurried, due to the number of customers, but who cares when such a dish comes to the table! The juicy beef steak is the city’s number one dish and at All’Antico Ristoro di Cambi they seem to know this pretty well! Prices are reasonable, the rest of the dishes are decent and the space looks perfect for a traditional Florentine meal…Do not forget to book a table. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: of, course, the exquisite Βistecca alla fiorentina!
Our order: 1 Βistecca alla fiorentina (1kg), 1 Fresh Tagliatelle with mushrooms, 1 Bottle of Chianti vergignolo. Total cost: 82€.

Total score: 8.8
Product quantity: 9
Product quality: 9
Taste: 10
Cost: 8
Environment: 9
Service: 8
Product appearance: 8.5

We certainly like meat (Βistecca alla fiorentina), as well as salted bread, but do not forget that we are in Italy, land of the pizza! So, we have for you the best pizzeria in town, in which you will find a wide variety and excellent flavors. At Munaciello’s the interior décor is special, with winged angels, palazzos, and even donkeys accompanying you on every bite! But what will make you love this restaurant is the incredible pizza with the crust filling and the excellent materials! Make sure you have made reservations; otherwise you should be there around 19:00. Pizza time?. Recommended (R)

Tip: Ask for Bufala cheese as a pizza topping and certainly for crust filling!

Our suggestion: the pizza with potato and spicy salami.
Our order: 1 Pizza with potato and spicy salami, 1 Pizza with 7 ingredients, 1 Aperol Sptitz, 1 glass of wine. Total cost: 33€.

Total score: 8.7
Product quantity: 9.5
Product quality: 8
Taste: 8.5
Cost: 9.5
Environment: 9
Service: 8.5
Product appearance: 8

One –at least- visit to the most famous panini shop in Italy is a must! All’ antico vinaio is located in the heart of the city and has been serving filling panini sandwiches for many years. The business is considered as one of the best street food choices in the whole world, as both the freshly-baked bread and the top-quality materials create a unique product. But there is a small problem. The average waiting time is 20 minutes, while during rush hour it might be as much as 1 hour. Finally, you should know that the –crispy- loaf of bread can hold as many ingredients as you please, for ONLY 5€! Enjoy responsibly ?! Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: the fantastic truffle sauce (it goes with everything).
Our order: 2 Inferno Sandwiches. Total cost: 10€.

Total score: 8.9
Product quantity: 9.5
Product quality: 9.5
Taste: 9.5
Cost: 9.5
Environment: 8
Service: 7
Product appearance: 9

Welcome to the temple of the Brochette. Hipster Johnny has one of the best Bruschetta shops in Italy. In a tastefully decorated space with traditional as well as hipster touches, Johnny serves 40+ flavors, in the size of 40cm each! The huge brochettes are made with fresh products and plenty of imagination. The variety covers every taste, their size is enormous and the prices completely reasonable. Do combine them with a bottle of some fine wine. If you visit it on a weekend you should make reservations, as the locals occupy every single chair! Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: The Anghiari Brochette.
Our order: 40cm Anghiari Brochette, 40cm Monte catini Brochette, 2 glasses of wine, 1 bottle of water, 1 Cheesecake. Total cost 15.5€ (we had 50% discount, full price was 31€).

Total score: 8.8
Product quantity: 9.5
Product quality: 9
Taste: 9
Cost: 8
Environment: 8
Service: 9
Product appearance: 9

Trattoria Sabatino is the locals’ refuge, away from the countless tourist restaurants of the city! Luckily, there are such places and we get to meet the dietary habits of the Florentines. The owners, who only speak Italian, are very polite and do everything they can so you feel comfortable and warm. The prices are extremely low –for the city’s standards- while the portions are totally satisfying in size and very simple in appearance, perfectly suitable for such a restaurant! Do not miss the experience of a genuine Florentine meal. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: the juicy Peposo ala fornasina (similar to goulash).
Our order: 1 Peposo ala fornasina, 1 Tortellini al sugo, 1 chicken roll, ½ liter of wine, 1 bottle of water. Total cost: only 23€.

Total score: 8.6
Product quantity: 8.5
Product quality: 8.5
Taste: 8.5
Cost: 10
Environment: 8
Service: 9
Product appearance: 7.5

The Osteria Santo Spirito combines good food with low prices. It is located in the Oltrarno neighborhood and housed in an old and poorly-maintained building, at the beautiful square of Santo Spirito. The variety of the dishes is good enough as well as the portions, while service is satisfactory. Its greatest advantage is the option of ordering half portions, which gives you the chance to try many dishes. Try the amazing gnocchi with truffle oil and goat cheese, which remind us of our beloved Haluski. Finally, if the weather is nice, prefer its exterior space. Reservation necessary! Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: the amazing Gnocchi.
Our order: 1 Gnocchi with truffle oil, 1 Pan fried chicken with vegetables, 1/2 Trippa all fiorentina, 1 Tiramisu. Total cost: 43€.

Total score: 8.1
Product quantity: 8
Product quality: 8
Taste: 8
Cost: 9
Environment: 8
Service: 8
Product appearance: 8
 

Gelato

Naturally, we couldn’t not devote one whole section to the capital of gelato! In the city, you will not find bad gelato (we, at least, didn’t find any), while there are flavors for all tastes! We tried a lot of gelato from various stores and we present them to you.

1) La Carraia

La Carraia may be the best gelateria in the city. There are two stores and they offer a great variety in quite reasonable prices. The queues formed by locals and tourists showcase the quality of the business, as well as the demand for great gelato, throughout the whole day. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: their Chocolate
Our order: 1 cup with 3 flavors. Total cost 3€
Total score: 8.8

 

2) Gelateria dei Neri

It is one of the most well-known gelaterie in Florence and not undeservedly! The Gelateria dei Neri is located in the heart of the city and has been serving, for many years, delicious gelato of rich, creamy texture. In the store you will find many flavors so you can choose the best one, while the only downsides are the rather high prices and limited quantity. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: their Chocolate.
Our order: 1 cup with 3 flavors. Total cost 4€
Total score: 8.1

 

3) Festival del Gelato

The gelateria Festival del Gelato could also be described as the shop with the infinite flavors! It is located in the heart of Florence and offers quality gelato in very reasonable prices. It is worth making a stop to cool off with some of its odd flavors. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: the Raspberry flavor.
Our order: 1 cup with 2 flavors. Total cost 2.5€
Total score: 8

 

4) Gelateria della Passera

In a quiet neighborhood of Florence, you will find the Gelateria della Passera. The small shop has a limited variety of flavors, which are not even classic ones. The quality is rather good, while the square in front of the shop is a locals’ only gathering place. Good Choice (G)

Our suggestion: the Lemon flavor.
Our order: 1 ice-cream Cone with 2 flavors. Total cost: 2€
Total score: 7.9

 

5) La Sorbettiera

The gelateria La Sorbettiera is one of the few gelato shops that exist on the south side of the Arno River. The gelateria is out of the tourist pathways and offers good gelato, with creamy texture. The variety might not be great, but the flavors will leave you satisfied. Good Choice (G)

Our suggestion: the Blueberry flavor!
Our order: 1 cup with 3 flavors. Total cost: 3€
Total score: 7.7

 

6) Vivoli

They say that old is also timeless…This is true for gelateria Vivoli. The store is the oldest in the city and it is still a hallmark for many gelato lovers. It has a wide variety of flavors, but its quality is mediocre, as well as the service! Meh (M)

Our suggestion: the Tiramisu flavor.
Our order: 1 cup with 2 flavors. Total cost 2.5€
Total score: 7

 

Breakfast

Espresso is a serious –Italian- matter and at the Ditta Artigianale cafés they seem to know this very well. The three stores are scattered around the city and have comfy spaces and modern style with wonderful Italian touches. You can combine the exquisite coffee (their own blends) with select sweet and salty delicacies, such as croissants, biscuits, toast, omelets and more. Prices are slightly high, and the staff’s attitude is mediocre and they are a bit slow. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: the delicious Espresso.
Our order: 1 Cappuccino, 1 Orange juice, 1 Club sandwich, 1 Croissant with jam (excellent choice). Total cost: 15€.

Total score: 8.1
Product quantity: 8.5
Product quality: 8
Taste: 8.5
Cost: 8
Environment: 9
Service: 6
Product appearance: 8.5

The Bar Pasticceria Piccioli has the sweetest breakfast in the city. We are not saying this figuratively but literally, as at the pasticceria you will find dozens of sweet flavors, the highlight being the puffs with the amazing cream. It is close to the Ognissanti church and housed in a space with classical decor. Your day is bound to be pleasant if it is kicked off with a morning coffee. Finally, it is worth mentioning that prices are low, while service is good. It is prohibited –even passing by- to those with high blood sugar. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: the Cream-puff desserts.
Our order: 2 Cappuccinos, 1 Croissant with cream and 1 with chocolate. Total cost: 6.8€.

Total score: 8.3
Product quantity: 8
Product quality: 8
Taste: 8
Cost: 9
Environment: 8
Service: 9
Product appearance: 8

At the Le Vespe Café you have the chance to charge your batteries for a demanding day in the city. The small café is located in a weird neighborhood of Florence and offers many choices for breakfast, which are quite filling. Quality and flavor of the products are not their strongest suits, while prices are a bit high. Beverages go in the same indifferent style, while the interior space is warm and preferred by many tourists. Meh (M)

Our suggestion: the Pancakes.
Our order: 1 Cappuccino, 1 Orange juice, 1 Nutella Pancakes. Total cost: 13.5€.

Total score: 7.1
Product quantity: 9
Product quality: 6.5
Taste: 5
Cost: 7
Environment: 8
Service: 7.5
Product appearance: 7

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The texts depict objectively and honestly everything that we saw and encountered during our stay, at the specific time period that we visited them. Travelen holds no responsibility for any possible changes regarding prices, decorations, service, change of management or anything else that you might find different during your visit. It is also worth mentioning that our review/opinion pertains ONLY to shops that we have visited.