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!

In Rome, food is a ritual, as people there enjoy their every meal. Inside the city, there are hundreds of choices for fast food, as the paninis (Italian sandwiches) are highly honored. Furthermore, the restaurants, trattorias and osterias will leave no-one complaining. The cost of an all-inclusive meal accompanied by wine is around 30-40€/person. Notice, although choices may be many, only a handful of them offer quality food, with proper ingredients. Avoid the second-rate tourist shops. With our help, pick the right place and enjoy an original Italian meal! Do not miss out on trying some of the most well-known dishes, such as the carbonara with egg, pizza margarita, lasagna, chicken parmigiana, pasta in all kinds of variations, tiramisus, gelatos and drink the original espresso.

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!

The Italian neighborhood tavern is located on the city’s south-west, pretty far from the city center. The Osteria Bonelli is a hangout place for dozens of locals, who visit it daily in order to enjoy authentic, home-made pasta. With flavors and quality stealing the show, low prices play a secondary role. The only downside is that the menu is written in Italian and only a few staff members speak English well enough to attend to you. In order to ensure that you do not go all the way over there in vain, make sure you book a table.Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: the hand-made Raviolis of the day.

Our order: 1 Pasta with white sauce and crispy bacon, 1 Raviolis of the day with red sauce, 1 fresh Burrata cheese with anchovies, 2 Glasses of red wine. Total cost: 30€.

Total score: 8.8
Product quantity: 9
Product quality: 9.5
Taste: 9
Cost: 9.5
Environment: 8
Service: 8.5
Product appearance: 8

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

Having received a lot of awards for the quality of its dishes, Da Enzo is one of the most famous restaurants in Rome! It is open for limited hours every day (except Sunday) and it is housed in a small space, with only a few outdoor tables. To a full contradiction with its dishes and tastes comes the service, which is cold with a sprinkle of arrogance. Do not miss out on tasting the INCREDIBLE tiramisu, which can be enough of a reason on its own to return to the Eternal City! The procedure you must follow in order to enjoy a meal at Da Enzo is not at all simple…on the contrary! See HERE how you can do it. Recommended (R)

We recommend you to try: hands down, the majestic Tiramisu!

Our order: 1 Carbonara, 1 Serving of meatballs, 1 Serving of courgette flowers, ½ liter of wine, 1 Tiramisu, 1 Mascarpone cream with forest fruits. Total cost: 43€.

Total score: 8.2
Product quantity: 9
Product quantity: 8.5
Product quality: 9
Taste: 9
Cost: 8
Environment: 8
Service: 7
Product appearance: 8

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

If you are in the mood for some pizza without the birds and whistles, we have the perfect place for you. With taste as its only weapon, Farine Pizza offers authentic Italian pizza on the baking paper, without cutlery and luxuries. The dough as much as the fresh ingredients make it extremely popular, while the small one of the 3 sizes, provides the opportunity to try a lot of options. For two persons, the recommended quantity is two medium-sized pizzas or five small-sized. And do not worry about the cost. Due to the low prices, you will not have to put your hand deep in your pocket. Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: the delicious Mediterranean pizza.

Our order: 3 Medium sized pizzas: 1 Napoli, 1 Mediterranean, 1 Margarita & ½ liter of wine. Total cost: only 23€.

Total score: 8.9
Product quantity: 9.5
Product quality: 9
Taste: 9
Cost: 10
Environment: 8.5
Service: 9
Product appearance: 8.5

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

It may be a mainly tourist shop, but it is nonetheless a good choice for food. Luzzi’s Trattoria is located behind the Colosseum and offers quality dishes, in very affordable prices, while it is widely popular with people, who wait in line (especially on Fridays and weekends) for a meal. The shop has a vast variety of delicious Italian viands that are served by the polite, but hurried staff. If you happen to be hungry and in the area, do not pass it by…Sit at its interior or exterior space and enjoy a meal under the shadow of the imposing monument. Recommended (R)

We recommend you to try: the unique taste of prosciutto with melon.

Our order: 1 Fettuccine Bolognese, 1 Rigatoni with bacon and red sauce, 1 Prosciutto with melon, 2 Draft beers & 1 Tartufo ice-cream. Total cost: only 28,5€.

Total score: 8.1
Product quantity: 8.5
Product quality: 7.5
Taste: 7.5
Cost: 9.5
Environment: 7.5
Service: 8
Product appearance: 8

The Master of pizza Gabriele Bonci has formed his restaurant into a pizza-tasting location! In the charming hangout of the “ghosts”, pizzas lure the visitors with their colors and smells. The only thing you have to do is choose among the variety of flavors and enjoy. It is worth mentioning that they charge by the kilo and not by the slice. So, with prices ranging between 19 and 30€/kg, it is not the most affordable choice in town, especially when it comes to fast food. Nevertheless, the variety, quality and taste make it an appealing and decent choice. Recommended (R)

We recommend you to try: the pizza Farcita.

Our order: 250gr of pizza Rossa, 250gr of pizza Farcita, 250gr of pizza Imbottita. Total cost: 19€.

Total score: 8
Product quantity: 8
Product quality: 8
Taste: 8.5
Cost: 7
Environment: 8
Service: 8.5
Product appearance: 8

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

In the bustling neighborhood of Trastevere and more specifically in Piazza del Drago, you will find the Trattoria Papa Re. It is not some exceptional choice, as the menu is mediocre both in taste and quality. The factors that will make you opt for it are the reasonable prices (which is rare for the area) in combination with the polite service. Choose to sit at a table in its exterior space, so you enjoy the lively street. Good Choice (G)

We recommend you to try: the Courgette flower with anchovies.

Our order: 1 Carbonara, 1 Serving of beef with vegetables, 1 Serving of courgette flower with anchovies, ½ Liter of wine, 1 Tiramisu & 1 Chocolate mousse. Total cost: 40€.

Total score: 7.8
Product quantity: 8
Product quality: 7
Taste: 6.5
Cost: 9
Environment: 8
Service: 9
Product appearance: 7

Breakfast

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

The next suggestion is innovatory as well as expensive! It is an American breakfast in the gardens of the Vatican, that apart from your stomach, it will also fill you with a beautiful life experience. In a group of just 16-20 people you get the chance to taste amazing sweet and salty flavors, such as pancakes with honey, croissants, cereal, sausages, eggs, cappuccinos, fresh juices, fruit and many more. After you have finished your breakfast, you enter into the Cappella Sistina and the museums, 2 hours before their official opening! You can book tickets for the breakfast HERE. Highly Recommended (H)

We recommend you to try: the freshly baked pancakes.

Our order: 2 Morning entrance tickets (2 hours prior to the official opening) + American breakfast buffet. Total cost: 130€.

Total score: 9.2
Product quantity: 10
Product quality: 9.5
Taste: 9.5
Cost: 7
Environment: 10
Service: 9.5
Product appearance: 9

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

Within a mere 250-meter distance from the Colosseum, you will find the perfect shop to try the famous paninis (Italian sandwiches). The kind owner will make you feel comfortable, while the sandwiches will fill you up for many hours. As far as taste is concerned, it is rich, enjoyable and based on tasty, Italian products. It is also worth mentioning that you can have them in the restaurant or take them to go, hence ensuring your snack for the rest of the day, with little money. Recommended (R)

We recommend you to try: the filling Panini special with porchetta.

Our order: 1 Panini Giulio Cesare (prosciutto/pecorino), 1 Panini special porchetta & 2 bottles of water. Total cost: 16€.

Total score: 8.3
Product quantity: 8.5
Product quality: 8
Taste: 8
Cost: 9
Environment: 7.5
Service: 9
Product appearance: 8

On the city’s south side, in the Testaccio area, you will find a tasty choice to start your day. At first glance, Pasticceria Linari looks like a tourist shop, with dozens of options for breakfast and lunch. But there is more than meets the eye, as flavors and prices alike, make it a well-reputed choice among the locals, who visit it daily. The selection is plenty and the staff are polite and always willing to attend, speaking English proficiently. Go for whatever is fresh out of the kitchen. Recommended (R)

We recommend you to try: the freshest champagne cornets.

Our order: 2 Small croissants with cream, 5 Cornettos with champagne filling, 1 Chicken panini, 1 Salmon panini, 1 Tart with forest fruits (jam), 1 Cappuccino & 1 Espresso. Total cost: 16€.

Total score: 8.3
Product quantity: 8
Product quality: 8
Taste: 8.5
Cost: 9.5
Environment: 7
Service: 9
Product appearance: 8

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

Panino Divino could also be in the food category, as many people prefer it for their brunch, afternoon or evening snack. It is located very close to the Vatican and has a wide variety of Italian sandwiches. Its strongest weapons are the fine, high-quality ingredients, while what steal the show are the Panini and the amazingly delicious porchetta. Apart from the small interior space, you can also enjoy the paninis in the exterior space or take them to go. Recommended (R)

We recommend you to try: the delicious Amarone with Porchetta.

Our order:1 Panini Ciro with chili jam & 1 Panini Amarone with Porchetta. Total cost: 12€.

Total score: 8.3
Product quantity: 8
Product quantity: 8
Product quality: 8
Taste: 8.5
Cost: 9.5
Environment: 7
Service: 9
Product appearance: 8

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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.

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.