Best Restaurants in Florence: Where to Eat Like a Local
Florence is the capital of carbohydrate-heavy comfort. The local cuisine, cucina povera, relies on high-quality olive oil, unsalted bread, and seasonal produce. You aren’t here for light salads. You are here for thick steaks, truffle-loaded pasta, and tripe sandwiches sold from carts. The city is dense with tourist traps, but the real food scene is found in wood-fired basements and hidden piazzas. This guide bypasses the microwave-reheat spots to give you the best restaurants in Florence for an authentic Tuscan experience.
Must-try dishes in Florence
Before you book a table, know what to order. These are the non-negotiables of the Florentine menu.
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A massive T-bone steak from Chianina cattle, seasoned with salt and olive oil, served rare. Do not ask for it well-done; the chef will refuse.
- Ribollita: A hearty, twice-cooked vegetable and bread soup. It’s thick, filling, and perfect for cooler months.
- Pappa al Pomodoro: A dense tomato and bread porridge flavored with basil and garlic. It sounds simple, but the quality of the oil makes it.
- Pappardelle sulla Lepre: Wide ribbon pasta served with a rich, gamey wild hare sauce. It is the ultimate comfort dish.
- Lampredotto: The fourth stomach of a cow, slow-cooked in broth and served in a bun with salsa verde. It is the gold standard of Florentine street food.
- Tagliere: A massive board of local Pecorino cheeses, prosciutto, finocchiona (fennel salami), and crostini neri (chicken liver pâté).
Best restaurants for a splurge
When you want a formal experience with a high-end wine list and refined service, these are the best restaurants in Florence.
Buca Lapi (Santa Maria Novella)
Located in the oldest cellar in the city, Buca Lapi is famous for its charcoal-grilled Bistecca alla Fiorentina. The walls are covered in vintage travel posters, and the kitchen is open. The steak here is arguably the best in town—expertly charred on the outside and buttery on the inside. It’s loud, historic, and requires a booking weeks in advance.
Enoteca Pinchiorri (Duomo/Santa Croce)
This is the only restaurant in Florence with three Michelin stars. It is less of a meal and more of a theatrical event. The wine cellar is legendary, housing over 60,000 bottles. Expect highly technical dishes that elevate traditional Tuscan ingredients into art. It is expensive, formal, and the peak of fine dining in Italy.
Osteria delle Tre Panche (Oltrarno)
This spot is a truffle lover’s mandatory stop. Formerly a tiny space with just three benches, it moved to a beautiful location in Hotel Hermitage. The menu is built around fresh truffles—shaved over taglioni, stirred into risotto, or tucked into omelets. The view of the Ponte Vecchio from the terrace adds to the high-end feel.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These spots offer authentic food without the white tablecloth pressure. This is where you go for a long lunch or a lively dinner.
Trattoria Sostanza (Santa Maria Novella)
Sostanza is a Florence institution. There is no decor to speak of—just white tiles and communal tables—but the food is unparalleled. You must order the butter chicken (pollo al burro), which arrives sizzling in a metal pan. The artichoke omelet is also famous. They do not accept credit cards, so bring cash and an appetite.
Trattoria Mario (San Lorenzo)
Since 1953, Mario has been the go-to for the San Lorenzo market crowd. It’s only open for lunch and you will likely share a table with strangers. The menu changes daily but always features traditional stews and steaks. It’s loud, fast-paced, and serves exactly what a Florentine grandmother would cook.
Vini e Vecchi Sapori (Piazza della Signoria)
Tucked just off the main tourist square, this tiny osteria has a "no pizza, no ice, no cappuccino" rule. They focus on handwritten daily menus featuring hand-rolled pasta. The pappardelle sull’anatra (duck pasta) is a standout. It’s incredibly popular with locals, so don’t expect to walk in without a reservation.
Osteria Santo Spirito (Oltrarno)
Located in the buzziest piazza on the "other" side of the river, this is the best spot for casual outdoor dining. Their truffle gnocchi served in a hot gratin dish is legendary. It’s a great place to people-watch while drinking carafes of the house red. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it ideal for a long evening.
Best cheap eats and street food
Florence excels at high-quality food served on the go. These are the best options for a quick, affordable bite.
All’Antico Vinaio (Uffizi)
You will see the line before you see the shop. While it has become a global brand, the original location on Via de' Neri still delivers massive schiacciata sandwiches for under €10. Try the "Favolosa" with pecorino cream and truffle honey. It’s heavy, messy, and worth the wait.
Da’ Vinattieri (Duomo)
Hidden in a narrow alley near Dante’s house, this window-service spot serves incredible lampredotto and trippa alla fiorentina. If you aren't brave enough for offal, their small coccoli (fried dough balls served with stracchino cheese and prosciutto) are a perfect, cheap snack. It is the definition of a hidden gem.
I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti (Uffizi)
While others wait in line at All’Antico Vinaio, locals often head here. The sandwiches are just as large and arguably better. They use high-quality Tuscan cold cuts and cream spreads made in-house. It’s a great grab-and-go option before you head to the Uffizi Gallery.
Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo)
The ground floor is a traditional wet market, but the upstairs is a high-end food hall. You can find everything here: fresh pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza, vegan burgers, and local wine. It’s the best solution for groups who can’t agree on what to eat.
Best breakfast and brunch
Breakfast in Florence is usually a standing affair involving coffee and a pastry, though modern brunch spots are emerging.
Caffè Gilli (Piazza della Repubblica)
Gilli is the oldest cafe in the city, dating back to 1733. If you want the classic Italian experience, stand at the ornate bar for an espresso and a cornetto. The pastries are world-class. It’s pricey if you sit down at the outdoor tables, but the people-watching in the piazza is worth the surcharge.
Ditta Artigianale (Various Locations)
For those who need a "real" coffee—think flat whites, cold brew, and Aeropress—this is the place. Ditta Artigianale brought specialty coffee culture to Florence. They also serve a great brunch menu featuring poached eggs, avocado toast, and pancakes. It has a modern, YC-startup vibe with fast Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets.
Pasticceria Giorgio (Soiana)
It’s a bit of a trek from the city center, but Giorgio is widely considered the best bakery in Florence. Their schiacciata alla fiorentina (a light, orange-scented sponge cake) is the gold standard. Go here for a Sunday morning pastry run to see how the locals spend their weekend.
Best rooftop or view dining
Florence is most beautiful from above. These spots offer the best views of the Duomo and the Arno.
SE·STO on Arno (Piazza Ognissanti)
Located on the sixth floor of the Westin Excelsior, this glass-walled restaurant offers a 360-degree view of the city. It is expensive, but the view of the river and the red-tiled roofs is unbeatable. Go for a sunset aperitivo if you don't want to commit to a full dinner.
Angel Roofbar & Dining (Piazza della Repubblica)
This rooftop at Hotel Calimala offers a more contemporary, Mediterranean-focused menu. It provides an eye-level view of the Palazzo Vecchio tower. The atmosphere is upscale-casual with a DJ in the evenings, making it a great transition spot from dinner to drinks.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
If you don't have a plan, head to these three areas to find the best restaurants in Florence.
- Sant’Ambrogio: This is the most authentic neighborhood left in the center. The Sant’Ambrogio market is where locals actually shop. The surrounding streets are packed with affordable trattorias and wine bars that haven't been sanitized for tourists.
- Oltrarno (Santo Spirito & San Frediano): Located across the Ponte Vecchio, this area is the heartbeat of local nightlife. It has a high density of artisan workshops and small, chef-driven restaurants. It’s less crowded than the Duomo area and feels much more lived-in.
- San Lorenzo: While the area immediately around the church is touristy, the streets surrounding the Mercato Centrale are a historic food hub. Look for the small "Buca" restaurants (basement eateries) scattered throughout this district.
Note: Hours and reservation requirements can change frequently; always check the restaurant’s official site or call ahead before visiting.