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Discover authentic Florence food. This guide maps out the best trattorias and street food in every historic quartiere, from cucina povera to Lampredotto.
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Florence, renowned for being the birthplace of the Renaissance, offers a sensory experience beyond the architecture and Da Vinci’s masterpieces. The City’s innate food culture from osterias and trattorias to bars and sandwich shops, create a true “choose-your-own foodie adventure.”
“Tuscan food” in the United States often strays from its roots, the tradition in Florence remains deeply tied to cucina povera, the “poor kitchen” born out of centuries of economic hardship and later romanticized in the Post-War period. Many of these humble recipes endure today, reimagined for the luxury and global foot traffic the city now draws.
An example of a Traditional Florentine “Trattoria”: Small Family run Restaurants, with a simple menu.
Some famous Tuscan dishes may not be part of everyday dining in the United States, but in Florence these staples can be found everywhere (Especially in the markets & trattorias):
- Lampredotto – A classic Florentine street food made from tripe (cow stomach), most often served in a sandwich.
- Ribollita – Literally meaning “reboiled,” this hearty winter soup combines vegetables and day-old bread simmered together.
- Cecina – A gluten-free chickpea flour flatbread, commonly found in bakeries originating from the coast.
- Panzanella – A refreshing summer salad made with dried Tuscan bread and fresh vegetables.
- Cinghiale – Dishes made with wild boar, an invasive species in Tuscany, ranging from rich stews to savory ragù.
This guide breaks down the historic quartieri (neighborhoods) of Florence’s city center, mapping out how and where to eat across the city.
The main quarters are Duomo, Santo Spirito/San Frediano, Santa Croce/Sant’Ambrogio, Santa Maria Novella, San Marco, and San Niccolò. Each one was shaped around its piazza, a central gathering space that defines both the neighborhood and Florence’s cultural life.
Eat Around the Quartieri
SAN FREDIANO / SANTO SPIRITO The Oltrarno district (across the Arno) is often the gathering place for Florentines and is home to many of the city’s most authentic restaurants.
- Trattoria Sabatino – A family-run spot where guests sit at communal tables. Pasta dishes are €5, sides €3, and meat plates €6–7. The menu changes daily, with fish on Fridays. Every recipe comes straight from the family and the traditions of cucina povera.
- Al Tran Vai – Located in Piazza Tasso, this intimate restaurant is beloved by both Florentines and tourists. The handwritten menus, daily specials, and tram car–shaped layout set the tone. From fried brain to lampredotto, the kitchen offers creative spins on Florentine classics.
- Santo Bevitore – A Michelin Selection, this restaurant elevates Tuscan cuisine with modern elegance. Perfect for date night, its flavors are both refined and passionate. They also have a daytime bakery S.Forno, with a diverse bread selection and light lunch menu.
- Café Notte – A bohemian-style café and bar, ideal for posting up with a notebook. Start with morning bites and panini, stay for pizza and cocktails at night. Café Notte has something for every mood.
1. Al Tran Vai 2. S.Forno 3. Cafe Notte
DUOMO
- Casella 18 – Just steps from the Duomo, Casella 18 defies the “tourist trap” reputation of the area. With an extensive pizza menu and dishes from across Italy, the restaurant pairs excellent food with a warm, celebratory atmosphere.
SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
- Trattoria Marione – Known for serving one of the best cacio e pepe in Florence, made with pici, a thick, hand-rolled Tuscan pasta. Its location near the train station makes it a convenient stop for day-trippers.
- Il Bacaro Fiorentino – A marriage of Venetian and Florentine specialties, from cicchetti (small aperitivo bites) to fresh fish, paired with Venice’s signature spritz. The interiors are as striking as the food.
SANTA CROCE / SANT’AMBROGIO
- Trattoria Roberto – A family-owned trattoria serving an extensive menu of Florentine classics. Located just outside the Uffizi, it’s the perfect spot for lunch or dinner after a day of art.
- Trattoria Accadi & Ieie da Toshi – Chef Toshi, who first cooked Italian food in Japan, now runs Trattoria Accadi, reinterpreting Florentine cuisine with finesse. Across the street, his second venture, Ieie da Toshi, is a sushi restaurant considered among the city’s best. Recommended dish: Gnudi burro e salvia (ravioli filling served in butter and sage sauce).
- Pino’s Sandwiches – A family-run shop with a diverse yet simple menu. While Florentine schiacciata sandwiches have gone viral on social media, Pino’s has stayed true to its authenticity. Recently, the Florentine staple even opened an extension in Los Angeles.
- Vivoli (Gelato) – Famous for its affogato, Vivoli is both a gelateria and a classic espresso bar. Despite long lines, it remains an elegant, historic staple of Florence.
Learn to Make Tuscan Food Yourself
Mama Florence isn’t a restaurant rather a cooking school that guides guests through mastering classic Florentine and Italian recipes to take home. From fresh pasta to ragù, participants learn time-honored dishes that last a lifetime, culminating in a four-course meal paired with wine.
Whether it’s pasta, pizza, gelato, or a panino, Florence has you covered. And don’t worry about the carbs; the city’s hills and endless stairways will make sure you walk it all off.
PLACES TO VISIT
