What to eat in Florence
Florence wins visitors over with the beauty of its monuments and the richness of its food culture. Tuscan cuisine owes its international reputation to simple, authentic ingredients rooted in the land and in seasonality—creating dishes that are full of flavour yet perfectly balanced.
Signature dishes of Florentine cuisine
Browsing the menus of local trattorias, you’ll come across a few staples of the city’s culinary tradition that are absolutely worth trying:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: the undisputed queen of the table. This is a thick cut of Chianina beef, traditionally grilled over hot coals and served rare. Local tradition says there’s no point asking for a different doneness: it’s meant to stay tender and juicy inside.
- Ribollita and Pappa al Pomodoro: two iconic dishes from traditional “cucina povera” (humble cooking). Ribollita is a hearty soup made with stale bread, cannellini beans, and black kale, reheated more than once to bring out its flavours.
- Trippa and Lampredotto: for those who enjoy bold flavours, lampredotto is Florence’s street food classic. It’s often served in a sandwich (the "semelle") dipped in broth and topped with green sauce.
- Wild boar stew: a rich, comforting speciality, often served with homemade pappardelle.
- Pollo al mattone: a grilled cooking method that makes the meat crispy and aromatic thanks to a blend of local spices.
- Schiacciata alla fiorentina: a soft orange-scented cake, typical of Carnival season but loved all year round.
Historic markets: where grocery shopping turns into a tasting experience
For a truly immersive food experience, you should visit the city’s historic markets. The San Lorenzo Market is the most famous: while the ground floor hosts traditional stalls selling meat, fresh pasta, and cheese, the first floor features a modern food hall where you can taste freshly prepared local dishes in a lively atmosphere.
If you’re looking for something more authentic and less touristy, the Sant’Ambrogio Market is the perfect choice. Locals still shop here every day, and the small kiosks inside serve traditional dishes at unbeatable prices. It’s the ideal place to pick up excellent Tuscan pecorino or finocchiona to take home as a tasty souvenir—or simply sit down and enjoy a plate of tripe among the colourful stalls.
Street food and quick bites
Beyond restaurants, Florence offers fantastic options for a quick meal without compromising on quality. Traditional Florentine sandwiches and focaccia are filled with local cured meats like finocchiona (a fennel-flavoured salami) or PDO Tuscan pecorino. Stopping by one of the city’s historic "vinaini" for a glass of wine and a board of crostini neri (made with chicken liver) is a must if you want to experience Florence like a local.
Tips for an authentic and affordable experience
The city is packed with osterie and trattorias, but if you want to eat well and enjoy traditional Florentine cuisine without spending a fortune, a few simple tricks can help.
The best advice is to avoid eating right next to the main tourist attractions. Head towards neighbourhoods like Santa Croce or Santo Spirito (in the Oltrarno area) and you’ll find places frequented by locals, with lower prices and recipes that still taste like the real deal.
Checking online reviews helps you avoid “tourist traps”, but even taking a look at the daily specials board outside can give you a clue about the freshness of the ingredients. Many trattorias offer set lunch menus that let you try two courses at a great price.
Tuscany’s great wines
Every meal in Florence pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine. The region is famous for outstanding labels such as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, but it also offers refreshing whites like Vernaccia di San Gimignano. If you’re looking for something full-bodied to match meat dishes, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano or Carmignano are excellent choices to complete the experience.
