Florence Food Guide: What to Eat and Where for First-Time Visitors

Florence Food Guide | Best Restaurants, Street Food & Local Specialties

Florence is not just a city of Renaissance art and architecture; it’s also a paradise for food lovers. From hearty Tuscan dishes to delicate pastries, Florence offers a wide range of flavors for first-time visitors. This guide covers what to eat, where to find it, traditional markets, street food, wine, and dining tips, with tables, pricing, and FAQs.

Florence is a paradise for food lovers, offering a mix of hearty Tuscan dishes, fresh pasta, and iconic street food. From the famous bistecca alla fiorentina to lampredotto sandwiches and creamy gelato, knowing where and what to eat makes exploring the city even more enjoyable. This food guide highlights the best local specialties and the top spots to savor them.

Florence Food at a Glance: Table of Dishes and Where to Try Them

Traditional Tuscan Dishes Explained

Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A thick, T-bone steak traditionally grilled rare, seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Best enjoyed at a traditional trattoria with local Chianti wine.

Ribollita: A hearty Tuscan soup made from bread, beans, and vegetables. Excellent for budget travelers and available at many casual eateries.

Lampredotto: A Florentine street food staple made from cow’s stomach, slow-cooked and served in a sandwich. Found in market stalls like Mercato Centrale and food trucks.

Pappa al Pomodoro: A simple bread and tomato soup, perfect for light lunch or snack. Rich in flavor, low in cost, and widely available.

Crostini Toscani: Toasted bread with a chicken liver or vegetable topping, often served as an appetizer or snack.

Gelato: Italian ice cream with an emphasis on flavor and quality, found at specialty gelaterias across Florence.

Chianti Wine: The region’s signature red wine pairs beautifully with Tuscan cuisine and can be sampled in restaurants and enotecas.

Where to Eat: Neighborhoods and Recommendations

Why Neighborhood Matters:

• Being close to the historic center allows easy walking between attractions and dining options.
• Neighborhoods like San Lorenzo and Oltrarno offer more local, authentic experiences.
• Certain areas are better for street food or wine bars, enhancing first-time visitor experience.
• The easiest way to get around Florence is by tram, a quick and convenient way to reach the city’s main sights.

Florence Markets: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Mercato Centrale:

• Large indoor market with vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and street food.
• Great for lunch on the go or tasting multiple dishes at affordable prices (€4–€12 per dish).

Sant’Ambrogio Market:

• Local market offering fresh ingredients, bakeries, and casual eateries.
• Less crowded than Mercato Centrale and more local-focused.

Tips:

• Go early for the freshest produce and fewer crowds
• Try food stands inside for budget-friendly meals
• Many markets accept only cash; have some euros on hand

Florence Street Food: Quick and Delicious

• Lampredotto sandwiches at street stalls (€4–€6)
• Schiacciata (savory flatbread) filled with cheese or ham (€2–€5)
• Panini with prosciutto or pecorino (€4–€8)
• Quick gelato stops for dessert (€2–€4)

Street food is convenient, affordable, and allows first-time visitors to eat like locals.

Dining Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Reservations are recommended at popular trattorias, especially evenings
• Check opening hours, as many restaurants close between lunch and dinner
• Tipping is optional; a few euros or rounding up is customary
• Ask for local specialties, not just the menu highlights
• Try a wine pairing, especially Chianti with meat dishes

Cost Overview for Dining in Florence

People Also Ask: Florence Food FAQs

Enjoying Food in Florence

Florence isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a feast for your taste buds, too. From cozy, historic trattorias to lively markets and street food stalls, there’s a flavor around every corner. First-time visitors shouldn’t just eat—they should explore! Picking spots based on neighborhood vibes, price, and local favorites guarantees a deliciously authentic Florentine experience.