Arriving in the city center, Florence feels like a dream. This is a city that makes you feel alive - you really have to pinch yourself to believe it’s real. Florence is a must visit for any lover of art or architecture. It’s apparent everywhere that the Renaissance began here! From the statue of David to the Uffizi Gallery, you will have shock and awe around every corner. No matter how many times you go to Florence, it still feels magical. But, as we all know too well, Florence is no secret. During busy times, expect lines at the major tourist spots, crowded streets, and full restaurants. While Florence isn't our favorite city for food in Italy, we found some great places that we really enjoyed!
(tuscany/toscana)
florence (firenze), italy
Jump to:
what to drink, where to stay, helpful resources
where to eat
There are so many things to love about this restaurant. It’s not in the main tourist area, but it’s close enough to walk. It has an awesome open kitchen concept, and it's not too big of a restaurant, making it very cozy. They take particular care to use locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, so you’ll see new and interesting things to try on the menu. You have the choice of doing a la carte or a tasting menu - which are very reasonably priced. We love their chitarra pasta, which is a staple on the menu. Their pork secondi dish is also excellent. If you happen to be there in fall or winter, they have a dessert that will remind you of the best apple pie a la mode you’ve ever had! Reservations are a must!
There are so many things to love about this restaurant. It’s not in the main tourist area, but it’s close enough to walk. It has an awesome open kitchen concept, and it's not too big of a restaurant, making it very cozy. They take particular care to use locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, so you’ll see new and interesting things to try on the menu. You have the choice of doing a la carte or a tasting menu - which are very reasonably priced. We love their chitarra pasta, which is a staple on the menu. Their pork secondi dish is also excellent. If you happen to be there in fall or winter, they have a dessert that will remind you of the best apple pie a la mode you’ve ever had! Reservations are a must!
There are so many things to love about this restaurant. It’s not in the main tourist area, but it’s close enough to walk. It has an awesome open kitchen concept, and it's not too big of a restaurant, making it very cozy. They take particular care to use locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, so you’ll see new and interesting things to try on the menu. You have the choice of doing a la carte or a tasting menu - which are very reasonably priced. We love their chitarra pasta, which is a staple on the menu. Their pork secondi dish is also excellent. If you happen to be there in fall or winter, they have a dessert that will remind you of the best apple pie a la mode you’ve ever had! Reservations are a must!
There are so many things to love about this restaurant. It’s not in the main tourist area, but it’s close enough to walk. It has an awesome open kitchen concept, and it's not too big of a restaurant, making it very cozy. They take particular care to use locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, so you’ll see new and interesting things to try on the menu. You have the choice of doing a la carte or a tasting menu - which are very reasonably priced. We love their chitarra pasta, which is a staple on the menu. Their pork secondi dish is also excellent. If you happen to be there in fall or winter, they have a dessert that will remind you of the best apple pie a la mode you’ve ever had! Reservations are a must!
There are so many things to love about this restaurant. It’s not in the main tourist area, but it’s close enough to walk. It has an awesome open kitchen concept, and it's not too big of a restaurant, making it very cozy. They take particular care to use locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, so you’ll see new and interesting things to try on the menu. You have the choice of doing a la carte or a tasting menu - which are very reasonably priced. We love their chitarra pasta, which is a staple on the menu. Their pork secondi dish is also excellent. If you happen to be there in fall or winter, they have a dessert that will remind you of the best apple pie a la mode you’ve ever had! Reservations are a must!
There are so many things to love about this restaurant. It’s not in the main tourist area, but it’s close enough to walk. It has an awesome open kitchen concept, and it's not too big of a restaurant, making it very cozy. They take particular care to use locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, so you’ll see new and interesting things to try on the menu. You have the choice of doing a la carte or a tasting menu - which are very reasonably priced. We love their chitarra pasta, which is a staple on the menu. Their pork secondi dish is also excellent. If you happen to be there in fall or winter, they have a dessert that will remind you of the best apple pie a la mode you’ve ever had! Reservations are a must!
This intimate restaurant is stunning. It has very few tables so book ahead of time! Being in the city center, you’ll have many passers-by that haven’t thought ahead, peek in, and disappointingly continue down the street with the realization the restaurant is filled for the night and there are no spots for spontaneous, unannounced diners. They have an extensive choice of menu options, so everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. We recommend trying at least one dish with black truffle, a delicacy of the region!
This intimate restaurant is stunning. It has very few tables so book ahead of time! Being in the city center, you’ll have many passers-by that haven’t thought ahead, peek in, and disappointingly continue down the street as the realization the restaurant is filled for the night and there are no spots for spontaneous, unannounced diners. They have an extensive choice of menu options, so everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. We recommend trying at least one dish with black truffle, a delicacy of the region!
This intimate restaurant is stunning. It has very few tables so book ahead of time! Being in the city center, you’ll have many passers-by that haven’t thought ahead, peek in, and disappointingly continue down the street as the realization the restaurant is filled for the night and there are no spots for spontaneous, unannounced diners. They have an extensive choice of menu options, so everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. We recommend trying at least one dish with black truffle, a delicacy of the region!
This intimate restaurant is stunning. It has very few tables so book ahead of time! Being in the city center, you’ll have many passers-by that haven’t thought ahead, peek in, and disappointingly continue down the street as the realization the restaurant is filled for the night and there are no spots for spontaneous, unannounced diners. They have an extensive choice of menu options, so everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. We recommend trying at least one dish with black truffle, a delicacy of the region!
This intimate restaurant is stunning. It has very few tables so book ahead of time! Being in the city center, you’ll have many passers-by that haven’t thought ahead, peek in, and disappointingly continue down the street as the realization the restaurant is filled for the night and there are no spots for spontaneous, unannounced diners. They have an extensive choice of menu options, so everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. We recommend trying at least one dish with black truffle, a delicacy of the region!
This intimate restaurant is stunning. It has very few tables so book ahead of time! Being in the city center, you’ll have many passers-by that haven’t thought ahead, peek in, and disappointingly continue down the street as the realization the restaurant is filled for the night and there are no spots for spontaneous, unannounced diners. They have an extensive choice of menu options, so everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. We recommend trying at least one dish with black truffle, a delicacy of the region!
This intimate restaurant is stunning. It has very few tables so book ahead of time! Being in the city center, you’ll have many passers-by that haven’t thought ahead, peek in, and disappointingly continue down the street as the realization the restaurant is filled for the night and there are no spots for spontaneous, unannounced diners. They have an extensive choice of menu options, so everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. We recommend trying at least one dish with black truffle, a delicacy of the region!
Located across the Arno in the Santo Spirito neighborhood, don’t let the non-central location make you think this is a walk-up place. The area is hip and well-known, which means you need a reservation to get in here. You’ll often see a line outside, and unprepared diners are likely to be refused, as the restaurant will be full most evenings. They serve traditional Tuscan cuisine in an dark and moody, yet inviting atmosphere. They have their own forno (oven) and gastronomia (deli), so you know you’re going to get high quality breads, meats, and cheeses. Their pasta is excellently prepared. All in all - you’re going to enjoy your meal here!
Located across the Arno in the Santo Spirito neighborhood, don’t let the non-central location make you think this is a walk-up place. The area is hip and well-known, which means you need a reservation to get in here. You’ll often see a line outside, and unprepared diners are likely to be refused, as the restaurant will be full most evenings. They serve traditional Tuscan cuisine in an dark and moody, yet inviting atmosphere. They have their own forno (oven) and gastronomia (deli), so you know you’re going to get high quality breads, meats, and cheeses. Their pasta is excellently prepared. All in all - you’re going to enjoy your meal here!
Located across the Arno in the Santo Spirito neighborhood, don’t let the non-central location make you think this is a walk-up place. The area is hip and well-known, which means you need a reservation to get in here. You’ll often see a line outside, and unprepared diners are likely to be refused, as the restaurant will be full most evenings. They serve traditional Tuscan cuisine in an dark and moody, yet inviting atmosphere. They have their own forno (oven) and gastronomia (deli), so you know you’re going to get high quality breads, meats, and cheeses. Their pasta is excellently prepared. All in all - you’re going to enjoy your meal here!
Located across the Arno in the Santo Spirito neighborhood, don’t let the non-central location make you think this is a walk-up place. The area is hip and well-known, which means you need a reservation to get in here. You’ll often see a line outside, and unprepared diners are likely to be refused, as the restaurant will be full most evenings. They serve traditional Tuscan cuisine in an dark and moody, yet inviting atmosphere. They have their own forno (oven) and gastronomia (deli), so you know you’re going to get high quality breads, meats, and cheeses. Their pasta is excellently prepared. All in all - you’re going to enjoy your meal here!
Located across the Arno in the Santo Spirito neighborhood, don’t let the non-central location make you think this is a walk-up place. The area is hip and well-known, which means you need a reservation to get in here. You’ll often see a line outside, and unprepared diners are likely to be refused, as the restaurant will be full most evenings. They serve traditional Tuscan cuisine in an dark and moody, yet inviting atmosphere. They have their own forno (oven) and gastronomia (deli), so you know you’re going to get high quality breads, meats, and cheeses. Their pasta is excellently prepared. All in all - you’re going to enjoy your meal here!
what to drink
what to drink
Invented at Giacosa in 1919, this is one of our favorite drinks pre-meal. Composed of ⅓ sweet vermouth, ⅓ campari, and ⅓ gin, it’s a wonderfully bitter drink that satiates you for the cuisine of the evening. We recommend going to Giacosa late afternoon for aperitivo and getting one where it all started!
negroni
where to stay
where to stay
Book Firenze Porta Rossa via Hotels.com
Book Firenze Porta Rossa via Booking.com
helpful resources
helpful
resources
This site contains affiliate links which we may receive a small commission from at no additional cost to you.
recent posts
Touring turin (torino)
home base in verona
picturesque portofino
The Full Story »
Touring turin (torino)
Venice in winter
lake como is calling
The Full Story »
home base in verona
The Full Story »
Touring turin (torino)
The Full Story »
Touring turin (torino)
The Full Story »
Venice in winter
The Full Story »
not so gritty Genoa
The Full Story »
back to bologna
