Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy

Elyssa

By Elyssa Bernard

August 25, 2023

What are the best restaurants in Florence?

Wine at osteria dell enotecaKeep reading to see our favorite restaurants in Florence - which of course takes into account their wine selection!

From old-fashioned steak to scrumptious pasta to casual lunch spots, here are some of our favorite places to eat in Florence.

Best restaurants in Florence - know where to go!

Even in a country which is famous for its pizza from Naples and pasta from Rome, Florence stands out as a wonderful place to dine in.

If you read 20 different guides, you will find wildly varying places considered the "best places to eat in Florence".

The good news is you can eat well in Florence, and excellent restaurants abound.

But you'll also come across some mediocre and touristy spots.


Cake at CibreoEnjoying a perfectly light, delicious piece of cake like this at the end of a meal is part of the Florence restaurant experience - when done right!


With a view to giving you plenty of options across Florence's many neighborhoods to choose from, here are our favorite Florence restaurants:


Cibrèo Caffè

While there are several outposts of this famed eatery in Florence, I go back to the Cibrèo Caffè every time.

But don't let the name fool you.

It's the coziest and, in my opinion, the loveliest of all these Florence restaurants.

I love eating outside because it's on a fairly tranquil street, and I love eating inside because the decor is so welcoming.


Tagliatelle cacio e burro at CibreoTagliatelle cacio e burro at Cibrèo


The original Cibrèo Ristorante opened in 1979, and founder Fabio Picchi immediately made a mark on the Florentine restaurant scene.

His death in early 2022 robbed the city of a man who had become a local favorite.

The signature pasta dish of cacio e burro, made with sheep's cheese and butter is a tribute to Picchi.

It's among my favorite dishes anywhere in Florence!


Steak at CibreoThe incredible steak at Cibrèo


Their steak is top notch but vegetarians will also find plenty of options on the menu.

Picchi was passionate about fine wine, reflected in the excellent wine list.

Cibrèo Caffe may be about excellent food and superb wines, but it's also a charming and welcoming place to relax and enjoy some time out.


Wine at CibreoWe've enjoyed many a great bottle of wine at Cibrèo!


Find it at: Via dei Macci, 122r

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 12:30–14:30, 19:00–22:30 | Monday, Sunday CLOSED

Contact Number: +390552341100


Vinaino Cicalone

vinaino cicalone outside signVinaino Cicalone is the perfect combination of wine bar and restaurant


In the heart of Tuscany you can bet there are plenty of wine bars to go around!

A vinaino is an old-fashioned term for a wine vendor.

In Florence, you will find plenty of these vinaini also serving food, most are like an old-fashioned deli or sandwich shop with a good wine selection, which you will visit on any good Florence food tour.

One of these sandwich places has become famous, with queues that you will wait in for hours.

Yes, it's good but not worth that wait - there are plenty of better places to get excellent sandwiches in Florence, believe me!


vinaino cicalone interior tablesVinaino Cicalone is super central, close to the basilica of Santa Maria Novella


Vinaino Cicalone is one of the few that has turned its space into a cozy trattoria with absolutely delicious cooked food, right near the Santa Maria Novella church and Florence's main train station.

If you enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, excellent service, and superb Tuscan cuisine, then Vinaino Cicalone is the place for you.

The rustic decor adds to the ambience and you're sure to find something for you on the menu.

I love the traditional bistecca alla Fiorentina, and there's no beating the crostini al fegato, the delicious Tuscan favorite of toasted bread topped with a beautiful chicken liver pate.

Being a mainly Florentine menu, there is plenty for vegetarians to choose from.

They also have a superb wine list, which is among the finest in the city.


vinaino cicalone wine glassEnjoying a glass of wine here is always a highlight of any Florence visit!


Find it at: Via delle Belle Donne, 43/r

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 12:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00 | Sunday CLOSED

Contact number: +39055215492


You do not need to worry about ordering a full four course meal every time you go to a restaurant in Florence, it is completely acceptable to order only what you actually want to eat!

If you are traveling on a budget and are concerned about saving money, try getting something from one of the many street food spots for a quick, cheap lunch and then indulge in the evenings.

Trattoria Nella

In this amazing city with so many choices for great places to eat, it's hard to choose which to talk about!

My experience of Trattoria Nella is that despite its small size and unique decor, it is one of the best restaurants to settle back, relax and simply enjoy the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.


trattoria nella owner with alessandroAlessandro and I had a lovely chat with the owner the last time we visited Trattoria Nella


The owners are charming and are more than happy to talk about the largely traditional Florentine cuisine, which will satisfy most lovers of Italian food.

The fresh pasta dishes are particularly excellent, and I recommend you check out the various tagliatelle options.

This isn't a high-brow restaurant but a very homely place, and in the evenings, you may find local bands and artists playing or poetry readings taking place.


trattoria nella chalkboard menuThe daily menu is simple but everything on it is absolutely delicious!


Find it at: Via delle Terme, 19r

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 12:00–15:00, 19:00–22:30 | Sunday: 12:00–15:00

Contact number: +39055218925


Trattoria di Cambi

One of my favorite areas of Florence is the Oltrarno district, home to some of the best restaurants in Florence.

You can tell a good restaurant or eatery by the number of locals patronizing the establishment, and Trattoria di Cambi is a local favorite.


Fiaschetteria di Cambi display with bisteccaJust look at those steaks waiting to be cooked to perfection!


This is one place Florentines love to come for the famed bistecca alla fiorentina, the iconic t bone steak.

It's arguably their speciality and what you should order if you visit.

The interior is warm and welcoming, the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable, and there is a good wine selection.

Find it at: Via Sant'Onofrio, 1R

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00–14:30, 12:00–22:30

Contact number: +39055217134


Want to discover more about traditional Florentine food?

Join this in-depth Florence food tour to explore the city's neighborhoods, meet the locals who are passionate about their cuisine and taste some incredible food!

Le Volpi e L'Uva

Florence is a prime tourist city, and for good reasons.

The history of the city, and the architecture that wows visitors, is truly something special.

Yet after a hard day's sightseeing, you want the perfect place to enjoy good food and fine wines.

I recommend you check out Le Volpi e L'Uva, a delightful little place tucked away in a quiet piazza just a few minutes from the Ponte Vecchio right in the city center.


Customers at le volpi e l uvaAt Le Volpi e L'Uva you can sit at the bar or take a table in the restaurant area


This charming establishment is a favorite among wine lovers thanks to a superb selection of some of the best from the region.

Take a seat at the bar and enjoy some of their appetizers with a glass of wine if you don't feel like a full meal.

I recommend the superb crostone, traditional Italian bread with a choice of toppings and perfect for sharing!


Food at le volpi e l uvaThe crostone selection is excellent - who would have thought a simple topped toast would be so tasty!


Find it at: Piazza dei Rossi, 1R

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00 - 21:00

Contact number: +390552398132


Procacci

procacci outside viewThere are always plenty of locals at Procacci, the sign of a great spot!


Founded in 1885 and still retaining the old-world charm that makes it a favorite with locals is Procacci, a superbly presented wine bar in the heart of Florence.

Procacci has a reputation for a top-notch wine selection that offers some of the finest choices in the city, and for superb local cuisine that is simply amazing.

I recommend you head straight for the panini menu, particularly the one this place is famed for, which is topped with truffles.

I also love the panino filled with anchovies in butter, the salty and creamy combination of flavors makes for an unexpectedly extravagant lunch!

Friendly, welcoming, and relaxed, book a table outside to enjoy happy hour to the fullest.


procacci spritz and juice and snacksYou can enjoy aperitivo at Procacci any time of year


Find it at: Via de' Tornabuoni, 64R

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:00–21:00 | Sunday CLOSED

Contact number: +39055211656


No matter when you visit Florence, here are four things never to leave at home:

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Coco Lezzone

If you wanted to eat in the kitchen of a Florentine family, complete with an old-fashioned wooden stove, step into this charming, ultra-local spot.

The great food is so simple, delicious and homey that it can get some not-great online reviews because it's almost TOO simple for what you might expect in a restaurant.

The tables are all set up family style so if it gets crowded, you may find yourself eating next to other diners.

It's consistently full of locals looking for a simple, homemade meal at lunch time or at dinner.

They claim to have the best Florentine steaks , but I suppose many restaurants in Florence make that claim.

You might actually believe it here though!

It's one of the few restaurants (if not the only one) left in Florence with an old-fashioned grill.

They can keep it because they are a historical site.

If anyone should take over the restaurant, they will have to upgrade everything to bring it up to current codes.

There is nothing I don't love here.


pappa al pomodoroPappa al Pomodoro is one of the best Tuscan dishes any time of year


Their pappa al pomodoro with a deep flavor tomato sauce is among the best and their simple beans in olive oil will make you swoon if you love seriously good, local olive oil (it comes from their supplier in Fiesole and the bottles are numbered.)

Alessandro doesn't eat much pasta but he said he would eat every plate of pasta he has seen coming out of the kitchen, it's that inviting!

Don't go expecting a gourmet dinner or fancy, inventive cuisine.

Go if you want to know what it feels and tastes like to eat in someone's home.

Find it at: Via Parioncino, 26/red

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 12:00–14:15, 19:00–22:15 (Tuesday ONLY 12:00–14:15) | Sunday CLOSED

Contact number: +39055287178


Take a look at these pages to find out how to make the most of your time in Florence:

Fuori Porta

fuori porta crostone selectionThe simple but stunning food on offer at Fuori Porta is always a delight


No visit to Florence is complete without enjoying the magnificent Piazzale Michelangelo, and I have the perfect place to dine and enjoy a glass of fine wine nearby.

Close to Porta San Miniato is Fuori Porta, a beautifully presented cafe and bar with a modern yet warm vibe.

This is a place where you feel welcome the minute you enter and can settle back and enjoy local food cooked to its best.


fuori porta bisteccaThe traditional bistecca here is excellent


As with many such establishments, it serves my favorite Florentine steak, a simple, authentic Tuscan dish.

If pasta is your thing, you will be spoilt for choice at Fuori Porta, and the excellent wine on offer should include something for everyone.

Ideal for an evening meal or a light lunch from the small plate selection, the outdoor seating area is a delight for an upscale yet comfortable setting.

Find it at: Via del Monte alle Croci, 10

Opening Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday - Friday: 12:00–15:30, 19:00–23:30 | Saturday - Sunday: 12:00–23:30

Contact number: +390552342483


Ready to plan your trip?

Mercato Centrale

The dining experience at Mercato Centrale has to be part of any visit to Florence.

There's no booking here, you wander around the many stalls selling every kind of food you could think of before buying what you want and then take it to one of the communal tables on the upper floor for cafeteria style seating.


entrance of mercato centraleThe entrance of Mercato Centrale seems unassuming but go inside for a culinary spectacle


The market has served locals and tourists since the late 1800's, but not much has changed.

There is something for everyone here, with local produce of all kinds.

Try the local cheeses, slices of roast pork, fresh seasonal food and much more, this is a great food destination as you can try lots of different things!


Inside mercato centraleThere are lots of stalls to browse before deciding what to eat!


Find it at: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 09:00 - 00:00

Contact number: +390552399798


Osteria Belle Donne

One of the great things about local Tuscan classics is that the best of them are usually pretty simple.

The Tuscans love natural and local ingredients, and at Osteria Belle Donne, you'll experience some of the finest examples of local dishes.

This is a popular choice with Florentines, which is always a good sign, and it has a fine menu that focuses on traditional Florentine cuisine.

The fantastic local beef stew peposo remains a favorite of mine.


Osteria delle Belle Donne insideYou can be sure of a warm welcome at Osteria Belle Donne


If you want a glass of wine to accompany your meal, there's a wine window where you can make your choice.

There are not many of these wine windows left actively serving anymore, so you should try to stop by at least to experience this when visiting Florence!

Find it at: Via delle Belle Donne, 16R

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00–23:30

Contact number: +390552382609


Trattoria Buzzino

The Uffizi Gallery is among the greatest art collections in the world but it can be tiring seeing it all!

Right next to the Uffizi is Trattoria Buzzino, a lovely little eatery with a fabulous homey and friendly feel and one of my top restaurant recommendations if you're visiting the beautiful city of Florence.

Settle back, relax, and enjoy local food cooked to perfection!


trattoria buzzino view from outsideIt's easy to walk past Trattoria Buzzino without giving it much notice, but you'd be missing out!


Steaks are popular here and come in many guises, while my favorites include pasta dishes such as pappardelle, which is offered with a choice of accompaniments.

Like many Florence trattorias, this place is all about local dishes, and who would want anything else?

Do not forget to try some of their exceptional wine selection to accompany the best food option near the Uffizi Gallery, it's easy to end up in one of the tourist traps otherwise.


Pasta with meat at trattoria buzzinoThe traditional ragu here is sublime

Find it at: Via dei Leoni, 8 rosso

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11:30 –15:00, 18:30–22:00 

Contact number: +390552398013


Cantinetta Antinori

For fine dining in a fantastic building that offers superbly decorated surroundings, it is hard to beat Cantinetta Antinori.

This restaurant is popular with locals and visitors looking for an up-market dining experience and definitely delivers.

The mix of Tuscan specialties with innovations that take the food to a different level is impressive, but this place is renowned for something else.


cantinetta antinori interiorExpect a more refined dining experience at Cantinetta Antinori


Antinori is a leading winemaker in the region, and the wine list here features some of the finest bottles that the winery has produced.

If Italy is famous for great wines, Tuscany may just be known for the best of them all!

If you want a lovely meal when in Florence, make sure you book in at Cantinetta Antinori.


gnudi dumplings at cantinetta antinoriThe traditional gnudi dumplings are absolutely wonderful!


Find it at: Piazza degli Antinori, 3

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 12:30–14:30, 19:00–22:30 | Sunday CLOSED

Contact number: +39055292234


Osteria dell'Enoteca

Interior of osteria dell enotecaI love the exposed brickwork in Osteria dell Enoteca


The Oltrarno district of Florence is known for some fantastic restaurants, and the beautifully decorated Osteria dell'Enoteca is regarded as one of the best restaurants in Florence.

A mix of traditional Florentine cuisine and innovative touches give their food a spark of something special.

For the daring, I recommend Tatara con Puntarella, steak tartare with a chicory sauce, typical of the region but not for everyone!

Their Florentine steak is top quality also.


Food at osteria dell enotecaThe innovative menu makes a change from the traditional Tuscan dishes


This is a restaurant to try if you want to experience some of the lesser known Tuscan dishes, yet also offers the traditional alongside.

It is very popular, so be sure to book in advance.

Find it at: Via Romana, 70/r

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 19:00–22:30

Contact number: +390552286018


Ristorante Paoli

Don't be put off by the location of Ristorante Paoli.

Although it sits in the center of the tourist sector of Florence, a few steps from Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, this excellent restaurant is also frequented by locals and is well worth a visit.

Ristorante Paoli claims to be the oldest restaurant in Florence and has been here since 1827, so has been serving a similar menu for decades!


selection of fagioli beans startersThe food here is very traditional but extremely tasty!


This is a friendly place with some interesting touches.

Don't miss the suggestive frescoes that are part of the beautiful interior decor, and the dishes on offer should cater to everyone.

It's a great place to stop by for a light lunch or evening meal after a day's sightseeing with a wide menu choice.

Find it at: Via dei Tavolini, 12/R

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00–22:30

Contact number: +39055216215


Trattoria Sant'Agostino

Table inside trattoria sant agostinoThe decor and vibe of Trattoria Sant'Agostino is definitely simple, but this is not a bad thing


Sometimes you don't want a full meal, just a simple local dish that will satisfy your hunger.

I recommend Trattoria Sant'Agostino as just such a place.

This small and friendly trattoria focuses on the best of simple Tuscan food and, as such, is perfect for stopping by for that much-needed light lunch on a busy day sightseeing in the amazing city Florence.

It's also a great spot for an evening meal if the simple local cuisine is your favorite, as mine is.

Easy dining doesn't get much better than this!


Pasta with truffle at trattoria sant agostinoThis pasta dish with truffle was a highlight on a recent visit!


Find it at: Via Sant'Agostino, 23

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 12:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00 | Saturday - Sunday: 12:00–23:00

Contact number: +39055281995


Fuoco Matto

This popular restaurant is on the edge of the San Lorenzo neighborhood, close to the Accademia Gallery but slightly removed from the crowds of tourists.

An excellent choice for a quick lunch or relaxed evening date, Fuoco Matto serves top quality meat dishes, pasta and steaks.


fuoco matto restaurant steak displayFuoco Matto has a steak expert on hand to help you choose the perfect cut for you!


Unusually for Florence, Fuoco Matto has a traditional pizza oven and serve up delicious Neapolitan style pizzas at both lunch and dinner seatings.

Booking highly recommended due to its popularity with both locals and visitors.


fuoco matto restaurant cooked bisteccaFuoco Matto's bistecca alla fiorentina is simply extraordinary


Find it at: Via Ventisette Aprile, 16

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00 - 14:30, 19:00 - 23:30 (Saturday ONLY 19:00 - 23:30)

Contact number: +39055495140


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