What are the best restaurants in Florence?
Keep 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 my favorite places to eat in Florence.
Discover the Best Restaurants in Florence
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.
Enjoying a perfectly light, delicious piece of cake like this at the end of a meal is part of the Florence restaurant experience
With a view to giving you plenty of options across Florence’s many neighborhoods to choose from, here are my favorite Florence restaurants:
Cibrèo Caffè
While there are several outposts of this famed restaurant 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 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.
The 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. If you’re a solo diner this is a great place to come, with very chill atmosphere and cosy seating.
We’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
Vinaino Cicalone
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 is the perfect combination of wine bar and restaurant
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.
Vinaino Cicalone is super central, close to the basilica of Santa Maria Novella
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.
Enjoying 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
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.
Alessandro 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.
The 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
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.
Just look at those steaks waiting to be cooked to perfection
The steak here is always perfectly cooked
Find it at: Via Sant’Onofrio, 1R
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00–14:30, 12:00–22:30
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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.
At 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.
The 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
Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!
Procacci
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.
There are always plenty of locals at Procacci, the sign of a great spot
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.
Find it at: Via de’ Tornabuoni, 64R
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–21:00 | Sunday CLOSED
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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.
Pappa al Pomodoro is one of the best Tuscan dishes any time of year, and Coco Lezzone’s is an excellent example
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.
The old-style grill makes the steaks here succulent and juicy at the table
There is nothing I don’t love here. 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
Fuori Porta
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.
The simple but stunning food on offer at Fuori Porta is always a delight
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.
The traditional bistecca here is excellent
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
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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.
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.
You can get a full sit down meal or just a slice of pizza, whatever you want is here
Find it at: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 09:00 – 00:00
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.
The dining space in this osteria is not large, but is perfect for a date night with its cozy decor
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.
If you want a glass of wine to accompany your meal, there’s a great wine list to select from.
No time to stop for a meal? Use the historic wine window where you can make your choice of a glass of wine to drink on the quiet street. 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.
This is one of the few remaining active wine windows in Florence
Find it at: Via delle Belle Donne, 16R
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00–23:30
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 restaurant 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.
It’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.
The 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
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.
Expect 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.
The 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
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.
I love the exposed brickwork in Osteria dell Enoteca
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.
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.
The innovative menu makes a change from the traditional Tuscan dishes
Find it at: Via Romana, 70/r
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 19:00–22:30
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.
The classic dessert of vin santo with cantucci is a great choice at Paoli
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.
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.
The medieval-style wall decor here is very interesting
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
Trattoria Sant’Agostino
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.
The decor and vibe of Trattoria Sant’Agostino is definitely simple, but this is not a bad thing
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.
This 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
The Best Restaurants in Florence – 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 has a steak expert on hand to help you choose the perfect cut for you
Fuoco 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)
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To sum up…
These are the best restaurants in Florence based on my own personal experiences, and trust me, I’ve done plenty of research in this area! Let me know if you’ve tried any of them and what you think, as well as any of your own recommendations, I love hearing about new places to eat and drink in the city.
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