Quick answers — eating in Florence
- Best restaurant overall
- Enoteca Pinchiorri
- Best value
- Trattoria Mario (€20-€40 | $22-$45)
- Strongest cuisines
- Italian
- Dishes to try
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Lampredotto, Ribollita, Pappa al Pomodoro
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Be prepared for online booking systems that open slots at specific times.
Bookings are essential for fine-dining, often weeks or months ahead for starred establishments. Dress codes typically lean towards smart casual or elegant, with jackets sometimes recommended. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, usually 5-10% for exceptional service. Dinner hours generally start around 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM, extending into the late evening.
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Florence
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Three MICHELIN StarsModern Italian · Santa Croce · €300-€400 | $320-$430
Annie Féolde, Riccardo Monco
A Florentine institution, Enoteca Pinchiorri offers an unparalleled gastronomic journey through sophisticated Italian cuisine. The exquisite dishes, crafted with immense precision and creativity, are complemented by one of the world's most impressive wine cellars. Housed in a magnificent palazzo, the elegant dining rooms provide a lavish, unforgettable setting for a truly world-class experience.
Order: Carpaccio of red prawns, black truffle and foie gras; Pigeon cooked in a pig's bladder
Santa Elisabetta
Two MICHELIN StarsContemporary Italian · Duomo · €180-€250 | $190-$270
Rocco De Santis
Nestled in the historic Torre della Pagliazza, this intimate restaurant delivers refined modern Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Chef De Santis's dishes showcase a delicate balance of flavors and innovative techniques, often inspired by Campania. The unique setting, overlooking the Duomo, makes for an exceptionally romantic and memorable dining occasion.
Order: Risotto with red prawns, sea urchins and citrus; Fassona beef with black truffle
La Bottega del Buon Caffè
One MICHELIN StarFarm-to-Table Italian · San Niccolò · €140-€190 | $150-$200
Claudio Mengoni
Set in a charming riverside location, La Bottega del Buon Caffè champions an authentic farm-to-table philosophy. Chef Mengoni transforms produce from the restaurant's own organic farm into exquisite, seasonally driven dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere enhances the connection to the land and its bounty.
Order: Ravioli with guinea fowl and black truffle; Sea bass with artichokes and olives
Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura
One MICHELIN StarContemporary Italian · Piazza della Signoria · €130-€180 | $140-$190
Karime López, Takahiko Kondo
Located within the Gucci Garden, this vibrant osteria offers a creative, globetrotting menu under the guidance of Massimo Bottura. Chefs López and Kondo deliver playful, beautifully presented dishes that blend Italian traditions with international influences, served in an opulent and stylish setting. It's a sophisticated, fashion-forward dining experience that delights the senses.
Order: Emilia Burger; Taka Bun
Borgo San Jacopo
One MICHELIN StarModern Italian · Oltrarno · €130-€190 | $140-$200
Claudio Mengoni
With breathtaking views of the Ponte Vecchio, Borgo San Jacopo offers a refined dining experience focusing on contemporary Italian cuisine. Chef Mengoni showcases premium ingredients, particularly seafood, through innovative techniques that enhance natural flavors. The elegant interior and romantic riverside terrace provide an unforgettable backdrop for a special occasion meal, embodying Florentine luxury.
Order: Spaghettoni with red prawns, citrus and almond; Lamb with wild herbs
Kitchen Gaddi
One MICHELIN StarContemporary Italian · Piazza della Repubblica · €120-€170 | $130-$180
Alessandro Cozzolino
Housed within the prestigious Helvetia & Bristol hotel, Kitchen Gaddi presents an elevated take on Italian and Tuscan culinary traditions. Chef Cozzolino masterfully balances creativity with respect for ingredients, delivering dishes that are both visually stunning and deeply flavorful. The opulent yet inviting dining room provides a classic fine-dining ambiance, ideal for a refined evening out.
Order: Risotto with saffron, sea urchin and licorice; Beef fillet with foie gras and truffle
Chic Nonna di Vito Mollica
One MICHELIN StarContemporary Italian · Oltrarno · €130-€190 | $140-$200
Vito Mollica
Chef Vito Mollica's Chic Nonna offers a vibrant, modern Italian dining experience within the historic Palazzo Portinari Salviati. The menu celebrates authentic Italian flavors with elegant, contemporary presentations, focusing on top-tier seasonal ingredients. The luxurious and sophisticated setting, complete with a beautiful courtyard, makes it a destination for discerning gourmands seeking refined Italian fare.
Order: Cappelletti del Plin with Parmigiano Reggiano; Turbot with artichokes
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Florence
All'Antico Vinaio
Iconic for its colossal Florentine schiacciata sandwiches, overflowing with cured meats, cheeses, and spreads. Expect a line, but it moves fast. A hearty, delicious sandwich costs around €7-€10.
Mercato Centrale Firenze
A vibrant food hall with numerous stalls offering everything from fresh pasta and pizza to lampredotto and regional specialties. Great for a casual meal or snack. Prices typically range from €10-€20 per dish.
Lampredottaio del Porcellino
Experience Florence's quintessential street food: lampredotto, a tripe sandwich served from a food cart. It's a flavorful, inexpensive local delicacy. A sandwich costs about €4-€5.
Gelateria La Carraia
Renowned for its creamy, artisanal gelato with a wide array of classic and innovative flavors. Perfect for a refreshing treat along the Arno river. A scoop costs around €2.50-€4.
La Ménagère
A stylish concept store with a bistro and café offering light meals, pastries, and excellent coffee. It's a chic spot for breakfast or lunch with good quality-price. Dishes from €12-€20.
Local dishes
What to eat in Florence
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
This iconic Florentine steak, typically from Chianina beef, is thick-cut, grilled rare over coals, and seasoned simply with salt and pepper. It's a culinary highlight. Enjoy it at Trattoria Mario, a historic spot known for its authentic, no-frills experience and bustling atmosphere.
Lampredotto
A Florentine street food staple, lampredotto is made from the fourth stomach of a cow, slow-cooked in broth, then thinly sliced and served in a crusty roll, often dipped in the cooking broth with salsa verde or spicy sauce. Find it at a street vendor's cart, especially near Mercato Nuovo or Mercato Centrale.
Ribollita
A hearty Tuscan bread and vegetable soup, ribollita is thickened with stale bread and slow-cooked with ingredients like cannellini beans, kale, cabbage, and other seasonal vegetables. It's a comforting and robust dish, best enjoyed at a traditional trattoria like Trattoria Sabatino in Oltrarno.
Pappa al Pomodoro
Another classic Tuscan bread and tomato soup, Pappa al Pomodoro is simpler than Ribollita, featuring ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, and stale bread, drizzled with olive oil. It's a flavorful and comforting dish. Look for it at Osteria de' Pazzi, a rustic restaurant near Santa Croce.
Crostini Toscani
These small, toasted bread slices are traditionally topped with a paté made from chicken liver, anchovies, and capers. It's a rich and savory appetizer, perfect for starting a meal. Many traditional Florentine restaurants offer them, with La Giostra being a popular, albeit pricier, choice.
Schiacciata
A flatbread similar to focaccia, but often thinner and crispier, baked with olive oil and salt. It's fantastic on its own or as a sandwich bread, filled with local cured meats and cheeses. Try a famously delicious schiacciata sandwich from All'Antico Vinaio.
Gelato
Italian ice cream, known for its intense flavors and creamy texture. Look for artisan gelaterias (gelaterie artigianali) that use natural ingredients and avoid artificial colors. Try flavors like pistachio, hazelnut, or stracciatella. Gelateria La Carraia offers excellent, authentic options near Ponte Alla Carraia.
Cantucci e Vin Santo
Cantucci are hard, almond biscotti, traditionally dipped into Vin Santo, a sweet Tuscan dessert wine. This combination provides a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making for a perfect end to a meal. Most good trattorias and restaurants will offer this classic pairing.
How to book a table in Florence
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Be prepared for online booking systems that open slots at specific times.
- · Many fine-dining establishments require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger parties. Confirm cancellation policies carefully.
- · Consider booking a lunch seating at starred restaurants. Often, they offer slightly reduced pricing for similar tasting menus, providing an excellent value opportunity to experience the cuisine.
- · Strict no-show policies are common. Failure to cancel within the specified window (e.g., 24-72 hours) will likely result in a charge to your card, often the full menu price.
FAQ
Florence restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Florence?
Enoteca Pinchiorri in Santa Croce is the benchmark table — Modern Italian, led by Annie Féolde, Riccardo Monco, three michelin stars, around €300-€400 | $320-$430 per person. Order the Carpaccio of red prawns, black truffle and foie gras; Pigeon cooked in a pig's bladder
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Florence?
Enoteca Pinchiorri in Santa Croce is the Italian table to book in Florence (€300-€400 | $320-$430 per person). Other strong options: Santa Elisabetta, La Bottega del Buon Caffè, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura.
Where can I eat well in Florence without spending a fortune?
Trattoria Mario is the best-value table on this list at roughly €20-€40 | $22-$45 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to All'Antico Vinaio, Mercato Centrale Firenze, Lampredottaio del Porcellino.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Florence?
For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Be prepared for online booking systems that open slots at specific times. Many fine-dining establishments require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for tasting menus, particularly for larger parties. Confirm cancellation policies carefully.
What food is Florence famous for?
Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Lampredotto, Ribollita, Pappa al Pomodoro, Crostini Toscani — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. This iconic Florentine steak, typically from Chianina beef, is thick-cut, grilled rare over coals, and seasoned simply with salt and pepper. It's a culinary highlight. Enjoy it at Trattoria Mario, a historic spot known for its authentic, no-frills experience and bustling atmosphere.
Planning the rest of Florence?
The full Florence guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Florence travel guide