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21 Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy is an absolute food lover’s paradise. This city’s food scene is second to none, from fresh pasta dishes to Florentine steak, amazing street food, and delicious pizza. You’ll find that most restaurants in Florence utilize local ingredients to create mouthwatering meals that you’ll dream about long after your Tuscan vacation is over.

The city is best known for bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is traditionally a T-bone steak grilled Florentine-style. You’ll find this on almost every menu of the best restaurants in Florence.

Italian food culture is based on combining fresh in-season ingredients in a way that’s simple yet absolutely delicious. Many of Florence’s classic eateries have been around for decades and have been passed down through the same family for generations.

You don’t have to speak Italian to recognize some of Italian cuisine’s most popular dishes, like pappa al pomodoro, pappardelle al ragu, and Florentine steak. All of these originate from the Tuscan region and are at the heart of cooking in Florence. And after you’ve enjoyed a delicious meal, don’t forget to have a glass of vin santo, sweet Tuscan dessert wine.

The Tuscany region is arguably one of the best places in Italy to visit if you want to try real authentic Italian cuisine. And Florence is one of the best cities to explore in Italy, especially if you love history, art, and science. Exploring the region and this gorgeous city will certainly work up your appetite, so let’s get into our list of best restaurants in Florence, Italy!

Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy

1. Enoteca Pinchiorri

Courtyard seating area of Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, Italy
Enoteca Pinchiorri / Facebook

Address: Via Ghibellina, 87, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

While there are several Michelin-starred restaurants in Florence, only one has earned the mythical third star: Enoteca Pinchiorri. This fine dining restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Florence for dinner. It combines classic Italian food culture with an ultra-modern twist.

There are two tasting menus to choose from, or you can order a la carte. The first tasting menu is described as “guided by the continuous change of nature” and is composed of all vegetarian dishes.

The second tasting menu is an homage to Italian cuisine. It features nine perfectly cooked courses and a combination of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

All guests at the table must choose the same tasting menu, so it may be better to order a la carte if you have differing palates. The main courses include things like mullet fillet, veal, and roasted pigeon. You must save room for Enoteco’s inventive desserts like the golden chocolate egg filled with passion fruit and Bavarian chocolate cream.

Enoteca Pinchiorri is open for dinner only, with five different seating times each night. There is no dress code, though suits for men are appreciated, and no shorts or short sleeves are permitted. Children are welcome, and surprisingly, so are dogs.

See Related: Best Restaurants in Italy

2. Casa del Vin Santo

Exterior of Casa del Vin Santo in Florence, Italy
Casa del Vin Santo / Casa del Vin Santo

Address: Via Porta Rossa, 15-17R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Combining fantastic service, a convenient location, and an enormous food menu, Casa del Vin Santo welcomes you to the heart of the city near the beautiful Piazza della Signoria. The restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Florence, Italy for families due to its wide selection of items. The menu consists of antipasti (appetizers), pasta dishes, pizza, steak, and traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Popular starters include the traditional bruschetta and the caprese salad with Bufala. In the summer, I highly recommend the prosciutto e melone (melon wrapped with prosciutto).

It is refreshing, sweet, and salty all wrapped into one aesthetic bite. If you prefer something light for lunch or dinner, try the pappa al pomodoro, which is a traditional Florentine bread soup made with tomato.

If you’re craving something a bit more warm and hearty, the gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a fantastic option. Other fresh pasta dishes include spaghetti bolognese, fusilli with pesto and cherry tomatoes, and pappardelle with ragu. The restaurant offers traditional Florentine cuisine like Florentine steak as well as a wide selection of pizza and fresh truffle dishes.

Casa del Vin Santo is open daily and non-stop, meaning it does not close between lunch and dinner. This is somewhat of a rarity in Italy (and Europe in general), so it’s definitely a great late-lunch spot.

Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. The menu is huge, so feel free to ask your waiter for recommendations.

3. Caffé Scudieri

Outdoor seating at Caffe Scudieri with view of the basilica in Florence
Caffe Scudieri / Facebook

Address: Piazza di San Giovanni, 19R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Florence is known for its savory dishes, but you can definitely find some sweet treats in this incredible city. Caffé Scudieri has been a favorite of locals and tourists since it opened its doors in 1939. While it’s open all day, it’s most popular for breakfast and as a bakery.

Caffé Scudieri boasts probably the best view of any place to grab a coffee in Florence due to its location right outside of the Battistero di San Giovanni and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Sweets range from fresh-baked croissants to sweet bread with soup and tiramisu. Since the cafe is open all day, you can order anything from a simple espresso to an Aperol spritz while enjoying the stunning views.

So if you’re wondering where locals in Florence eat breakfast, head to Caffé Scudieri and find out why people keep coming back. The restaurant is open daily and non-stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It’s worth noting that prices differ whether you’re ordering at the bar versus table service. However, I totally think it’s worth it to enjoy the cafe’s outdoor seating area.

See Related: Italy vs France: Which is Better to Visit?

4. La Divina Pizza

Selection of pizzas from La Divina Pizza in Florence, Italy
La Divina Pizza / Facebook

Address: Borgo Allegri, 50R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Though you’ll have no issue finding amazing and authentic pizza throughout Italy, this award-winning restaurant is among some of the best in Florence and is worth the stop. La Divina Pizza is located on the outskirts of town, not far from the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. The pizzeria, started by a husband and wife duo, uses flour made by small local Italian producers to make their light and tasty sourdough pizza.

La Divina Pizza changes its offerings seasonally because they only use the freshest ingredients that are available in season. Graziano, the husband, is the self-taught sourdough master, while Roberta, his wife, is the “taste craftsman” and selects the best-tasting combination of ingredients.

This pizzeria offers three types of pizza: palla alla Romana, pizza ripiena, and pizza al piatto. Pizza al piatto is the traditional pizza we all know, while palla alla Romana is more like a large flatbread, and pizza ripiena is similar to a quiche. All pizza can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven, or you can order for pick-up, stick it in the oven for five minutes, and it’s like you have a freshly baked pizza right at home!

You can also find bruschetta, seasonal appetizers, salads, and charcuterie boards at La Divina Pizza. The lunch menu includes sandwiches, schiacciatine (bite-sized focaccia), and panzerotti (pizza pockets). There’s truly something for everyone here, and it is one of the best hidden gems of Florence restaurants.

5. Trattoria dall’Oste Chianineria

Bistecca alla fiorentina from Trattoria dall'Oste restaurant Chianineria in Florence, Italy
Chianineria / Facebook

Address: Via dei Cerchi, 40/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

It would be impossible and, frankly, irresponsible to compile a list of the best restaurants in Florence without including a few steakhouses. Bistecca alla Fiorentina, or beefsteak made Florentine-style, is one of the most popular dishes in Tuscan cuisine. The Trattoria dall’Oste brand has a couple of restaurants throughout Florence, each featuring only the best cuts of steak from around the globe.

While Bistecca alla Fiorentina is traditionally made with a T-bone steak from Chianina beef cattle, Chianineria offers everything from Wagyu to Black Angus. Dining at Chianineria can be a bit pricey, but it’s certainly worth it for the high-quality cuts of meat and the strict selection process they use when choosing farmers to source the meat from.

The menu is vast and includes a wide variety of steak, traditional Florentine cuisine, and delicious pasta. Those who don’t like meat can enjoy a selection of seafood or vegetable dishes. The pici alla carretiera is a pasta dish served with spicy tomato sauce and is sure to please anyone who likes a lot of heat. If you’re a truffle lover like myself, check out Chianineria’s sister restaurant, Tartuferia Toscana.

See Related: Top Reasons to Travel to Italy

6. Essenziale

Dish from Essenziale restaurant in Florence, Italy
Essenziale / TripAdvisor

Address: Piazza di Cestello, 3R, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy

Head chef Simone Cipriani combines sustainability, seasonality, and quality at his no-frills Italian restaurant Essenziale. Essenziale is just one of 36 Michelin guide restaurants Florence has to offer.

The menu changes very often based on whichever ingredients are available that day. Nine different dishes are offered daily for lunch or dinner and can be ordered in a four-course meal or a la carte. Three vegetarian, three meat-based, and three seafood-based dishes are available daily, so you’ll know there will be something for everyone’s taste.

Some dishes you can expect include cacio e pepe gnocchi, pappa al pomodoro, and risotto al nero. All dishes are made with simple and fresh ingredients but take an innovative take on Italian dishes. Fusion dishes like matcha rice pudding and ramen di ribollita aren’t uncommon here.

Brunch is also served at Essenziale on weekends only. If you’re dining on a budget, I suggest checking out Essenziale for lunch, as the tasting menu is a third of the price of the dinner tasting menu.

7. Trattoria Sergio Gozzi

Pasta and wine with a view from the outdoor terrace of Trattoria Sergio Gozzi in Florence, Italy
Desincanto / TripAdvisor

Address: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 8R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

If you’re searching for places to eat in Florence where you can get amazing food with a laid-back vibe, I recommend checking out the unassuming Trattoria Sergio Gozzi. This cute, pokey restaurant is located in Florence’s historic center, just steps from the duomo, and has been in business since 1915. It offers affordably-priced Italian, Mediterranean, and Tuscan fare that will knock your socks off.

You’ll notice that most other patrons are locals – a hallmark of any good restaurant in most touristy areas. Another true sign of authentic local cuisine is that the menu is hand-written and changes daily.

There are usually at least four or five homemade pasta dishes and ten main dishes. You’ll almost always find mouthwatering Florentine steak on the daily menu. Skip the wine list and enjoy a glass or two of ‘Da Sergio’s’ rustic house wine.

Trattoria Sergio Gozzi is open only for lunch, as are many of the city’s oldest family-run restaurants. In the summer, there’s usually a small line.

The dining room is tiny, with just a few tables, but service is efficient, and it moves quickly. If you don’t want to wait, I highly recommend calling the day before to make a reservation.

See Related: Best & Most Beautiful Cities in Europe to Visit

8. Hoseki Florence

Sushi from Hoseki Japanese restaurant in Florence, Italy
Giadap / TripAdvisor

Address: Via Il Prato, 64/66r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Sushi might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re determining what to eat in Florence, but if it’s something you’re craving, the best place to go is Hoseki. This sushi restaurant offers fresh sushi, delicious ramen, and other Asian-fusion dishes. The sushi restaurant is only open for dinner and features a romantic dining room, or you can order for takeout.

The menu is extensive and includes everything from starters to fried dishes, noodle dishes, dumplings, rice dishes, sushi, and sashimi. The salmon bao is an awesome starter but if you’re looking for some traditional Japanese cuisine, opt for the okonomiyaki, which is a Japanese pancake filled with seafood and vegetables.

If you’re craving something warm and filling, I highly recommend the chashu ramen. This broth-based ramen includes roast pork, vegetables, and a soft-boiled egg.

The sushi includes a wide variety of raw and cooked fish along with vegetables. If you save room for dessert, you can enjoy a variety of fruit, gelato, mochi, and dorayaki, which is a sweet Japanese pancake filled with azuki beans.

9. Trattoria Mario

Soup, steak, pasta, and sides from Trattoria Mario in Florence, Italy
Trattoria Mario / Trattoria Mario

Address: Via Rosina, 2R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Trattoria Mario is located in the historic San Lorenzo district of Florence, just across the way from the Central Market. While the menu changes daily, the restaurant always serves Florentine steaks, ragu, and their famous bread soup. Trattoria Mario is open for lunch every day except Sunday and for dinner on Thursdays and Fridays.

This traditional Florentine restaurant has been specializing in cooking up classic Tuscan dishes for more than 40 years. Each day there are two to three specials offered, with dishes like stewed veal, roast turkey, and sauteed vegetables to enjoy. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can try local food like Florentine tripe, grilled beef liver, or baked rabbit.

This restaurant has been proudly serving Florence since 1953 and originally started out as a wine shop. The quaint dining room offers a warm and familial ambiance. It’s still somewhat of a hidden gem for tourists but well-known to locals, so you may want to make a reservation.

See Related: Best Travel Books for Italy

10. La Ménagère

Interior of flower shop and restaurant La Menagere in Florence, Italy
Bio.Ananaskiwy / TripAdvisor

Address: Via de’ Ginori, 8R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

You’ll find this whimsical spot just a stone’s throw away from San Lorenzo Market. It’s part flower shop, part bistro, and totally out of my Instagram aesthetics dream. La Ménagère is regarded as one of the most popular and quirky restaurants in Florence and a hotspot to grab drinks or sit for lunch.

You can enjoy everything from a standard Italian breakfast (read: an espresso and cornetto) to a late-night cocktail. There’s also a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, as well as tea time, champagne time (insert heart-eyes emoji), and weekend brunch. So no matter how big or small your appetite may be, La Ménagère has you covered.

The dinner menu consists of three tasting menus (vegetable-based, meat-based, and seafood-based), a raw bar, salads, small plates to share, main dishes, and dessert. After your meal, sample a selection of local cheeses. The lunch menu is a bit of the same, minus the tasting menus.

La Ménagère is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and late into the night for drinks. Vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian dishes are available. There is a cover charge ranging from two to four euros depending on the time of day you’re dining.

11. Trattoria Alfredo

Pappardelle with ragu from Trattoria Alfredo in Florence, Italy
Intruder291 / TripAdvisor

Address: Via dei Leoni, 14R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Trattoria Alfredo prides itself on not being a “trattoria turistica,” and it shows through the restaurant’s simple decor and uncomplicated homemade recipes. The staff is extremely welcoming and friendly and will definitely make you feel right at home.

The cozy restaurant specializes in typical Italian cuisine and classic Tuscan dishes. Wild boar pasta is a customer favorite, along with hand-rolled fresh pasta like taglioni and handmade ravioli.

If you’re vegetarian or just looking for something a bit lighter, you have to try the restaurant’s signature bruschetta. Thick-cut freshly-baked bread is topped with marinated fresh tomatoes that are sure to delight.

This local gem is located just a few steps away from the Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signora. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner and is the perfect stop between all of Florence’s top attractions for some of the best pasta in the city.

See Related: Best Family Vacation Spots in the World

12. Ristorante Accademia

Charcuterie selection from Ristorante Accademia in Florence, Italy
Ristorante Accademia / Ristorante Accademia

Address: Piazza San Marco, 7R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy

Located in the heart of the city, Ristorante Accademia offers guests a taste of flavors from all around Italy and the Mediterranean. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience for just a fraction of the cost of a typical fine dining restaurant.

You can find everything from Neapolitan pizza to bruschetta, sautèed octopus, and eggplant timballo. If you’re visiting Florence with a group, I highly recommend ordering a bunch of starters to share. The pecorino with housemade chili marmalade, mushroom strudel, and burrata with avocado are just some of the delicious appetizer options.

Pasta courses include housemade crispy lasagna, whole-wheat pasta with lamb ragu, and fresh housemade gnocchi with butter and sage. For main courses, you can expect chicken parmigiana, beef filet with Brachetto wine sauce, and veal with pecorino cheese. The wine list is impressive and includes wine from all over Italy.

13. Da Nerbone

Da Nerbone booth at the Mercato Centrale in Florence, Italy
Paolo C / TripAdvisor

Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Sometimes the best way to get to know a new city is by sampling some of its fabulous street food. One of the best street food spots in Florence is Da Nerbone, located in the city center at the Central Market. Da Nerbone’s food menu varies almost daily and is proper cheap, good food. Unpretentious and delicious. Plain and simple.

You can find anything from duck ragu pasta to simple paninis and everything in between. Da Nerbone is best known for its lampredotto sandwich, which is one of the most common local dishes you’ll find around Florence. It’s made from the stomach meat of a cow, and the bread is slightly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

Da Nerbone is located on the ground floor of the market. Don’t be discouraged if the line looks super long; it moves quickly and is worth every minute! If you’re looking for authentic Florentine cuisine, this is it, right here.

See Related: Things to Do in Italy & Best Places to Visit

14. Universo Vegano

Beautiful vegan dessert from Universo Vegano in Florence, Italy
Universo Vegano / TripAdvisor

Address: Via Pietrapiana, 47R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Sticking to a vegan diet isn’t always easy when you’re on vacation. Options can oftentimes be limited, especially when dining out.

Well, in Florence, Universo Vegano has you covered! This vegan eatery is open daily for lunch and dinner while also offering delicious juices, smoothies, and delicious. Many menu items are gluten-free as well.

Universo Vegano serves small bites like falafels, fried olives, and vegan charcuterie boards. If you want something more filling, they also have delicious zucchini spaghetti, lasagna with vegetable ragu, and gnocchi with vegan pesto. Soups, salads, burgers, wraps, and pizzas are also available.

Got a sweet tooth? Universo Vegano offers some of the most delectable desserts, from things like vegan tiramisu and chocolate cake to chocolate chip cookies and stuffed brioche. It’s an awesome spot for a late breakfast and even drinks.

Local vegan wine and gluten-free beers can be found at this awesome and inclusive eatery. If you’re short on time, you can order for delivery or takeout through the restaurant’s website.

15. Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura

Rossini Chianina filet dish from Gucci Osteria in Florence, Italy
Gucci Osteria / Gucci Osteria

Address: Piazza della Signoria, 10, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Feeling bougie? If so, Florence has just the place for you! Gucci Osteria transports guests into a world of Gucci with the best food, ornate decor, and even napkins adorned with the classic Gucci print. This one-star Michelin restaurant features chef Karine Lopez’s rendition of contemporary Italian fare.

Guests have the option of choosing one of two prix fixe tasting menus or dining a la carte. In my opinion, you just can’t go wrong.

The purple corn tostada with Mediterranean bonito is spicy with a hint of citrus flavors. If you want a new take on a traditional Tuscan dish, the Rossini’s Chianina is a beef filet paired with black truffle and Brunello with a side of caviar.

You’ll almost certainly want to save room for dessert, with the offerings as varied and unique as the main courses. The Charley Marley is one for chocolate lovers, named after Massimo Bottura’s son. It’s a multi-layered dessert made with chocolate hazelnut ice cream sandwiched between layers of delicate biscuits.

This is hands down one of the best restaurants in Florence for an exquisite fine dining experience. Overall, the flavors are wonderful, the staff is friendly and knowledgable (while being decked out in Gucci), and the menu items are not too expensive for what you’d expect from Gucci and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

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16. Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina

Outdoor seating area with a view from Enoteca Pitti in Florence, Italy
Enoteca Pitti / TripAdvisor

Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 16, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

One of my favorite things about dining in Italy is the number of restaurants that offer outdoor seating with striking views. No matter what time of year you’re visiting Florence, you can almost always find a table at a place with an awesome view that’s perfect for taking in the ambiance or just people-watching.

Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina is a wine bar located in the Piazza Pitti, just in front of the Pitti Palace. While their primary focus is amazing wines from around Italy, Enoteca Pitti creates special menus seasonally to pair perfectly with a selection of wine.

The wine bar also offers three tasting menu options: a vegetarian menu, a classic menu, and a truffle menu. The menu often includes items like savory flan, artisanal risotto, and homemade pasta dishes.

Every menu item is affordable, and the staff is super knowledgeable. They will let you know which wines pair best with which menu items.

It’s a great spot to eat dinner if you want to fill up on some delightful local wine with small bites to share. If you enjoy the food menu, Enoteca Pitti also has a full-service restaurant, Osteria dell’Enoteca, which is just a couple blocks away from the wine bar.

17. Gino’s Bakery

Pistachio cannolis from Gino's Bakery in Florence, Italy
Gino’s Bakery / TripAdvisor

Address: Via de’ Guicciardini, 3/5, 50041 Firenze FI, Italy

If you love Italian desserts like me, you’ll have to make a stop at Gino’s Bakery, located just a block away from Ponte Vecchio. While the bakery offers breakfast, lunch, and a wide array of pastries, its claim to fame is the out-of-this-world cannolis. If you’re looking for a place to grab a quick breakfast near the bridge, this is also a tip-top option.

Gino’s Bakery is a little hidden gem that is perfect for a quick stop between touring different attractions throughout the city. You can get a cappuccino with biscotti and a cornetto for breakfast. Lunch consists of all the best small bites that you can find around Italy, including arancini, pizza, and a ton of different panini options.

Dessert is where Gino’s Bakery really shines. Chocolate cake, profiteroles, tiramisu, and a delectable selection of mini fruit tarts are just a few of the items available on any given day. Of course, you can’t beat cannolis for just one euro each! You can choose traditional Sicilian filling or pistachio filling then have it rolled in mini chocolate chips or pistachios.

See Related: Best Day Trips from Milan, Italy

18. Matto Matto Pizzeria Grill

Pizza from Matto Matto Pizzeria and Grill from Florence, Italy
delia / TripAdvisor

Address: Via Nazionale, 122R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Matto Matto Pizzeria Grill is the perfect kid-friendly option for great restaurants in Florence. Whether you’re craving a T-bone steak or a Neapolitan pizza, Matto Matto can deliver. This Florence restaurant is located between the Piazza dell’Independenza and the Central Market.

Most restaurants in Florence don’t have a kids’ menu; they are expected to eat whatever you are eating. If you’re worried about kids (or spouse) turning up their noses at foreign food, I think a pizzeria is a safe bet for even the pickiest of eaters to find something they like.

Matto Matto offers simple marinara pizzas as well as vegetarian, pesto, and even frankfurter pizza. Lighter options like tomato bruschetta and spaghetti with tomato sauce can also be ordered.

The eatery features a large selection of steak dishes along with mouthwatering dishes like saffron risotto with squash blossoms and truffle, shrimp and asparagus risotto, and tortello with Chianina ragu. The staff is super friendly and can recommend vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options as well.

19. Caffe Concerto Paszkowski

Outdoor seating area of Caffe Concerto Paszkowski in Piazza della Reppublica
Caffe Concerto Paszkowski / TripAdvisor

Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

I just adore this place. Caffe Concerto Paszkowski is a casual spot perfect for a mid-day coffee or cocktail while enjoying the classy ambiance inside or the fresh air in the outdoor seating area. It was one of the first restaurants to open on the Piazza della Repubblica, beginning as a Polish brewery, and is a favorite for both locals and tourists.

This wonderful cafe was declared a “national monument” in 1991 and remains a Florence fixture to this day. Master pastry chefs Massimo Davitti and Francesco Lippi whip up the most mouthwatering desserts, including bite-sized fruit tarts and petit gateaus. Gluten-free macarons, lemon cake, and other tasty treats are also available.

The heated outdoor area is the best spot to people-watch while you enjoy an Aperol spritz or passion fruit negroni. Food items like pizza and sandwiches are available, but most people come here for drinks and pastries.

The cafe is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stop in for a quick coffee break or for a nightcap. Special prix fixe menus are available during certain holidays, and you can enjoy live music almost every evening.

See Related: Best Places to Visit in Northern Italy (Ranked!)

20. L’Angolo del Mare

Fresh fish from L'Angolo del Mare in Florence, Italy
L’Angolo del Mare / L’Angolo del Mare

Address: Viale Edmondo de Amicis, 1, 50137 Firenze FI, Italy

Florence may be deep in the hills of Tuscany and over an hour from the Mediterranean, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a place for spectacular seafood. L’Angolo del Mare, towards the eastern outskirts of the city near the Campo Marte train station, is one place that knows exactly how to use the flavors of the sea.

This restaurant is well off the standard tourist trail, making it a hidden favorite of locals who want real-deal seafood at normal prices. The chef comes from a town on the coast where the Tuscany and Liguria shores meet, while the dining room manager comes from the shores of Puglia in the south. As friends and business partners, they saw an opportunity to bring the traditional seafood that they knew and loved all their lives to Florence, a city that is traditionally known for meat – and it’s been a great success.

You can start with oysters or some seared tuna before sampling one of their classic entrées, like homemade potato dumplings with red mullet ragout or lobster pasta. One dish they’re known for is the salt-crusted catch of the day for two. A whole fish is caked in an outer shell of salt that locks in moisture and flavor while the fish cooks to perfection.

The atmosphere at L’Angolo del Mare is simple but classy, so there’s no need to get particularly dressed up. A reservation, which can be made online, is recommended due to the intimate size of this place.

21. Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo

View of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio from a table at Borgo San Jacopo restaurant
Borgo San Jacopo / Lungarno Collection

Address: Borgo S. Jacopo, 14, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

Finally, it wouldn’t be a complete list without a restaurant on the beautiful River Arno. There are few better than the Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo in the Hotel Lungarno with its unbelievably romantic setting.

To reassure you of the quality here, Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo has earned a Michelin star and a sack of other awards over the years. There is a wonderful à-la-carte menu, but at a restaurant like this, it’s really best to let the chef do the work of deciding and indulging in a tasting menu.

While it changes based on the season and availability of high-quality ingredients, you can expect creations like salted cod gnocchetti, fusilli on crab reduction, and braised lamb shank. There’s even a fully vegetarian version that can be expected to be just as heavenly.

A sommelier is available to help you plan which of the 900 labels you’d like to pair with each course. Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo closes for a brief period in the winter. A reservation is certainly recommended here (and request a river view table), and you can even arrange one via WhatsApp.

Florence Food and Wine Tours

Group of people checking out the produce at a local market in Florence, Italy
Walkabout Florence / GetYourGuide

Now that we’ve seen some of the best restaurants of Florence’s robust food and wine scene, let’s take a look at some of the best food and wine tours in and around the city. Tours and cooking classes often give visitors an even better idea of the food culture of the location they’re visiting.

Local guides provide amazing insight into the local cuisine and regional specialties that you won’t learn just from eating at an Italian restaurant. Here are some of our favorite Florence food and wine tours:

  • Cooking Class & Lunch at Tuscan Farmhouse – This cooking class in the stunning Tuscan countryside is what all my Eat, Pray, Love dreams are made of. Start off with a tour of Florence’s markets to see where locals do their shopping. You’ll pick your own ingredients for the class and learn how to pick the best seasonal products, followed by making fresh pasta, bruschetta, and other delectable dishes.
  • Wine Tasting and Dinner in the Vineyards of Chianti – Go on an amazing tour of a Chianti wine estate. As you stroll through the vineyard you’ll take in the stunning landscape and the history of the area. Enjoy dinner and wine tasting al fresco with melodic live music.
  • Small-Group Florence Food Walking Tour – The best way to know a city is through its food. This small-group walking tour takes you throughout Florence as you sample regional specialties, coffee, baked goods, olive oil, and Tuscan wines.
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class – This cooking class teaches you about two of Italy’s most iconic contributions to the food world: pizza and gelato. Once you’ve learned how to make these two amazing Italian inventions, enjoy a three-course meal with wine and beer. You’ll also get to take home a recipe booklet to practice your new skills at home.

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