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Every year, Florence draws millions of tourists eager to experience the city’s historical wonders, from the iconic Duomo to the renowned Uffizi Gallery and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio. This influx of visitors has sparked a significant evolution in the local dining scene, transforming it over the past two decades. Once home to a solitary Michelin-star restaurant, today Florence boasts eight, showcasing a vibrant culinary landscape that includes everything from traditional Tuscan fare to global street food.
Florentine cuisine is deeply rooted in its Tuscan heritage, celebrated for dishes such as ribollita, a hearty vegetable and bread soup, and bistecca alla fiorentina, a massive T-bone steak served rare—it’s important to note that ordering it well-done is not customary here. For those preferring smaller portions or different cuts, alternatives like tagliata (sliced sirloin), diaframma (skirt steak), or filetto (filet) are available.
The city is also rich in street food culture, with lampredotto—a sandwich made from the cow’s fourth stomach—standing out as a local favorite, often garnished with a vibrant green sauce. Traditionally, Tuscans have leavened their bread without salt due to historical disputes over taxes, leading to the creation of schiacciata, a type of pizza bianca distinct from the softer focaccia of Liguria. This flatbread can be enjoyed plain or as a filling panini.
Despite Florence’s charming culinary offerings, the surge in mass tourism has led to long queues for popular food items like sandwiches and gelato, compounded by inflation and a housing crisis affecting the hospitality workforce. To enhance your dining experience, it’s wise to venture beyond the frequently crowded areas in the historical center. Dining in quieter neighborhoods not only reduces wait times but also supports local establishments. Furthermore, making reservations for top restaurants is advisable, as Italian dining traditionally features two seatings at dinner—typically around 7:30 and 9 p.m. Opting for the earlier time can help you avoid the lengthy waits often experienced with local patrons who enjoy lingering over their meals.
In this refreshed guide, we offer updated insights for diners, including estimates of meal prices at various establishments. Options range from $ for quick bites typically under $10 (or the equivalent in euros) to $$$$ for upscale venues where main courses often exceed $30.
Coral Sisk is a sommelier, a culinary tour guide, and a writer with a rich heritage in Italian and Persian cultures, currently residing in Florence. She actively maintains a food travel blog and leads food tours in Florence and beyond.
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www.eater.com