Sight, scent, sound… taste: Florence is a city where all the senses burn with equal force, but perhaps none more so than anything else… your tastebuds. Florence has it all, from the traditional trattorias tucked in narrow cobbled streets to trendy eateries showcasing inventive culinary creations. Whether you are just in town for a few days or set to take on the culturally rich, gastronomic voyage of Florence, every meal eaten between these walls will feed your stomach and history.

I have been lucky to explore these streets and would love to share the best places to catch a bite in Florence, which will introduce you to every layer of this beautiful city. In this post, I will guide you down some of the best places to eat traditional Tuscan dishes from my two trips, sampling classic flavours amidst the local charm and rich history that these bustling spots hold.

1. Trattoria Mario: A Tradition Indeed

Next to the lively Mercato Centrale, you’ll find Trattoria Mario, a Florence institution and my all-time favourite. Open since 1953; it has grown to become one of those must-visit, no-frills, communal dining restaurants where strangers seem to leave as frenemies after slurping up plates of homemade pasta and inhaling Florentine steaks.

What to Order: The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a vast T-bone steak expertly chargrilled, so the meat is pink and juicy at the centre. Add some beans on the side, and you will feel like you are in Tuscany.

Why I Love It: The bright, homely ambience makes one feel like a guest in a native food lover’s kitchen. The staff makes you feel like family; flavour bursts with every bite. It’s great for an aperitivo of traditional Tuscan food.

2. All’Antico Vinaio: the iconic panino

An obligatory stop during every trip to Florence is ELSA for a bite of the savoury sandwiches crafted by planting every magical Florence flavour between two slices of bread. His masterpiece has been copied more than once but has never left feeling sad or messy like it did here, which can also be said about All’Antico Vinaio. Located at an arm’s length from Uffizi, this pillar of street food is always buzzing with long queues, which move fast for a reason: Bolle Di Riso is something you cannot miss.

What to Order: One of their signature porchetta panini, made with juicy slow-roasted pork, cheese and arugula, on freshly baked schiacciata (a type of Tuscan flatbread)

Why I Love It: This is not just a sandwich; it is an experience. Every bite is packed with flavours that emphasise the Italian essence in the ingredients themselves. I would take one to go and eat it while walking along the Arno River—heaven.

3. Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori: Traditional Cozy

This restaurant gem is tucked away on a quiet side street in Firenze, and it feels off the beaten path. This intimate family-run osteria has narrow quarters and a rotating menu that leans heavily on whatever is fresh and in season.

Where to Eat It: Look no further than the house-made tagliatelle with wild boar ragù. Do not overlook the easy and divine Pappa al Pomodoro, a pure Tuscan bread and tomato soup.

Why I Love It: A place that makes you feel like you found a secret spot, far away from the tourist hordes. It is rustic and comforting, and I must say that every time I eat at Sasha and Sons, I feel like it is the best home-cooked meal in a top restaurant ever.

4. La Giostra: Fine dining fit for the royalty

For a fancy meal, head to this beautiful restaurant called La Giostra. Prince Dimitri Habsburg-Lothringen set up the gorgeous restaurant, and its menu is absolutely Tuscan hearty with a touch of the modern.

Noodles We Like: The pear and pecorino ravioli are killer, as are the Truffle Tagliolini.

Why I Love It: It boasts an intimate, romantic setting and is more upscale. The service there is impeccable and makes you feel like royalty, which is perfect for a special occasion! I had a meal to remember here one night, sitting beneath the black magical candlelight, and every dish seemed more wonderful than the next.

5. A Gastronomic Heaven: Mercato Centrale

If you love food, the Mercato Centrale in Florence is a wonderland. Upstairs, there is a food court where you can eat pizza with fresh dough or some fresh pasta, and there are many options for a quick meal.

Order: A plate of homemade pasta at Il Pastaio di Mercato, a pizza cooked in the wood-fired oven at Pizza Napolitana, and some gelato from the next-door stall—the best in Florence.

Why I Love It: It’s a great spot to grab a casual lunch or dinner without committing to one particular menu item. I have often found myself wandering through here, nibbling everything. It’s alive, fun, and full of Sevillanos.

6. For local flavours at a reasonable price, visit Trattoria Sabatino.

Just a bit off the tourist path, Trattoria Sabatino is a well-loved spot by locals for its straightforward Tuscan cuisine, which is perfectly priced. With daily menu changes scribbled on a chalkboard, it also offers some of the best prices in town.

What To Order: Roast pork and potatoes (pictured) or ribollita (Tuscan vegetable and bread soup, a must): both under €8!

Why I Love It: Out of character and always authentically unpretentious. This is where the locals go for lunch, and you can taste real Florentine food at accurate Flo rentine prices.

7. Vivoli Gelateria: Where to Get the Best Gelato in Florence

If you are in Florence, indulge in some of the best gelato at Vivoli Gelateria. Open since 1930, this family-owned gelateria scoops some of the most deliciously rich and flavour-drenched gelatos in existence.

What to Order: Pistachio or Hazelnut, both served extra-creamy and full of rich flavour.

Vivoli Location: Near Piazza Santa Croce. Since 1930, this place has been churning out some of the best sorbet and gelato in town. Each bite perfectly balances smooth, creamy texture and intense flavours. I love it for a quick afternoon pick-me-up while wandering along the city.

Final Thoughts

Regarding what to eat in Florence, this city is a paradise for any food lover. Every meal, a humble panino or an elaborate multicourse feast, tells the story of these culinary traditions born from this rich earth. These places are Florence’s best, and eating at them will provide an unforgettable experience. All over town, from intimate trattorias where you can dine elbow-to-elbow with locals to more formal Michelin-starred spots and everything in between, Florence is the place for a meal that will stick with you long after your vacation has ended.

Throughout my time in Florence, these have become my go-to spots, and they all offer an understanding of what makes this city’s dining scene so unique. Pack your appetite and allow Florence to take you on an unforgettable culinary journey.