You should choose the restaurant for a specific experience when dining in Italy. A local restaurant will offer seasonal and regional dishes. Typically there are five sections to the menu a starter, first course (pasta), second course, side dishes (vegetables, salad), and dessert.
A fish-only restaurant is mostly raw fish starters. The first course includes delicious pasta courses with shellfish. A second course could be seared tuna steaks or oven-baked sea bass.
Florence offers a fine example of international cuisine. An excellent option if you are traveling around Italy for months and feel like a change. Here is a list of 30 Fantastic restaurants where I take guests, friends, and family
Regional Cuisine
Via dei Girolami 28
50122 Florence 'Ponte Vecchio area'
Buca dell'Orafo Translates to; 'The restaurant of the Goldsmiths'. The place where the nearby goldsmiths working on the Pontevecchio would lunch.
By far one of the best local restaurants in town. Delicious handmade gnudi served with butter and sage sauce. Mouthwatering meat dishes and fresh, perfectly baked desserts come from a tiny kitchen.
The restaurant only has around ten tables so you must always make a reservation. Evening shifts run from 7.00 pm or 9.00 pm seating.
2. Trattoria Antico Fattore Via Lambertesca 3 50122 Florence 'Ponte Vecchio Area' There is something special about an Italian restaurant where the classic old-school waiters have probably worked at the restaurant since it opened. Pavarotti is playing in the background and enjoying a true Florentine sirloin on a bed of rucola with a chianti Classico. Part of the Association of Historical Activities, this fantastic venue is the perfect place to taste the true Florentine fair. If you are in town during the Fungi Porcini season, book a table where you can enjoy grilled porcini or as a first course with handmade tagliatelle. Next door to Trattoria Antico Fattore, you can find the owner's son's new location called Degusteria Italiana agli Uffizi
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli 80r 50123 Firenze
The Ferragamo family owns Il Borro Tuscan Bistrot.
The menu offers seasonal offerings from produce grown and brought in from Il Borro’s farms.
Ideal for Lunch or dinner. There is an excellent wine & Craft Beef list. The location is next to the Ferragamo flagship store and overlooks the Ponte Vecchio.
Borgo San Jacopo 57 / r 50125 Firenze
Arrive in Piazza Frescobaldi a square named after the Marchesi Frescobaldi a historical wine family from Florence. After 27 generations of winemaking, the Frescobaldi still lives on Via Santo Spirito the street.
On the left side of the famous Sprone Fountain by Buontalenti On Borgo S. Jacopo you can find one of Florence's best traditional restaurants, Trattoria Camillo.
This third-generation family restaurant offers traditional Tuscan Food with a superb wine list. An ideal stop, particularly during white truffle season from October to December.
5. 4 Leoni Via dei Veluttini 1r 50125 Firenze 'Santo Spirito District'
A great location between Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. Arrive in a charming square on the Otrarno with outdoor seating. 4 Leoni has one of my most loved pasta dishes!
Ravioli stuffed with Pear and Pecorino in a Taleggio and asparagus sauce.
Choose from a selected menu of dishes from starter, pasta, and meat and starter typical Tuscan dishes along with delicious salads that are ideal for a light lunch.
Friendly waiters with that old-world charm
6. Antico Ristoro di Cambi Via S. Onofrio 1/ r Florence 40124 'San Frediano District'
Located in the heart of San Frediano. A typical Florentine Steak house where you can enjoy the famous 'Bistecca Alla Fiorentina.'
Or if the famous T- Bone is a little too much or you are already heading out to Tuscany to enjoy the delicious Chiana Beef an ideal option is the Fillet. You can also enjoy a good Cinta Senese steak as well. The Cinta Senese is the oldest pork breed in the world. It is a typical cuisine in Tuscany that you can enjoy as a steak.
'Santa Croce District'
Corso dei Tintori 47r 50122 Firenze
If you are looking for an actual Florentine meal, Ristorante del Fagioli is the place. Seasonal, typical Florentine fair that includes soups, a selection of meats like the Florentine Steak, beef stew with pepper, tripe the list goes on... Delicious in any season. However, I love to visit when the typical soups like Ribolità are in season. Their crostini, topped with Cavolo Nero, Artichoke, and Chicory, is the best!
Ristorante del Fagioli is one of the oldest restaurants in Florence it has the symbol of the 'Esercizi Storici Fiorentini' symbol located at the front of any activity that has been in business for at least 50 years. Payment is cash only, and be sure to book.
8. Trattoria Sostanza - ' Il Troia' Via del Porcellana 25/r 50123 Firenze
A true favorite for lunch. I love to sneak peek into the kitchen, one of the few in the historical center wood fire. I suppose that is why the meat tastes so dam good! The perfect place for 'Carne' meat dishes and typical seasonal regional plates. The place is tiny, so typically, you are placed at tables with other guests. Payment is cash only, and be sure to book.
9. ToscaNino in Rinascente Firenze Piazza della Repubblica 4 50123, Firenze
Simone Arnetoli e Laura Tosetti created the Gastro Formula after the successful opening of Tosca & Nino in Milan in 2017. The restaurant and gastro-deli opened in 2019 in Florence. The view is spectacular, and so is the pasta! Be sure to book ahead!
10. Gilo Piano Bar Via dei Fossi 44/r Firenze 50123
If you love food paired with cocktails then Gilo Bar is for you! Perfection both ways. Tuscan Chef Andrea Orlandi combines seasonal regional and national produce to create classic and creative plates.
Taste one of the best Negronis & Martinis in Town. The elegant Piano Bar with an 'art deco' atmosphere was designed by local Florentine Architect Ivan Cipriani
An excellent location for aperitivo, late-night dinner, or after-dinner drinks. Open Wednesday to Saturday.
11. Il Gusto di Xinge Viale Belfiore 2 50144 Firenze
After a Diploma at Poli Moda Xin, Ge Liu created 'Il Gusto Dim Sum.' Her mother, Xinge, decided to move from Peking to Florence. Xin worked as an engineer for 30 years, although her passion for cooking bought her to unite with her daughter in Firenze. 'Il Gusto Dim Sum' was born ! Now her new restaurant Il Gusto di Xinge is just around the corner, so be sure to book!
Taste to die for bao buns and dumplings. Classic Peking and Shanghai Street food with Tuscan Twist.
Like 'Taro Lime' - Chinese potato stuffed with Rombo, tofu, and shrimp. Or 'Petite Voyage' stuffed with mushroom and bamboo dressed with a French vinegarette and thin slices of summer 'Savini' truffle.
12. Bel Core Via dell'Albero 28 50123 Firenze
It is rated as one of the best Restaurants in Florence by the Michelin Guide since 2010.
A particular concept for Florence. That was invented by the fabulous owner Abdel. Head chef Ryoko Nakamura and her team of Japanese su-chefs cook the most delicious Florentine traditional and contemporary flavors.
The wine list is one of the best in Florence, and it is one of those rare locations where both meat and fish are fantastic.
This is where many chefs train to move on to the one, two, and three-star Michelin restaurants around the city.
13. A Pint of View
Borgo Tegalaio 17/r
50125 Firenze
A delicious addition to Santo Spirito is Pint of View Gastro Pub. The brilliant owners of Rasputin Secret Cocktail Bar have emerged from their little underground hideaway.
Pint of View offers a selection of exciting cocktails and craft Italian beers with a much-needed entry of authentic Korean Cuisine! Great cocktails and Italian Craft beer.
14. OSTERIA BELLE DONNE
Via delle belle donne 16/r 50123 Firenze
Hidden behind the spectacular Via dei Tornabuoni - Via Delle Belle Donne 'The street of the beautiful women' was once the red-light district of Florence.
You will find an original Osteria. The entry looks as though you are not going to be able to fit into the restaurant.
Although, when you arrive inside, you, are greeted by the lovely owner and seated in a charming atmosphere.
An excellent place for lunch or dinner, serving typical Florentine delights.
15. Osteria Personale Borgo San Frediano 167r 50124 Firenze
Owner Matteo Fantini has an individual style. Exactly like the name of his restaurant, 'Osteria Personale.' Matteo personally selects his seasonal ingredients and creates unforgettable flavors using top national and regional products.
I love the degustation menu. The wine selection is by far one of Florence's best! Taste orange, biodynamic and traditional wines, all hand-picked by Matteo from his underground cellar.
16. Kome
Via dei Benci 41 r 50122 Firenze
Kaiten sushi is made by Brazilian - Japanese chefs and laid on a conveyer belt that surrounds the kitchen. You can see fresh sushi being made before your eyes with top ingredients.
The top floor offers a Japanese barbecue that is fresh and delicious. In an ideal setting
Sushi is made to perfection, with a classic lunch menu served Monday to Friday for just €14.90. Choose from 1. Lunch set 2. bento box 3. Ramen 4. Udon
17. Raw
Via Sant Agostino 11R
Florence Italy
One of my favorite eateries in Florence. The fresh flavors of their handmade bread for their wraps, delicious salads and vegetable dishes, and their gelato is to die for love, love, love!!
All are 100% plant-based. That includes a fresh juice bar and shots. That exquisite taste of my favorite shot, Pineapple with spriluna comes to mind as I write shots!
The excellent chef Chiara has always prepared vegan. You can taste the freshness and flavor of Chiara's 'healthy' and 'ethical' food in every mouthful!
Via del Orto 5/r
50124 Firenze
Owner Leonardo is a passionate Florentine chef. His passion includes searching for quality ingredients and traditional flavors. His parents have owned the butchers 'Lanini Giovanni Macelleria next door to his restaurant since 1978.
Le Volte offers traditional flavors. The best beef tartar that you can find in the city. Leonardo dices fresh Limousin Beef a French beef raised in Italy. Then adds a dollop of fresh burrata. A taste sensation paired with Craft Italian beer from Poggibonsi. If you are lucky, you will get to taste Leonardo's mum's porchetta that slow cooks for 9 hours then is added on a higher degree, so the crackling is super crunchy
19. L'Angolo del Mare Viale Edmondo de Amicis 1 50137
Just a short taxi ride out to Campo di Marte you can enjoy this lovely location. If you are a fish lover, this is the place for you!
A lovely fish restaurant in a cozy location. Fresh raw fish platters are delicious, along with pasta dishes.
Lovely atmosphere with a great wine list. Owners Mirco and Carmelo have owned fish restaurants along the Tuscan Coast.
Using only local suppliers for fresh deliveries, you can only expect delicious flavors from the mediterranean sea
20. The Fusion Bar at the Gallery Art Hotel
Vicolo dell' Oro 5 50123 Firenze
Put Japanese and Peruvian ingredients together for the most delicious and only Nikkei Cuisine in town.
At the beautiful location just a few minutes from the Ponte Vecchio inside Lungarno Collections Gallery Hotel Art.
Enjoy aperitivo or dine in. Nikkei pairs perfectly with cocktails.
Via del Podesta 81 50125
The perfect place for lunch on the terrace or an outdoor summer dinner. An authentic taste sensation. The young owners, Roberto and Serena, are delightful. The menu is seasonal and genuinely fantastic.
22. Omero
Via del Pian dei Giulari 47
50125 Firenze
One of my favorite restaurants in Florence. Just a 10-minute taxi ride to Pian dei Giuliari, a local neighborhood, to arrive at 'Omero.' Enjoy the traditional fair at its best, with one of the most beautiful outdoor terraces that overlook breathtaking Tuscan Landscapes.
A Delicious location of traditional Florentine dishes. When in season, their artichoke carpaccio is the best! Ideal for a Beef fillet with green peppercorn sauce that is hard to resist
Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti 26r 50122
In the beautiful district at the grower's market of Sant Ambrogio, you can find this lovely rustic-style Japanese Restaurant. A tiny space with just a few tables. We particularly love stopping in for lunch.
The lunch menu is 15.00€ and includes Miso soup, tea of the day, and Vegetarian starter with one street food plate of your choice. I love the Japanese Curry and the Takoyaki.
24. Al Tranvai Piazza Torquato Tasso 14r 50124 Firenze
Traditional and tasty in a great location in the heart of San Frediano. The charming owner Antonello serves his seasonal plates with love. Be sure to try the fried artichoke and main meat dishes.
25. Piatti e Fagotti Via delle Fontanelle Via San Domenico 3/9/11, 50133
Take bus 7 from Piazza San Marco to Fiesole. Get off the bus at San Domenico to arrive at Piatti e Fagotti—a divine location with outside tables in the quaint town of San Domenico.
Dine in or head over to their Gastro-Deli for a delicious takeaway where you can sit out on the grass area in front of the location that overlooks gorgeous views of Fiesole.
Plates are divine! Chickory salad with anchovy, lesso delicious pasta, and more
26. Bio e Brado Via di Colline 2 50023, Impruneta
The young owner Pietro Campolmi is a passionate farmer of an organic farm-to-table location in the foothills of Impruneta. Bio and Brado began with sweat and the hard work of a passionate small business entrepreneur.
Pietro's free-range farm of Cinta Senese, Grigione, and other animals is a fun place for families to enjoy lunch or dinner in the summer. Bio e Brado organizes a taxi service from Florence not too far from the city center.
Enjoy traditional flavors, mouthwatering Tuscan Charcuterie, meat dishes, and handmade pasta!
27. Il Cuore Via Romana 123r 50125 Firenze
Craving sashimi and traditional Japanese flavors?
Il Cuore offers authentic Japanese Cuisine. Owner Minato Takayama realized his dream to bring the authentic Japanese culinary experience in Florence.
Welcoming staff and delicious food are just a side of a fantastic experience. An excellent location on the Via Romana.
High-quality ingredients, a vast selection of artisanal sake and a lot of care in the service make Il Cuore a unique place to experience.
28. Trattoria da Rocco Lunch only Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti Firenze FI Ever feel like pasta Fagioli and a glass of Chianti from an original Fiasco? After more than 40 years in the business, Rocco is still inside the Mercato of Sant Ambrogio serving his classic daily menu that is fantastic as usual. The classic 'mensa' a canteen for workers inexpensive and divine
29. Da Delfina Via della Chiesa 1 Artimino
Unforgettable Summer dinners on the Terrace at Da Delfina overlooking Villa Ferdinanda. However, Da Delfina is even the perfect place to eat in winter.
That would fire in the original Farmhouse kitchen and cooks delicious meat dishes! Owner Carlo and his staff served original Tuscan Recipes of his Nonna and Mother at their original home, an Olive Oil Farmhouse.
30. Momoyama
Borgo San Frediano 10r 50124 Firenze
It opened in 1998, the first-ever Sushi restaurant in Florence. That remains one of the city's best.
Authentic and delicious sushi with a great wine list and personable staff.
Choose from traditional and fusion dishes, with reinterpretations of creative cuisine. Sashimi is the best quality you can find in Florence.
In a great location, and not just because it is in my neighborhood San Frediano!
31. Chic Nonna di Vito Mollica Via del Corso 6 Firenze
32. Hotel Kraft - Terrazza Rossini
Piazza del Carmine 18 50124
Gunè San Frediano is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Florence. Owner Nicola brings his recipes from home town Basilicata to create delicious plates that entwine both Tuscany and Lucanian Cuisine.
With award-winning mixologist Eleonora Romolini, you can enjoy our meal with a cocktail pairing.
Exceptional service by Nicola and the staff to create an unforgettable dining experience. From Starters to dessert!