Where Locals Eat In Florence – Restaurants, Gelato, Pizza & Panini

Last updated on November 11th, 2024

So many of Florence’s most beloved and popular restaurants have become flooded with tourists and despite the quality being top notch, us locals generally prefer to eat at other restaurants outside the historic center. 

So if you are looking for some authentic, off the beaten path eats in Florence without the tourists crowds, read on for my comprehensive guide to eating where the locals do in Florence. I will cover all kinds of eateries such as traditional restaurants, casual trattorie, gelaterias, pizzerias and even panino shops. 

These are my picks based on living here for over a decade. Most of my recommendations still require reservations but you are much more likely to find a table last minute than some of Florence’s most famous restaurants. 

Eating in Italy Basics: If you are curious to know more about navigating dining in Italy, you may be interested in
How To Order Food In Italian
Tipping In Italy – When & How Much From A Local
What Is A Coperto?  All About Italy’s Cover Charge
A Visitor’s Guide To Eating In Italy
How To Order Food In Italian

Map Of Where Locals Eat In Florence

Quick Guide To Where Locals Eat In Florence

Restaurant In Florence	Address (Neighborhood)	Best For	What My Family Likes Best*
Il Giova	Borgo la Croce, 73R (Sant’Ambrogio)	Cheap meals with hearty portions	Spaghetti con le vongole (spaghetti with clams)
Semel	Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 44/r	creative panini	Panini with chicken salad (seasonal)
Trattoria Da Rocco	Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti	Takeout / Quick lunch	Lasagne & poached pears
Trattoria Cibrèo	Via dei Macci, 122r	Best bank for your buck	Baccalà (salt cod)
Tripperia Pollini	Via dei Macci, 126	Street food (trippe and lampredotto)	Lampredotto panini
Nencioni	Via Pietrapiana, 24/r	Coffee and pastry in Florence	Savory breakfast pastry (my favorite is with artichokes)
Acquacotta Trattoria	Via dei Pilastri, 51/R	Traditional Tuscan trattoria	Angoletti di fagionella (pheasant stuffed pasta)
Dolci e Dolcezze	Piazza Cesare Beccaria, 8/R	Pastry in Florence	Cappuccino and short crust pastry with cream
Gelateria dei Medici	Piazza Cesare Beccaria, 7R	Gelato	mandorla e cioccolato fondente (almond and dark chocolate)
Antico Forno Giglio	Via Vincenzo Gioberti, 151R	Schiacciata	Schiacciata with olives
L’Angolo del Mare	Viale Edmondo de Amicis, 1	Fish in an elegant dining room	Branzino
Trattoria Il Barrino	Via Vincenzo Gioberti, 71r	Seasonal food, excellent prices	Gnudi (ricotta and spinach dumplings) and galletto al mattone (spatchcocked cockerel)
Enoteca Fuori Porta	Via del Monte alle Croci, 10	Wine tasting with a full meal	Crostoni con prosciutto arosto, mozzarella e porcini (a large open faced sandwich with roasted ham, mozzarella and porcini mushrooms)
Le Volpi e l’Uva	Piazza dei Rossi, 1R	Wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie boards	Tagliere di formaggio (cheese board)
Trattoria Cammillo	Borgo S. Jacopo, 57/r	Fancy dinner	Pecorino con aceto balsamico (broiled pecorino cheese drizzled with balsamic)
Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino	Piazza della Passera, 2	Adventurous eaters or foodies	Pastas
Gelateria della Passera	Via Toscanella, 15r	Fruit flavored gelato (sorbet)	Limone, pompelmo e lamponi (lemon, grapefruit and raspertty sorbet)
Trattoria La Casalinga	Via dei Michelozzi, 9R	Homestyle family cooking	Zuppa di farro e fagioli (farro and cannellini bean soup)
Sbrino Gelateria	Via dei Serragli, 32r	“Farm to table” gelato	Sorbet (flavors change depending on season)
S.Forno	Via Santa Monaca, 3r	Baked goods	Flan pastry (a croissant dough baked pastry cream served in squares)
Il Santo Bevitore	Via Santo Spirito, 64r	Date night	Cinta senese (local pork breed)
Il Santino	Via Santo Spirito, 60/R	Tasting wine with the locals	We always opt for a glass of white wine paired with their suggestion of crostini.
Trattoria del Carmine	Piazza del Carmine, 18	Families	Panzanella (bread and summer vegetable salad) or ribollita (bread and vegetable soup)
Trattoria Sabatino	Via Pisana, 2R	Budget friendly Tuscan food	Tortelli di patate al sugo (potato stuffed pasta with meat sauce)
Pandemonio di Casa Brogi	Via del Leone, 50R	Eating with the locals off the beaten path	Fagioli all’olio con bottarga (white beans with shavings of roe), pollo fritto (fried chicken)
Il Guscio	Via dell’Orto, 49 (San Frediano)	Modern spin on Tuscan classics	No dish in particular
Alla Vecchia Bettola	Viale Vasco Pratolini, 3/5/7	Hard to find Tuscan classics	Penne alla Vecchia Bettola (pasta with a creamy tomato sauce), carpaccio di funghi (thinly sliced mushroom salad)
La Fiaschetteria del Pesce	P.za Taddeo Gadd, 5/6r	Casual fish dinner	Crudo di pesce (raw fish plate)
Antica Porta Pizzeria	Via Senese, 23	Takeout pizza or casual pizza night	Pizza con pere e gorgonzola (pizza with pear and gorgonzola cheese)
Giovanni Santarpia	Via Senese, 155r	Gourmet pizza	Marinara Gialla (marinara pizza with yellow cherry tomatoes)
Trattoria Sostanza	Via del Porcellana, 25/R	Watching your food being prepared (open kitchen)	Buttered chicken and sauteed seasonal greens
Le Tre Panche	Vicolo Marzio, 1	Truffle lovers	Tagliolini con tartufo (thin egg pasta with fresh truffles)
Coquinarius	Via dell’Oche, 11R	Wine connoisseurs (or people who want to learn more about wine)	Grilled octopus on a bed of chickpea cream
Regina Bistecca	Via Ricasoli, 14r	Meat lovers / Bistecca fiorentina	La Chianina (a specific breed of cow)
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi	Piazza di San Lorenzo, 8R	Budget friendly meals	Coniglio arrostso (roasted rabbit)

*Note that these dishes may not always be on the menu. Many of the restaurants in my guide change their menu seasonally to reflect what is available and the chef’s current vision. 

Tuscan Basics: To learn more about what foods and wine are best to try while in Tuscany, read
Traditional Tuscan Food – A Local’s Tips on Food In Tuscany You Must Try
10 Foods You Must Try On Your First Visit To Florence 
The Best Cheap Eats in Tuscany – 8 Unforgettable Tuscan Street Foods
Wines to Try in Tuscany

Il Giova 

Borgo la Croce, 73R 

Best For: Inexpensive meals with hearty portions

Il Giova is a favorite among residents of the Sant’Ambrogio serving up heaping piles of spaghetti, delicious fried foods and filling second courses all at an amazing price in a casual setting. 

Don’t expect to linger here as this is a no-frills, quick service trattoria meant to get you fed and be on with your day. If you want to sit down but don’t feel like paying the hefty price tag of other popular restaurants in Florence, this is for you! 

Good To Know: Some of the best coffee in Florence is just around the corner at Coffee Mantra. 

Semel

Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 44/r

Best For: Innovative sandwiches in Florence

Semel is easy to miss but once you spot it, get in line fast! Just on the other side of Il Giova, this hole in the wall sandwich shop serves up creative panini with daily specials that will always keep you coming back with a curious appetite.

The sandwiches are on the smaller side so they also make for a great snack while touring the Sant’Ambrogio market. If you are here for lunch, consider two with a glass of their €1 wine and eat it curbside. 

Tip: If you are an adventurous eater, opt for one of their more unique sandwiches such as the one made with donkey meat. If not, opt for a curried chicken salad (both seasonal). 

Trattoria Da Rocco

Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti

Best For: Takeout in Florence

Trattoria Da Rocco is where us locals eat if we want a very cheap meal and fast (or best for takeout). 

Located within the Sant’Ambrogio Market, Da Rocco serves up pre-made Tuscan classics that are re-heated upon request or packaged up to bring home and be reheated (an amazing option for people traveling with kids in Florence and need a night in). 

Get here early (that means noon!) and sit elbow-to-elbow at shared tables with all sorts of locals on lunch break. 

Takeout In Florence: Although takeout is a relatively new concept in Italy, several places offer a takeout menu.

Trattoria Cibrèo

Via dei Macci, 122r

Best: Bank for your buck

Trattoria Cibrèo is just one part of the Cibrèo eatery conglomerate in Sant’Ambrogio, serving up homestyle Tuscan fare at a reasonable price. A Michelin guide restaurant, the food at the Trattoria Cibrèo is similar to what you will find at the expensive restaurant next door but without the elaborate atmosphere, service or plating. 

Expect excellent quality food served simply for a fraction of the price of the Cibrèo restaurant. Although most of us locals love the regular Cibrèo restaurant and I firmly believe everyone should try it once, it’s not affordable to most. This is why we all go to the trattoria instead! The restaurant is small so be sure to book with plenty of advance notice. 

Look the Part: Check out these 5 Items Not to Wear When Dining Out in Italy and What to Wear to Dinner in Italy.

Tripperia Pollini

Via dei Macci, 126

Best For: Street food (lampredotto and trippa)

Just at the corner of Trattoria Cibrèo is the permanent food truck Pollini serving up some of the best lampredotto panini and trippa in all of Florence. 

Open daily until 4:00 pm, this food truck is where we come to get our fixing of Florentine street food. Get here early (or late) but avoid the 1:00 pm rush when Italians take their lunch break and enjoy your sandwich in the small Piazza dei Ciompi. 

Nencioni

Via Pietrapiana, 24/r

Best For: Coffee and pastry in Florence

Nencioni is considered by anyone who lives in Florence as one of the best places to come for breakfast because of their amazing pastry (sweet and savory) paired with traditional Italian coffee beverages. 

Expect a crazy Italian bar scene with plenty of people shouting out orders, customers trying to pay and others trying to balance a cappuccino in one hand and a pastry in the other. 

Good To Know: Nencioni is particularly good for Carnival treats to try in February in Florence. 

Tip: I highly suggest you read Italian Breakfast – A Traveler’s Guide To Breakfast In Italy and the Best Pastry Shops in Florence to better understand what to expect and how to navigate ordering in a crowded bar such as Nencioni. 

Acquacotta Trattoria

Via dei Pilastri, 51/R

Best For: Traditional Tuscan trattoria 

Acquacotta Trattoria is so authentic that even the English translated menu is a joke. Well, not entirely, it’s just literally translated word for word which results in mistranslations or funny names. 

This is, though, the best reason to book a table with Acquacotta. They don’t need tourists to keep them open because they have such a loyal client base. Come here for one of the best traditional Tuscan trattoria experiences in the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood.

Trattoria Style: Curious about what actually defines a trattoria? Is it casual or elegant? Read more about Italian eateries in What Is A Trattoria? – Your Guide To Italian Eateries, From Ristoranti & Osterie to Paninoteche & Tavole Calde.

How Do They Do It? Read how Italians stay so svelte while eating pizza and pasta every day.

Dolci e Dolcezze

Piazza Cesare Beccaria, 8/R

Best For: Pastry in Florence

Pasticceria Dolci e Dolcezze is one of Florence’s best kept secrets from tourists. Characterized by its green storefront and green gated doorway, this pastry shop serves up amazing pastry, cakes to bring home, and coffee in Piazza Beccaria. 

They use natural ingredients that are sourced locally to make their baked goods and cookies. One of the best cappuccino I have ever had in my life is here at Dolci e Dolcezze. 

Good To Know: Dolci e Dolcezze also has some savory lunch items and made to order cakes for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day.

Gelateria dei Medici

Piazza Cesare Beccaria, 7R

Gelateria dei Medici first opened far outside the city center but grew so popular among locals (I would make the trip 35 min across the city for it) that they decided to open in Piazza Beccaria as well, just next door to Dolci e Dolcezze.

Their gelato flavors are made with the freshest and best ingredients with attention to seasonality and innovation. They always have classic flavors such as crema, cioccolato and nocciola but also make a wide selection of daily specials which include more interesting and alternative flavors.

Gelato Lovers: To learn more about gelato in Florence, check out my personal recommendation in Best Gelato In Florence – From A Local.

Antico Forno Giglio

Via Vincenzo Gioberti, 151R

Best For: Schiacciata

Antico Forno Giglio is known by any Florentine or long-time resident to make the absolute best schiacciata in the city. Whether you prefer traditional all’olio (olive oil) schiacciata or like it made with toppings such as olives and walnuts, you will find it here.

Take a number and wait your turn (most likely outside as the bakery is tiny). Don’t miss their delicious Carnival treats like schiacciata alla fiornetine, frittelle and cenci served in January and February. 

Tip: Schiacciata tastes best the same day it’s made. Don’t buy more than you can eat because you won’t enjoy it nearly as much later. 

L’Angolo del Mare 

Viale Edmondo de Amicis, 1

Best For: Fish in an elegant dining room

L’Angolo del Mare is one of our favorite spots to eat fish in Florence, although not exactly convenient if you are staying in the city center. Located on the other side of the railroad tracks in Campo di Marte, this restaurant specializing in fish is where all you fish lovers want to be. 

It’s not cheap though. Their fresh fish selection, excellent service, elegant dining room and knowledge of wine pairings will cost you.

Trattoria Il Barrino

Via Vincenzo Gioberti, 71r

Best For: Seasonal food at excellent prices

Trattoria Il Barrino is another restaurant in Florence located outside the city center in Via Gioberti serving up simple yet slightly different cuisine when compared to a traditional Florentine trattoria. 

Off their seasonal menu (which changes 3 or 4 times a year), you can find classics such as pici or opt for dishes that are a bit harder to come by such as il galletto (rooster) or gli gnudi (spinach and ricotta dumplings).

Good To Know: Via Gioberti has some great shopping with stores closing typically between 7:00-7:30. Come early for a bit of (window) shopping followed by dinner at Il Barrino when they open at 7:30. 

Enoteca Fuori Porta

Via del Monte alle Croci, 10

Best For: Wine tasting and eating

Enoteca Fuoriporta is one of my family’s go-to lunch spots in Florence because of their ample outdoor seating, varied menu and great location. 

Although most famous for their crostoni (large crostini topped with whatever you like, similar to a toasted open faced sandwich), I also like their large salads. My kids order hamburgers. Everyone is happy. 

And what more? A great selection of wine, making it one of my top places to try wine in Florence.

Tired of eating out at restaurants? Make your own Italian picnic!

Le Volpi e L’Uva

Piazza dei Rossi, 1R

Best For: Wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie boards

Although you will find tourists at Le Volpi e L’Uva, this enoteca is a place that is only frequented by tourists who have actually done their research. The rest are locals.  

We come here when we want to have a light lunch or dinner with amazing cheese or charcuterie boards paired with a wide selection of wines available by the glass. For more on drinking wine in Italy, read Where To Buy Wine In Italy and Where To Drink Wine In Italy.

Good To Know: They have a large outdoor terrace covered with umbrellas, making it a great pit stop both under the sun and rain! 

Trattoria Cammillo

Borgo S. Jacopo, 57/r

Best For: Fancy dinner out (splurge)

Trattoria Camillo has been open since 1945, making it a bit of an institution in Florence. Although Camillo is also one of my top picks for restaurants to try on your first trip to Florence, it still remains a favorite among all us locals. The restaurant, although simple, is elegant and expensive, much more so than most trattorie in Florence. 

Their long menu with specials such as curry with mango chutney, spaghetti with peas and grilled pecorino cheese drizzled with balsamic vinegar keep us coming back time and again. 

Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino

Piazza della Passera, 2

Best For: Adventurous eaters or foodies

At Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino, it’s all about the tripe, meaning cow’s stomach cooked in numerous ways. We are talking about innovative small sandwiches, meatballs, pasta dishes and fried food. 

Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino isn’t for everyone but if you are a curious eater, this is the place for you. 

Good To Know: They also offer vegetarian options, making it accessible to travelers who don’t all want to have an offal feast. 

Gelateria della Passera

Via Toscanella, 15r

Gelateria della Passera serves up some of the best gelato in Florence in a tiny corner of heaven Oltarno. 

The short list of flavors changes daily, all of which are made to reflect what is seasonal. They have plenty of vegan and gluten-free gelato flavors to choose from as well as all the classics. My family thinks their fruit flavors are what they do best. Be sure to order a medium cone because the smallest size only gets you one scoop.

Tip: Some of the best food and bars are in Piazza della Passera. Have an aperitivo at Caffè Degli Artisti, dinner at 4 Leoni or Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino without having to move locations! 

Trattoria La Casalinga

Via dei Michelozzi, 9R

Best For: Homestyle family cooking

Trattoria La Casalinga is one of Florence’s most beloved classic trattorie among us locals that is still not completely flooded with tourism. Yes, tourists do come here but it’s not like other restaurants in Florence where there is nothing but.

Come to this family-run casual eatery for some of the most delicious Tuscan classics Oltrarno. They are known for keeping to the seasons and only serving what they can based on availability.  And guess who is running the kitchen? The nonne or grandmas and their friends and trust me, no one can cook like them! 

If you are a more adventurous eater, this may be the place for you as you will find plenty of interesting options such as trippa and liver. 

Sbrino Gelateria

Via dei Serragli, 32r

Best For: Farm to table gelato 

Sbrino is relatively new to the gelato scene in Florence but has quickly become popular (now with three locations!) as the best spot for gelato made with local ingredients, as I call it “farm to table” style gelato. They use DOP and DOC ingredients when possible to create the best quality gelato and sorbet possible. 

Learn More About Gelato: To learn more about gelato in Italy, check out
How To Order Gelato In Italy – Step-by-Step Guide + Tips
Is Italian Gelato Gluten-Free? A Guide To Eating Gelato For Visitors With Allergies
Italian Gelato Flavors – A Complete List of Gelato Flavors You’ll Find in Italy (+ Printable Quick Guide)
Gelato In Italy – The Scoop on Italy’s Favorite Sweet Treat

S.Forno

Via Santa Monaca, 3r

Best For: Baked goods

S.forno started as a neighborhood bakery serving up kilos of pane toscano to San Frediano but soon took off to be well known as one of the best bakeries in Florence. It doesn’t really matter what you like, they have it and they do it well. This includes international items as well as traditional Tuscan baked goods.

In addition, have a well curated gastronomia section with artisan food products for sale which make great souvenirs and gifts. 

Good To Know: Lo S.forno is my absolute favorite bakery to order pandoro or panettone for the Christmas holiday in Florence. 

Il Santo Bevitore 

Via Santo Spirito, 64r

Best For: Date Night

Il Santo Bevitore, the parent company of S.Forno and Il Santino, is a Michelin guide book restaurant in the San Frediano neighborhood Oltarno serving up innovative twists on classic Italian fare. 

I suggest IL Santo Bevitore if you are looking to have an intimate tête-à-tête with someone, be it a friend, lover or family member. The ambiance is warm, the wine list is extensive and the food is a nice refresher from all the classic plates of pasta in Florence (although they do have pasta on the menu). 

Il Santino

Via Santo Spirito, 60/R

Best For: Tasting wine with the locals 

Il Santino is one of the best wine bars in Florence located right next to Il Santo Bevitore. It’s tiny so unless you come at odd hours, good luck getting one of their small tables or four stools at the bar. If you can’t get a table inside, feel free to enjoy your aperitivo outside on the street with the locals. 

Il Santino has lots of local wine, each paired with their suggestion of food, developed precisely to enjoy with a specific wine. 

Trattoria del Carmine

Piazza del Carmine, 18

Best For: Families

Trattoria del Carmine is best for families in Florence looking to sit down to a good Tuscan meal in an elegant but not overly fancy restaurant off the beaten track. 

This is one of the few trattorie that I take my kids to because I know that it’s full of other local families with kids as well. The menu is extensive and changes periodically, ensuring that everyone leaves the table satisfied (even my pickiest kids!). 

What To Order: To read more about what you might find at Trattoria del Carmine, read Traditional Tuscan Food – A Local’s Tips on Food In Tuscany You Must Try.

Trattoria Sabatino

Via Pisana, 2R

Best For: Budget friendly Tuscan food

Trattoria Sabatino is one of the best places to get a typical Tuscan meal on a budget in Florence. It’s similar to Trattoria Sergio Gozzi but on the other side of the city in San Frediano

Their menu changes daily with simple first courses but with more elaborate and complex meat dishes. Keep in mind, however, that this trattoria is only open Monday – Friday. No weekends!

Pandemonio di Casa Brogi

Via del Leone, 50R

Best For: Eating with the locals off the beaten path

Pandemonio di Casa Brogi is located far enough from the center of Florence to keep most tourists at bay unless they happen to know of this local favorite. I consider Pandemonio more of an upscale trattoria in terms of prices and quality with some of the best unique takes on Tuscan classics without straying too far from tradition. 

My favorite contorno or side dish is their spin on the popular fagioli all’olio finished with a hefty grating of fish roe. My kids love the fried chicken but my husband and I opt for the steak. 

Il Guscio

Via dell’Orto, 49

Best For: Modern spin on Tuscan classics

Il Guscio is my top pick for visitors to Florence who want to try classic Tuscan dishes with a spin. For example, the local cinta Senese pig breed to make a mean pulled pork. 

The menu changes periodically and you can expect to find daily specials that are even more interesting. The wine list is also very impressive with a staff knowledgeable enough to help you choose a wine to best fit your order. 

They serve meat and fish with plenty of vegetarian options, making it perfect for any kind of visitor. 

Alla Vecchia Bettola

Viale Vasco Pratolini, 3/5/7

Best For: Hard to find Tuscan classics. 

La Vecchia Bettola is a casual trattoria on the outskirts of Florence just off of Piazza Tasso serving up some of the best hard to find Tuscan classics. What I mean by this is that they make a lot of dishes that are harder to find these days such as ovoli mushroom carpaccio, cacio e pere (cheese and pears), porcini mushrooms served anyway possible and fried artichokes. Their most popular dish is penne alla Vecchia Bettola, their top secret recipe for what I can best compare to penne pasta with vodka sauce. 

The restaurant is filled with rustic wooden tables with prosciutto hanging from the ceiling. The staff yell out orders as you hear the busy kitchen in the background whipping up dish after dish.

You absolutely must book your table here if you don’t want to get stuck waiting. Note that the price point at Alla Vecchia Bettola is slightly higher than other trattorie of this kind. Appetizers start at around €11 and as you might imagine, prices just go up as the menu progresses. 

Fiaschetteria Di Pesce

P.za Taddeo Gadd, 5/6r

Best For: Casual fish dinner

The Fiaschetteria di Pesce is one of my favorite nooks to grab excellent seafood in Florence, no matter your hankering. Fried fish, they have it. Pasta with shellfish, you name the type. Raw fish plate? My all-time favorite! 

The only drawback is that this restaurant doubles as a fishmonger, leaving barely enough space for a few tables. Come early in the hopes of eating casually at the side bars or be prepared to wait as you have a glass of wine until your name is called. 

Pizzeria Antica Porta

Via Senese, 23

Best For: Takeout Pizza or casual pizza night 

This classic Italian pizzeria has been one of my favorites ever since 2009 and it’s still my preferred pizzeria to get takeout from. If you prefer to dine it, note that it’s a bit of a walk from the center, just past Porta Romana. 

You absolutely need to pre-book your dinner table, even on weekdays. Enjoy some of Florence’s best thin crust pizza in a rustic setting. 

Giovanni Santarpia

Via Senese, 155r

Located just past Pizzeria Antica Porta on the same road is Giovanni Sartarpia, the best pizzeria in Florence for gourmet pies. And because it’s outside the city center, you can be sure there isn’t a tourist in sight. 

The pizzaiolo (pizza maker), Giovanni Santarpia, specializes in gourmet combinations atop classic deep dish Neapolitan style pizzas. 

Trattoria Sostanza

Via del Porcellana, 25/R

Best For: Watching your food being prepared (open kitchen)

You have most likely heard of Trattoria Sostanza if you have opened any guide book about Florence. It’s considered the city’s most famous restaurant and despite the wait even to book a table, us locals keep coming back for more. 

They are famous for serving classic Tuscan dishes that adhere to the season, most famously their pollo al burro or their buttered chicken and the tortino di carciofi, a type of artichoke omelet. Their desserts are quite good as well! 

Le Tre Panche 

Vicolo Marzio, 1

Best For: Truffle lovers

Le Tre Panche is where we go to eat in Florence for our truffle fix. No matter how you like them, Le Tre Panche has it. Anything from eggs and pasta to tartare, chicken and rice, you can bet it’s covered in a generous shaving of fresh truffles from the surrounding Italian countryside. They have a beautiful terrace right above Ponte Vecchio or you can choose to eat indoors.

Coquinarius

Via dell’Oche, 11R

Best For: Wine connoisseurs (or people who want to learn more about wine)

Coquinarius is one of the best places in the Historic District for wine lovers. More of a wine bar or bistrot than a restaurant or trattoria, Coquinarius has one of the best and well curated wine lists in the area. 

Choose from a wide variety of small plates (including first and second courses) to accompany your wine. Use the sommelier at Coquinarius to help you choose which wine is best paired with your food. Or rather, which food is best paired with your wine since you are really coming here to drink wine, not eat. 

Good To Know: They also have a second location in Fiesole, a small hilltop town overlooking la bella Firenze. 

Regina Bistecca

Via Ricasoli, 14r

Best For: Meat lovers / Bistecca Fiorentina

Regina Bistecca is one of Florence’s newest steakhouses and boy, has it won over us locals. This elegant restaurant, just over from the Duomo is beautifully accented by large paintings and dark walls. 

We come here for the bistecca fiorentina but their menu has a ton of other options for meat-lovers. 

Trattoria Sergio Cozzi

Piazza di San Lorenzo, 8R

Best For: Budget friendly meals

Trattoria Sergio Gozzi is a bit of a dying breed in Florence. It’s one of those old school trattorie serving up traditional Tuscan food with a handwritten menu that changes daily. Florence used to be filled with these but now, only a few remain.

Come here for some of the cheapest good eats in Florence with a wide selection of first, second courses and side dishes. The house wine comes by the ¼, ½, or 1 liter.

In the summer, they set up small tables outdoors in the busy Piazza di San Lorenzo, making it one of the best restaurants in Florence for people watching.

Good To Know: Sergio Gozzi is only open for lunch Monday – Saturday.

Spending Time in Florence? Make the most of your time eating and drinking in bella Firenze!:
Best Pizza in Florence
Best Gelato In Florence
Best Coffee In Florence
10 Foods You Must Try On Your First Visit To Florence
The Best Cheap Eats in Tuscany
Eating Vegan and Vegetarian in Florence
Best Rooftop Bars in Florence
Where to Have Aperitivo on a Budget in Florence
Where to Eat on Your First Visit to Florence
My Favorite Places to Eat Bistecca Fiorentina in Florence
Where to Have Brunch in Florence
Coolest Bars in Florence
International Restaurants in Florence
My Favorite Wine Bars (Enoteche) in Florence
Wines to Try in Tuscany
Where to Find Florence’s Best Schiacciata
Florence’s Best Panini
Food Markets in Florence
Where to Find Florence’s Best Pastries
Best Bakeries in Florence
Eating Gluten-Free in Florence
Where to Have Apericena in Florence
Where to Get Takeout in Florence
Where Locals Eat in Florence
Florentine Food Souvenirs
Where to Buy Specialty Food Items and Gifts in Florence
Where to Eat with Kids in Florence
Where to Get a Quick Bite with Kids in Florence
Traditional Tuscan Food