Traveling through Italy in the early 1980s on my own as a teenager, I was looking for adventure. The last thing that was on my mind was the best dining in Florence Italy. However, at this point in our lives, each time that Rob and I return here, we are always on the hunt to find the top eateries and trattorias that offer the tastiest pastas, pizzas, gelatos and other yummy things to eat!
In this post we share some of the best dining in Florence Italy. From the world-famous Florentine steak to delicate handmade pasta, hearty ribollita soup, and delectable truffles, Florence offers a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Now, some of you may struggle with the word the best as everyone’s palate is different. Therefore, we preface all of this with – these are our local friends’ favorite places (as well as ours) and we would like to share them with you!
Whether you’re seeking a Michelin-star masterpiece or a casual trattoria with authentic Tuscan flavors, you’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
Join us on this culinary adventure through the most satisfying of foods in Florence Italy.
Map of Florence Italy Best Restaurants
Here is a handy map of Florence Italy best dining experiences.
Michelin Star: Best Dining in Florence Italy
Florence has 12 Michelin star restaurants with many options to choose from. Remember, dining in a Michelin recognized restaurant is an event and it is a pricey proposition. So choose wisely where to spend these dollars as most of these places are about 200 Euros per person for a full dining experience and a few glasses of wine. Here are our recommendations:
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Enoteca Pinchiorri was originally created by Annie Féolde, making her the first female chef in Italy to earn three Michelin stars.
The food is luxurious and elaborate, but it’s never overly complicated. The focus is always on the delicious flavors of the high-quality ingredients. Each course is like a fireworks display, building in intensity and delight. The menu is a fusion of Italian and French cuisines, with highlights like pigeon breast with foie gras and sea bass carpaccio.
The service is also exceptional, a perfectly choreographed performance led by one of Italy’s best maître-d’s. While Annie Féolde, a key figure at the restaurant, has handed over the kitchen to the talented Chef Riccardo Monco, the restaurant continues to deliver top-notch cuisine. And finally, the wine list, curated by Giorgio Pinchiorri, is another reason to visit. And to top it off the restaurant is in a historic palazzo.
Santa Elisabetta
Santa Elisabetta, is the only restaurant in Florence with two-Michelin stars. It is located within the historic Torre della Pagliazza, a 13th-century stone tower where Chef Rocco De Santis crafts imaginative Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing fresh seafood and drawing inspiration from his native Campania.
Diners at Santa Elisabetta often opt for tasting menus, such as the multi-course Chef Experience or the “Carte Blanche” option. These meals showcase the chef’s artistry and dedication, often expanding beyond the stated number of courses with additional small dishes and surprises. Yes, like in the show “The Bear”.
The intimate setting features only 6 tables, creating an exclusive atmosphere where guests can savor the chef’s precise and flavorful creations. Reservations are essential due to the restaurant’s limited capacity.
Il Palagio
Equally remarkable is Il Palagio, the elegant gourmet restaurant located on the ground floor of the Palazzo della Gherardesca within the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and offers a refined neo-Classic dining experience. Surrounded by beautiful mature gardens, the restaurant features the culinary creations of Chef Paolo Lavezzini.
Lavezzini, who describes himself as “Italian by heart and Brazilian by soul” due to his extensive experience in Brazil, reinterprets Italian culinary traditions, particularly those of Tuscany, with occasional hints of Brazilian influence. His menu showcases seasonal Italian dishes, including options like Cavatelli cacio e pepe with red prawns and Chianina beef with bone marrow and truffle.
Il Palagio also caters to vegetarians with a dedicated tasting menu.
Best Restaurants in Italy Florence Overall
There are thousands of restaurants in Florence! How does one choose where to spend our hard earned walking calories and our Euros?! Well, here are our favorites. We hope that you enjoy them as well.
Some of you may notice that we have listed a few places with the best Florentine Steak in Florence Italy. Well, our local friends each have their favorites, so we are pointing out the best of the best ones.
Il Vezzo
Ambiance: A hip and intimate restaurant with a contemporary yet cozy decor, ideal for a romantic evening or a relaxed fine-dining experience (although there is a bicycle that hangs on the wall).
Cuisine: Modern Italian with creative twists on traditional Tuscan flavors.
Signature Dishes: “Pumpkin Risotto with Truffle”, “Slow-Cooked Pork Belly with Apple Puree”, and best Florentine Steak in Florence Italy.
Dietary Options: Offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Address & Location: Via Guelfa, 58/R
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi
Ambiance: A no-frills, historic trattoria (it was founded in 1915) with a lively, old-world charm, located near the famous Mercato di San Lorenzo. Expect communal tables, a friendly atmosphere, and a menu written on a chalkboard.
Cuisine: Authentic Tuscan home cooking, with a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients.
Signature Dishes: “Pappa al Pomodoro” (tomato and bread soup) and “Ossobuco alla Fiorentina” (slow-braised veal shank). And don’t miss their authentic Lampredotto.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-friendly; gluten-free options available upon request.
Address & Location: Piazza San Lorenzo, 8R
Trattoria Dall’Oste
Ambiance: A renowned steakhouse with a rustic, traditional setting, specializing in premium cuts of meat, including Chianina and Wagyu beef. This is the place to go for some of the best Florentine Steak in Florence Italy!
Cuisine: Steakhouse-style Tuscan cuisine, with an extensive selection of dry-aged meats.
Signature Dishes: “Bistecca alla Fiorentina” and “Tagliata di Manzo with Truffle.”
Dietary Options: Offers gluten-free options and vegetarian sides.
Address & Location: Borgo S. Lorenzo, 31
La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant
Ambiance: A charming and rustic restaurant with exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and an extensive wine selection, offering a refined yet relaxed dining experience.
Cuisine: Elevated Tuscan cuisine with an emphasis on high-quality meats and fresh, local ingredients.
Signature Dishes: “Beef Tartare with Truffle” and “Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragù.”
Dietary Options: Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Address & Location: Via dei Benci, 3
L’Osteria di Giovanni
Ambiance: A welcoming, family-run osteria with a warm, traditional feel, featuring exposed wooden beams and a lively, local crowd.
Cuisine: Classic Florentine dishes served in generous portions with a focus on meat and seasonal specialties.
Signature Dishes: “Bistecca alla Fiorentina” – aka the best Florentine Steak in Florence Italy, and “Pici Cacio e Pepe” – a hand made thick pasta dish with grated cheeses and black pepper.
Dietary Options: Gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
Address & Location: Via del Moro, 22
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Ambiance: This small and charming osteria feels like stepping into a local’s kitchen. It’s intimate, with only a handful of tables, and exudes a relaxed, authentic vibe.
Cuisine: Traditional Tuscan dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Signature Dishes: Ribollita (Tuscan bread soup), pappardelle with wild boar ragù, and their famed tiramisu.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian-friendly with gluten-free options upon request.
Address & Location: Via dei Magazzini, 3R
Su Guan – Chinese Veg
Ambiance: One of the best vegetarian/vegan eateries in Florence. Run by Chinese Italians, this place has authentic Chinese dishes but they are all vegetarian or vegan with a focus on healthy. It was our go to place in Florence.
Dishes to Try: The “Mapo Tofu” (silky tofu in a spicy Sichuan sauce) is a must-try, while the “Vegetarian Dumplings” are packed with fresh, flavorful fillings. Their handmade noodles and crispy mock duck are also highly recommended.
Dietary Options: Fully vegetarian with most dishes being vegan or can be made vegan. Gluten-free options are available.
Address & Location: Via Sant’Antonino, 32R
Best Pizza in Florence Italy
Pizza may not have been discovered here, but we found some of the best pizza in Florence Italy. It even rivals some of the ones that we ate at our favorite pizzeria in Rome!
Ciro and Sons – Restaurant Pizzeria Firenze
Ambiance: A modern yet cozy, family-run restaurant with elegant decor and a welcoming atmosphere, Ciro and Sons is known for its award-winning pizzas and friendly service.
Pizzas to Try: The “Tartufina” (truffle cream, mozzarella, and porcini mushrooms) is a standout, while the “Regina Margherita” (buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil) showcases traditional flavors. Their gluten-free pizza, which has won multiple awards, is a must-try.
Dietary Options: Excellent gluten-free and vegan pizza options available.
Address & Location: Via del Giglio, 28
New Bridge Pizza Club
Ambiance: A trendy and modern pizzeria with a casual, laid-back vibe, New Bridge Pizza Club is a local favorite for its high-quality ingredients and innovative toppings.
Pizzas to Try: The “Diavola” (spicy salami and chili flakes) packs a punch, while the “Mortadella e Pistacchio” (mortadella, ricotta, and crushed pistachios) offers a unique twist.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian and vegan friendly with some gluten-free options available.
Address & Location: Via de’ Benci, 22
Gustapizza
Ambiance: A busy pizzeria popular with locals and tourists alike, Gustapizza is known for its casual, no-frills atmosphere and open kitchen.
Pizzas to Try: The classic Margherita is a favorite, but the truffle pizza and the “Calabrese” (spicy salami) are must-tries as well.
Dietary Options: Gluten-free pizza is available upon request.
Address & Location: Via Maggio, 46R
Top Gelato – Best Dining in Florence Italy
In my mind, there is no better place for gelato than in Florence! Seriously, if you can only go to one place, we highly recommend Sbrino for either the dairy or vegan versions of the creamiest gelato in the world.
Sbrino – Gelatificio Contadino
Ambiance: A charming, farm-to-table gelateria known for its commitment to natural ingredients and artisanal production. Sbrino’s cozy and minimalist interior makes it a great spot for those who appreciate high-quality, handcrafted gelato. Be prepared to wait 5-10 minutes.
Flavors to Try: Pistachio from Bronte, ricotta with caramelized figs, and dark chocolate with Himalayan salt.
Dietary Options: Offers several vegan (usually 9 options) and gluten-free flavors made with organic ingredients. For vegans the dark chocolate orange blew my mind.
Address & Location: Via dei Serragli, 32R
RivaReno Gelato Firenze
Ambiance: A sleek and modern gelateria offering ultra-creamy gelato made fresh daily, RivaReno is known for its smooth texture and rich flavors.
Flavors to Try: “Contessa” (almond, amaretti, and caramelized hazelnuts), “Crema Fiorentina” (custard with orange zest), and “Cioccolato Extra-Fondente” (intense dark chocolate). For vegan/lactose-free folks consider the chocolate as it tastes like the real thing!
Dietary Options: Offers a selection of vegan and gluten-free flavors.
Address & Location: Via Borgo degli Albizi, 46R
La Carraia (Santa Croce)
Ambiance: A second location of the beloved La Carraia, this gelateria in Santa Croce offers the same high-quality gelato in a central and lively neighborhood, making it a perfect stop after exploring the area’s historic sites.
Flavors to Try: Stracciatella, hazelnut, and white chocolate with pistachio.
Dietary Options: Vegan and gluten-free options available.
Address & Location: Via de’ Benci, 24R
Foodie Tips for Best Dining in Florence Italy
Consider the Seasonal Menu: Many Florentine restaurants change their menus seasonally, so you’ll always get the freshest ingredients.
Don’t Skip Aperitivo: Before dinner, enjoy an aperitivo: A tradition where you can sip on drinks and nibble on small bites.
Reserve in Advance: Popular restaurants and pizzerias often require reservations, especially during peak seasons.
Order House Wine: Many restaurants serve excellent house wines in half liter and full liter carafes at reasonable prices. One Michelin star restaurant actually had a liter of excellent house red for 8 Euros!
Try Lampredotto: For an authentic street food experience, taste lampredotto (tripe sandwich) from a local food cart or even a restaurant. Some of the best is also at Trattoria Sergio Gozzi – listed above.
Afternoon Closing: Keep in mind that many eateries close in the afternoons and reopen for dinner. We were rushing to one restaurant that was set to close at 15:00 (3:00 pm) and got there at 14:32 (2:32 pm) only to find out that the kitchen was already closed.
Wrap Up – Best Dining in Florence Italy
Most of us come to Florence for it’s amazing art & history, but having great food along the way is part of the adventure, right?! On this trip we discovered many great eateries to satisfy even the finickiest of eaters.
If you only go to a couple of places, then check out Il Vezzo for their modern twists on Tuscan foods and Trattoria Sergio Gozzi for traditional dishes with recipes from over 100 years ago. And if you are hankering for the best pizza in Florence Italy, then look no further than Ciro and Sons. Finish it all off with a gelato from Sbrino. Boy oh boy, if that isn’t the best dining in Florence Italy we don’t know what is!
Do you have a favorite place to eat in Florence? We would love to hear from you in the comments!
