6 Florence Italy Restaurants you can’t miss
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Florence is one of those cities where you can’t have a bad meal…. but you can definitely miss the best ones.
I spent four months living in Florence while studying abroad, and it’s a city I’ve continued to return to ever since! Between that time and my multiple visits back, I’ve had the chance to experience so many restaurants, from casual spots to more memorable, sit-down meals. Food is such an important part of the Florence experience, and it’s something I always prioritize when planning trips here.
This list of the best Florence Italy restaurants is a collection of my 6 favorite dining spots, from quick, to-go eateries to more formal sit-down meals. These are all places that I’ve personally loved and regularly recommend to my clients when planning their trips to Florence.
If you are heading to Florence and want a mix of iconic meals and tucked-away spots, this is a great place to start.
Here are 6 Florence Italy restaurants you shouldn’t miss.
6 Florence Italy Restaurants You Need to Try
La Giostra: A Romantic Florence Restaurant Worth the Hype
While this list is not in any particular order, this restaurant deserves the number 1 spot on every one of my lists. La Giostra is my favorite restaurant in all of Florence and maybe even the world.
La Giostra is known for the pear ravioli, but I personally think that is nowhere near the best item on the menu. My personal favorite item on the menu is the Stracciatella Di Burrata. My mouth waters just thinking about it!
Everything I have had from La Giostra has been delicious, but the Burrata is what keeps me coming back every time I’m in Florence.
La Giostra is perfect if you are looking for a slightly more elevated dinner with a romantic atmosphere. This is one I recommend to clients who want a memorable night out in Florence.
Reservations: Highly recommended and can be made online HERE
Pino’s Sandwiches (Salumeria Verde): A casual Florence Restaurant for the Best Panini
This is the cutest Panini shop owned and run by the cutest family. This was a staple during my time studying abroad.
You can’t go wrong with any of the Panini, but my favorite panini is the Springtime or Tuscan.
There are tables at Pino’s but my favorite way to enjoy a Pino’s panini is by taking it to go and walking down to eat it by the river!
Pino’s is perfect for a quick meal with lots of flavor, whether it be lunch or dinner. I always recommend clients stop here for lunch on one of their days exploring the city.
Reservations: do not have reservations
Osteria Santo Spirito: A local favorite Florence Italy Restaurant in the Oltrarno neighborhood
If you love truffles, Osteria Santo Spirito is a must-visit. This restaurant is located in the Oltrarno neighborhood (this means across the river). This is a much more local neighborhood and the Piazza it sits on is one of my favorites. At night, you will see a bunch of locals out and about, socializing, enjoying drinks and taking in the atmosphere. There is frequently live music. This piazza is exactly what I envision when I think of Italy.
The food at this restaurant is just as good as the atmosphere. The Truffle Gnocchi is my favorite meal here. They also have a good Florentine steak.
Perfect for a night when you want a slow dinner and to feel like a local. I always recommend this to clients who have more than 2 days in the city and have room for a slower evening.
Reservations: highly recommended and can be made by sending a Whatsapp message to +39 348 346 7804
Gusta Pizza: A casual Florence Restaurant for the best pizza
Is there ever a bad time for pizza? Gustapizza is another staple I have every time I’m in Florence!
This traditional wood-fired thin-crust pizza is delicious! You can even ask for them to make it in the shape of a heart (if they aren’t too busy)!
This restaurant has some indoor seating, but my preferred way to enjoy it is to get takeout and eat it in the piazza.
Perfect for a quick but delicious meal while exploring the Oltrarno neighborhood.
Reservations: Does not take reservations
Trattoria Mamma Gina: A family-owned Florence Restaurant that feels incredibly homey
Mamma Gina’s is one of those restaurants where you walk inside and instantly feel like you are part of the family. From the homey atmosphere to the welcoming waitstaff, this place was one of my favorites.
The menu contains many local Florentine dishes. My personal favorite dish was the Tagliolini with Fresh Artichokes.
Trattoria Mamma Gina is a great option if you are looking for a more tradtional, sit-down tuscan meal.
Reservations: highly recommended and can be made online HERE.
Trattoria ZaZa: A Classic Florence Italy Restaurant for Tuscan Dishes
Located right near Central Market, this restaurant is always busy. It’s big, a little chaotic, and feels like a maze of different dining rooms, each with its own vibe.
The menu is extensive, which makes it a great option if you want variety or are traveling with a group. You’ll find all the Tuscan staples here, from rich pastas like pappardelle with wild boar to truffle-heavy dishes and the iconic bistecca alla fiorentina.
My personal favorite dish is the Rigatoni alla sorrentia Za Za style. It was delicious!
Perfect if you want a fun, classic dinner option with a big menu and a lively atmosphere.
Reservations: This place is popular, so expect a wait if you do not have a reservation. Reservations can be made HERE
My Go-To Florence Italy Restaurants for Every Meal Type
- Quick lunch: Pino’s Sandwiches
- Casual dinner: Gusta Pizza
- Nicer Night Out: La Giostra or Osteria Santo Spirito
- Classic Tuscan Meal: Trattoria Za Za or Trattoria Mamma Gina
Planning where to eat is one of the most fun parts of a Florence trip, but it can also get overwhelming fast. This list of my 6 favorite Florence Italy Restaurants is a great starting point to use when planning your trip.
Looking for help planning your trip to Italy? I offer services ranging from hotel bookings to full-service itinerary planning to ensure you have a great trip! Review my services HERE.
It’s awesome that you got to stay here long enough to try so many places out! A panini sounds fantastic! And I love a woodfired pizza too!
Italian food is one of my favourite foods so I would definitely love to visit all these restaurants when next in Florence.
A lovely selection of restaurants in Florence. It’s always such a pleasure to experience the local food, and this list offers a great starting point for enjoying the city through its flavours.
Florence is such an amazing place for food. We went to unknown trattorias and had great meals. But your list looks fabulous. Will bookmark it for my next trip.
you can’t go wrong with italian food… i haven’t tried these places in florence so it’ll be great to try them when I go. i think i would love to try trattoria mamma gina because i love somewhere with a homey vibe. thanks for the recs!
Great content! Keep up the good work!