Florence is a city brimming with Renaissance art, history, and culinary treasures. From cozy trattorias in the Oltrarno to fine dining around the Duomo, each neighborhood offers its own flavor of Tuscan tradition. Here’s your guide to the 35 best restaurants in Florence, broken down by neighborhood, each offering something unique to make your dining experience memorable. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional bistecca alla Fiorentina or modern takes on Italian classics, this list will guide you to the best Florence has to offer.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our Guide to Eating in Italy: What You Need to Know
1. Duomo / Historic Center
The heart of Florence, dominated by the majestic Duomo, is full of restaurants that cater to both tourists and locals with high-quality Tuscan fare.
- Il Latini
Famous for its family-style dining and Tuscan classics, Il Latini is one of Florence’s most well-known restaurants. Expect hearty portions and an authentic atmosphere.
Order: Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Website - Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
A small, charming osteria where you’ll feel like family. The dishes are traditional Tuscan, with a menu that changes based on what’s fresh.
Order: Ribollita (Tuscan bread soup)
Website - Trattoria Za Za
A classic Florentine trattoria in the heart of the San Lorenzo market area, known for its extensive menu, including lots of Tuscan favorites.
Order: Peposo (peppery beef stew)
Website - Ristorante Paoli
Located in a beautiful historical building near the Duomo, this restaurant offers a refined atmosphere with frescoed walls and traditional Florentine cuisine.
Order: Tagliatelle al tartufo (truffle pasta)
Website - Trattoria Mario
A no-frills, family-run spot that has been a staple in Florence since 1953. It’s famous for its Fiorentina steak and homey atmosphere.
Order: Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Website
2. Santa Croce
A vibrant neighborhood near the historic Santa Croce Basilica, offering a range of authentic trattorias and stylish modern restaurants.
- Enoteca Pinchiorri
Florence’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, this is the ultimate fine dining experience. Perfect for those looking for an unforgettable meal.
Order: Tasting menu
Website - La Maremma
A cozy trattoria offering simple, traditional Tuscan fare with a focus on hearty meat dishes and local wines.
Order: Pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta)
Website - Boccanegra
This elegant restaurant offers a blend of traditional Tuscan dishes and modern Italian cuisine, in a beautiful setting near Santa Croce.
Order: Ravioli with ricotta and spinach
Website - Osteria De’ Benci
A lively, casual spot known for its rustic Tuscan dishes and bustling atmosphere. The perfect place for a hearty meal and a good glass of Chianti.
Order: Crostini misti (mixed Tuscan crostini)
Website - Francesco Vini
A long-established favorite near the Santa Croce Basilica, offering refined Tuscan dishes in an elegant setting with a strong focus on wine pairings.
Order: Peposo alla Fiorentina (Tuscan beef stew)
Website
3. San Lorenzo / Mercato Centrale
Home to Florence’s famous leather market and the bustling Mercato Centrale, this neighborhood offers some of the city’s most iconic dining spots.
- Mercato Centrale
A vibrant food market where you can sample the best of Tuscan street food and gourmet dishes from various stalls, perfect for a casual meal.
Order: Lampredotto sandwich
Website - Ristorante Cafaggi
A family-run restaurant offering authentic Tuscan comfort food in a cozy and welcoming environment. The perfect place to enjoy traditional recipes.
Order: Ribollita
Website - Da Nerbone
Located inside Mercato Centrale, Da Nerbone is famous for its Florentine street food, especially the beloved lampredotto (tripe sandwich).
Order: Lampredotto
Website - Trattoria Gozzi Sergio
A local favorite offering simple, traditional Tuscan dishes at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is no-frills but the food is top-notch.
Order: Pappa al pomodoro
Website - Osteria All’Antico Mercato
Located near the San Lorenzo market, this restaurant serves up hearty Tuscan dishes with a focus on quality and tradition.
Order: Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Website
4. Oltrarno / Santo Spirito
The Oltrarno is the more bohemian side of Florence, offering a mix of artisan workshops, quiet streets, and some of the best restaurants in the city.
- Trattoria La Casalinga
A classic Florentine trattoria, this spot is famous for its home-style Tuscan cooking and welcoming, no-nonsense atmosphere.
Order: Pappardelle al cinghiale
Website - Il Santo Bevitore
A chic, modern restaurant in the heart of Oltrarno, known for its inventive takes on traditional Tuscan cuisine and great wine selection.
Order: Beef tartare with truffle
Website - Gusta Pizza
Famous for serving some of the best pizza in Florence, this casual spot is a must-visit for pizza lovers, with a simple menu and consistently delicious pies.
Order: Margherita pizza
Website - Trattoria 4 Leoni
A beloved trattoria offering Tuscan classics with a modern twist in the heart of the Oltrarno. The outdoor seating in the piazza is perfect for people-watching.
Order: Pear and pecorino ravioli
Website - Cuculia
A contemporary restaurant and bookshop offering creative and artful dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients and inventive presentations.
Order: Octopus with black garlic
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5. Santa Maria Novella
This bustling area around the train station is full of hidden gems, offering everything from casual dining to elegant Tuscan cuisine.
- L’Osteria di Giovanni
A refined Tuscan restaurant known for its top-quality ingredients and warm hospitality, making it a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.
Order: Pappardelle with wild boar
Website - Ristorante Buca Mario
One of the oldest restaurants in Florence, offering classic Tuscan dishes in a charming underground setting.
Order: Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Website - Trattoria Sostanza
A small, historic trattoria famous for its butter chicken and hearty Tuscan dishes. The no-frills ambiance is all part of the charm.
Order: Pollo al burro (butter chicken)
Website - Il Profeta
Known for its warm hospitality and unique dishes inspired by Tuscan traditions, Il Profeta offers an elegant yet welcoming dining experience.
Order: Tagliatelle Michelangelo
Website - Trattoria da Giorgio
A simple, family-run trattoria offering generous portions of traditional Florentine fare at great prices, perfect for a casual meal.
Order: Ribollita
Website
6. San Niccolò
At the foot of Piazzale Michelangelo, San Niccolò is a quaint, artistic neighborhood with a growing food scene offering both casual and fine dining experiences.
- Fuor d’Acqua
A seafood restaurant renowned for its fresh fish and elegant presentation. Ideal for a special night out in the quieter side of Florence.
Order: Grilled sea bass
Website - Il Rifrullo
A trendy spot with a lovely garden area, perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes.
Order: Florentine steak with potatoes
Website - La Beppa Fioraia
A lively, rustic restaurant with outdoor seating and hearty portions of Tuscan comfort food. Ideal for groups and casual dining.
Order: Fiorentina steak
Website - Trattoria I’Raddi
A hidden gem serving traditional Tuscan dishes in a cozy, relaxed setting. The perfect place to escape the tourist crowds.
Order: Pappardelle al cinghiale
Website - Boccadarno
A seafood-focused restaurant offering fresh, modern Italian dishes in a contemporary setting, perfect for a chic dining experience.
Order: Spaghetti with clams
Website
7. San Frediano
Often considered the “coolest” neighborhood in Florence, San Frediano offers a laid-back vibe with plenty of artisanal shops and trendy eateries.
- Il Borgo Antico
Located in the bustling Piazza Santo Spirito, this trattoria is perfect for al fresco dining with traditional Tuscan dishes and a lively atmosphere.
Order: Gnocchi with truffle
Website - Trattoria Sabatino
A budget-friendly, family-run trattoria offering hearty Tuscan dishes in a casual, old-school environment. A local favorite for comfort food.
Order: Minestrone
Website - Ristorante Il Guscio
A refined yet relaxed restaurant known for its seafood dishes and creative interpretations of traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Order: Tagliolini with prawns
Website - Pint of View
A modern, stylish restaurant offering a blend of Italian and Asian-inspired dishes, perfect for those looking for something different in the Florence dining scene.
Order: Pork belly bao
Website - La Vecchia Bettola
A rustic trattoria offering simple, hearty Tuscan fare in a warm, welcoming setting. Their penne alla Bettola is legendary.
Order: Penne alla Bettola
Website
With these 35 best restaurants, you’re now fully prepared to explore Florence’s culinary wonders. Whether you’re indulging in a traditional bistecca alla Fiorentina or discovering a modern take on Tuscan classics, these restaurants are sure to provide an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Italy’s Renaissance city. Buon appetito!
