30 Fantastic Restaurants in Florence
March 25, 2025
March 25, 2025
1.Buca del orafo
‘Buca’ is a ‘Basement’ that was once part of the above palace and is used as a store room, workshop, wine cellar, or restaurant. This is the smallest ‘Buca’ in Florence and one of the few still frequented by Florentines—just minutes from the Ponte Vecchio with a few tables that serve quality and traditional Florentine Food. Not to miss is the Gnudi, which is a typical dumpling made with ricotta and spinach in a butter and sage sauce. The artichoke frittata and pappardelle are hand-sliced wild boar ragu. For dinner, there are two seatings, 07.00 pm and 09.00 pm.
2. Il Borro Tuscan Bistrot is part of the Ferragamo group. Together with their luxury Hotel and Winery in Tuscany, Il Borro, the restaurant is located in one of the most beautiful locations in Florence, ‘Lungarno Accaiuoli’. Both this road and the road paralleling Borgo San Jacopo, with the Arno River in between, are where you can find four luxury Hotels from Ferragamo Group called ‘Lungarno Collections’, along with the Flagship store at one of the most beautiful palaces in Florence, Palazzo Spini Ferroni. Il Borro Bistrot is located next to the flagship store. An ideal Lunch location that offers seasonal plates. Most of the ingredients are sourced from local farms, including the organic farms of the Ferragamo. Their Estate wine and craft beer pairs perfectly with each plate. Be sure to save room for their delicious desserts.
3. Aterlier dei Nerli at Piazza dei Nerli in the district of San Frediano. This beautiful square is named after ‘The Nerli’, one of the Great Florentine Families from the Middle Ages when Florence was one of the world's most influential and vital cities—owner Daniele Cavalli, son of the late internationally acclaimed Florentine Fashion Designer Roberto Cavalli. Designed with Daniele, who has chosen local artisans such as Castorina and Casa Wolf to create a stunning space with outdoor dining.
Florentine chef Gian Luca Camilotto creates to-die-for plates - some of the best primi I have ever tasted! Be sure to book only open in the evenings.
4. Omero
It's one of my favourite restaurants in Florence. Just a 10-minute ride to one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in the foothills of Florence to arrive at Pian dei Giulari - named after the Jesters and theatricals that were hosted at Villa Il Teatro. As you see above the lookout point of Piazzale Michelangelo, you will see breathtaking views of Florence's historical centre. As you arrive, you will see the Torre del Gallo, a tower where Villa il Teatro once stood, and where the Great Galileo would try out many of his astrological experiments. This is where Italy's first Astrological Observatory is located. Omero, which translates to Homer, is, in fact, located in front of Galileo's home - Villa il Gioiello.
It is a fantastic location any season, although in the summer months, you can dine on the beautiful terrace that overlooks picture-perfect Tuscan Landscapes. It is a delicious location with traditional Florentine Dishes. When in season, their artichoke carpaccio is the best! Ideal for a Beef Fillet with green pepper sauce that is hard to resist. An excellent wine selection is available.
Via dell'Albero 28 50123 Firenze
It has been rated as one of the best Restaurants in Florence by the Michelin Guide since 2010.
A particular concept for Florence was invented by the fabulous owner, Abdel. Head chef Ryoko
Nakamura and her Japanese sous chefs cook the most delicious traditional and contemporary Florentine flavours.
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.
'Santa Croce District' Corso dei Tintori 47r50122 Firenze
If you are looking for a Florentine meal, Ristorante del Fagioli is the place. It is a seasonal, typical Florentine fair that includes soups, a selection of meats like the Florentine Steak, beef stew with pepper, tripe, and so 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 'Esercizi Storici Fiorentini' symbol 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. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday.
One of the only 'Typical' trattoria to be written up in the best and only valid food guide, Michelin
Inside the historical residence at Palazzo Portinari - one-star Michelin chef Vito Mollica serves seasonal plates with a contemporary twist. In his elegant restaurant, Atto. An Unforgettable fine dining experience.
8. Trattoria Sostanza - ' Il Troia'
Via del Porcellana 25/r 50123 Firenze
It's a true favourite for lunch. I love to sneak peek into the kitchen, one of the few in the historical centre 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.
You can find this lovely rustic - style Japanese Restaurant in the beautiful district of Sant Ambrogio. A Tiny space with just a few tables and outdoor dining. I usually love stopping in for lunch.
10. L'Ortone
Right by the farmers market in Sant Ambrogiio is the fantastic Ortello. It is a high-end Trattoria with great food and a top wine list. The perfect stop after a walk around the Markets for Lunch or even dinner where you can enjoy the Sant Ambrogio vibe for aperitivo with its buzzing bar scene.
Located in the heart of San Frediano. A typical Florentine Steakhouse where you can enjoy the famous 'Bistecca Alla Fiorentina.'This Restaurant was founded in 1950 by brothers Silvano and Bruno. Initially, a ‘Fiaschetteria’ was typical of the time, and it was known as a delicatessen that sold wine and salumi. In this place, the residents of San Frediano could enjoy a glass of wine with snacks. The Fillet is an ideal option if the T-Bone is too large a portion. You can also enjoy a good Cinta Senese steak as well. The Cinta Senese is the oldest pork breed in the world. It has a fun atmosphere and is still frequented by many Florentine locals.
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 united her with her daughter in Firenze. 'Il Gusto Dim Sum' was born ! Her new restaurant, Il Gusto di Xinge, is a must for asian and contemporary dining lovers! Check out her to-go options at Xinge Go-Go
The lovely local restaurant in the Santo Spirito district is an excellent location for typical Florentine Food, including the famous T-bone. One of the four owners, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, is part of a historical family of Butchers at the San Lorenzo market, which we visit on our morning market food tour.
There are only a handful of places where you can enjoy true Tuscan Beef, and this place is one of them!
Owner Matteo Fantini has an individual style, exactly like the name of his restaurant, Osteria Personale.'Osteria Personale.' Matteo personally selects his seasonal ingredients and creates unforgettable flavours 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.
Borgo San Jacopo 57 / r 50125 Firenze
You can go ahead and arrive in Piazza Frescobaldi, a square named after the Marchesi Frescobaldi, a historical wine family from Florence. After 27 generations of winemaking, the Frescobaldi Family still live on Via Santo Spirito.
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. It is an ideal stop, particularly during white truffle season from October to December. Other ideal plates include their meat dishes, such as beef fillet with a side of fried artichoke.
One of my favourite eateries in Florence. The fresh flavours 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 favourite shot, Pineapple with spring, comes to mind as I write shots! The excellent chef Chiara has always prepared vegan. You can taste the freshness and flavour of Chiara's 'healthy' and 'ethical' food in every mouthful!
17. Tranvai - One of the most genuine Traditional Restaurants in town. Located in the wonderful district of San Frediano. The Trattoria's name is dedicated to the trams that used to pass in front of it (the Florentines would call them Tranvai instead ofTrams! ). The owner even transformed the entry to his kitchen using an original Tram!
Here you can enjoy all of the most typical Florentine Plates from Lampredotto - the third stomach of the cow to Rabbit along with great pasta dishes.
The Ideal Restaurant for true fish lovers. In Florence if you want to eat fish you dine at a 'Fish only' restaurant. Your meal begins with a raw fish starter and you continue to a delicious pasta dish with a fish sauce. Marina di Santo Spirito is tucked away in the Oltra Arno but it is bustling with locals enjoying the best catch of the day. Dinner only be sure to book
Lunch only at the indoor market of Sant Ambrogio. 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, which is fantastic. The classic 'mensa', a canteen for workers, is inexpensive and divine. You can see Rocco and his workers sitting down to lunch at around 11.30am before they begin to serve food at around 12.15pm. Take away is also available
20. Bistecca Regina
Surrounded by bustling crowds on the 'Holy Grail' to Michelangelo's David - Via Ricasoli is a gorgeous street with views of the third largest cathedral in the world 'Santa Maria Novella' although the area is so indundated with hit the famous place take a photo and Run - leave the city right way with a take way panino in hand for dinner tourists (sounds so much better in Italian 'Mordi - Fuggi' ). There it is Bistecca Regina a beautiful location serving top quality beef and other wonderful plates. The place reminds me of a Parisian Bistrot and the service is to perfection. You can even enjoy a Negroni served with the original ingredients as their elegant bar. You would not expect anything less from the creative and stylish owners - Florentine Couple Betty Soldi well know Calligrapher. You can find her words and designs around the most beautiful boutiques in Florence from Pineider, Antonio Mattei and Moleskin. Betty and her Husband Matteo Peduca are also owners of beautiful boutique Hotels around the Oltra Arno that inlcude - Soprano Suites, Ad Astra & Oltrarno Splendid
21. Gunè San Frediano is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Florence. Owner Nicola brings his recipes from his hometown, Basilicata, to create delicious plates that entwine Tuscany and Lucanian Cuisine. Exceptional service by Nicola and the staff to create an unforgettable dining experience. From Starters to dessert!
Via del Orto 5/r 50124 Firenze
Owner Leonardo is a passionate Florentine chef. His passion includes searching for quality ingredients and traditional flavours. His parents have owned the butchers 'Lanini Giovanni Macelleria next door to his restaurant since 1978.
Le Volte offers traditional flavours. The best beef tartar that you can find in the city. Leonardo dices fresh, beef raised in Italy. Then, add a dollop of fresh burrata—a taste sensation paired with Craft Italian beer from Poggibonsi. If you are lucky, you will taste Leonardo's mum's porchetta, which slowly cooks for 9 hours and then is added to a higher degree, so the crackling is super crunchy.
23. The Fusion Bar and Restaurant
Vicolo dell' Oro 550123 Firenze
Put Japanese and Peruvian ingredients together for the most delicious and only Nikkei Cuisine in town. It is a 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. Chef Antonio Minichielo prepares mouthfools of contemporary international flavors
You typically find true Trattorias in areas where locals live. This is the case in San Frediano. Trattoria del Orto is a family run restaurant that serves typical Florentine Plates and my favorite fried artichoke flowers
25. Diverso
A fantastic fish restaurant serving creative and delicious plates with an elegant atmosphere. Owner and Chef Niccolo Giaffreda is young and hard working with a portfolio of experience in other fine dining restaurants around Florence. You can only find fresh fish direct from Livorno or other Meditteranean waters. Prime ingredients that makes every mouthful falvorsome and joyous. A fantastic Wine list of small local producers
26. Ora D'Aria
Marco Stabile is one of Tuscany's great chefs. Originally from Pontedera located within the Chocolate Valley and an area known for top bakeries and traditions. Having travelled and worked in kitchens along side top chefs all over the world Marco found his home in Florence. A city as he explains it 'never loses its identity'
The beautiful space has not more than 10 tables that look on to the kitchen. An elegant and refined setting that services traditional ingredients with a creative twist. What truly stands out is Marco's fine cuisine has true Florentine Features something that you don't find in other high end and contemporary restaurants in Florence.
27. Podere 39
There is a great food vibe after the Roman Doors 'Porta Romana' standing at the door looking at Michelangelo Pistoletto's statue 'The Woman with the Woman on her head' you can find a selection of wonderful bakeries, caffes and gelateria. Once you are on Via Senese you have one of the best fish mongers, great butchers the most incredible Vegan Pastry Shop Pasticceria Gualtieri and Podere 39! a stunning restaurant with delicious plates!
Typical Restaurant in San Frediano that does not disappoint. Ideal for dinner after a stop in one of the cocktail bars on Borgo San Frediano. The restaurant serves typical and seasonal food.
29 Momoyama
Momoyama opened twenty-five years ago; This traditional Japanese restaurant is the oldest in Florence. One of the few and only two others offer an authentic Japanese Cuisine with quality products. It has a great selection of sashimi, tempura, and signature cocktails. You gotta love the Sake Negroni.
30 Colle Bereto
A very well known location for young Florentines in the evening. In the day this beautiful location in its prime spot in Piazza dei Strozzi is a great place for lunch. Comfortable couches with an ideal menu.
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