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Florence food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Florence.
Photo by Katie Smetherman on Unsplash
What to eat in Florence
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
$50–$90
A thick-cut, bone-in steak, traditionally from Chianina cattle, grilled rare over coals. Its simplicity highlights the quality of the meat and is a true Florentine indulgence.
Where to try: Trattorias in the Oltrarno district, especially those with wood-fired grills.
Lampredotto
$4–$7
The fourth stomach of a cow, slow-cooked in broth and typically served in a bread roll, often dipped in the cooking liquid. It's a hearty, flavorful street food staple.
Where to try: Street food carts (trippaio) around Mercato Centrale and Piazza del Mercato Nuovo.
Pappa al Pomodoro
$8–$15
A thick, rustic Tuscan soup made with ripe tomatoes, stale bread, garlic, basil, and olive oil. It's a comforting dish that embodies Tuscan resourcefulness.
Where to try: Traditional trattorias and osterias throughout the city, particularly in Santa Croce.
Ribollita
$9–$16
A hearty vegetable and bread soup, a 're-boiled' peasant dish featuring cannellini beans, kale, and other seasonal vegetables. It’s best enjoyed on a cooler evening.
Where to try: Found on menus across Florence, especially in older, family-run establishments.
Schiacciata con l'uva
$3–$6
A sweet, flatbread typically made with olive oil and topped with grapes during the grape harvest season. It's a simple, delicious seasonal treat.
Where to try: Bakeries (forni) in the San Lorenzo and Sant'Ambrogio areas, especially in early autumn.
Crostini Toscani
$6–$12
Toasted bread slices topped with a rich pâté made from chicken livers, capers, anchovies, and wine. It's a classic antipasto that's full of savory flavor.
Where to try: Most traditional Florentine restaurants and enotecas.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Oltrarno
Artisan workshops and traditional trattorias
Traditional Tuscan cuisineAuthentic atmosphereWine tasting
San Lorenzo / Mercato Centrale
Bustling market and food hall
Street foodLocal produceQuick lunches
Sant'Ambrogio
Local market and residential feel
Neighborhood bakeriesCasual diningFresh ingredients
Santa Croce
Historic charm with diverse eateries
Historic restaurantsPappa al PomodoroExploring side streets
Dietary notes
Florentine cuisine is traditionally meat-heavy, with a focus on beef, pork, and offal. Vegetarian options are available, often centered around vegetables, beans, and pasta dishes, but may require specific requests. Veganism is less common, and gluten-free options can be challenging outside of dedicated establishments.
Local etiquette
- •Order coffee at the bar for a lower price; sitting at a table incurs a service charge.
- •Tipping is not obligatory; a small amount (a few euros) for excellent service is appreciated but not expected.
- •Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends or at popular restaurants.
- •Dinner is typically eaten later, starting around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM.
- •It's customary to finish your plate to show appreciation for the meal.