Best Places to Eat in Florence
This ever-changing city always has something new to offer, with beloved spots that evolve or disappear and exciting newcomers arriving on the scene.
So, where to begin?
With so many trattorias, pizzerias, and enotecas around, it can be tricky to know where to go. One of the questions I get asked most often is: what’s the difference between all these types of restaurants?
Traditionally, trattorias are the simplest option—think homestyle dishes and local specialties served without fuss. Osterias originally offered food and lodging, but today they range from rustic and casual to full-on Michelin-starred destinations, often with a slightly more varied menu than a trattoria. A ristorante is a general term and doesn’t say much about the type of food you’ll find. If it’s labeled ristorante-pizzeria, you can expect pizza alongside other main dishes. An enoteca, meanwhile, is all about good wine, usually paired with a smaller food menu.
My best advice? Venture away from the big squares and the restaurants featured in every guidebook. Many of those were once local gems, but are now overrun with tourists. There are always exceptions—but they’re rare!
Personally, I love eating on the south side of the river, in the Oltrarno. The food quality tends to be higher, prices more reasonable, and you’re far more likely to be surrounded by locals than selfie sticks. Most of the places on this list are in that part of town—after all, they’re my favorites!
In high season, I recommend booking ahead. You’ll often need to call, but more and more places are starting to offer online reservations too.
Best Places to Eat in Florence: My Favorites
Burro & Acciughe
Style: Seafood
Address: San Frediano, Via dell’Orto 35/R
Neighborhood: Oltrarno
Fresh, simple, and delicious! This lovely fish restaurant offers a changing daily menu and a great wine selection. Their gran crudo (a plate of raw seafood) is outstanding.
Procacci
Style: Aperitivo
Address: Via de’ Tornabuoni 64R
Neighborhood: Centro Storico
A Florentine institution since 1885, known for truffle delicacies and elegant wines. Don’t miss the famous truffle mini-sandwiches—absolutely divine!
Antica Porta
Style: Pizza
Address: Via Senese
Neighborhood: Oltrarno
Crispy, thin-crust Florentine-Roman style pizzas. Great service and tasty non-pizza dishes, too!
Porta Romana Pizza & Grill
Style: Pizza (Neapolitan style)
Address: Via Senese 17E
Neighborhood: Oltrarno
Thick-crust Neapolitan pizzas with lots of options for dough and toppings. Try the Pizza Parmigiana with fried eggplant—it’s a favorite!
Djària American Bar
Style: American
Address: Via de’ Serragli 100/R
Neighborhood: Oltrarno
In the mood for a burger and a craft cocktail? This is the place. House-made everything—from sauces to Sarah’s irresistible fried mac & cheese balls.
Podere 39
Style: Modern Italian
Address: Via Senese 39R
Neighborhood: Porta Romana
A flower shop by day, a cozy modern Tuscan restaurant by night. Don’t miss their mozzarella in carrozza and fantastic wines.
Trattoria Da Ruggero
Style: Tuscan
Address: Via Senese 89/R
Neighborhood: Oltrarno
A classic trattoria with a daily-changing menu, honest flavors, and a loyal local crowd. Call ahead—it fills up fast.
B Station
Style: Wine Bar
Address: Via Romana 129/R
Neighborhood: Oltrarno
Recently expanded to a larger space nearby, this wine bar has a lovely garden out back and offers tasty snacks and great wines.
DiVin Boccone
Style: Wine Bar / Delicatessen
Address: Via delle Caldaie 20
Neighborhood: Oltrarno
The highlight is their atmospheric medieval cellar, where you can sample wines and local bites curated by the passionate owner, Massimo.
Babae
Style: Modern Italian
Address: Via Santo Spirito 21R
Neighborhood: Oltrarno
Beautiful, seasonal dishes all day long—and outside, one of the city’s few still-functioning wine windows. Ring the bell for your glass, just like in the old days.
There are plenty more: Sorbettiera for gelato, O’Munaciello for classic Neapolitan pizza, Bulli e Balene for a spritz and Venetian-style cicchetti, and B.O.r.G.O. for traditional Tuscan food with a fresh twist. For something truly special, treat yourself at Gucci Osteria—fine dining that lives up to the hype.
In the city center, Osteria Pastella is a great pasta spot with a live pasta-making window, Sophia Loren is my go-to for aperitivo and indulgent southern sweets, Obicà does mozzarella-focused dishes in a stunning palazzo, and Giotto serves some of the best award-winning pizzas in Florence. Don’t forget Vini e Vecchi Sapori, a family-run osteria with unforgettable dishes and a famously handwritten menu.
For brunch or a sweet start to your day, head to Melaleuca on the Arno—trust me, their cinnamon buns are the stuff of dreams.
Buon appetito!
These are my personal picks for this year. Missing your favorite? Got a tip to share or a question? Let me know!
