20 Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy: A Curated Guide
Looking for where to eat in Florence? These are the best restaurants in Florence, Italy for traditional Florentine fare and beyond.
Florence is a city built on tradition. You see it in the architecture, in the art, and—perhaps most enduringly—in the food. Tuscan cuisine is defined by simplicity and seasonality, and Florence holds onto those roots with remarkable pride.
It’s a place where bread is famously saltless, bistecca is best served rare, and lunch is still sacred. The best restaurants in Florence Italy don’t try to reinvent the wheel—they refine it. Recipes are passed down, sometimes for generations, and the atmosphere tends to be straightforward: the food speaks, and people listen.
That said, not every restaurant in Florence delivers on that promise. The city welcomes millions of visitors a year, and with that comes an inevitable spread of tourist-friendly menus and underwhelming experiences. Knowing where to eat in Florence makes all the difference.
I live in Italy and spend a good deal of time in Florence—both professionally and personally. I return often, and over time, I’ve built a reliable list of places that consistently get it right. These are restaurants I go back to again and again, not just for the food but for the way they reflect Florence itself: rooted, confident, and quietly exceptional.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to a favorite city, this guide is meant to help you navigate the very best places to eat in Florence, Italy, at the table.
Florentine Cuisine & What to Eat in Florence
Florentine cuisine is rustic, regional, and firmly rooted in tradition and much like where I live in Puglia, “cucina povera” is at its heart. It reflects the ingredients of the Tuscan countryside—olive oil, legumes, wild game, and seasonal vegetables—prepared simply but with precision.
Meat plays a central role in many of the city’s most iconic dishes. The most famous is undoubtedly bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick-cut, bone-in steak made from the local Chianina breed, grilled rare, and served without frills.
But just as essential are the city’s humbler staples: ribollita, a hearty bread and vegetable stew; pappa al pomodoro, a thick tomato and bread soup; and trippa alla fiorentina, which locals defend with near-religious conviction.
Pasta is eaten, of course, but often as a prelude to something more substantial. You’ll find hand-rolled pappardelle topped with wild boar ragu, delicate gnudi made with ricotta and spinach, and dishes featuring earthy porcini or shaved truffle in the autumn months.
Bread is famously unsalted—a tradition that dates back centuries and lends itself well to dishes like crostini neri (chicken liver pâté on toast) or to being revived in stews. It’s not an overly complicated cuisine, but it does rely on quality ingredients and proper technique. The best restaurants in Florence Italy tend not to interfere with that formula too much.
21 Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy
1. Trattoria Cammillo
Trattoria Cammillo is one of Florence’s most enduring restaurants, and after eating here several times over the years, I understand why. It’s classic, not dated; refined, but never fussy. The menu reads like a love letter to both Tuscan tradition and the family’s own culinary perspective, with occasional nods to international flavors.
On my last visit, I started with a seasonal salad of raw artichokes and Parmigiano, followed by their spaghetti with botarga—a dish that’s all about restraint and balance. The pasta was tender, the fish generous but not overwhelming. I’ve also had their veal Milanese here, which is usually good—crispy and flavorful without the greasiness this dish sometimes falls victim to.
Service is attentive without being overly familiar. It’s a place where both locals and returning visitors seem to recognize the staff by name. Cammillo delivers high-level cooking (even though you will eat better in Florence) in a low-key, comfortable setting. Reservations are essential and make sure to book a couple of weeks out.
2. Trattoria Sostanza
Dining at Trattoria Sostanza feels like stepping into a preserved slice of Florence, and it’s easily one of my first choices in the city. The white-tiled walls, the tightly packed tables, the two-item paper menu—it’s all part of the experience. But the food is what makes people come back, and I count myself among them.
The butter chicken, or “petto di pollo al burro,” is the most talked-about dish here, and rightly so. It’s pan-fried in a pool of butter until the edges crisp and the inside stays impossibly moist. I’ve had it a few times now, and it’s just as rich and satisfying as the first. Their artichoke omelette is also excellent—light, earthy, and nicely seasoned and so is the Florentine steak. For dessert, make sure to go with the meringue cake- it’s always so good here.
Reservations are essential, and once you’re seated, don’t expect to linger for hours—tables turn quickly. Still, Sostanza is one of those rare places where the hype holds up. It’s not trying to be anything other than what it is, and that’s what makes it work.
3. Cibrèo Ristorante
Cibrèo Ristorante sits at the high end of Florence’s dining spectrum, offering a more elevated, curated interpretation of Tuscan cuisine. This is a restaurant that’s taken the concept of tradition and turned it into something more expressive and considered. I’ve eaten here a handful of times and at their caffe and trattoria too, and it remains one of the most polished dining experiences in the city.
The menu changes seasonally and often includes dishes that sound simple but are executed with precision. A standout from a recent visit was their taglioni cacio e burro—soft and understated but full of depth. Their fish soup, served in an earthenware bowl, was aromatic and beautifully balanced.
Cibrèo is not interested in catering to expectations. Instead, it presents a vision of Tuscan food that is elegant, focused, and quietly confident. The service here is also terrific and worth coming back for alone.
4. Ostaria dei Centopoveri
Ostaria dei Centopoveri is located just behind Santa Maria Novella, which usually signals tourist territory—but this place does better than most in balancing accessibility with quality. I’ve eaten here a few times when I wanted something casual but still well-cooked and honest.
At lunchtime, opt for the daily menu which on my last visit consisted of a variety of pasta dishes particularly well-executed—thick, chewy pasta coated in a velvety sauce with the right amount of bite. I also tried the roast beef, and it was well-done without being heavy, with a peppery intensity that didn’t overpower the meat. The Tuscan white bean soup was also filling and delicious on a cold January day.
The space is large, and the service moves quickly, but not rushed. It’s a reliable option, especially for lunch, if you’re in the area and want something satisfying without veering into overhyped territory.
5. La Capannina Bistrot
La Capannina Bistrot is a modern trattoria just outside the core tourist zones, and it manages to offer something that feels more neighborhood-driven. The wonderful atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is informed without being overbearing. I stumbled upon this spot after ending up in Florence last minute without any dinner reservations. We walked in and managed to scoop up the last table.
I ordered the Florentine steak and a bowl of spaghetti with beef ragu. The pasta was cooked al dente, and the ragu was deeply savory, with none of the cloying sweetness that sometimes creeps into similar dishes. The steak was tender, perfectly seasoned, and very juicy.
It’s the kind of place that caters to a mix of locals and a few in-the-know travelers. While it’s not groundbreaking, the food is consistently good, and the execution shows a level of care that’s increasingly rare. However, service is very slow, so make sure to allow plenty of time for your meal but I have to say the great food is worth the wait.
6. Trattoria 13 Gobbi
Trattoria 13 Gobbi is best known for one dish: the rigatoni. It sounds gimmicky, but the pasta is excellent—al dente, creamy, and well-seasoned. It’s one of the few places in Florence where I’ve seen just one type of pasta taken this seriously.
You’ll also want to order the Florentine steak here; it hands down is one of the best in town – cooked precisely to order—rare, but not bleeding, with a well-charred crust.
The rest of the menu leans toward traditional, with solid meat and pasta options. Service can feel a bit brisk when the restaurant is busy, but it’s efficient. The setting is lively, and the location near Santa Maria Novella makes it easy to access for a late lunch or early dinner.
While the rigatoni gets the most attention, the kitchen’s consistency makes it worth visiting beyond the headline dish.
7. Caffè Gilli
Caffè Gilli isn’t a restaurant in the traditional sense, but it’s worth including for its historical significance and the quality of its offerings. This is Florence’s oldest café, dating back to 1733, and its location on Piazza della Repubblica makes it ideal for a mid-afternoon pause.
I often come here for an espresso or an espresso martini, depending on the time of day. Their pastries are well-crafted, and I’ve had a few light lunches here—usually a panino or a small pasta dish. The service is formal, and prices are high, but you’re paying for the experience of sitting in one of Florence’s most storied establishments.
Despite the central location, it doesn’t feel touristy in the worst sense of the word. Locals still come, especially for aperitivo, and the staff are professional and well-trained. It’s a good place to stop when you need a break from walking and want to do some people-watching in style.
8. Trattoria Sergio Gozzi
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi is a perfect spot for lunch in the city, especially if you’re looking for something fast, authentic, old school and well-executed. Located just steps from the San Lorenzo market, it’s only open for lunch, which gives it a very specific rhythm and feel.
I’ve eaten here a few times. The menu is handwritten and changes daily, but you can always count on a few staples. Their ribollita is one of the best I’ve had—thick, rustic, and deeply flavored. I’ve also had pasta with wild boar ragu here, and it was hearty without being heavy.
It’s a family-run place, and the atmosphere reflects that. You’ll sit elbow to elbow with regulars, and if you come more than once, the staff will remember you. The food is simple, traditional, and priced fairly. It’s one of my go-to recommendations for lunch in Florence.
9. La Giostra
La Giostra has built a reputation on atmosphere and presentation as much as food. The space, once part of a Medici-era wine cellar, is dimly lit and filled with ornate hanging lights and framed photos of past guests. It leans theatrical, but the good food holds its own.
I’ve dined here twice and both times started with prosecco and antipasti—a welcoming gesture that feels more ceremonial than spontaneous. The pear and pecorino ravioli stands out; the sweetness of the pear plays well with the saltiness of the cheese, and the pasta is made in-house. On my last visit, I ordered the filetto al pepe verde, a green peppercorn steak, which was well-prepared and tender.
Service is polished, though occasionally rushed when the dining room is full. It’s a good option for a romantic dinner or when you want to impress guests, especially those visiting Florence for the first time. Make sure to book a table for dinner but if you can’t get reservations, swing by for lunch.
10. Osteria Cinghiale Bianco
Located in the Oltrarno district, Osteria Cinghiale Bianco offers a more rustic, yet warm and grounded dining experience. The name—“white wild boar”—hints at the kitchen’s devotion to hearty Tuscan fare, and the menu makes good on that promise.
The wild boar stew, served with polenta, is consistently one of the best I’ve had in Florence—slow-cooked, rich, and balanced. On another visit, I ordered the pappardelle al cinghiale, which was equally strong: wide ribbons of pasta coated in a deeply savory sauce that never felt greasy or overwhelming.
The space is cozy and intimate, with brick arches and candlelight adding to the charm. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner. As one of the best restaurants in Florence, Italy it’s a place I return to when I want something traditional, done well, without unnecessary embellishments.
11. I’ Brindellone
I’ Brindellone sits firmly in the camp of traditional Florentine osterie, with a no-nonsense interior and a menu that sticks to regional basics. It’s particularly well-known for its bistecca alla fiorentina, which is among the better versions I’ve had in town.
The steak arrives simply: seared, seasoned with salt, and nothing else. It’s thick, flavorful, and always cooked correctly—rare, as it should be. I’ve also had their pappa al pomodoro and ribollita, both comforting and straightforward, with flavors that feel unaltered by trend or reinvention.
The setting is lively but unpretentious, and the prices are fair given the quality. It’s a good place for those looking to experience Florence’s classic meat dishes in a traditional environment. I definitely recommend this great place as one of the hidden gem restaurants in Florence.
12. Ristorante Buca Mario
Buca Mario is one of Florence’s more upscale, historic dining institutions. Located in a former wine cellar near Piazza della Repubblica, it’s elegant without being stiff, with white tablecloths, attentive staff, and a clientele that skews toward both locals (fewer) and well-heeled visitors.
I’ve dined here on two occasions and appreciated the consistency. The tagliolini al tartufo nero was silky and aromatic, and the bistecca alla fiorentina—carved tableside—was cooked precisely as requested- rare. They offer a great wine list, with a particularly strong showing of Tuscan reds.
Buca Mario isn’t a casual drop-in spot; it’s best for a more formal evening out. If you’re looking for classic Tuscan cooking in a refined setting, it fits the bill perfectly.
13. Buca Lapi
Another institution, Buca Lapi is the oldest restaurant in Florence, dating back to 1880. It’s located in the cellars beneath the Palazzo Antinori and specializes in grilled meats and hearty Tuscan fare.
The steak here is outstanding. On my most recent visit, I ordered the bistecca alla fiorentina and it came with the perfect char and a deep, mineral flavor that only comes from well-aged Chianina beef. The grilled vegetables on the side were simple but fresh.
The room is old-school in the best way—arched ceilings, framed menus from decades past, and a sense of permanence. Buca Lapi is not inexpensive, but it justifies its prices with quality and history. Make sure to also try the house wines made by the owner’s vineyard. It’s a place that has earned its reputation through consistency and care.
14. Il Santo Bevitore
Il Santo Bevitore bridges the gap between contemporary dining and traditional Tuscan cuisine. The space is stylish and modern but avoids feeling trendy, with a pared-back design and warm lighting that make it ideal for a quiet evening.
Every time I come in, the menu always feels thoughtful. The last meal I had started with a dish of octopus and potato purée—perfectly cooked and cleanly plated. I followed it with handmade tortelli filled with ricotta and spinach, finished in brown butter and sage.
This best restaurant in Florence feels more local than tourist-driven, and the wine list is particularly strong. The service is discreet and professional, and the kitchen consistently delivers. A good choice for travelers looking for something a bit more refined but still distinctly Tuscan. You can also try their sister wine bar Il Santino next door.
15. Trattoria Sabatino
Trattoria Sabatino is the kind of place locals eat at three times a week—and for good reason. It’s a family-run trattoria with a small menu, no frills, and very reasonable prices. You won’t find tourists lining up for photos here.
On my visit, I ordered the gnudi with ricotta and spinach—a dish that can easily be heavy or bland, but theirs was soft, well-seasoned, and lightly dressed in butter and sage. The roast pork was also excellent—simple and well-executed, with crisp skin and tender meat.
Service is fast and to the point, and the dining room has a communal feel. Sabatino is one of my preferred options for a casual lunch or low-key dinner in Florence when I want something honest and familiar.
16. Le Volpi e l’Uva
This wine bar near the Ponte Vecchio is one of my longtime favorite places for aperitivo or a light meal. Le Volpi e l’Uva specializes in small-production wines from across Italy, many of which you won’t find elsewhere. The selection is curated, and the staff are genuinely knowledgeable.
I often come here in the early evening and order a glass of Tuscan red with a mixed charcuterie plate. They also serve crostini with toppings like lardo, pecorino, and truffle honey—small, flavorful bites that pair well with whatever you’re drinking.
It’s an ideal stop before dinner or when you want to avoid the heavy meals Florence is known for. The space is small, so arrive early or expect to stand outside with your glass.
17. Vini e Vecchi Sapori
This small trattoria near Piazza della Signoria is often fully booked, and for good reason. Vini e Vecchi Sapori serves traditional Tuscan food without any concessions to modern trends. The menu is written out by hand, and the kitchen does only what it can manage well.
I had the pappa al pomodoro and a plate of tagliatelle with duck ragu—both deeply flavorful and clearly made in-house. The dining room is cramped, the tables close together, and the atmosphere loud, but the Italian food more than compensates.
It’s one of the best restaurants in Florence, Italy I always recommend to those who want a traditional Florentine meal without the fuss. Reservations are essential, and the kitchen doesn’t do substitutions, which I actually respect.
18. Burro e Acciughe
This is one of the few best places in Florence that focuses on seafood with real finesse. Located slightly off the usual paths, Burro e Acciughe has a concise menu that reflects the chef’s commitment to quality and freshness.
Start with anchovies in butter—the namesake dish—which were rich and briny, served with excellent crusty bread. I like to follow with spaghetti alle vongole, which is light, perfectly seasoned, and full of fresh clams.
The interior is modern and minimal, and the staff are helpful without hovering. It’s a strong option when you want a break from meat and red wine, and the fish-focused menu offers a refreshing change of pace from the city’s usual offerings.
19. Gucci Osteria
Gucci Osteria is Florence’s most design-forward dining experience, curated by Massimo Bottura and housed in the Gucci Garden. It’s the intersection of fashion, luxury, and haute cuisine—a concept that could easily tip into novelty but is instead handled with seriousness and skill.
Here, opt for the tasting menu, which includes a reinterpretation of tortellini in brodo, reimagined with Asian influences and incredibly precise technique. Another standout is the Chianina beef tartare with miso and pickled vegetables, served in a Gucci-branded dish that, surprisingly, didn’t feel gratuitous.
This is very much a fine dining experience (it is headed by Massimo Bottura after all), with prices to match, but the execution is exceptional. It’s a place I wouldn’t visit every trip (save it for special occasions), but when I want to see how Tuscan tradition can be pushed into something conceptual and modern, this is where I go.
20. Trattoria Anita
Tucked away on a quiet side street behind Palazzo Vecchio, Trattoria Anita is one of those top restaurants in Florence that rarely makes the glossy lists but has quietly earned a loyal following among locals, students, and a few travelers who stumble in and end up returning every time they’re in Florence.
It’s informal, affordable, and unpretentious—exactly the kind of place you hope to find in a city where so much dining feels increasingly curated for visitors. I’ve eaten here on several occasions, usually for lunch, and the menu always offers a dependable lineup of Florentine classics.
The ribollita is rich and deeply flavored, and the pappardelle al cinghiale is particularly well-done—hearty but never heavy. Portions are generous, the service is brisk but warm, and there’s a genuine sense that nothing here is put on for show. Trattoria Anita isn’t trying to reinvent anything, which is precisely what makes it worth seeking out.
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