11 Best Restaurants in Florence (2024)

Florence is easily one of our favorite cities in Italy. From the stunning Duomo to the charming cobblestone streets to Michelangelo’s David, there are literally endless reasons to visit The City of Lillies. And while there are plenty of great Florence restaurants to choose from, most visitors typically don’t have endless time to try every last restaurant in the city.

This guide to our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants in Florence will give you a good selection of offerings for your next trip with recommendations for all three meals of the day plus more. (Looking for gelato? Head here.) What are your favorite Florence restaurants? We’d love to hear in the comments.

SEE ALSO: 28 BEST RESTAURANTS IN ROME, ITALY

11. All’Antico Vinaio

A Florentine sandwich with schiacciata bread (flatbread that’s soft on the inside and crispy on the outside) is an absolute must-try when eating in Florence, and the very best place to go is All’Antico Vinaio. The sandwiches here will change your life. Not only is All’Antico Vinaio one of the very best restaurants in Florence, but it’s one of the most popular (if not the most popular), too. Arrive just as they’re opening to avoid lines and order to your heart’s content. “La Flavolosa” is our favorite- salami, pecorino cheese cream, artichoke cream, and eggplant. Swap the eggplant for sundried tomatoes if you’re feeling adventurous. All’Antico Vinaio has since expanded, and you can now get an authentic taste of Tuscany in Rome, New York (add link), and Las Vegas.

10. Pizzeria Giovanni Santarpia

Florence isn’t the pizza capital of Italy, but it is still Italy, and there are great pizza options in town. If you’re looking for exceptional pizza in Florence, head straight to Pizzeria Giovanni Santarpia. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Santarpia is very much a locally-loved restaurant. You’re here for Neapolitan pizza (Not sure what that is? Check out the characteristics of a true Neapolitan pie from VPN.) Order the margherita for an irresistible classic or ask what their special of the day is for something unique and seasonal. Takeout is an option but we recommend dining in the restaurant to enjoy the pizza right as it comes out of the wood-fired oven.

9. La Ménagère

A true Italian breakfast is a pastry and coffee at most, but if you’ve planned to see the entire Ufizzi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia, and the Duomo all in one day (not recommended), then you’ll need a hearty breakfast to start. La Ménagère is our very favorite place for breakfast or brunch in Florence. The restaurant is gorgeous with a dozen beautifully appointed nooks and crannies to enjoy a bit of privacy. Le Menagere doesn’t stop at the ambiance, though, as the food is also phenomenal. Not sure what to order? Split the continental breakfast for a little bit of everything- perfect scrambled eggs and bacon, pancakes, orange juice, and yogurt. Reserve some time on your way out for a browse through their floral shop and boutique to finish out a dining experience that’s all rather magical.

SEE ALSO: 48 HOUR GUIDE TO VENICE, ITALY

8. Gurdulu Gastronomia

Gurdulu Gastronomia is everything you could ever want in a charcuterie experience. Yes, they are primarily a salumeria (hence the amazing house-cured meats), but that doesn’t do the rest of what you’ll find here justice. At Gurdulu, you’ll find the makings for a perfect Italian picnic with local meats and cheeses and all the accouterments, all beautifully curated and perfectly paired. Or come for a sit-down lunch or dinner and be surprised by their constantly rotating menu that’s equally well-appointed. Either way, be sure to include a sampling of pecorino pienza and prosciutto toscano for an authentic taste of Tuscany. And, while most bread in Florence is nothing to write home about (it’s traditionally baked without salt due to an ages-old dispute over salt so is quite bland), the house-made bread at Gurdulu is exceptional, quite possibly the best in the city. Follow your server’s recommendations and get a mix of both hot, cooked-to-order dishes from the kitchen + a sampling of items from the display case for an unforgettable meal.

7. Osteria dell’Enoteca

In a somewhat less touristy area of Florence just south of the Arno River and across from the stunning Boboli Gardens lies Osteria dell’Enoteca, one of the best restaurants in Florence. Traditional Florentine food is the focus here, with superb pasta dishes all made in-house, a robust wine list, and Florentine steak. Enjoy anything that catches your eye from the antipasti and pasta sections of the menu, as it will be incredible. The rabbit ragu with tagliatelli and black olives is the perfect example of classic Italian cuisine: simple, often inexpensive ingredients lovingly coaxed into something outstanding. Osteria dell’Enoteca is the restaurant in the city for Florentine steak. Be warned, though, as well-prepared Florentine steaks are two things: quite nearly rare (the restaurant kindly asks you to order something else if rare to medium-rare isn’t for you) and absolutely huge – each steak is no less than 1 kilo or 2.2 pounds. Cooked directly over an open flame, they are absolutely phenomenal and definitely shareable

6. 4 Leoni

4 Leoni is nestled in the heart of Piazza della Passera, a storied neighborhood where it is believed that the Mona Lisa lived nearby. Most restaurants in Italy close after lunch and open again for a later dinner, but 4 Leoni is a non-tourist trap exception to that rule in that it has really great hours (it’s open noon to midnight daily). So if you’re not quite adjusted to later Italian dinner times or are in need of a late lunch, 4 Leoni is one of the best restaurants in Florence. This lovely trattoria is a touch more casual than a “ristorante” and features delightful house-made pastas, traditional antipasti like pappa al pomodoro (bread soup), as well as hearty entrees. Their pear pasta is iconic: pasta filled with pear and taleggio cheese with a cream sauce and a side of perfectly crisp-tender asparagus spears. While unconventional, this pasta pairing just works and will be a stand-out dish among many other classic Florentine varieties. Don’t leave 4 Leoni without a slice of cheesecake made with three cheeses (cream cheese, ricotta, and mascarpone) and topped with sweet-tart berries. If the weather is nice, book a spot on the patio for quaint people-watching.

5. Trattoria Sostanza

Trattoria Sostanza is, simply put, one of the best Florence restaurants you will ever encounter. The atmosphere is homey and comfortable but still special enough for a nice night out or perhaps your final lunch or dinner in Florence. It’s a family-owned and operated restaurant, and the attention to detail is evident from the minute you walk in through your last bite of dessert. We love Trattoria Sostanza because not only is the food incredible, but the menu is a great balance of traditional Florentine dishes and a couple of off-the-cuff items. Start with the pasta al sugo or “pasta with sauce” for a simple but flavorful pasta dish. Must-try entrees include the Florentine steak (bistecca alla Fiorentina) and the chicken breast in butter sauce (petti di polla al burro). The Florentine steak is a quintessential dish to enjoy while you’re in Florence and you won’t find a chicken dish like the petti di polla al burro anywhere else. The meringue cake with fresh berries is a non-negotiable, reservations are a must.

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4. Ino

Classic street food in Florence is the panini, and just as you’ll find a taqueria dotting nearly every block in any given city in Mexico, the same can be said of “panino” shops in Florence. While a pressed and grilled sandwich might come to mind for a panini in the US, panino in Florence can be warmed (or not) and are sometimes served on grilled bread (or not). And in a city full of options, the panini at Ino are some of the very best. This award-winning panino shop focuses on using high-quality meats and cheeses from local purveyors sliced fresh for each sandwich for a meal that is so much more than just a humble sandwich. While the monthly specials on the menu are always divine, the Sicuro made with prosciutto toscano and stracciatella di burrata is the essence of delicious simple Italian food and is not to be missed. And, at around 10 euros per panino, Ino is also surprisingly budget-friendly. A true win-win.

3. Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura

If you have a little bit of room in your food budget to splurge, Gucci Osteria is the place to go in Florence. Gucci Osteria 100% lives up to the hype of the institution of Gucci (which was founded in Florence in 1921) and famed restaurateur Massimo Bottura, chef at the three-time Michelin star recipient Osteria Francescana in Modena. Strikingly gorgeous green walls paired with stark black and white accents greet you as you step inside Gucci Osteria. A tasting menu or ordering a la carte are both options here, and we highly recommend relying on your server to guide you through the menu. You’ll see a mix of traditional Florentine/ Tuscan influences throughout the menu plus non-traditional and even non-Italian options, as well. From the tasting “gifts” that you’ll start with to the dessert that is the ultimate sweet ending, your entire meal is essentially art on a plate and tastes possibly even better. Everything at Gucci Osteria is thought of (the aprons, the serveware, the custom chocolates), impeccably beautiful, and well, Gucci.

2. Trattoria Cammillo

If you only have a day or two in Florence, Trattoria Cammillo is an absolute must. This white cloth trattoria is as comforting as it gets with welcoming and warm staff that are used to serving dozens of tourists day after day but somehow make you feel special and unique. Cammillo is a great place to go to get a short break from traditional Florentine dishes as many items from their large menu are from regions other than Tuscany. For the antipasti, the bruleed pecorino cheese with apple balsamic vinegar is outstanding with the funky pecorino beautifully balanced by the caramelly bruleed honey and sweeter balsamic. The simple-yet-perfect tortellini alla panna is our pasta pick, and the raspberry and blueberry custard tart is not to be missed for dessert.

1. Buca Mario

If you’ve done any food research for Florence, you’ll have likely run into Buca Mario several times. It’s one of a handful of Florence restaurants that garners loads of hype – there’s a line out the door every night for people who have managed to secure a reservation, never mind for the people hoping to sneak in on the waitlist. While this isn’t always the case for overly hyped restaurants, Buca Mario 100% lives up to it. Buca Mario has been owned and operated by the Pasquetti family since 1886 and is filled with a highly dedicated staff who have worked there for decades. After entering Buca Mario, you’ll walk downstairs into the main dining room, which is housed in a historic cellar beneath the palazzo and is complete with vaulted ceilings and brick walls. Be prepared to eat at Buca Mario, where traditional Tuscan dishes are served in generous portions. Our #1 recommendation is Grandma Isabella’s Lasagna, which is easily the best lasagna in all of Florence. Creamy bechamel with a hint of nutmeg is layered with classic bolognese, parmigiano reggiano, and house-made pasta for a once-in-a-lifetime kind of dish. Buca Mario also has the best tiramisu, so do try to save room for dessert.