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Eating out in Florence: Our favourite restaurants – from cheap to vegetarian
Florence is not just the cradle of the Renaissance, but also a paradise for food lovers. Whether traditional trattoria, trendy vegan cuisine, or affordable street food – the Tuscan capital offers the perfect restaurant for every taste. In this guide, we show you our favourites for Florence restaurants where you can dine authentically, deliciously, and often surprisingly affordably. Buon appetito!
Classics of Florentine Cuisine
If you're in Florence for the first time, you should definitely try the classics of Tuscan cuisine: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, Crostini, or Pappardelle with wild boar ragout. Here you'll find authentic restaurants that masterfully prepare these specialities.
Trattoria Mario
Via Rosina, 2r | Mon-Sat 12:00-15:30 | Main courses from €10-20
A true Florence original since 1953. Rustic, loud, hearty – and full of locals. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is legendary here, but the homemade pasta dishes are also poetry. Tip: Come early or plan for a wait!
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Via dei Magazzini, 3r | Tue-Sun 12:00-14:30 & 19:00-22:00 | Starters & pasta from €8, main courses from €14
Cosy and small – often fully booked! Mum cooks here herself, and the menu changes according to market availability. Must try: the "Pici all'aglione" (homemade pasta with garlic-tomato sauce).
Trattoria Sabatino
Via Pisana, 2r | Mon-Sat 12:00-14:30 & 19:00-22:00 | Soup from €4, main courses from €8
Popular with Florentines for over 50 years who appreciate good food at fair prices. An unbeatable mix of family atmosphere and honest home cooking. Perfect for an authentic, down-to-earth lunch.
Affordable & Good: Street Food and Takeaway Spots
Florence is also the city of street food. For a quick, delicious snack in between, we've put together the best spots for you here.
I' Girone De' Ghiotti
Via dei Cimatori, 23r | Mon-Sun 10:00-21:00 | Panini from €5
A real insider tip among locals! Here you get deliciously filled panini with Tuscan specialities like Finocchiona, truffle cream, or Pecorino. The ingredients are high quality, the shop tiny – but brilliant.
All'Antico Vinaio
Via dei Neri, 65r | Mon-Sun 10:00-22:00 | Focaccia sandwiches around €7
World-famous for its focaccia sandwiches stuffed with regional specialities. The queue is long, but the wait is worth it. Perfect for a picnic by the Arno!
Mercato Centrale
Piazza del Mercato Centrale | Mon-Sun 10:00-24:00 | Dishes between €5-12
A paradise for foodies! The covered market in the heart of San Lorenzo combines fresh produce with a huge selection of street food stalls: pizza, pasta, fish, burgers, vegan options, and much more – all in one place.
Vegetarian & Vegan Eating in Florence
Tuscan cuisine is meat-heavy – but Florence also offers great options for vegetarians and vegans. These restaurants show how creative plant-based cuisine can be.
Brac
Via dei Vagellai, 18r | Mon-Sun 12:00-15:00 & 19:00-23:00 | Main courses €10-15
Art, books & vegan cuisine: Brac is a place for all the senses. The cuisine is modern, creative, and international. Try the "piatto unico" – a daily dish that combines salad, grains, and warm components.
#Raw
Via Sant'Agostino, 11r | Tue-Sun 10:00-22:00 | Smoothies €5-7, bowls €8-12
Stylish, healthy, and modern – ideal for a light lunch or healthy breakfast. Bowls, raw food dishes, and vegan desserts provide fresh enjoyment.
Il Vegetariano
Via delle Ruote, 30r | Mon-Sat 12:00-15:00 & 19:30-22:30 | Main courses €8-12
One of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in Florence. The cuisine is down-to-earth and regional. Particularly delicious: the vegetarian lasagne bake with spinach and ricotta.
Universo Vegano
Via Pietrapiana, 47r | Mon-Sun 11:30-22:30 | Wraps & burgers €6-9
A purely vegan fast-food spot with wraps, burgers, desserts, and smoothies. Quick, uncomplicated, and delicious – ideal for a snack in between or an affordable dinner.
Rooftops & Aperitivo: Florence with a View
A day in Florence ends best with an Aperitivo – the Italian pre-dinner ritual with drinks and small nibbles. It's particularly lovely with a view over the city's rooftops.
La Terrazza Lounge Bar
Via dei Tornabuoni, 3 (Hotel Continentale) | Mon-Sun 17:00-23:30 | Cocktails from €12
On the rooftop terrace of the Hotel Continentale, you enjoy a breathtaking view over the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio. Perfect for a stylish drink at sunset.
Angel Roofbar & Dining
Via dei Brunelleschi, 11 | Mon-Sun 12:00-23:00 | Aperitivo around €15 including drink & snacks
Centrally located with panoramic views over the city and the dome of the cathedral. The aperitivo selection is high quality, the atmosphere urban and stylish.
The Best Gelaterias in Florence
No Florence trip without ice cream! Here you'll find the best ice cream in Florence, handmade with high-quality ingredients.
Gelateria dei Neri
Via dei Neri, 9/11r | Mon-Sun 10:00-00:00 | 2 scoops from €3
A classic among Florence ice cream parlours. Whether pistachio, dark chocolate, or fresh fruit – the selection is large, the quality top-notch.
La Carraia
Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25r | Mon-Sun 11:00-24:00 | 2 scoops from €2.50
A favourite of the locals – creamy ice cream at fair prices. Particularly popular: "Crema di Buontalenti" – a typically Florentine ice cream speciality.
Frequently Asked Questions about Restaurants in Florence
What are the typical dishes in Florence?
Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, Crostini with chicken liver, or Trippa alla Fiorentina are classics.
Can you eat well vegetarian or vegan in Florence?
Yes! Brac, Il Vegetariano, and Universo Vegano are particularly recommended.
Where can you get good, affordable food?
Street food spots like All'Antico Vinaio or the Mercato Centrale offer top quality at small prices.
How much does a meal cost in a good restaurant in Florence?
In traditional trattorias, you usually pay €8 to €20 per dish, upmarket restaurants are slightly more expensive.
Florence Tastes – for Every Palate!
Whether you're looking for Tuscan home cooking, trendy vegan spots, or a panini for in between – eating in Florence is varied, authentic, and simply delicious. So plan enough time for culinary discoveries.
Our tip: Book your accommodation at the a&o Hostel Firenze Campo di Marte right near the city centre and main station – ideally located for foodies who want to discover Florence on their own.
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