It’s no secret that I love Italy. But I’d say, almost as much as I love Italy – I love eating all over Italy. Italian is (and has been) easily my favorite food for as long as I can remember. And yes, that does involve beating out certain Minnesotan classics like cheese curds and juicy lucy hamburgers. Sigh, sad day.

Mauro and I went to Florence together for the first time (still shocked that he hadn’t been yet) in 2023, though I’d been with my family before that. It’s an incredibly artistic city – with a rich history and a beautiful wine-making culture.

That being said, as someone who travels to eat – first and foremost – I tend to keep notes on my favorite restaurants in all of the cities I’ve been to. Though, a quick disclaimer – they’re not always the Instagram-famous tourist traps you see all over social media. In fact, they’re usually smaller places that pack a big punch in terms of flavor and hospitality.

 

 

The Five Restaurants You CAN’T Miss in Florence

Here’s the restaurants that I think you should consider booking for your next trip to Florence. Trust me, they’re worth it.

 

Cantinetta Antinori

Remember the oldest wine-making family in the city that I was talking about? Here’s part of their legacy. Cantinetta Antinori is in the Centro Storico neighborhood of Florence, in the historic family home called Palazzo Antinori. It became the iconic restaurant and wine bar in 1957, but its plates and wine list are anything but dated.

If you can’t make it to Marchesi Antinori (the Chianti Classico winery in Bargino), then Cantinetta Antinori is a must. Especially if you’re in the city for a special occasion.

 

Schiacciateria de Neri – 18R

If there’s one thing to know about my boyfriend, it’s that he LOVES to eat the traditional foods of every area he goes to. Florence was no different. Immediately, he sought out the schiacciata – which, if you’ve never heard of it, is basically a massive sandwich made on focaccia. There’s another place which is pretty well known on the tourist scene, but I can tell you this. I have never, and I mean NEVER, seen someone’s eyes roll into the back of their head from biting into a sandwich until Mauro tried the schiacciata from Schicciateria de Neri.

I don’t think he stopped talking about it for the rest of the trip. Plus, it’s also super close to the Uffizi, so you can grab a bite nearby if you want to avoid the pricier food at the galleries.

 

Trattoria di Garibardi

Initially, our plan wasn’t to go to Garibardi. But I’m really glad it worked out that way. It’s also the only place that I’ve ever been asked why I was speaking English instead of Italian, which was kind of funny.

Not only are the staff so incredibly wonderful here – but their Chianina steak is one of my favorites in the city. You finish it on a hot plate at the table – perfection. We ended up eating here twice in one week, even making the last time a birthday meal. It was always packed, and to me, that’s the sign of a restaurant that even the locals love.

 

Ristorante Simbiosi

This one was a bit of a wildcard. We’d stayed pretty close to Ristorante Simbiosi – but initially were thinking we’d try their pizza place first. They have a pizza place, a ristorante and a bar. The restaurant itself is a pretty unique concept, but all of the food is organic. The liquors, all handmade and organic too.

Mauro and I split the roe deer ragu, and the lasagna verde – both of which I still dream about to this very day – and are definitely planning a trip back just so we can eat here again.

 

Mercato Centrale

I know this isn’t a specific restaurant – but it’s a collection of them. The Mercato Centrale is home to a plethora of restaurants and counters selling street food. You can sit down for a meal or grab a quick bite to take with you – you can grab a few bits to cook with – or my personal favorite, have a glass of Tignanello at the wine bar.

Funny story, the reason we first came to this place was because I had told Mauro that what I really wanted for my birthday was a glass of Tignanello. Spoiler alert: I got it, and BONUS – it was my favorite vintage.

I also really loved the steak place on the mezzanine level. Super yummy.

 

Bonus: Vivoli – Home of the Affogato

This last one is a little bit Insta-famous, but it’s a must if you want to try an affogato from the bar that’s rumored to have made the very first one. I’ll say, the affogato from Vivoli is pretty good – though I did get a brain freeze after my second bite. Rookie mistake.

 

 

Have you ever been to Florence before? If you have, what were your favorite places to eat? Let me know so that I can add them to my list for our next visit to the city.