The Best Restaurants & Trattorias
Florence has fantastic restaurants — but also plenty of tourist traps. The rule of thumb: The closer to the Duomo, the higher the likelihood that the food is bad and overpriced. The best restaurants are located in the side streets of Oltrarno, in Santa Croce, and in San Lorenzo.
Trattoria Classics (15–30€ per person)
- Trattoria Mario: The legend of San Lorenzo — since 1953, communal tables, no reservation system, cash only. The best Ribollita in the city and an honest Bistecca for 40€/kg. Lunchtime: queue up, but it moves quickly. Via Rosina 2.
- Trattoria Sostanza (Il Troia): Since 1869 — famous for the butter chicken (Petto di pollo al burro) and the artichoke omelettes. Tiny, loud, rustic, grand. Reservation needed. Via del Porcellana 25.
- Da Nerbone: In the Mercato Centrale — the Lampredotto stand since 1872. The soup, the sandwiches, the atmosphere — here, Florence is at its most authentic. Panino: 4–5€.
- Trattoria 4 Leoni: In Oltrarno, at Piazza della Passera — the best pasta and an excellent Bistecca in a relaxed atmosphere. Reservation recommended. Main course: 14–22€.
Fine Dining (40–80€ per person)
- Buca Mario: Since 1886 in a Renaissance cellar — one of the oldest restaurants in the city. Classic Florentine cuisine at a high level: Bistecca, Ribollita, Pappardelle al cinghiale. Piazza degli Ottaviani 16.
- Il Latini: Legendary, loud, lavish — whole hams hang from the ceiling, the portions are huge, the house wine flows freely. An institution since 1911. Via dei Palchetti 6.
- La Leggenda dei Frati: Modern Tuscan cuisine in Villa Bardini with a panoramic view over Florence. One of the most romantic restaurants in the city.
