There are tons of delicious restaurants in Florence, so narrowing it down to 10 is difficult. However, these are the ones that I highly recommend – each for a different reason!
La Giostra
Possibly one of the nicest restaurants in Florence. The restaurant is inside and has lights hanging from the roof. Very romantic setting, but is perfect for any nice occasion! You must order the Pear Ravioli & Fiorentina Steak!
Tratorria ZaZa
This restaurant was right next to my apartment in the Piazza San Lorenzo. The menu has so many options, and all for a very reasonable price! Everything is delicious, but something unique only to ZaZa – You must order the truffle fries!
Acqua al Due
My mouth is watering as I write this. This is the famous place for blueberry steak. I won’t tell you anymore – you have to go try it!
Il Latini
So this is a must while you are in Florence! They offer an all you can eat & all you can drink! It’s 30 euros for students & 40 euros for adults. You don’t order here. You simply tell them to bring out “the rounds” and they will bring out endless amounts of aperativos, pastas, meats, and wines!
Gusta Pizza
Heart shaped huge pizzas. Need I say more?! My recommendation – climb to the top of the Michelangelo to watch the sunset, and then treat yourself to some Gusta on your way down.
Tito’s Trattoria
Great place to go with a big group of friends! They bring out a lot of different aperativos before your main meal, and at the end they give you unlimited limonchelo! Order the Blue cheese steak!
Dante’s
We found ourselves at Dante’s way too often! But that’s because it is a super affordable restaurant that includes wine with the cover charge! Yup, unlimited wine! Order the truffle fettucini or the pasta carbonara!
The Golden View
Other than La Giostra, this is probably the next nicest restaurant in Florence! It is right next to the Ponte Vecchio, so as you are eating you are looking out at a beautiful view of the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio.
La Terraza
When there’s good weather, this is definitely where you want to be! La Terraza is a rooftop cafe/restaurant on top of La Rinascante. It overlooks the main piazza of Florence, Piazza Republica, and has a beautiful view of the Duomo!
Central Market
Although the Mercato Centrale is known for its fresh market downstairs, the upstairs food is just as amazing! There are about 20 different restaurant options, that are all very good and quick!
Best Panini:
Pino’s
The most popular (and in my eyes the BEST) panini in Florence. Pino makes you whatever you want in your panino, or you can order anything from his list! My favorite- Springtime!
Al Antico Vinao
HUGE panini for 5 euros!
Pan Briaco
Hidden gem in Florence! It is right on Via Faenza, and has 3 euro panini!
Best Gelato:
Carraia
Oh. My. God. My favorite gelato in all of florence. It is on the bridge right after the Santa Trinita bridge. They have over 25 flavors, and every single one is delicious!!!
Gelateria Santa Trinita
Just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be any gelato flavor better than Nocciola or Stratiatella, Cookies Santa Trinita happened. Go get some. Now.
Grom
This is the most popular gelato among study abroad students. It is very vey good, but my least favorite from these 3!
La Milkeria
Very good gelato place, but it also has REALLY good crepes, waffles, and pancakes!
Best Aperativo:
So everywhere in Italy there is a thing called Aperativo. It is basically like America’s happy hour, except you get 1 drink and unlimited amount of food for 10 euros! Almost every restaurant in Florence offers this from 6-9, but these are my personal favorites.
Odeon Bistro
Connected to Colle Berreto, this is the trendiest and most fun aperativo where you sit outside!
Zoey’s
So chic and trendy, and right next to the Arno River!
*** Secret Bakery..
And here’s the last food in Firenze that you MUST try at least once on your way home from a night out. You knock on a big, white door and order any type of croissant or pastry you want for just 1 euro! You have to be very quiet because these bakeries are not technically opened until the next morning. I won’t tell you where it is though..
You have to smell your way there!