Best Restaurants in Florence to Suit Every Craving

Florence, the beating heart of Tuscany and the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city where every corner tells a story. With its iconic Duomo, the majestic Ponte Vecchio, and galleries brimming with works by Michelangelo and Botticelli, Florence offers visitors a journey through history, art, and culture.

But beyond its architectural grandeur and artistic masterpieces lies a culinary landscape that is equally rich and captivating. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best places to eat in Florence, whether you’re seeking affordable street bites, cozy vegetarian cafés, romantic hideaways, or Michelin-starred excellence.

To make your food tour more enjoyable, consider using Qeepl, a handy luggage storage service available throughout the city. Drop off your bags at one of their secure locations and discover Florence hands-free — especially helpful when hopping from one delicious meal to the next.

What Should You Know About Food in Florence?

Florentine cuisine reflects its deep Tuscan roots — honest, hearty, and always centered around quality ingredients. While it doesn’t rely heavily on spices or complex sauces, it lets natural flavors shine through with rustic charm. You’ll encounter robust meat dishes, earthy soups, and artisanal cheeses at every turn.

One of the most famous local dishes is bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut T-bone steak grilled rare and served simply with olive oil and salt. Other staples include ribollita (a vegetable and bread soup), pappa al pomodoro (a thick tomato-bread stew), and lampredotto, a sandwich made from cow’s stomach and often enjoyed as street food.

The best food in Florence is deeply traditional, but the city has also embraced modern dining trends, with creative vegetarian restaurants and contemporary tasting menus popping up alongside age-old trattorias. Florence’s food scene is a marriage of past and present — a feast for the senses.

Best Affordable Restaurants in Florence

You don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well in Florence. The city is full of simple, budget-friendly spots offering some of the tastiest meals you’ll ever try.

1. Trattoria da Mario

A true Florentine institution, Trattoria da Mario has been serving lunch since 1953. It’s located near the Mercato Centrale and is always buzzing with locals and tourists alike.

The menu changes daily and includes classics like bollito misto (boiled meats), ribollita, and peposo (a slow-cooked beef stew with black pepper and red wine). Prices are modest, with full meals rarely exceeding €15. Seating is communal, the vibe is lively, and the food is always made with love.

2. I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti

This hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop near Piazza del Duomo is famous for its panini stuffed with Tuscan cold cuts, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables. It’s one of the best stops for a quick but unforgettable lunch.

Try combinations like truffle cream with pecorino and porchetta, or eggplant with fresh mozzarella. Sandwiches cost around €5 to €8, and the ingredients are locally sourced and top quality.

3. Osteria All’Antico Vinaio

One of the most talked-about eateries in Florence, All’Antico Vinaio has reached near-legendary status — and for good reason. Their schiacciata sandwiches are gigantic, flavorful, and made to order with fresh meats, cheeses, and spreads.

There’s often a line, but it moves quickly. Each sandwich costs about €7–€10 and is easily enough for two. It’s the perfect example of great food at a modest price.

4. Trattoria da Rocco

Located inside the Sant’Ambrogio Market, Trattoria da Rocco offers authentic Tuscan home cooking in a relaxed setting. The menu includes lasagna, roast chicken, tripe, and vegetable soups, all made with simple, traditional techniques.

A two-course meal with wine costs around €12–€15. It’s a favorite among locals, and its location inside the market gives it a distinctly casual, everyday atmosphere.

5. La Fettunta

A tiny, rustic eatery in the Santa Croce area, La Fettunta specializes in Tuscan comfort food. The name refers to toasted bread with olive oil — a Florentine classic — and the restaurant also serves rich pasta dishes and affordable wines.

The pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta) is a must-try, and most meals fall in the €10–€15 range. With a warm ambiance and quick service, it’s ideal for a cozy dinner that doesn’t break the bank.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Florence

Though Tuscan cuisine leans heavily on meat and dairy, Florence has embraced plant-based dining with creativity and passion. Vegetarian travelers will find plenty of satisfying options.

1. Brac

Part bookstore, part café, Brac is a hidden gem tucked away in the Santa Croce neighborhood. Its minimalist design, quiet vibe, and artful presentation make it a favorite for locals seeking a break from the tourist hustle.

The menu includes vegetarian and vegan dishes like zucchini noodles with almond pesto, pumpkin soup, and eggplant parmigiana, with mains typically priced between €12 and €18. Seasonal ingredients and a rotating menu keep things fresh.

2. Libreria Brac

Yes, this is a different restaurant from the one above — Florence has two eateries with similar names! Libreria Brac is an artistic space offering creative vegetarian dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.

Portions are generous, and dishes like sweet potato and coconut curry or couscous-stuffed peppers come beautifully plated. Meals cost around €10–€20, and the tranquil setting is perfect for reading or chatting with friends.

3. Il Vegetariano

One of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in Florence, Il Vegetariano has been serving hearty, homemade plant-based meals since the 1980s. It’s a cafeteria-style setup with daily specials posted on a chalkboard.

Expect dishes like lentil patties, rice salads, and vegan lasagna, with meals costing around €10–€15. The atmosphere is casual, and the crowd includes everyone from students to artists and professors.

4. Universo Vegano

This modern chain offers quick-service vegan options near Santa Maria Novella. Universo Vegano serves wraps, burgers, vegan lasagna, desserts, and smoothies, all made with 100% plant-based ingredients.

It’s perfect for a fast, healthy lunch under €10. The space is bright and clean, and it’s a solid choice if you’re short on time but still want something fresh and satisfying.

5. Raw – Natural Food

For raw food enthusiasts, Raw offers a unique experience with a menu that focuses on unprocessed, organic dishes. Highlights include zucchini lasagna, raw cacao truffles, and cashew-based cheese plates.

Meals cost around €15–€25, and though the portions are lighter, the dishes are rich in nutrients and flavor. The interior is modern and airy — a peaceful retreat from the city streets.

Romantic Restaurants in Florence

With candlelit piazzas, riverside views, and Renaissance architecture, Florence is one of the most romantic cities in the world. These restaurants offer the perfect setting for a special night out.

1. La Giostra

Tucked into a quiet street near Piazza Santa Croce, La Giostra feels like a secret fairy tale. Twinkling lights, vintage photos, and an elegant ambiance set the mood for romance.

Start your evening with complimentary prosecco and burrata, then move on to classics like pear and pecorino ravioli or Florentine steak. A dinner for two typically costs €80–€120, and reservations are highly recommended.

2. Il Palagio

Located inside the Four Seasons Hotel, Il Palagio is luxury at its finest. The restaurant is housed in a historic Renaissance palace, complete with arched ceilings and grand chandeliers.

Chef-led menus include dishes like lobster risotto with saffron and veal tenderloin with truffle sauce. Expect to spend around €150–€200 for two. The service is impeccable, and the outdoor garden is breathtaking during warmer months.

3. Buca Lapi

Florence’s oldest restaurant, Buca Lapi is located in the cellars of the Palazzo Antinori. It’s cozy, elegant, and steeped in history — perfect for a romantic escape into another era.

Their specialty is the bistecca alla Fiorentina, cooked over wood embers and served rare. The wine list is impressive, and the ambiance is softly lit and intimate. A meal for two can range from €80 to €120, depending on your order.

4. Borgo San Jacopo

This riverside restaurant offers one of the best views of the Ponte Vecchio, making it ideal for sunset dinners. Inside, the décor is refined yet inviting, and the cuisine is sophisticated without being fussy.

The tasting menus explore Tuscan flavors with modern techniques — think sea bass with fennel cream or chocolate soufflé with pear sorbet. Dinner for two typically runs about €100–€150. The view alone is worth it.

5. Caffè dell’Oro

Part of the Lungarno Collection, Caffè dell’Oro combines comfort and elegance with a front-row seat to the Arno River. The terrace faces directly onto the Ponte Vecchio — ideal for long, lingering dinners.

The menu includes Tuscan and Italian classics like homemade pasta, burrata, and slow-cooked lamb, with modern presentation and seasonal touches. Expect to pay €60–€100 for two.

Are There Michelin Star Restaurants in Florence?

Yes, Florence is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants that elevate Tuscan cuisine to world-class heights.

There are several venues that offer unforgettable experiences:

• Enoteca Pinchiorri (3 stars): Florence’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, Enoteca Pinchiorri is a temple of fine dining. Run by chefs Annie Féolde, Riccardo Monco, and Alessandro Della Tommasina, it serves refined Tuscan cuisine with French influences, paired with one of the best wine cellars in Italy. Located in a Renaissance palace near Santa Croce, the setting is formal and opulent. Tasting menus start around €250 per person. Highlights include pigeon breast with black truffle and lobster with citrus butter.
• Santa Elisabetta (2 stars): Situated in the historic Hotel Brunelleschi, Santa Elisabetta offers a more intimate Michelin experience with only seven tables. Chef Rocco De Santis creates seasonal tasting menus with modern interpretations of traditional Tuscan dishes. Dishes include risotto with shrimp and lime or veal with anchovy sauce and mushrooms. Menus range from €130–€160 per person, and nearby attractions include the Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica.
• Il Palagio (1 star): As mentioned above, Il Palagio is not only romantic but also Michelin-starred. The kitchen focuses on farm-to-table Tuscan fare with elegance and artistry. Signature dishes include homemade pasta with white truffle and wild sea bass with green asparagus and lemon sabayon. The beautiful location and culinary mastery make this a top-tier dining experience.