Where to eat in Florence

Italian cuisine varies by city and region, and when in Florence, one must simply indulge in bistecca fiorentina, truffle pasta and Chianti wine. Here is a list of my personal recommendations in the city, (the ones marked * are a my absolute favorites).

Restaurants

Osteria da Giovanni - Traditional Fiorentine restaurant serving the best truffle pasta.

*I'brindellone - This is the type of place that my father would call "cheap and cheerful". They sell some of the best bistecca fiorentina and 1L of red house wine is 10 euros. This is where you come if you want to over eat and still have money to spend on the rest of your trip.

Duje Santarpia - Good pizzeria with gluten free and lactose free options.

*Trattoria Mario - Hole in the wall, old-school family owned Italian restaurant.

La buca del orafo - This is where you need to go when you want to eat a bistecca fiorentina.

Osteria il buongustai - A cheap and cheerful restaurant serving Tuscan home style cooking.

Cibreo - Upscale trattoria serving traditional dishes. The menu changes seasonally.

Temakinho - Japanese-Brazilian restaurant with creative sushi rolls and fun cocktails.

Sandwiches and snacks

*Antico vinaio - Voted best street food in the world, this place makes killer focaccia sandwiches with Tuscan cheeses or fresh burrata, cured meats, and homemade spreads.

*Mercato centrale - A food and produce market with a wide selection, from local aperitivo bites and handmade pasta to Japanese dumplings and ramen.

Ino - Make your own panino at this artisan sandwich bar with locally sourced ingredients.

Rosticceria porchetteria - Delicious sandwiches with roasted meats, specials change daily.

Ice cream

*Gelateria dei neri - Yummiest, creamiest and most indulgent ice cream in Florence.

Vivoli - Gelateria with original flavors such as chocolate & orange and pear & caramel.

Perche no - One of the oldest gelaterie in the world, it's been around since 1939.

*La strega nocciola - Amazing ice cream near the Duomo, original flavors and best sorbets.

Coffee and aperitivo

Rivoire - One of Florence's historic cafés on Piazza Signoria, sit here if you want to people watch, whether with a cappuccino for breakfast or an Aperol spritz in the afternoon.

Mad souls and spirits - Small bar with creative and reasonably priced drinks.

*Golden view (on Arno) - Drinking a glass of Tuscan wine with a view of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio, what else could you ask for?

La menagerie - Cool concept store serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and aperitivo.

*Ditta artigianale - A specialty coffee shop, also serving brunch and cocktails.