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Restaurants in Florence

I'm looking for restaurant recommendations in Florence. I want something that is off the beaten path with great food, great service and ambiance.

There are so many restaurants to choose from, I can't decide. :)

Thank you!
Cindy

Posted by
16133 posts

One of the best Seafood:
1. https://goo.gl/maps/vYSxcVJzYD9VfsK78

Two of the best for Bistecca alla Fiorentina
2. https://goo.gl/maps/BwTKZjhsNBidrpzT6
3. https://goo.gl/maps/Cbp8qwchD7Kd9Jmu5

None are in the city center. If you are in the city center a taxi is recommended, although city buses go there. No. 2 is just outside the city center so you could walk to it (not too far from Piazza San Marco).

I can recommend stuff even more off the beaten path, but then I’ll take you out of the city limits.

Posted by
122 posts

Antico Noe
Cibreo - near Sant Ambrogio market (several restaurants at different price structures)
Buca Poldo
Osteria Vini e Vechi Sapoiri
Osteria del Gatto e la Volpe
Lions pub - if you are craving a burger/fries
Gustapizza on the Oltrano - yum!
Star Chicken in the Santa Croce area if hankering for some chicken nuggets---so tasty!

yes....so many choices!

The only, non turistic, trattoria you can find in the middle of Florence is "Trattoria Sergio Gozzi". Is open only at lunch (as the trattorias must do) and serve real tuscan food. I suggest to book beforehead calling.

Posted by
21 posts

Cindy,

I have visited Florence recently for my anniversary. These are the restaurants I would highly recommend

  1. Regina Bistecca: I had my anniversary date here, Ordered best-known signature dish, the bistecca alla Fiorentina, trust me it was delicious and lip smacking.Bistecca here is served very rare.
  2. L’Angolo del Mare: Its a small restaurant but serves best fish and seafood in town. They really know their seafood very well.I'm a big fan of this one.
  3. Semel: Adjacent to the very local Sant’Ambrogio market, it is a sandwich shop (standing room only bar a couple of high stools). Have white panini come with a series of seasonal fillings- wild boar and polenta, figs and salame with a drop of balsamic for extra zing, sardines with orange and bitter chicory leaves, donkey stew (tastier than it sounds), and pecorino cheese with pears and truffle. There is a huge line and you always have to wait but its is the best street food place.
  4. Cibrèo Trattoria: This place is my favourite for desserts. Desserts are to die for, particularly the famous flourless chocolate cake.Do try it.
  5. Guné:Its a great place for trying some really unusual and amazing cocktails.Must try. The signature Valdarno pigeon three ways (including a fabulous little savory liver crème brulée) is pure Tuscany.If you are a non vegetarian I would highly recommend this one.

Happy Food Journey

Posted by
276 posts

We were in Florence a few weeks ago and ate at Trattoria Sant'Agostino. It was delicious, with very friendly waitstaff and a nice ambience. It's near Santo Spirito, so not too far off the beaten path, but far enough away from the center that it seemed to have mostly Italian clientele. Have a great trip!

Posted by
17 posts

Roberto De Firenze: I think one of your links is duplicated and I would also love to look at a couple of your suggestions that are outside the city center. Thanks

Posted by
903 posts

Osteria Nuvoli

Perseus for Florentine steak

Osteria Cinghiale Bianco

Posted by
5235 posts

Our two favorites in Florence are:

For excellent food, good ambiance, and fine wine, it's Olio & Convivium Gastronomia Restaurant. It's on the Pitti Palace side of the river on Via di Santo Spirito. The web site awhile back was https://oliorestaurant.it/. A bit pricey at lunch and more so at dinner. But the overall experience was worth it. Will definitely eat there again.

Another place we liked was Giglio Rosso located at 35 via Panzani. Been in business for almost 100 years. Their web site is https://www.ristorantegigliorosso.com/en/about/.

You can check then out ahead of time and see what you think.

Posted by
543 posts

I love Osteria Santo Spirito in Piazza Santo Spirito. My wife loves the gnocchi with truffle oil. I especially like the option of ordering a "reduced portion" which allows me to try two dishes.
https://www.osteriasantospirito.it/

Posted by
92 posts

Thank you everyone for all of your recommendations! We leave in 2 days and I have made a lot of reservations. I'm really looking forward to eating some amazing food over there.

Grazie!!
Cindy

Posted by
1 posts

In July is it necessary to make reservations for these restaurants for lunch and dinner? Or we can just stop by? Thank you!

Posted by
2622 posts

Cindy, I hope you'll report back and let us know where you ate and how it was. I'm taking notes for next year :-)

Posted by
92 posts

We have 1 more night here in Florence and honestly the food has been pretty amazing every where. There is definitely a number 1 that has stuck out for me though. Last night we went to La Buchetta and it was incredible. We started with the Caprese salad which had four different cheeses that were so fresh and delicious. Then we ordered the special pasta that was seriously the best pasta I’ve had since we’ve been here and probably ever!! Then we all shared a huge Florentine steak that was cooked to perfection. You definitely need to make reservations.
Tonight we took a break from Italian and went to Indian Palace which was really good too.

Posted by
108 posts

Hey Cindy! Thanks for asking about restaurants in Florence! So many ideas to research!

La Bruchetta must be great - I appreciate all the info - we will be in Florence in mid August and I am thinking about making reservations at La Bruchetta for our anniversary! It sounds like a special place!
Hope ya’ll had a fabulous trip!