Florence’s dining scene ranges from a 1953 no-reservations lunch counter to Italy’s most decorated fine-dining table – this guide covers 5 real, verified restaurants, plus three honorable mentions, all checked against current listings.
Top 5 Restaurants in Florence
1. Trattoria Mario – A Mercato Centrale Institution Since 1953
A family-run, lunch-only trattoria beside the Mercato Centrale, with communal tables, no reservations, and cash-only payment – exactly as it’s operated for over 70 years.
- Address – Via Rosina 2R, Florence (corner of Piazza del Mercato Centrale).
- Must-Try – Ribollita, peposo (peppery beef stew), and the bistecca alla Fiorentina.
- Good to Know – Open for lunch only (closes mid-afternoon), no reservations – arrive before 12:30 to avoid the longest queue.
2. Il Latini – The Temple of Florentine Steak Since 1911
Founded by Narciso Latini and now run by his grandson Torello, this is widely considered Florence’s definitive address for bistecca alla Fiorentina, with hams hanging from the ceiling and communal tables.
- Address – Via dei Palchetti 6/R, Florence.
- Must-Try – Bistecca alla Fiorentina, pappa al pomodoro, and cantucci with vin santo to finish.
- Good to Know – Prices are higher than the average trattoria, reflecting the quality of the steak – reservations recommended.
3. La Giostra – Run by an Actual Habsburg Prince
Founded by Prince Dimitri of Habsburg-Lorraine and now run by his son Soldano, this candlelit, 16-table restaurant is one of Florence’s most genuinely romantic dinner spots.
- Address – Borgo Pinti 16R, Florence.
- Must-Try – Osso buco and the house pappardelle, made fresh daily.
- Good to Know – Walls are covered in celebrity photos – it’s touristy by reputation but still beloved by Florentines too. Book ahead.
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4. All’Antico Vinaio – Florence’s Most Famous Sandwich
A Mazzanti-family-run sandwich shop on Via dei Neri since 1991, now with multiple Florence locations (and international ones too) – this is the city’s most photographed lunch.
- Address – Via de’ Neri 65R, Florence.
- Must-Try – The “Favolosa,” the best-selling schiacciata sandwich, loaded with mortadella, pistachio cream, and burrata.
- Good to Know – Expect a queue – it moves fast, and the sandwich is meant to be eaten standing or walking.
5. Enoteca Pinchiorri – Florence’s Only 3-Michelin-Star Restaurant
Housed in a 17th-century palazzo on Via Ghibellina, Enoteca Pinchiorri has held three Michelin stars continuously since 2004, with one of the most extensive wine cellars in Italy.
- Address – Via Ghibellina 87, Florence.
- Must-Try – The tasting menus from Executive Chef Riccardo Monco, paired with a wine list built from owner Giorgio Pinchiorri’s decades of collecting.
- Good to Know – This is a special-occasion splurge – expect a formal dress code and a bill well into the hundreds of euros per person.
Honorable Mentions
- Cibrèo – A long-running Florentine institution near the Sant’Ambrogio market, known for refined takes on traditional Tuscan dishes.
- Trattoria Sostanza – A tiny, historic trattoria on Via del Porcellana famous for its butter-fried chicken breast (“pollo al burro”), served at communal tables.
- Buca dell’Orafo – A cellar-style trattoria near Ponte Vecchio, serving traditional Florentine dishes in a cosy, below-street-level dining room.
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Tips for Dining in Florence
Reservation Recommendations
Reserve ahead for La Giostra, Il Latini, and especially Enoteca Pinchiorri. Trattoria Mario and All’Antico Vinaio don’t take reservations at all – queuing is part of the experience.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Italians appreciate a slower dining pace, savoring each course and relishing conversation. Don’t hesitate to ask staff for recommendations.
Regional Specialties Worth Seeking Out
Lampredotto (a traditional street food made from the fourth stomach of a cow) from one of the city’s lampredotto carts, and schiacciata all’olio, a savory Tuscan flatbread, are both genuinely worth venturing beyond the familiar for.
Conclusion
From a 1953 lunch counter by the market to a palazzo dining room with three Michelin stars, Florence’s range covers authenticity, romance, and a genuine once-in-a-lifetime splurge, depending on what the evening calls for. For more of the city, see our complete Florence guide.
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FAQs
What type of cuisine can I expect in Florence?
Florence offers authentic Tuscan cuisine, including Florentine steaks, hearty soups like ribollita, and pasta dishes built around local, seasonal produce.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available in Florence’s restaurants?
Yes – even Enoteca Pinchiorri, a 3-Michelin-star restaurant, has crafted full vegetarian and vegan tasting menus on request.
Do I need to make reservations in advance?
For La Giostra, Il Latini, and Enoteca Pinchiorri, yes. Trattoria Mario and All’Antico Vinaio are walk-in/queue only and don’t accept reservations.
Can I find budget-friendly dining options in Florence?
Yes – Trattoria Mario and All’Antico Vinaio are both genuinely affordable, with mains and sandwiches typically under €15.
Are there any unique regional specialties I should try?
Don’t miss lampredotto, a traditional Florentine street food, or schiacciata all’olio, a savory Tuscan flatbread – both unique to the region.
What’s the most exclusive restaurant in Florence?
Enoteca Pinchiorri, the city’s only 3-Michelin-star restaurant, housed in a 17th-century palazzo with one of Italy’s most extensive wine cellars.
