In Florence, meals become part of the experience rather than simply a break between sightseeing. I quickly found myself planning my days around restaurants I wanted to try, afternoon aperitivo, and dinners that became part of the evening. Some of my favorite memories from Florence happened around the table, and this guide brings together the restaurants and food experiences that stood out during my visit.

Rather than trying to visit every famous restaurant, I'd recommend choosing a few places you're genuinely excited about and staying flexible with the rest. Some of the best food and drink experiences I had weren't planned—they happened because a café, wine bar, or gelateria caught my attention while I was exploring the city.

My Favorite Dinner Spots

If there's one meal I'd plan around in Florence, it's dinner. The city has an incredible culinary scene, whether you're sharing a bistecca, ordering fresh pasta, or enjoying another glass of wine after dessert. These are the restaurants I'd happily book again.

Osteria Pastella

I originally booked Osteria Pastella for its famous cheese wheel pasta, but the entire meal exceeded my expectations. The tableside presentation is fun, but it's the quality of the food that made it one of my favorite dinners in Florence.

Regina Bistecca

If you're hoping to experience Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Regina Bistecca is one of the places I'd recommend. Located just a short walk from the Duomo, it specializes in Florence's iconic steak and offers a refined setting that still feels true to Tuscan tradition.

Honorable Mentions

If you're looking for additional dinner options, these restaurants are also well regarded:

• Trattoria Sostanza — Traditional Florentine cooking, famous for its butter chicken.

• Trattoria Cammillo — Classic Tuscan cuisine in an elegant, historic setting.

• La Buchetta — Cozy neighborhood trattoria known for steak and handmade pasta.

Lunch Between Exploring

Florence has plenty of memorable lunch options, whether you're looking for a quick panino before an afternoon of sightseeing or a relaxed meal that gives you a chance to recharge. I found it was worth mixing a few iconic spots with places that felt a little more local.

All'Antico Vinaio

Florence's famous sandwiches have earned their reputation. The lines can be long, but if it's your first visit, I think it's worth experiencing at least once. Try to visit outside the busiest lunch hours if you can.

I' Girone De' Ghiotti

A great alternative if you're looking for a fresh panino with a slightly more local feel. The ingredients are excellent, and it's one of those places that feels a little less hectic while still delivering a classic Florentine lunch.

Mercato Centrale

Perfect if everyone in your group wants something different. The market brings together everything from fresh pasta to pizza and local specialties under one roof, making it an easy stop when you don't want to commit to a traditional sit-down lunch.

Rooster Café

A relaxed choice for brunch, specialty coffee, or a lighter lunch. It's a nice change of pace if you're craving something a little different after several days of traditional Italian meals.

Gelato

One of my favorite rituals in Florence was stopping for gelato—or even better, an affogato—in the afternoon. Rather than saving it for dessert after dinner, I loved making it a stop of its own between whatever I had planned that day.

Vivoli

One of Florence's oldest gelaterias and easily one of my favorite stops in the city. While the gelato is excellent, I'd especially recommend ordering an affogato if you enjoy coffee. It became one of my favorite afternoon traditions in Florence.

Honorable Mentions

• Gelateria dei Neri — Artisan gelato with a wide variety of classic and seasonal flavors.

• Perché No! — Small-batch gelato made with fresh ingredients and a longtime local favorite.

• La Carraia — Generous portions and consistently excellent gelato, especially if you're exploring near the Arno.

Aperitivo

One of my favorite parts of traveling in Italy isn't a specific restaurant or cocktail—it's the ritual of aperitivo. A spritz or glass of wine before dinner quickly became part of my routine in Florence, and it's one of the Italian traditions I'd encourage every first-time visitor to experience.

Loggia Roof Bar

One of my favorite places for aperitivo in Florence. The rooftop setting offers beautiful views over the city, making it an ideal place for a drink before dinner while taking in the skyline.

Locale Firenze

Creative cocktails served inside one of Florence's most beautiful historic spaces. The atmosphere feels just as memorable as the drinks, making it a fun choice if you're looking for something a little different.

SE·STO on Arno

If panoramic rooftop views are what you're after, SE·STO is hard to beat. It's a wonderful place to pair aperitivo with one of Florence's most impressive skylines.

Honorable Mentions

• La Terrazza Rooftop Bar — Elegant cocktails overlooking the Arno River.

• Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina — Cozy wine bar near Palazzo Pitti with an excellent wine list.

✦ Editor's Note
One of my favorite memories from Florence wasn't tied to a museum or a landmark—it was simply sitting down for aperitivo each evening. It naturally became the transition between a day of exploring and a long dinner, and it's one of the Italian traditions I look forward to every time I visit Italy.

Coffee & Cafés

Whether you're starting your morning or looking for an afternoon coffee, Florence has no shortage of cafés worth seeking out. These are a few I'd have on my list.

• Ditta Artigianale — One of Florence's best specialty coffee shops, with several locations throughout the city.

• Caffè Gilli — A historic café that's perfect for coffee and people-watching in Piazza della Repubblica.

• Caffè Scudieri — A classic stop near the Duomo, known for its elegant setting and beautiful pastries.

• Melaleuca — Great coffee, brunch, and a relaxed atmosphere along the Arno.

Food Experiences Worth Prioritizing

If there's one thing I'd encourage you to do in Florence, it's to let food become part of the itinerary rather than simply fitting meals between attractions. These are the experiences I'd intentionally prioritize.

• Plan at least one aperitivo before dinner.

• Order handmade pasta at a traditional trattoria.

• Try an affogato in the historic center.

• Visit Mercato Centrale to sample local specialties.

• Reserve one dinner you're genuinely excited about.

Continue Exploring Florence

Planning your trip? These guides may also help:

• A First-Timer's Guide to Florence

• The Views Worth Climbing For

From The Edit

One of the biggest surprises about Florence wasn't a specific restaurant—it was how naturally food became part of experiencing the city. An afternoon affogato, aperitivo before sunset, or a dinner I'd been looking forward to became just as memorable as many of the places I'd planned to see.

If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: don't think of meals as breaks between sightseeing. In Florence, they're part of the destination.

The perfect pause between wandering Florence's streets.

One lunch built around whatever the market had to offer that day.