Florence Food Guide: What to Eat, From Bistecca to Ribollita
Timeless Wanderers: Posted January 9, 2026
Florence isn’t just the birthplace of the Renaissance — it’s also the heart of Tuscany’s culinary tradition.
Walking through the city’s cobbled streets, you can experience centuries of food culture in every trattoria, café, and market.
From legendary Florentine steak to hearty soups, coffee and local pastries, Florence offers dishes that reflect the city’s history, geography, and lifestyle.
For first-time visitors, understanding what to eat, where to go, and how to experience Florence like a local can make your trip unforgettable.
This guide will take you through signature dishes, casual bites, local markets, and seasonal foods, helping you enjoy the best of Florence’s culinary scene while staying true to Tuscan traditions.
Table of Contents
What Makes Florence Food Unique
Florentine cuisine is simple but bold, relying on fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Unlike modern fusion or haute cuisine, Florence celebrates the flavors of the land and local ingredients: unsalted bread, extra-virgin olive oil, beans, seasonal vegetables, and meats prepared with minimal seasoning.
A defining feature of Florence’s food culture is its connection to cucina povera, the “poor kitchen” style that transforms simple ingredients into hearty, memorable meals.
Think thick soups made from leftover bread or slow-cooked beans and vegetables that form the backbone of everyday Tuscan eating.
At the same time, Florence has given the world some iconic signature dishes.
“For many visitors, trying Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a must-try highlight, of eating in Florence.”
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Signature Dishes of Florence
Bistecca Alla Fiorentina
No trip to Florence is complete without trying the Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
This thick T-bone steak, sourced from Chianina cattle, is grilled over wood or charcoal and seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
The steak is cooked rare to medium-rare, keeping the center tender and juicy, and is traditionally shared between two or more people.
Best enjoyed at historic trattorias in Florence, the Bistecca alla Fiorentina represents the city’s bold yet uncomplicated approach to food.
Pair it with a glass of Chianti or a simple Tuscan red wine to complete the experience.
Ribollita
Ribollita, meaning “reboiled,” is a hearty soup made from stale bread, beans, cabbage, and other seasonal vegetables.
Originating from central Tuscany, it’s the perfect example of cucina povera, transforming leftover ingredients into a nourishing meal.
Traditionally, the soup is cooked twice, which deepens the flavor and gives it a comforting, rustic quality.
While ribollita can be found across Tuscany, Florence has perfected it, and many trattorias serve it daily, especially during cooler months.
Pappa al Pomodoro
Another bread-based favorite is pappa al pomodoro, a simple tomato and bread soup that embodies Tuscan flavors.
Unlike ribollita, pappa al pomodoro is lighter, often enjoyed warm or at room temperature in the summer.
Fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil combine with bread to create a smooth, satisfying dish that is easy to love.
Whether in Florence’s cafés or trattorias, pappa al pomodoro is a seasonal must-try and an accessible introduction to Tuscan food traditions.
Crostini Toscani
Crostini Toscani are small slices of toasted bread topped with spreads, often chicken liver pâté, and served as appetizers.
Found in most restaurants across Florence, they are perfect for starting a meal or enjoying alongside a glass of wine.
Crostini reflect Florence’s love of simple but flavorful ingredients, showing how a few key components can make a memorable dish.
Lampredotto
For adventurous eaters, lampredotto is Florence’s famous street food.
Made from the fourth stomach of a cow, it’s slow-cooked in broth and served in a bread roll with green sauce.
While unusual to foreigners, lampredotto has been a local staple for centuries and is often enjoyed as a quick lunch at market stalls or street vendors.
It’s an authentic way to experience Florence like a local and witness the city’s deep connection to its culinary past.
Florentine Pastries and Sweets
Florence also has a sweet side, perfect for breakfast, snack breaks, or dessert.
Local pastries often accompany morning coffee at cafés, eaten standing at the counter in true Italian style.
Schacciata – a thin, savory flatbread, sometimes topped with olive oil or salt.
Cantucci – almond biscuits usually served with Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine.
Panforte – a spiced fruit and nut cake, a specialty from nearby Siena but widely enjoyed in Florence.
These treats showcase the city’s seasonal ingredients and centuries-old recipes, giving visitors a sense of Tuscany’s culinary history.
Markets and Everyday Eating in Florence
Markets in Florence are a food lover’s paradise.
They’re not just places to shop; they are windows into local life, where the freshest ingredients and traditional foods can be experienced firsthand.
Mercato Centrale
This historic indoor market in the San Lorenzo district is the hub for foodies.
Upstairs, you’ll find stalls offering:
Fresh pasta and breads
Cheeses and cured meats
Olive oils and condiments
Prepared foods like panini, pizza, and traditional dishes
Visitors can eat on-site or pick ingredients for picnics or self-catering.
Mercato Centrale also hosts cooking classes and tastings, perfect for travelers who want hands-on experiences.
Sant’Ambrogio Market
Smaller and less touristy, Sant’Ambrogio is where locals shop for everyday ingredients.
Here, you’ll find seasonal vegetables, fruits, meats, and cheeses, as well as street-food options.
Exploring this market gives a real sense of Florence’s culinary rhythm.
Markets in Florence are not just about food; they’re about community, tradition, and seasonality, key elements of Tuscan culture.
Seasonal Eating in Florence
Eating in Florence is tied closely to the seasons. Locals expect menus to reflect what’s fresh, so dishes vary throughout the year.
Spring: Fresh greens, artichokes, and lighter vegetable dishes.
Summer: Tomatoes, salads, and cold dishes; pappa al pomodoro shines.
Autumn: Mushrooms, chestnuts, and hearty stews return to menus.
Winter: Thick soups like ribollita, beans, and warming breads dominate.
Timing your visit according to season can enhance your food experience and give you access to Florence’s freshest flavors.
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day City Food Break
Day 1: Florence – Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, sunset market stroll.
Day 2: Day trip to Siena for the market and Gothic architecture.
Day 3: Lucca’s city walls by bicycle and a Aperitif in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.
5-Day Countryside Food Tasting Escape
Days 1–2: Florence highlights.
Day 3: Chianti for food and winery tastings and olive oil sampling.
Day 4: Val d’Orcia—Pienza and Montepulciano under a golden sunset.
Day 5: Finish with a hot spring soak in Bagno Vignoni.
How to Spend 7 Magical Days in Tuscany by Car
Car rental – If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable in August.
Florence Dining Tips
To truly enjoy Florence food:
Eat like locals: Breakfast is quick (coffee + pastry), lunch is often lighter, dinner is later and leisurely.
Trattorias over tourist restaurants: Seek out family-run spots away from major tourist areas.
Share dishes: Many Tuscan meals are designed to be shared — think Bistecca alla Fiorentina or pici pasta.
Try wines: Chianti and other Tuscan reds pair perfectly with local dishes.
Slow down: Tuscan meals are about enjoyment, conversation, and flavor.
You can take this street food tour in Florence.
Here are 8 great places to eat in Florence
Traditional trattorie and osterie to local favourites where you can enjoy classic Tuscan dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and more:
1. Trattoria Mario
A true Florentine institution near the Mercato Centrale known for its authentic Tuscan cucina, lively atmosphere, and classic dishes like ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina.
A favourite with locals and visitors alike.
2. Trattoria Zà Zà
One of Florence’s most famous trattorie, located right by the central market.
Expect a bustling vibe and a broad menu of Tuscan classics, from pasta and steaks to antipasti and house wines.
3. Osteria del Proconsolo
A locally-loved spot for hearty Tuscan dishes and traditional fare.
This osteria serves seasonal specialties and Italian classics in a relaxed, welcoming setting — perfect for lunch or dinner.
4. Ristorante “Bottega di Fattoria-Trattoria Toscana”
A top-rated trattoria where you can savour rustic Tuscan comfort food with great wine pairings.
Known for its quality meats, pasta, and farm-to-table ingredients grown nearby.
5. Osteria dei Leoni Firenze
An elegant yet traditional osteria tucked close to the Uffizi Gallery, offering classic Tuscan dishes, seasonal specials, and superb local wines — ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner after sightseeing.
6. Antica Trattoria da Tito
A family-run trattoria with a long history of serving traditional Florentine cuisine.
Known for its warm service and classic menu, including grilled meats and hearty pasta dishes.
7. Trattoria Verdi Firenze
A charming and highly rated trattoria slightly off the main tourist path, perfect if you’re looking for authentic local dishes in a quiet setting. Great for a lunch break exploring Florence’s centre.
8. Trattoria La Casalinga
A classic Florentine trattoria in the Santo Spirito neighbourhood, known for home-style Tuscan cooking and friendly service — a favourite among locals who know where the best everyday food is.
Quick Tips for Dining in Florence
Many traditional trattorie fill up early or close mid-afternoon, so try to book ahead or arrive before peak hours.
Smaller, family-run places may be cash-only or don’t take reservations — carry some cash and be flexible.
Markets like Mercato Centrale are also great for casual bites, local specialties, and a lively atmosphere.
This tour gets nothing but rave reviews. Take a food tour of Florence.
Why Florence Food Matters
Florence’s cuisine reflects more than taste — it tells the story of the city’s people, culture, and history.
From hearty peasant soups to iconic steaks, every dish connects to local traditions and seasonal ingredients.
Eating in Florence is not just about filling up; it’s about experiencing a city where food, history, and daily life are the normal.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Tuscany, Florence’s food scene is a journey through time and taste and authentically Tuscan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florence Food
1. What is the most famous dish in Florence?
The most famous dish in Florence is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick, juicy T-bone steak grilled over wood or charcoal and served rare. It represents the city’s love of simple, high-quality ingredients.
2. What are typical Florentine soups?
Florence is known for hearty soups like ribollita, made with bread, beans, and cabbage, and pappa al pomodoro, a tomato and bread soup. Both are examples of Tuscany’s cucina povera tradition.
3. Where can I try traditional Florentine food?
Traditional dishes are best enjoyed in family-run trattorias, local markets, and street food stalls. Popular spots include Mercato Centrale, Sant’Ambrogio Market, and small eateries away from major tourist areas.
4. What is Florentine street food?
Florentine street food includes lampredotto, a sandwich made with cow’s fourth stomach, and schiacciata, a thin flatbread often topped with olive oil or salt. These are quick, authentic bites loved by locals.
5. When is the best time to eat certain dishes in Florence?
Florentine cuisine is seasonal: fresh vegetables and salads in spring and summer, mushrooms, chestnuts, and hearty stews in autumn, and warming soups like ribollita in winter. Eating seasonally ensures the freshest flavors.
6. What desserts are traditional in Florence?
Florence offers sweets like cantucci (almond biscuits) with Vin Santo, panforte (spiced fruit and nut cake), and schiacciata dolce, a lightly sweet flatbread. These treats often accompany coffee or conclude a meal.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Tuscany?
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Final Thoughts
Exploring Florence through food gives a deeper understanding of Tuscany itself.
From Bistecca alla Fiorentina to ribollita, from street food to markets, every bite tells a story.
The city invites you to slow down, taste thoughtfully, and savor local flavors just like the Florentines do.
Following this guide, you’ll leave Florence not only full but also with a deeper appreciation for Tuscan culinary tradition.
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