Florence Food Guide: Perfect Restaurant Picks for a Full Day of Dining
Florence, Italy is home to some of the most delicious food in all of Italy! Florence cuisine is famous for their signature dishes, including wild boar ragu pasta, fagioli soup, and of course the hearty Florentine steak. My husband and I recently went back to Florence with our best friends to show them around. We compiled the below list of all our best dining recommendations for your trip to Florence so that you can have the most perfect day of indulging in classic Italian cuisine!
Breakfast: Traditional Italian Pastries and Coffee at Mo Si Caffetteria
Mo Si Caffetteria is a traditional Italian “bar” offering delicious cappuccinos and a variety of breakfast pastries. In Italy, coffee shops are often referred to as “bars.” I’d recommend starting your morning with a cappuccino and cornetto! Mo Si offers a variety of cornetto fillings, with crema and nutella fillings being my go-to. If you’re not full after that, maybe try a sfogliatella or cannoli!
If you want to people watch and enjoy the Italian bar culture, there is a small upstairs seating area that gives you a perfect view of the cafe. I love watching the baristas make coffee and the Italians greeting each other to start off the day!
Lunch: Perfectly Cooked Pasta at Trattoria San Lorenzo
For lunch, dine at Trattoria San Lorenzo located behind the Basilica di San Lorenzo. This cozy, casual trattoria offers classic Florentine dishes and window seating so you can dine with view of the bustling Italian piazzas!
We have dined at this restaurant a couple of times and have never had a bad dish. Below are all the dishes we have ordered here –
- Pappardelle Sul Cinghiale – freshly made pasta with a hearty boar meat ragu sauce
- Pennette Della Trattoria – pasta with savory beef meatballs
- Lasagne Al Forno Con Ragu Di Manzo – cheesy, meaty freshly baked lasagna
- Ravioli Del Pastore – ricotta and spinach filling covered in an alfredo like sauce
- Spaghetti Con Pomodoro Fresco – spaghetti with fresh tomato and basil
I’d highly recommend trying the pappardelle sul cinghiale as it’s a traditional dish in Florence and perfectly represents their hearty, cozy cuisine!
Gelato: Rich Creamy Gelato at Gelateria Dei Neri
Gelateria Dei Neri is a small gelato shop that makes perfectly creamy and rich gelato. Walking around Florence, especially in the summer months, is a hot and sweaty situation and gelato is the perfect solution for that!
If you love pistachio flavored gelato, try their ricotta pistachio flavor!
Dinner: Sweet Tortellini and Florentine Steak at Trattoria 4 Leoni
For dinner, you NEED to go to Trattoria 4 Leoni! This is hands down my favorite restaurant in Florence and I have dreams about their pear filled pasta.
Not only does their menu offer authentic Tuscan cuisine and a long wine list of regional wines, but the ambiance of this restaurant is perfect for a classy dinner out in Florence!
If you’re going with a few people, I’d recommend getting a few “primi piatti” (first course pasta dishes) and then sharing a Bistecca alla Fiorentina. For one of your primi piatti, you have to order the Fiocchetti di Pera! It’s a pear and ricotta filled pasta (similar to a tortellini) and the sweetness of the pear pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the cheesy sauce.
Also, do yourself a favor and end with the tiramisu! This is one of the best Tiramisus I have ever had and is the perfect way to end any dinner in Italy!
Drinks: Craft Cocktails La Menagere
After a full day of indulging in the best food Florence has to offer, La Menagere is the perfect place to try some craft cocktails and remember all the fun things you’ve done on your trip so far! The atmosphere is so fun and a perfect mix of a dark, sophisticated vibe paired with cute, boutique like design aspects.
La Menagere also offers brunch so you can always come back the next morning, too! They have adorable merch and cute items that would make the perfect gift for a loved one or souvenir for yourself!
Bonus Recs:
Cafe Pasticceria Gamberini – A higher-end breakfast bar option in a variety of creative pastries
All’Antica Vinaio – The trendy, yet worth it, panini shop that you’ve probably seen all over Tik-Tok
Ristorante Toto – A casual lunch spot with delicious pizza and wine
Osteria Santo Spirito – A nicer dinner spot with amazing pizza and classic pasta options
Conclusion
To truly experience Florence, indulging in its traditional Tuscan dishes is a must. From savory steaks to rustic pastas, each meal captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for this historic city’s culinary culture!
