28 Best Restaurants in Florence, Italy

Florentines and other lovers of good food flock to "The Holy Drinker" for Tuscan-inspired dishes—perhaps the exceptional verdure sott'olio or the terrina di fegatini (a creamy chicken-liver spread) to start, followed by one of the divine pastas. Unpretentious white walls, dark wood furniture, and paper placemats provide the simple decor. The extensive wine list is well priced.

Since opening its doors in 1869, this trattoria has been serving top-notch, unpretentious food to Florentines who like their bistecca very large and, of course, very rare, as that's the only way to eat it. The tartino di carciofi (artichoke tart) and the pollo al burro (chicken with butter) are signature dishes.

On a romantic medieval side street in the heart of the centro storico, this small restaurant has two menus—one with Tuscan classics that reflect both the whims of the chef and what's in season, and the other that's focused on truffles, either white or black, again based on the season. On the first menu, look for creative salads and pasta, meat, and taglieri (mixed meat and cheese plates) that are often served with jams made from Chianti, vin santo, or balsamic vinegar. On the second menu, each of the antipasti, primi, and secondi has a fresh-shaved truffle finish. The long wine list has many offerings by the glass, and the bread and desserts are made in-house. This is also a great place to drop in for a glass of wine and perch on outdoor benches to watch the world go by.

A few minutes from Santa Croce, this charming osteria serves some of the most eclectic food in Florence. Try the spaghetti degli eretici (in tomato sauce with fresh herbs). The grilled meats are justifiably famous; the carbonata is a succulent piece of grilled beef served rare. Weekly specials complement what's happening in the market, and all of the food pairs beautifully with their wine list, which is heavy on things Tuscan.

It's possible to break the bank here, as this might be the best salumeria in Florence. Perini sells prosciutto, mixed meats, sauces for pasta, and a wide assortment of antipasti.

At this classy Florentine institution dating from 1885, try one of the minitruffle panini and swish it down with a glass of prosecco.

One of the best spots in Florence for people-watching offers stellar service, light snacks, and terrific aperitivi. It's been around since the 1860s, and has been famous for its hot and cold chocolate (with or without cream) for more than a century. Though the food is mostly good (it's not a bad place for a light, but expensive, lunch), it's best to stick to drinks (both alcoholic and non-) and the terrific cakes, pies, and pastries.

Located in the former studio of Santi di Tito, a student of Bronzino's, Taverna has a simple, formal decor, with white tablecloths and place settings. The classic, elegantly presented Tuscan food is superb, and the solid, affordable wine list rounds out the menu—especially because Stefano, the sommelier, really knows his stuff. Desserts shine at this place, so remember to save room, and conclude with a limoncello or mirtillo postprandial drink. Both are made in-house, and provide a perfect conclusion to the meal. Outstanding service makes a meal here heavenly. Reservations are advised, especially for eating at the wine cellar's only table.

Since opening its doors in 1869, this trattoria has been serving top-notch, unpretentious food to Florentines who like their bistecca fiorentina very large and very rare. Along with fine Tuscan classics, they have two signature dishes: the tortino di carciofi (artichoke tart) and the pollo al burro (chicken with butter). Leave room for dessert, as their torta alla Meringa (a semi-frozen dessert flecked with chocolate and topped with meringue) is scrumptious. Reservations are absolutely essential.

The name doesn't exactly mean "old dive," but it comes pretty close. The recipes here come from "wise grandmothers" and celebrate Tuscan food in its glorious simplicity—prosciutto is sliced to order, grilled meats are tender, service is friendly, and the wine list is well-priced and good. This lively trattoria has been around only since 1979, but it feels as if it's been in existence much longer. Reservations are a good idea.

The feel here is more Munich beer hall than Florentine trattoria—indeed, although the menu lists plenty of Italian dishes, it also has hamburgers and other traditional pub fare. Heavy wooden tables are set closely together, and copies of 19th-century paintings adorn the intensely yellow walls, along with two frescoed Michelangelesque nudes that cavort over a brick arch. There's outside seating in warm weather—a great place to enjoy a beer.

While you wait for your pizza or other trattoria fare, enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail.

This small pizzeria is favored by locals. Make a reservation or come early to grab one of the few tables in front or round the back, and don't mind the fact that service here is intentionally rushed: turning tables is paramount.

This rustically elegant space, which has served many purposes over the past 600 years, offers some of the tastiest food in town at great prices. It's the perfect place to come if you aren't sure what you're hungry for, as it offers a bit of everything, including several fish dishes, among them carpaccio and grilled offerings, and a selection of pasta dishes that make choosing just one very hard, though the ravioli with pecorino and pears is particularly good. There's also a changing list of piatti unici (single dishes that can be ordered on their own, usually served only at lunch), as well as cheese and cured meat plates, and a tasting menu. The well-culled wine list has lots of great options by the glass and even more by the bottle.

At this open-kitchen restaurant, just off of Piazza Santa Croce, you can watch as classic dumplings and Tuscan variations (beef with lardo di colonnata or truffled beef) are made. It also has various rolls—from spring to Saigon—which provide a perfect starting point, as is the cold two-seaweed salad. Noodle dishes, with noodles made right in front of you, are also on offer.

The pasticceria (bakery) Dolci e Dolcezze, just off colorful Borgo La Croce, has the prettiest and tastiest cakes, sweets, and tarts in town.

Conveniently placed very near the ticket office of the Basilica of Santa Croce, this bar does it all—great coffee, terrific pastries, fine wines by the glass, and tasty sandwiches.

Whether you're craving a wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza or a Florentine bistecca, this place around the corner from Piazza dell'Indipendenza has you covered. In addition to cozy booths and family-style tables, this busy, neighborhood restaurant, whose name means "crazy fire," has bar seating that enables you to see the pizzaiolo at work. The dizzying menu has six steak options, more than a half-dozen pizzas (gluten-free available), house-made pasta, and a wide selection of antipasti. Designed for sharing, the white pizza with four cheeses and dried citrus stands out. The quality of the food is high, and the service is jovial.

Breakfast, lunch, dessert, and afternoon tea are all possibilities at this restaurant on a leafy outdoor patio in Piazza Signoria. The garden is also open until midnight, serving food until 10 pm, making it a swanky spot for an evening cocktail and light meal.

Florentines flock here to indulge in the sinfully rich, thin-crust pizzas turned out by a skilled pizzaiuolo (pizza-maker). However, the real thrills come from the fantastic osteria part of the menu. This is a taxi ride from the historic center, which is probably one reason why it's filled with Florentines.

If you're looking for a break from the ubiquitous ribollita, stop in at this eatery, which may be the only Japanese restaurant in the world to be housed in a 15th-century Renaissance palazzo. High, vaulted arches frame the kaiten sushi conveyor belt. Selections, priced according to the color of the plate, make their way around a bar. Those seeking a more substantial meal head upstairs, where Japanese barbecue is prepared at your table.

This innovative, charming place serves up remarkable food and is a must if you're looking for a sublime bistecca alla fiorentina. The wine list, as befits the love child of a fine enoteca, is divine.

Atop a steep hill, en route to the church of San Francesco, this lovely little eatery is certainly worth the trek. Indulge in inventive reworkings of Tuscan classics, like the mezzaluna di pera a pecorino (little half-moon pasta stuffed with pear and pecorino) served with Roquefort and poppy seeds. Depending on the season, find shaved black truffle added to starters and main dishes. The wine list and the attentive service help make this a terrific place to have a meal. When it's warm, you can sit on the little terrace outside.

Down the street from the church of Santa Maria Novella, this gaily decorated spot, festooned with plants and portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, has an ever-changing menu and stellar service. The list of Tuscan standards is shaken up with alternatives such as stracciatella with shrimp and cherry tomatoes and truffles, when in season. If you want to eat alfresco, request a table outside when booking—and remember to save room for dessert.

The eclectic staff perfectly matches the diverse menu at this trattoria, where, in winter, you can eat in one of two rooms with high ceilings, and, in summer, you can sit outside and people-watch. Traditional Tuscan favorites, such as tortelli mugellani (potato- and cheese-stuffed pasta in a wild boar meat sauce), are on offer, as are less typical dishes such as the earthy cabbage salad with avocado, pine nuts, and drops of olio di tartufo (truffle oil). Reservations are advised.

The only kosher–vegetarian restaurant in Tuscany is Ruth's, adjacent to Florence's synagogue. On the menu are inexpensive vegetarian and Mediterranean dishes, and there's also a large selection of kosher wines. It's closed for Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.

It looks and feels like California on the Arno at this sleek, airy restaurant a short ride from the city center. Chef-owner Gabriele Tarchiani has spent time in the United States, which shows in the plants that fill the interior as well as the creative touches on the frequently changing menu. Leave room for dessert—they're culinary masterpieces. Many Florentines come here to celebrate special occasions.

If you're making the trip to Settignano, get off Bus 10 at the stop called Ponte a Mensola for a meal at this small, unassuming, family-run trattoria situated along a street and a tiny stream. The food is terrific, and though it is described as cucina casalinga (home cooking), only the portions are home style. If you sit outside (there are no views, alas), you might hear the trickle of the stream.