Eating in Florence: The Places That Actually Deliver

It's easy to get Florence wrong. I learned that the hard way on my first morning when I tried to grab a quick espresso at a tiny bar near Piazza della Signoria, only to be handed a tiny cup of coffee that cost €2.50 and left me feeling like I’d just been scammed. Turns out, that’s how it’s done here—no big cups, no sugar, just a strong, bitter shot to start the day. I quickly adjusted, but the real lesson was that Florence isn’t about rushing through the city; it’s about savoring every bite, every sip, every moment.

My favorite meal so far has been at Trattoria Mario, tucked away on Via dei Macci, just a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio. I walked in on a Tuesday evening, and the owner, Mario, greeted me like I was a regular. The menu is handwritten on a chalkboard, and the prices are shockingly reasonable: €12 for the pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), €14 for the bistecca alla Fiorentina (a massive T-bone steak for two). I ordered the pappardelle, and the sauce was rich with wild boar and a hint of rosemary—perfect for the cool evening air. The wine was a local Chianti Classico, €6 a glass, and I ended up staying until 9:30 p.m., chatting with locals who were already deep into their second glasses. Mario’s place is open from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for dinner, so it’s easy to find a spot if you time it right.

Another must-visit is La Giostra, a cozy spot on Via dei Neri, just a stone’s throw from the Duomo. I went there for lunch on a sunny Saturday, and the owner, a woman named Sofia, made me a plate of ribollita, a hearty Tuscan bread soup, for €8. The soup was thick with cannellini beans, kale, and a slice of crusty bread on top—it was like a hug in a bowl. I also tried the fettuccine al tartufo, which came with a generous portion of truffle, for €15. The truffle was fresh, not the fake kind you get in tourist traps, and the pasta was perfectly al dente. Sofia told me she sources her ingredients from local farmers, which is why everything tastes so fresh. La Giostra is open from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner, so it’s a great spot for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.

One thing most visitors get wrong about Florence is that they try to eat at the big touristy places near the main squares. I saw people lining up for hours at a restaurant on Piazza della Signoria, only to get a plate of overpriced, mediocre food. The truth is, the best food in Florence is hidden away in the narrow streets, away from the crowds. I’ve been to a few places that are a bit off the beaten path, and they’ve all been better than the ones I’ve seen on the main squares.

For anyone looking to dive deeper into the food scene, I highly recommend checking out dining in Florence for more insider tips. It’s a great resource for finding hidden gems like Trattoria Mario and La Giostra, and it’s updated regularly with new recommendations.

My practical tip for anyone visiting Florence: always eat lunch early. I learned this the hard way when I tried to grab a table at a popular spot at 2 p.m., only to find out it was already booked for the evening. If you want to avoid the crowds and get a good table, aim for 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a meal without the rush, and you’ll have time to explore the city before the afternoon heat sets in.