Florence is one of those cities where eating well isn’t a challenge — it’s a given. But in the last few years, over-tourism and Instagram/TikTok culture have made it harder to tell whether a restaurant is genuinely good or just photogenic.
I’ve been traveling to Florence for school, business, and leisure for 10+ years, and these are the classic Florence restaurants I return to again and again — the ones that truly deserve the hype.
Acqua al Due — My Favorite Restaurant in Florence
Acqua al Due is one of those rare spots that’s popular because it’s genuinely excellent. I once ate here twice in one day because I didn’t have room for all my favorites at lunch. Yes, it’s crowded and you’ll hear American accents, but it’s absolutely worth your time.
Best dishes at Acqua al Due:
- Pasta Tasting Menu: chef’s choice of 3-4 freshly made pastas in relatively small portions. Perfect if you can’t decide which one you want to try.
- Filetto al Mirtillo: Blueberry Steak: sounds strange, tastes divine.
- Filetto Balsamico: equally incredible if you prefer something classic.
- Gorgonzola Gnocchi: rich, creamy, and melt‑in‑your‑mouth perfection.
If you’re searching for where to eat in Florence, this is always at the top of my list.
Trattoria ZàZà: Lively, Eclectic Tuscan Cooking in San Lorenzo
ZàZà is one of the most reliably fun dining experiences in Florence. It’s known for creative Tuscan dishes, seasonal flavors, and a sprawling, eclectic interior in the busy San Lorenzo neighborhood. You never know where you’ll sit: a wallpapered parlor, near a fireplace, or in a glass‑walled room overlooking the street.
What to order at Trattoria ZàZà:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak)
- Tuscan Ribollita (traditional bread soup)
- Seasonal truffle dishes
- Extensive wine list & seasonal cocktails: on my last visit, I had a refreshing blackberry spritz
Il Gatto e La Volpe — Cozy, Classic Tuscan Comfort Food
If you want a lively, atmospheric meal, this is one of the best trattorias in Florence. The staff is also fantastic – I once left a pair of expensive glasses there and they held onto them for me!
Il Gatto e La Volpe feels like the neighborhood dining room. It’s outfitted in rustic décor, handwritten specials, and an extensive wine list. It’s unfussy, warm, and full of traditional Tuscan food that tastes exactly like Florence should.
Top dishes at Il Gatto e La Volpe:
- Crostini Toscani: a simple, rustic starter with classic toppings like tomato, mushroom, and seasonal spreads. A perfect pairing with your first glass of Chianti.
- Pappardelle al Cinghiale: a savory Tuscan classic with slow‑braised wild boar.
- Tagliatelle al Tartufo: generous truffle and a surprisingly sizable portion.
This is one of the best places for comfort-forward Tuscan cooking in Florence.
Panini Culture in Florence: Skip the Lines and Eat Like a Local
Florence is panini heaven, but when you’re out and about in Florence, don’t waste your time in line at the original Antico al Vinaino. Don’t get me wrong – their paninis are legendary, but you can also find them in Santa Maria Novella Train Station, Florence airport, and New York City.
Instead, head toward Santa Croce, where the best panini shops live:
- Panetteria Stuzzecheria de Neri: classic, unfussy, delicious.
- Da Vinattieri: tiny, atmospheric, and beloved by locals. Eating your panini on the sidewalk or nearby curb is part of the charm!
- La Prosciutteria: a fun Italian chain with incredible paninis and charcuterie boards featuring local delicacies. Great for a casual lunch or aperitivo (also in Bologna, Milan, and other northern Italian cities).
If you’re searching for the best panini in Florence, start here.
Best Cocktail Bars in Florence: Rooftops & Hidden Gems
View on Art
My favorite place to enjoy the Duomo. This rooftop terrace sits directly across from the cathedral, and the dome feels close enough to touch. The food and service are nothing special, but it doesn’t need to be. The view is all you need.
Locale
A moody, architectural dream with excellent cocktails. It’s the perfect place to end a long day of eating, wandering, and pretending you live in Florence.
SE·STO on Arno (Westin Excelsior)
A more elevated rooftop experience with sweeping views of the Arno and Florentine sunsets. Chic, cinematic, and perfect for a pre‑dinner drink.
If you’re looking for Florence rooftop bars, these are the ones that actually deliver.