We just got back from a 2-week trip to Italy. We started in Verona to attend a wedding, then headed down to Florence for 5 glorious days of exploring and eating. We walked a lot and we ate a lot. So here’s our guide to the city – whether you’re looking for a nice dinner or a simple gelato and coffee – there’s something for everyone.
COFFEE & GELATO
Gelateria della Passera
Authentic gelato done right. Nestled in a small bustling square, this tiny gelato store is the best we had in Florence.
ADDRESS
Via Toscanella, 15/red, San Niccolò
Cafe degli Artigiani
A perfect spot to have an Italian breakfast and morning cappuccino. If you’re on the hunt for a great espresso, this is the place to go.
ADDRESS
Via dello Sprone, 16r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Ditta Artigianale
With a few locations throughout Florence, this spot is perfect if you’re looking for a bit more of a hearty breakfast or if you’re really craving a classic iced coffee.
ADDRESS
Via dello Sprone, 5/R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
RESTAURANTS
Pizzeria Giovanni Santarpia
If you’re looking for a pizza place off the beaten path, then this is the place to go. Located about 30 minutes outside of the city centre, your bound to feel like a local at this spot. With a large selection of pizza’s to choose from and a daily special, this pizza ranks as one of the best we’ve had. Be sure to book a table!
ADDRESS
Via Senese, 155r, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
Trattoria Cammillo
This place is popular for a reason. With white-tablecloths and a cozy atmosphere, this place will make you feel like you were transported to another time. While we only had a few dishes off of their large menu, these are the things that really stood out for us.
- We only ordered one appetizer which was the Pecorino brulée con aceto balsamico di mele and it was a glorious combination of salty meets sweet.
- We probably had the best pasta of our entire trip here. We ordered two generously-sized portions of homemade tagliatelle – one in meat sauce and the other with porcini mushrooms. Both were absolutely delicious.
- We also ordered the veal cooked over charcoal which was tender and full of flavour.
ADDRESS
Borgo S. Jacopo, 57/r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Trattoria Sostanza
This place definitely feels like the complete opposite to Trattoria Cammillo. With only two seatings for dinner service – one at 7:30pm and the other at 9:00pm – this place feels like someone is cooking for you in their home. With an open kitchen that you have to walk through to get to the bathroom, you’re able to see everything being made right there. This was our last meal in Florence, so naturally we ordered 90% of the menu. So here are some things you should know:
- If you’re looking for a good bowl of pasta, then go to Trattoria Cammillo. While we only ordered the penne in meat sauce, it definitely was not a standout for us.
- Order the Florentine steak and the chicken cooked in butter. Both were absolutely delicious and probably the best part of the entire meal.
- Don’t sleep on the beans in olive oil and the tomato salad. Both make for perfect sides to your other dishes.
- Start with the melon and prosciutto. A classic in Italy, but this was probably the best melon we had on the entire trip!
- Order the meringue. You can’t go to Trattoria Sostanza without ordering their classic meringue. It definitely lived up to the hype.
ADDRESS
Via del Porcellana, 25/R, Santa Maria Novella
Osteria Santo Spirito
A rustic Italian spot nestled in the bustling Santo Spirito square. Be prepared to wait in line, but we promise you, it’s worth it. With lots of different plates to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
ADDRESS
Piazza Santo Spirito, 16/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
WINE
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
If you’re looking for a wine bar in the heart of the city, this is the place. With an extensive cellar of wines, you’ll be bound to find something special. In addition to their wines, they also have a small menu that pairs perfectly with a glass (or bottle) of wine. It’s a great place to taste some wine, eat some good food, and people-watch.
ADDRESS
Piazza de’ Pitti, 16, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Tuscany Tour Time
While this is slightly on the more expensive side, it really is worth the money. We went to three different wineries in the Chianti region which was led by our Sommelier tour guide Francesca. At each winery, you get a tour of the cellars and learn more about how they produce their wines. You also get an extensive wine tasting, along with trying bread with their homemade olive oil. Lunch on the patio is also provided at the second winery as you take in the views of the rolling Tuscan hills. It’s a great way to see more of the Tuscan countryside while learning about different wines.
HOTELS & MARKETS
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
If you can, sit on the patio at the Four Seasons for a cold drink. Situated on stunning grounds, it’s an oasis in the city. After you’ve finished with your drinks, walk through the lush gardens and take in the beautiful interiors of the hotel itself.
ADDRESS
Borgo Pinti, 99, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
Mercato Centrale Firenze
If you’re looking to eat really good street food, then don’t miss this market. There truly is everything you could want, plus it’s indoors to shield you from the heat. Two food stalls that we managed to eat at were ‘Nerbone’ and ‘Pescheria Sugarello.’ Nerbone serves an incredibly tender and flavourful plate of porchetta, while Pescheria Sugarello is a seafood lovers dream. From cheese, salami, fresh fruit and veg, this market has it all.
ADDRESS
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy