Florence for Foodies Tour, Florence

Florence is not only a place to walk and admire the incredible architecture, but it’s also the capital of Italian gelato with an incredible food scene. Discover Florence’s top historical restaurants and grand cafes and the best gelaterias and Florentine dishes you should not miss. We handpicked the “best of the best” to enjoy at your own pace. 

Florence's Markets:

• Pegna Drogheria: Located in the heart of Florence, this incredibly busy market offers over 7,000 different products. There is delicious handmade pasta, fragrant white truffles, cheeses from all parts of the country, an enchanting cellar, a rigorous selection of olive oils, chocolates, and every type of Tuscan meat you can imagine.
• Mercato Centrale: Located in the heart of the San Lorenzo neighborhood, this 19th-century indoor market hall is constructed from iron and glass and sells fresh, local ingredients. On the second level of this market is the newly added food court, where you can have your own personal Tuscan tasting of the region’s best local ingredients and wines.
• Mercato Sant’Ambrosio: Like Mercato Centrale, this indoor and outdoor covered market features local ingredients and an authentic Italian market experience.

Historical Cafes & Restaurants:

• Caffe Giacosa: Open for almost 200 years, Caffè Giacosa is a Florence institution. Today it remains a destination for the fashion and coffee conscious, and many believe that this is the birthplace of the famous Negroni cocktail.
• Caffe Gilli: This is a classic and elegant cafe in Piazza Repubblica, the city’s central hub. The cocktails here are top-notch, always created in perfect proportions, and served with style.
• Il Caffe Manaresi: Il Caffè Manaresi is one of the original authors of Italian espresso as we know it today.
• Rivoire: One of the city’s classiest grand cafés, it’s well worth stopping into Rivoire for an expertly crafted pre-dinner Aperitivo.
• Procacci: The historical “Procacci Shop” is located in the heart of Florence, on Via de’ Tornabuoni. It's popular with locals and visitors alike for selling truffle-infused delicacies.

Local Dishes & Specialties:

• Florentine Chocolate: Chocolate in Florence is synonymous with Andrea Bianchini. His chocolate workshop makes some of the finest chocolate seductions in town. Try his pralines, which feature interesting combinations like dark chocolate and saffron and olive oil and vanilla.
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Florentine steak is a large T-bone cut weighing anywhere from 2-8 pounds (1-4 km), fire-grilled on the outside, and rare inside. It's traditionally seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
• Ribollita & Pappa al Pomodoro: Enjoy Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan soup made with bread, tomatoes, beans (usually cannellini), and seasonal vegetables. Pappa al Pomodoro is another dish using the same ingredients but served blended and cold.
• Crostini di Fegato: Crostini are bite-sized versions of bruschetta and topped with chicken liver pate. This is a traditional Tuscan starter that you’ll find in most restaurants or served as part of a Cicchetti (snacks) selection with an Aperitivo.

For some of the city's best gelato, check out Gelateria Vivoli, Gelateria de’ Neri, and Mordilate. If you need sugar-free or dairy-free options, head to My Sugar or Le Botteghe di Leonardo. Vegetarians and vegans will find the best selection at Ristorante La Cucina, Liberia Brac, and Il Vegetariano.

Read about more unique culinary experiences in Italy.