At the end of an unforgettable meal, there’s only one thing that can crown it all perfectly – a delicious dessert. And while desserts in Florence may not be as famous as Florentine steak, they’re still an unforgettable experience.
But what should you order, and where? We’re here to help! Here’s the ultimate list of our favorite desserts in Florence.
Gelato
No, not ice cream: gelato. The milky, soft, colorful thing that stands on a cone and makes you think that life really is worth it.
Even if gelato (and lemon sorbet in particular) appears on every restaurant menu, our advice is to choose a gelateria.
Stroll around Florence to enjoy a little bit more of the beautiful city. Then, get your gelato from one of our favorite gelato shops:
Insider’s tip: Can’t get enough gelato? Check out our article on the best gelato in Florence.
Tiramisù
We dare you to name something more Italian than tiramisù. Savoiardi buiscits dipped in strong espresso and covered with sweet mascarpone cream; tiramisù is the quintessential Italian dessert. In fact, it is one of the most common desserts in Florence – and in Italy.
The best tiramisù in Florence can be found at Pompi. Every Florentine comes here to order the tiramisù after family dinner. Try their special tiramisù, and you’ll understand why it’s one of the best desserts in Florence.
Zuccotto
Did you know that Florentines have their own version of tiramisù? It’s called zuccotto, and is one of the best desserts in Florence!
Traditionally, zuccotto is sponge dipped in sweet liquor and layered with chocolate cream. You’ll notice it by its distinctive half-sphere shape. Its color is often such a deep shade of red that the dessert is named aftera bishop’s hat, the zuccotto.
Zuccotto is a classic local dessert, and each Florentine family adds their own twist to the tradition. (It usually involves a generous amount of Nutella.)
Every respectable osteria has zuccotto on its dessert menu, so if you’re not lucky enough to have a Florentine mamma all for yourself, you can try it around the city. A special mention goes to the zuccotto at Pasticceria Marisa.
Schiacciata dolce fiorentina
Please don’t confuse this treat with simple schiacciata, which is some of the best pizza in Florence. Schiacciata dolce is a completely different experience.
Only baked during Carnival, this is one of the most traditional desserts that you can have in Florence. This yellow sponge cake – flavored with saffron and covered in icing sugar – is hands-down one of the tastiest desserts in Florence.
The best place to have your sweet schiacciata is Pasticceria da Giorgio, a local favorite.
Schiacciata all’uva
Yes, here is another schiacciata to mess with your understanding of Italian. Don’t worry though, the naming of desserts is also confusing to non-Florentine Italians.
Schiacciata all’uva is a treat made of soft bread and filled with black grapes. You can only find it during Florence in fall, since the grapes must be ripe to give it the perfect amount of sweetness.
Schiacciata all’uva may not be as sweet as you expect, but it’s definitely an experience that you’ll want to try. A great place to sample it is at Pugi, one of the best bakeries in Florence.
Cantucci and vin santo
Cantucci are dry, stale almond biscuits. How can they resemble a tasty dessert?
Well, cantucci are never served alone. They’re always paired with vin santo, a sweet wine the color of amber. It’s called santo (saint) because it was the wine made by friars to celebrate Holy Mass. And now, it gives us a little bit of heaven when we drink it.
For an otherworldly experience, follow these steps. First, dip your cantuccio in the small glass of vin santo. Then, count to five and take a bite. Finally, when you’re done with the cantucci, drink the remaining wine. The sweetness of the wine enhances the angelic taste of the almonds.
There’s not a real place to have cantucci e vin santo; it’s one of the cheapest, most common, and best desserts in Florence. It’s usually served at fairs and parties, so you won’t have any trouble finding it.
Now you’re ready to go. Choose the dessert in Florence that you prefer and discover your favorite!
Want a real-life crash course in how to eat like a local in Florence? Our Dine Around Florence food tour is calling your name. Join us for the best bites and walk away armed with the knowledge and confidence you need to order and eat like a true Florentine!
Eliana Ferrari doesn’t like to stay put. She’s traveled all around Europe, excited by every encounter with people, food, and art. How did she end up in Florence? She fell in love: with the magnificence of every corner, with Bolgheri wine, and with the famous Florentine wit (one Florentine’s in particular!).