Pizza is the holy grail of Italian gastronomy. But watch out: the best pizza you can find in Florence may be very different from what you’ve imagined.
How much do you really know about pizza?
You’re surely familiar with Neapolitan pizza and its history: the round, thin dough with plenty of toppings and soft cheese. It is usually served as pizza al piatto: literally “pizza on a dish.”
However, you may not know that there’s a world beyond that. Take Roman pizza al taglio, for example. It’s thicker and crunchier, and usually served in slices—the perfect street food.
But in Florence, we’ve created our own pizza-like dish: schiacciata. Thick as a panino, but salty as a pizza.
(FYI: if you’ve travelled around Italy, you may have seen something similar and called it focaccia. Nevertheless, Florentines still claim that our schiacciata is different. The truth? Not even Italians can sort this out.)
Pizza vs. Schiacciata: The Basics
You now may ask: It’s just water and flour. What’s the difference between schiacciata—the Florentine take on pizza—and a Neapolitan pizza?
First, there’s the most striking difference: pizza has toppings, while schiacciata has fillings. Schiacciata is always salty and thick enough to be filled with your favorite Tuscan cold cuts, cheese, sauces… and whatever your imagination suggests.
And while Neapolitan pizza is best served on a dish and consumed at a table, you can comfortably walk around Florence with your schiacciata.
But some differences may be more subtle and linked to the way the two doughs are prepared.
The Difference is In the Dough
Pizza is an alchemical transmutation. There’s something magical in combining the four elements to get this delicious serum of happiness:
- Earth: Gives us wheat and flour, the basic ingredients for any kind of pizza, bread, or schiacciata.
- Water: Depending on the kind of pizza that you want to make, the water/flour ratio will be different. That means more water for schiacciata, and less for bread and pizza.
- Air: The time that you let the yeast do its job determines how much air will enter the dough.
- Fire: Tame the heat as you please to cook the dough as you need.
You’re finally ready to discover the hidden locations of the best pizza in Florence. Let the ceremony begin!
Where to Find the Best Pizza in Florence
Un Caffè
You may be confused when you see a gigantic Sardinian flag welcoming you on the outside. But rest assured that the schiacciata at Un Caffè (Via Cesare Battisti, 2) is one of the best. Each of their unique option is named after a saint.
The best part? You can enjoy your schiacciata under the arches of Piazza Santissima Annunziata, and while admiring Brunelleschi’s architecture.
Il Cernacchio Food & Wine
Il Cernacchio (Via della Condotta, 38r) is another magical place to try out a perfect schiacciata. You can choose between 20 different fillings that include cold cuts, truffle or mushroom sauces, cheese, and even vegetables.
All’Antico Vinaio
We know, we know: we’ve promised you well–kept secrets… and we’re suggesting you go to one of the most reviewed places in the whole world!
But here’s the secret: there are no secrets. All’Antico Vinaio may have gained worldwide popularity, but it’s never lost its quality.
Pizzeria Giotto Bistrò
Make sure to reserve your place and to be on time when planning a meal here. Every Florentine wants to go to Pizzeria Giotto.
The hype is high and valid: this is the real Neapolitan pizza. The dough is soft, the ingredients are top quality. In one word: perfect.
Pizzeria Spera
Serving up delicious eats since 2022, Pizzeria Giotto is another one of our picks for the best pizza in Florence. Some Florentines may argue that the best pizza in Florence is actually found at Pizzeria Spera, famed for offering some of the best Neapolitan pizza in Florence.
So how do you know who’s right? There’s only one solution – to try them both!
More Great Schiacciata Spots in Florence
Once you’ve tried some of our picks for the best pizza in Florence, you’re now ready for the next level: discovering your own favorite spots.
The real charm of schiacciata is that it’s cheap and easy to find. Pugi, Forno Tre Pini (Via de’ Ginori, 54r), and so many other bakeries can provide you with this Tuscan staple. You can even enjoy it for a midnight snack at one of the many secret bakeries in Florence!
Update notice: This article was updated on July 26, 2023.
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!).