Modena balsamic vinegar is such a kitchen staple today that it’s hard to imagine that it was almost unheard of outside Italy until relatively recently. It’s only been about 40 years that the term became widely recognized in the United States, let alone recognized enough to be as ubiquitous, as it now is on grocery […]
Florence Blog
Best Restaurants in Lucca: 7 Must Try Eateries for Foodies
Beyond being a city that catches your attention with its charm, one of Lucca’s best assets is that, although it is a touristy town, it preserves much of its identity. For example, it is not a city full of souvenir shops like other Italian tourist towns. More than anything, local shops can be found where […]
6 Michelin-Star Restaurants in Florence You Can’t Miss
A city of art, history, culture, and gastronomy, Florence is an idyllic Italian destination for international travelers, and especially those interested in exploring local flavors and cuisine. No matter your preference, the Tuscan capital offers a range of delicious choices to surprise your palate, from unique street foods to elegant, fine dining experiences. The quality […]
7 Best Restaurants in Pisa: Traditional Trattorias to Fine Dining
Pisa’s cuisine is as well-loved as the city itself. Its gastronomic diversity between land and sea gives you dishes that will remain with you long after your trip is over. And in our round-up of the best restaurants in Pisa, you’ll find everything from casual pizzerias, to traditional trattorias, to formal restaurants. No matter where […]
Gluten Free Florence: Complete Guide to Restaurants, Dishes & a GF App
Italy is a country where things like pasta and pizza can seem like crucial components of the national identity, so you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s maybe not the ideal destination for gluten-free travelers. Luckily, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth! And that’s particularly true if your itinerary includes places where pizza and […]
Our Top 9 Picks for Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Italy
If you’re keeping score, there are 381 restaurants in Italy that have earned one, two, or three stars from the esteemed tire company, Michelin. That makes Italy the country with the third most Michelin stars on the planet (after France and Japan). Which is really saying something, considering Italian cuisine is also known as “cucina […]
Where Do Locals Eat in Florence: Must-Try Markets, Pastries, Street Food, & More
Let’s face it: Florence is crawling with tourists. During high season the streets and sites are packed, and tourist traps masquerading as authentic restaurants are on every corner. For the unprepared but curious traveler seeking the real deal, you might be wondering where do locals eat in Florence? With over 2,000 restaurants in Florence, there […]
Florence on a Budget: Where to Stay, What to Eat, & More
Most travelers, regardless of economic status or travel style, love finding a good deal. Given Italy’s popularity as a tourist destination, however, it can be a little more challenging to travel on a limited budget. Challenging—but by no means impossible. Visiting Florence on a budget may mean planning a trip for a different time of […]
Tuscan Cheese: A Guide to Caciotta, Pecorino, Ricotta, & More
When you get a basic overview of Italian food, you’ll quickly realize how regional the cuisine is. So regional that one dish can change in subtle yet meaningful ways between neighboring towns, let alone entire regions. So, when a cheese connoisseur headed for Tuscany starts looking into what uniquely Tuscan cheeses they should try, they […]
The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in Florence and Tuscany
The beauty of Tuscany is evident year-round, but it is especially enchanting during Christmas. The charming Tuscan villages dress up for Christmas, with their decorated streets and stores, markets, and activities that take place around the holidays. This makes the Christmas markets in Florence – and Tuscany – special places for locals and visitors alike. […]