Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by Maika Cotton | Published: October 3, 2025
Florence, the jewel of Tuscany, is not only famous for its Renaissance art and architecture, but also for its rich culinary traditions. Eating in Florence means enjoying centuries-old recipes that celebrate simple, local ingredients. From rustic soups and hearty pasta to the legendary Florentine steak, here are the dishes you absolutely must try during your visit!
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Why You’ll Love Eating in Florence
- Taste centuries of tradition on every plate. From ribollita to bistecca alla Fiorentina, every dish is made with simple local ingredients and with recipes that have been passed down for generations.
- Discover Tuscan flavors at their best. Whether you’re enjoying boar ragù served over handmade pappardelle or sipping Chianti from a gottino at a historic wine window, Florence offers memorable food experiences that you won’t find outside Tuscany.
- Eat like the locals, not just the tourists. The city is scattered with family-run trattorias and bustling wine bars, which are the perfect places to enjoy tourist favorites as well as lesser-known eats the Florentines love! (Here’s where the locals eat in Florence if you’re curious.)
Featured Review: Florence Authentic Evening Food & Wine Experience Tour
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– Fadi on Tripadvisor
Crostini: a Classic Tuscan Starter
No Florentine meal begins without crostini. These toasted bread slices are topped with flavorful spreads, often rooted in the Tuscan cucina povera (peasant cuisine) tradition.
The most famous is crostini di fegatini, which is made with a silky chicken liver pâté. Another favorite is salsiccia e stracchino, which is topped with a rich mix of sausage and creamy cheese. Humble yet delicious, crostini set the tone for a true Tuscan feast.
Ribollita: Tuscany’s Comfort Soup
Ribollita (literally “reboiled”) is Florence’s hearty vegetable and bread soup. Traditionally made with day-old bread, beans, and seasonal vegetables, it’s a perfect example of Tuscan resourcefulness.
Simmered over hours and often enjoyed the next day, ribollita is comforting, filling, and deeply tied to the rhythms of Tuscan life.
Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Pasta with Wild Boar
One of the most memorable dishes when eating in Florence is pappardelle al cinghiale. The wide ribbons of pasta perfectly cradle a slow-cooked ragù of wild boar.
Savory, earthy, and rich, this dish embodies Tuscan cooking at its best, bringing together local game and handmade pasta after hours of careful preparation.
Love pasta? Don’t miss our top 8 places for pasta in Florence!
The “Gottino”: a Sip of Wine the Florentine Way
Wine is part of daily life in Florence, often enjoyed in a “gottino”, a small, stemless glass that offers just a few sips at a time.
Whether it’s Chianti or another local red, savoring wine in a gottino connects you with Florence’s centuries-old drinking traditions.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina: the Iconic Florentine Steak
Perhaps the most famous dish in Florence is the bistecca alla Fiorentina. Cut from the prized Chianina cattle, this massive T-bone is grilled over coals and served rare or medium-rare. Seasoned simply with salt, olive oil, and sometimes rosemary, it highlights the quality of the meat itself and is perfect for sharing.
Two side dishes often accompany this steak: fagioli all’uccelletto (tender beans stewed in tomato sauce) and patate fritte (golden, crispy potato wedges). Together, they balance the richness of the steak while staying true to the Tuscan “use everything” philosophy.
Check out our list of 8 essential bistecca spots in Florence for the best places to enjoy this amazing steak.
Chianti: Tuscany’s Signature Wine
No meal in Florence feels complete without a glass of Chianti, Tuscany’s most famous red wine. Often served in the traditional straw-covered fiasco bottle, Chianti pairs beautifully with everything from ribollita to bistecca.
Drinking Chianti in Florence is more than enjoying wine—it’s immersing yourself in a deep winemaking heritage that spans centuries.
Beyond the Classics: More to Taste in Florence
Florence offers endless culinary treasures: both the celebrated dishes and the everyday bites that locals love. Don’t miss other favorites like:
- Panini from local street vendors
- Truffle-infused dishes in season
- Artisanal gelato made fresh daily (Check out our 10 favorite gelato places in Florence for recommendations!)
- Florentine pastries, like cantucci with Vin Santo
Experience Florence’s Food Scene with an Authentic Evening Tour
If you want to experience the best of Florence’s food and wine culture in a single evening, consider joining the Florence Authentic Evening Food & Wine Experience by Devour Tours!
This immersive tour is perfect for anyone eager to taste their way through the city’s culinary highlights in the company of a local expert. You’ll stroll through Florence’s charming streets at sunset, stopping at family-run eateries and atmospheric wine bars to sample classic dishes and local wines.
On this Food & Wine Experience tour, you’ll visit Florence’s historic city center, including the picturesque Oltrarno district. You’ll stop in to local trattorias and wine bars loved by Florentines, and experience the scenic piazzas and streets that come alive at night! Joining a guided evening food tour is not only a delicious way to try Florence’s must-eat dishes, but also a chance to immerse yourself in the city’s welcoming spirit and rich culinary heritage.
Watch our Florence Guided Tour here, and follow a local Devouring the best food in Florence:
FAQs
What foods is Florence most famous for?
Florence is best known for bistecca alla Fiorentina, ribollita, pappardelle al cinghiale, crostini, and Chianti wine.
Where should I try authentic Florentine cuisine?
Look for family-run trattorias and osterias, especially around San Lorenzo and Oltrarno, where locals still eat daily, or join a guided food tour for curated local experiences.
Is Florence a good destination for food lovers?
Absolutely. Eating in Florence means experiencing the heart of Tuscan cuisine—fresh, seasonal, and rooted in tradition.
What can I expect from a Florence food and wine tour?
Expect to sample a range of classic dishes and wines, visit beloved local spots, and learn about Florence’s food culture from a knowledgeable guide, all while exploring the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods at night.
Savor the Best of Eating in Florence
Save your spot on our next authentic evening food & wine tour! In the meantime, check out our roundup of the 10 best restaurants in Florence!
