Last Updated on December 6, 2025 by Emma Fajcz | Published: April 19, 2022
As opposed to what you might think, eating out in Florence doesn’t have to be all pasta al ragu, Fiorentina steak, and ribollita. Florentine cuisine on its own can be quite diverse, but sometimes you might just get a craving for something a little non-traditional. Here’s our favorite 6 trendy restaurants in Florence for every budget, ranging from contemporary fine dining to international bites.
Want to avoid tourist traps while you’re visiting the city? Here’s where the locals eat in Florence!
Il Santo Bevitore
A beautiful setting for one of Florence’s trendiest restaurants, complete with an impressive vaulted ceiling and wood paneling. Il Santo Bevitore is bustling, filled on weekend evenings with a crowd who loves good food and fine wine.
The menu starts from a base of creative regional cuisine with a focus on seasonality and local ingredients. You’ll find a delicious menu of soups, pasta, and risotto, not to mention the irresistible main dishes of roast pig, lamb, and more. Even dessert is sure to wow you with a little something unusual.
The real winner of the whole experience is the wine list. It’s complete with wine by the glass from multiple regions, not only the usual Chianti.
Address: Via Santo Spirito, 64r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Gucci Osteria
We’ve mentioned the Gucci Cafe and museum as one of the must-visit museums in Florence. Included in the Gucci Garden complex is the Gucci Osteria, which is a restaurant but feels like a fashion garden complete with green velvet furniture and floral porcelain.
At the helm of Gucci Osteria Florence is Chef Takahiko Kondo. In 2022, Kondo became Co-Executive Chef alongside Chef Karime López, and as of 2025, is currently the Head Chef. Their Michelin-starred menu is filled with unique and beautiful dishes that showcase Italian cuisine and international flavors.
A stop at the Gucci Garden is really a special treat, and while it may not be the typical Florentine meal, it is a one-of-a-kind experience in the city.
Address: P.za della Signoria, 10, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Zeb
For something more budget-friendly, stop at Zeb. Think a modern and sophisticated take on a diner, with all bar and counter seating, but in a warm, crisp environment. This great find quickly made its way to being one of our favorite trendy restaurants in Florence.
The kitchen is run by a mom and son who are both within reach, happy to chat with customers while they pour some of their great wines by the glass.
Classic to Italian tradition, the menu changes daily, depending upon what they find at the market that morning. You’ll find Italian cuisine that doesn’t always stick to the classic Florentine menu, rather switching it up for some creative ingredient blends and mixing regional specialties.
For being a little hole in the wall, this restaurant is a Michelin Guide favorite, year after year. Definitely worth a try during your trip to Florence!
Address: Via S. Miniato, 2r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Mercato Centrale
The absolute best place to meet up with your new Florentine friends, Mercato Centrale is located in the steel and glass market building of the San Lorenzo Market.
On the bottom floor, you’ll find one of our favorite food markets, where many locals head daily to pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, and more. Head upstairs and your mouth will start watering with the wonderful smells and sites of all the tasty counters.
A foodie’s heaven, the Mercato Centrale is divided into different counters or small stores, each serving something different. You’ll find classic Italian pasta and a stand to grab a plate of your favorite Tuscan charcuterie, but way more than just that. You can even find some more particular stands whipping up Asian cuisine or unique dishes from all over the country.
This is the perfect spot to meet your group of friends who can never decide on what to eat! Now, it may be a bit overwhelming at first, take a giro—a little walk around—and scan what’s being offered before you order!
Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Le Vespe
Brunch has become very popular in many Italian cities, and here in Florence, Le Vespe is one of the best places to enjoy it. That means that you won’t have to miss out on brunch while you’re in Italy!.
This charming restaurant is a favorite with locals, and serves up Canadian-inspired breakfast wraps, eggs, fresh juices, mimosas, and all the savory and sweet breakfast fillings you’ve been dreaming of. Luckily, you don’t need to wait for the weekend for this tradition—they offer it daily starting at 9 am!
Address: Via Ghibellina, 76r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Cloud59
Another craving you might really want to satisfy in Florence is a real juicy burger. Cloud59 is there to grant your wishes! This burger spot is not only popular with visitors to the city, but also with plenty of Italian locals.
As one of the best trendy restaurants in Florence, Cloud59 uses 100 percent grass-fed local Tuscan beef. This is what gives it such a great flavor—the beef of Tuscany is in fact prized throughout the peninsula! You’ll find simple classics plus some creative options on the menu, like the Truffle Royale, complete with shaved truffles and truffle oil!
Not big on meat? All burgers can be swapped for a vegetarian or vegan burger and toppings! (Here’s our list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Florence if you’re looking for more meatless options.)
Address: Via de’ Ginori, 59/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Taste the Best of Florence Like a Local
Join us for an authentic food and wine journey through Florence’s Oltrarno on our Florence Food & Wine Tour! Our local guide will take you where locals gather at tiny bars, historic trattorias, and neighborhood enotecas, sharing stories over glasses of Chianti Classico and plates of simple, perfect Tuscan food.
You’ll sip prosecco through a centuries-old wine window, learn the secrets of the best negroni, and graze from aperitivo to dessert with 8+ dishes and 6 drinks—including a sizzling bistecca alla Fiorentina that captures the bold heart of Tuscan cooking!
Featured Review: Florence Food & Wine Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Such a great foodie tour! We visited a lot of places we wouldn’t have even seen if we didn’t do this tour. Our guide was so friendly and she went above and beyond. Lots of food included and all delicious!”
– JadeKennedy on Tripadvisor
Trendy Restaurants in Florence FAQs
Where do the locals eat in Florence?
Locals often gravitate toward neighborhood markets, cozy trattorias, and family-run osterias away from the tourist hotspots. Great places include markets like Mercato Centrale, where you’ll find daily produce and casual second-floor food stalls, and small spots offering traditional dishes or street-food staples like the legendary lampredotto sandwiches.
Does Florence have a Michelin-star restaurant?
Yes, Florence’s dining scene includes several Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Enoteca Pinchiorri (three Michelin stars) and other praised venues such as Gucci Osteria (one star) and Santa Elisabetta (two stars).
Is it easy to find seafood or vegetarian dishes in Florence?
Yes, seafood and vegetarian options are available in Florence. While the city is best-known for its traditional Tuscan dishes like red meat, rustic sauces, and fresh pasta, many modern and trendy spots are embracing other options and serve seafood, lighter meals, or creative vegetarian/vegan options.
Can I eat at popular restaurants in Florence and avoid crowds?
A good strategy is to visit well-known restaurants earlier in the day (for lunch rather than dinner), or aim for lesser-known tavernas, trattorias, or market-style venues slightly off the main tourist routes. Exploring side streets, checking local-favorite addresses, or using neighborhood markets can yield more authentic meals at better value.
How far in advance should I book a reservation at trendy restaurants in Florence?
For Michelin-starred restaurants or highly popular trendy spots in Florence, it’s wise to book several weeks to a few months ahead, especially in the high season. Many of these places offer limited seating and fill up fast!
