Eat in Florence

Florence is a wonderful city to visit; full of art, history and beautiful views. However, for those who live near by like me, Florence is also much more: social life, shops and good restaurants. In this post I'll talk about my favorite restaurants in the city divided by type of cuisine/occasion.

Street food

All'Antico Vinaio, placed number one on the top 10 of the most reviewed restaurants on TripAdvisor for long time, is a must to try if you visit Florence. Located in a super centric location, behind Palazzo Vecchio, is the best fast-lunch you can have during a day of sightseeing. You will have to be patient and wait a bit because there is always a long line outside, but their schiacciata worth the wait. At the counter you can choose from a small daily menu or you can just choose the ingredients (between cold cuts, cheeses, sauces and vegetables) and they will prepare it at the moment. If you are vegetarian you can just ask for a sandwich without cold cuts.

Pizza

Neromo is a restaurant, pizzeria and cocktail bar located Lungarno (name that designates the roads along the Arno river). I came twice to this restaurant just for one of their dishes: pizza with burrata and fresh truffle. I can't judge the rest of the menu very much, but I assure you that this pizza alone is worth a try. The pizza dough is good, but is the quality topping that makes it very tasty. Can't wait to come back and have this pizza again.

Santarpia is a pizzeria located outside Florence city center. The famous pizza chef, Giovanni Santarpia, brought from Castellammare di Stabia to Florence the colors and flavors of the Neapolitan gastronomic tradition. I visited this pizzeria long time ago, but I'm sure the chef could only improve his technique and skills. When I tried his pizza with burrata, anchovies and bottarga I was amazed. High and spongy crust, well leavened. Excellent quality ingredients used as toppings. Definitely the best pizza tried in Florence.

'O Munaciello is a typically Neapolitan restaurant set in an ancient cloister in Santo Spirito neighborhood. Inside the venue, you feel like you are in Naples; with its colors, its music and the scent of good Neapolitan food. Their main dish is obviously pizza. They have a great variety of pizzas to choose from and the prices are really low. The pizza dough is prepared in the classic way and all the ingredients come from the Amalfi Coast.

Asian food

Koko is (after trying many) my favorite sushi-bar in Florence. An elegant restaurant, perfect for special occasions, where you can eat good sushi or other amazing dishes (such as the tuna tataki you see in the photo below). Here you will find traditional Japanese dishes re-interpreted in a modern way. Their menu is very broad (maybe a bit too much) to satisfy all tastes. Prices are quite high.

Fulin is a restaurant where you can have a "luxury Chinese experience". In other words, a high-level Chinese restaurant. Unfortunately, Chinese restaurants in Italy have never had a great reputation. With this new concept they want to push people to re-evaluate this preconception and approach a more elegant and refined one. A successful project, in a wonderful location and with a prestigious service. Even if I am not a Chinese food lover, I liked the food which was also very well presented. I tried the "Ravioli Marina" (4 colorful ravioli filled with fish and vegetables) and "Riso dell’orto" (vegetarian Cantonese rice).

Gluten free

Ristorante Quinoa was the first 100% gluten-free restaurant in Florence. Is located few steps from Piazza Duomo, but it is a real oasis within the city. The restaurant is quiet and their patio is perfect for a relaxed lunch away from the crowd. They offer a menu that combines tuscan tradition and oriental cuisine. It is not only without risk of contamination for gluten intolerant, but a varied menu with rich and tasty dishes for everyone. During winter season I recommend you one of their vegetables cream with fried tofu on top.

Special occasions

Rinuccio 1180 is located on the Antinori winery's roof. A suggestive location in the middle of the vineyards and the Tuscan hills. I came to this restaurant after a tasting tour inside the winery (which I really recommend). The service is of a high standard and the dishes are not far behind. They offer both traditional and more innovative dishes, suitable for all needs (meat, fish and vegetarian dishes).

Le Ménagère, the first Florentine housewares shop born in 1896, is reborn as a concept-restaurant, a container that collects more souls. In fact, inside you can find the bistro, the restaurant, a small corner with home accessories and a flower shop. The bistro includes the cafeteria where you can accompany your coffee with simple but tasty dishes. While the restaurant is an elegant and refined one, where the chef is serving a fusion cuisine made of tradition, innovation, taste and health. The location is really suggestive and the food is good, perfect for a special dinner.

La leggenda dei Frati is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Villa Bardini. The location is beautiful, both inside and outside. The white color is the master, giving an idea of elegance and luxury. The chef Filippo Saporito will not disappoint you, the cuisine is of the highest standard.