The Best Restaurants in Florence Italy
Florence, Italy, is renowned for its art and history, but it's equally a destination for incredible food. The city boasts a wide variety of dining experiences, from classic trattorias serving time-honored dishes to innovative restaurants offering contemporary takes on Tuscan cuisine.
With so many options available, finding the perfect place to dine can be a challenge. This guide aims to simplify that process by highlighting the best restaurants in Florence Italy. Whether you're seeking a perfectly prepared Florentine steak, hand-made pasta, or a refreshing scoop of gelato, this list will lead you to some truly memorable meals.
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| The best restaurant in Florence Italy | Enoteca Pinchiorri |
| The top Florentine steak in Florence | Florentia |
| The best local restaurant in Florence Italy | Trattoria Mario |
| Favourite Gelato in Florence Italy | La Sorbettiera |
How we select the top restaurants in Florence
Selecting the top restaurants in Florence is a delicious but demanding task. It's not just about finding the fanciest place; it's about discovering authentic experiences. My process involves a blend of factors. Of course, I consider critical reviews and awards, and I've certainly had the pleasure of dining at some of Florence's Michelin-starred establishments.
However, I also prioritize local recommendations and personal experiences, actively seeking out hidden gems and avoiding the obvious tourist traps, especially when it comes to the Florentine steak. It's easy to fall prey to overpriced, underwhelming versions of this classic dish, so I've made it a point to research and explore beyond the heavily advertised spots.
I explore a range of options, from traditional trattorias serving up classic dishes that define the best Italian restaurants in Florence Italy, to those select steakhouses that truly deserve the title of best steak restaurant in Florence Italy. I also take into account ambiance, whether it's the charm of a family-run establishment or the stunning views from the best rooftop restaurants in Florence Italy.
Michelin awarded restaurants in Florence Italy
Florence has many great restaurants, recognized by the Michelin Guide. In fact, they have over 10 Michelin-starred restaurants! Michelin uses stars to show how good a restaurant is. One star means "a very good restaurant." Two stars mean "excellent cooking, worth a detour." Three stars are the highest award, meaning "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey."
Michelin also has other awards. The "Bib Gourmand" is for restaurants with tasty food at good prices. The "Green Star" is for restaurants that care about the environment. Here are my top Michelin restaurants in Florence Italy.
Enoteca Pinchiorri
The top spot for the best restaurant in Florence Italy goes to Enoteca Pinchiorri. Enoteca Pinchiorri, with its three Michelin stars, is truly a special place. Dining here feels like a celebration of amazing food and world-class wines. The food is impressive and grand, but it's not too complicated—the flavors of the ingredients always shine through. Each dish is like a firework, getting more and more exciting.
The restaurant is led by talented chef Riccardo Monco, and the wine list, created by Giorgio Pinchiorri, is famous around the world. They use the best ingredients to create innovative dishes while still respecting Italian traditions. What really stands out is the wine pairing. For a reasonable price, you can try incredible wines from the best producers.
View the Enoteca Pinchiorri menu & opening times
Address: Via Ghibellina, 87, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Santa Elisabetta
The 2nd spot goes to the 2 Michelin starred Santa Elisabetta. Santa Elisabetta located in a historic Byzantine tower that once served as a women's prison! Chef Rocco De Santis creates imaginative and flavorful Mediterranean dishes, with a focus on fresh fish and seafood, inspired by his southern Italian roots.
He uses a minimalist approach, highlighting one main ingredient in each dish, balanced by contrasting flavors like sweet and sour, cooked and raw. The setting in the ancient Pagliazza Tower inside the Brunelleschi Hotel adds to the unique experience. With only a few tables, booking ahead is a must. The service is excellent, and the food, especially the seafood, is outstanding.
View the Santa Elisabetta menu and opening times
Address: Piazza Sant'Elisabetta, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Osteria Le Panzanelle
Osteria Le Panzanelle is a charming, rustic trattoria in the Chianti region with a lovely garden for outdoor dining. This restaurant offers generous portions of delicious Tuscan food, including homemade pasta and excellent meat dishes like pici with garlic and stuffed rabbit. Osteria Le Panzanelle has been nominated as a Bib Gourmand Michelin making it one of the best local restaurants in Florence Italy
On Fridays, they serve fresh fish from Elba. The wine list features Tuscan wines. It's recommended to book in advance. The atmosphere is quaint and the ingredients are high quality. Sharing antipasti followed by pasta or steak is a great way to experience their menu. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is highly recommended. They are open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, lunch only on Sunday, and closed on Monday.
Book a reservation with Osteria Le Panzanelle
Address: Località Lucarelli, 29, 53017 Radda in Chianti SI, Italy
The best restaurants in Florence Italy for fine dining.
Florence has many amazing places to eat if you're looking for a special experience. These restaurants offer top-quality food, from classic Tuscan dishes to new, creative meals.
These places have great service, beautiful settings, and huge wine lists. If you want a memorable meal for a special day, Florence's fine dining scene is perfect. Here are my recommendations for the best restaurants in Florence Italy with fine dining:
Atto di Vito Mollica
Atto di Vito Mollica, a Michelin-starred restaurant near Florence's cathedral, is located in a beautiful historic palace. I recently had the pleasure of dining there myself and is one of the best restaurants in Florence Italy. Chef Vito Mollica creates surprising and delicious dishes, with a focus on seafood and unique flavor combinations. “Every dish is an act of love, a gesture that transmits passion, dedication and creativity” Chef Vito Mollica.
They use top-quality ingredients, from their fragrant bread to their special pasta dishes, and offer a great selection of Tuscan and Umbrian olive oils. You’ll dine in a room decorated with original frescoes showing scenes from the Odyssey and 16th-century life, with a gentle fountain adding to the atmosphere.
The combination of beautiful art and amazing food, along with excellent service, made for a truly unforgettable evening for me.
Learn more about Atto di Vito Mollica
Address: Salotto Portinari Bistrot by Vito Mollica, Via del Corso, 6, 50122 Florence FI, Italy
Serrae Villa Fiesole
Serrae Villa Fiesole offers modern Italian cuisine with a simple, elegant style. Chef Antonello Sardi creates his dishes in a beautiful open kitchen, and you can enjoy them surrounded by greenery with stunning views of Florence.
The restaurant focuses on authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist, using techniques that highlight the natural taste of the ingredients. They offer both seafood and meat dishes designed to be a multi-sensory experience. The dining room is chic and contemporary, with the open kitchen and Florence's skyline adding to the ambiance.
You can also dine in the garden overlooking the city. They have vegetarian options and are very accommodating to dietary restrictions, which they ask about right away.
View the Serrae Villa Fiesole menu and book
Address: ia Frà Giovanni da Fiesole Detto l'Angelico, 35, 50014 Fiesole FI, Italy
Atman
Atman, located in Vinci (Leonardo da Vinci's birthplace), offers a unique dining experience. They feature a single, ever-changing tasting menu that reflects the current season and available ingredients, allowing Chef Marco Cahssai to showcase his creativity.
Standout dishes include the spaghetti with five types of tomato, a flavorful and technically interesting cold dish, and the glazed pigeon with plums, which highlights its tenderness. Wine pairing is highly recommended, as the dishes often have complex flavors that require careful balance. The restaurant is situated in a beautiful villa outside of the town center.
The food quality is excellent, justifying their Michelin star. I've dined here before and recently experienced their new menu, which included an impressive 18-course tasting menu. It's a truly memorable experience, especially for special occasions, with kind staff who expertly explain each dish and wine pairing.
Check out the Atman menu
Address: Via IV Novembre, 20, 50059 Vinci FI, Italy
The best local restaurants in Florence Italy
If you want to experience the real Florence, skip the tourist traps and discover the local favorites I've uncovered. These hidden gems, often family-run trattorias and osterias, offer authentic Tuscan cuisine at reasonable prices.
Here you'll find classic dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Based on my experiences, eating at these best local restaurants in Florence Italy is a fantastic way to taste the true flavors of the city.
Florentia
I searched hard for this place. Above is a picture of the most fantastic florentine steak at my number one pick for the florentine steak restaurant in Florence Italy. It is a hidden gem and quite hard to find. In my travels I've had to walk away from other restaurants as they were tourist traps but Florentia was perfect and also reasonably priced. The staff and owner were very friendly and not pushy and gave you a local vibe. Don't forgot to finish off with a tiramisu and limoncello.
View the Florentia florentine steak menu
Address: B, Borgo degli Albizi, 58, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Trattoria Mario
Trattoria Mario is one of the best local restaurants in Florence Italy a simple trattoria founded in 1953, is known for its authentic Tuscan soups, pastas, and meat dishes, all paired with regional wines. They proudly declare "no cream, no mayonnaise!" Their menu changes daily, based on what's fresh, but you can usually find staples like Florentine steak, their famous ragù (slow-cooked for at least 4 hours!), and ribollita.
I highly recommend trying to reserve a table, as there's often a line. This place has a rich history, starting as a wine shop for market workers in 1953 before becoming a trattoria in 1957. Today, it's still a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, serving up the same traditional flavors that have made it a Florentine institution.
View the Trattoria Mario Menu
Address: Via Rosina, 2r, 50123 Florence FI, Italy
MIRÓ Ristorante Pizzeria
Miro Ristorante is my top pick for being one of the best pizza restaurants in Florence Italy. You can never get tired of a pizza especially when it is so good. Opened in 2022 by chef Mauro Miraldo, Mirò occupies a space that was once a 17th-century monastery. The restaurant has been renovated with a modern style but retains an original skylight in the main dining room.
I found the pizza crust to be excellent, with delicious and generous toppings. The truffle pasta and stuffed eggplant were also standouts for me. If you go, I recommend trying the Profumosa pizza (bacon, rosemary, and potato white pizza) and the fried pizza dough balls.
Check out Miro's Ristorante menu and book
Address: Via S. Gallo, 40r/42, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
Dessert Places in Florence
After enjoying a great meal at one of the best restaurants in Florence Italy, don't forget dessert! Florence has many wonderful places for sweet treats. You can find amazing gelato in all sorts of flavors at traditional gelaterias. There are also pasticcerias that sell beautiful pastries and cakes. Whether you want classic Italian desserts like tiramisu or refreshing sorbet, Florence has something for everyone with a sweet tooth. Here are my top pics:
La Sorbettiera
La Sorbettiera offers exceptional, artisan gelato made with high-quality, seasonal ingredients and a touch of creative flair. You'll find classic flavors like smooth pistachio and rich hazelnut alongside unique and innovative combinations, such as a refreshing basil-lime and the award-winning New England 1776 (fiordilatte, maple syrup, and candied bacon). They also cater to dietary needs with gluten-free and lactose-free options.
View more details about La Sorbettiera
Address: Via Mazzetta, 9/a, 50125 Florence FI, Italy
Vecchio Forno
Vecchio Forno is a small, local bakery offering amazing pastries. The staff is friendly, and while English might not be their first language, the quality of the baked goods speaks for itself.
I highly recommend trying the vanilla cornetta, the turta di frutt, and especially the pistachio croissant. These treats were recommended to me by a local, and I can confirm they're absolutely worth seeking out.
Address: Via Guelfa, 32, 50129 Florence FI, Italy
Forno Ghibellina
Forno Ghibellina is a great spot for fresh and delicious pastries at very reasonable prices. The coffee is also excellent. I particularly recommend the whipped cream cornetti, the pear tart, and the pistachio croissant. It's a lovely place to sit and enjoy a treat. They are open every day except Sunday, from early morning until evening.
Address: Via Ghibellina, 41r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
FAQ's about the best restaurants in Florence Italy
What types of restaurants can I find in Florence?
Florence offers a diverse culinary scene, from traditional trattorias serving classic Tuscan dishes like Florentine steak and handmade pasta, to innovative restaurants with modern takes on Italian cuisine. You can also find pizzerias, seafood restaurants, and fine dining establishments.
Are there Michelin-starred restaurants in Florence?
Yes, Florence has over 10 Michelin-starred restaurants, offering exceptional dining experiences. Michelin uses a star system: one star signifies "a very good restaurant," two stars mean "excellent cooking," and three stars represent "exceptional cuisine." They also award Bib Gourmands for good value and Green Stars for sustainable practices.
Can you recommend a top fine dining experience in Florence?
Enoteca Pinchiorri, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, is a truly special place. It offers a celebration of amazing food and world-class wines. The food is impressive, with the flavors of the ingredients shining through. The wine pairing is also highly recommended.
Where can I find authentic, local Florentine food?
For a truly local experience, I recommend seeking out family-run trattorias and osterias. Trattoria Mario is a great example, serving traditional Tuscan dishes like ragù, ribollita, and Florentine steak in a welcoming atmosphere. Trattoria Mario is one of the best restaurants in Florence Italy.
Where can I find good pizza in Florence?
Miro Ristorante Pizzeria is my top pick for pizza. They offer delicious pizza with great crust and toppings, along with other Italian dishes like truffle pasta. The restaurant is located in a unique setting, a renovated 17th-century monastery.
What about dessert? Where can I find good gelato or pastries?
Florence has many great dessert options. La Sorbettiera offers exceptional artisan gelato with classic and unique flavors. For pastries, I recommend Vecchio Forno and Forno Ghibellina, both offering fresh and delicious treats like cornetti and fruit tarts.