Sweet&simple, here are my 5 best restaurant recommendations for Florence, Italy.
- Ostaria dei Centopoveri
I found this restaurant many years ago while I was studying in Florence and it is still one of my all-time favorites. Now this place is what I call affordable luxury. The restaurant itself is deceptively big and continues in to the back past the open kitchen ( which you walk through!!). The vibe is very much so family oriented and don’t be surprised if your waiter brings you some limoncello or amaretto on the house as a digestive after your meal! My favorite dishes here are: Pappardelle alla chiantigiana, gnocchi ai quattro formaggi e rucola, bistecca alla fiorentina, rosticciana di maiale al forno con patate ( THIS is the ONE. €9.50 for some of the most delicious and huge spare ribs with sweet yellow potatoes. YUMM). Check out the restaurant here
2. Ristorante Natalino
Tucked away in a small square between buildings this restaurant is the definition of quality of quantity. Their concise menu has a unique bite for everyone in your party to enjoy. When my friends and I go out we’re made it a habit to order many different plates and share everything- this way we get to try as many dishes off the menu as possible. Imagine how amazing this food was if we kept coming back time and time again during our stay. Highlights from the menu include eggplant parmigiana, cacio e pepe tortellini, house lasagna, pear-filled pasta with gorgonzola sauce, and ravioli with pistachio pesto, burrata, and sun-dried tomatoes. We always have a round of Aperol spritz or wine to pair with these! Check them out here
3. La Giostra
This is a place you go to for the vibe. The first time I stepped foot in here I was sure I was in mafia territory. With tons of family pictures on the walls, highly professional service, and candle-lit ambiance, this place is a must-go. This will definitely be one of the pricer restaurants you stop by but the food tastes great and the experience is always incredible. Ask your server to tell you more about the history of the restaurant and the owner, it’s such an interesting story and added a lot to the experience. If you’re lucky you’ll get a chance to hear the story from the owner himself! The salads here are fantastic, they normally bring out some free appetizers, and every pasta or meat dish I’ve tried here has been pretty good! Learn more here
5. All’antico Vinaio
This one is a classic I’m sure you’ve heard of even if you’ve never been to Florence or even thought about visiting. This classic and iconic sandwich shop turns out some of the most delicious savory panini’s I’ve ever had. If you try to show up during unpopular times between meals you can even avoid the line! If there is a line, however, pour yourself a glass of wine and try to enjoy the wait as your appetite grows, it’ll be worth it. My personal favorites from here are the FAVOLOSA (Sbriciolona salami, cream of pecorino cheese made by us, cream of artichokes and spicy eggplants), LA INFERNO (Roast suckling pig with a spicy cream, spicy eggplant and rocket leaves).
5. Gelateria De’ Medici
I’m going to end on a sweet note and give you my personal favorite Gelateria in Florence. This one is a bit of a walk from the city center but it is totally worth it. The walk there also takes you through an area that locals hang out in so you’ll see a different side of the city! My favorite flavor here was the Medici, it reminiscent of birthday cake batter with crunchy chocolate bites. Find out more here
