Florence is a feast for the senses. Between Renaissance architecture, world-class art and centuries-old piazzas, there’s another masterpiece waiting to be discovered: the food. As the capital of Tuscany, Florence boasts a rustic and hearty cuisine that celebrates the region’s farmland roots, seasonal produce and simple ingredients prepared with care.
Wondering what to eat in Florence during your trip? From succulent steaks to silky pasta and sweet pastries, here are 12 essential dishes that showcase the best of Tuscan flavor and Florentine flair.
1. Bistecca alla Fiorentina
No dish defines Florence quite like bistecca alla Fiorentina — a massive, bone-in T-bone steak that’s grilled over an open flame and traditionally served rare. Sourced from Chianina cattle and seasoned with just olive oil, salt and pepper, it’s a must-try for meat lovers. Expect a bold, smoky flavor and a generous portion that’s usually shared.
2. Ribollita
Hearty, comforting and unmistakably Tuscan, ribollita is a thick bread soup made with beans, kale, carrots and other vegetables. The name means “reboiled,” referencing how it’s made — reheated the next day after ingredients have had time to meld. It’s the ultimate cold-weather comfort food and a taste of Florence’s rustic side.
3. Lampredotto
This Florentine street food classic might surprise you — lampredotto is made from the fourth stomach of a cow, slow-cooked in a broth of herbs and vegetables. Served in a sandwich and topped with salsa verde or spicy sauce, it’s a beloved local snack you’ll find at market stalls and food trucks throughout the city.
4. Pappa al Pomodoro
Simple and soul-warming, pappa al pomodoro is a tomato and bread soup made with olive oil, garlic, basil and stale bread that soaks up all the flavor. It's creamy, rich and completely vegetarian. If you're wondering what to eat in Florence that’s filling yet light, this is a perfect pick.
5. Crostini Toscani
Looking for a quick bite or antipasto to start your meal? Try crostini toscani, toasted bread topped with a savory chicken liver pâté — often blended with capers, anchovies and butter. It’s rich, earthy and deeply flavorful and you’ll see it on the menu at most traditional Florentine trattorias.
6. Tagliatelle al Tartufo
Tuscany is known for its truffles and Florence puts them to good use. Tagliatelle al tartufo features fresh egg pasta tossed in a buttery truffle sauce, often garnished with shaved truffle on top. Earthy and luxurious, this dish is one of the best foods in Florence for those seeking something elegant.
7. Panzanella
This vibrant bread salad is a celebration of summer. Made with cubes of day-old bread, juicy tomatoes, red onions, basil and a simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar, panzanella is refreshing and bursting with flavor. It’s a go-to side dish or light lunch on warm Tuscan afternoons.
8. Cinghiale (Wild Boar)
Wild boar, or cinghiale, is a staple Tuscan hillsides and features prominently on Florentine menus. It’s often slow-cooked into a rich ragu served over pappardelle pasta or roasted with herbs and wine. The flavor is deep and slightly gamey, offering a unique taste of Tuscany’s countryside cuisine.
9. Schiacciata
Don’t confuse this with focaccia — schiacciata is Florence’s beloved flatbread, crispier and thinner than its Ligurian cousin. Often stuffed with prosciutto, cheese or seasonal vegetables, it’s ideal for on-the-go eating. Local bakeries serve it fresh throughout the day, often drizzled with olive oil and sea salt.
10. Cantucci e Vin Santo
End your Florentine feast with cantucci, small almond biscotti-style cookies served with a glass of vin santo, a sweet dessert wine. The tradition is to dunk the cookies in the wine for a soft, flavorful finish to the meal. It’s a ritual as much as it is a dessert — and one you shouldn’t skip.
11. Gelato
While gelato originated further north, Florence is home to some of Italy’s best artisanal gelaterias. Expect dense, creamy scoops in flavors ranging from pistachio and hazelnut to lavender, pear and dark chocolate. Enjoy it while strolling the Ponte Vecchio or relaxing in Piazza della Signoria.
12. Castagnaccio
This lesser-known Tuscan dessert is made with chestnut flour, olive oil, raisins and pine nuts. Castagnaccio is dense and earthy, with a subtle sweetness that reflects the region’s use of simple, natural ingredients. It’s especially popular in autumn and offers a unique taste of Florence’s seasonal traditions.
Food Excursions to Try in Florence
To fully appreciate the best foods in Florence, pair your culinary curiosity with a sightseeing adventure. These excursions offer a chance to taste your way through the city while exploring its historic heart:
- A Taste of Florence
- Stroll through Renaissance landmarks on a guided walking tour, passing the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Church of Santa Croce. After two hours with your guide, enjoy free time to explore Florence’s food scene your way — whether that means grabbing schiacciata from a local bakery, sipping espresso in a café or sitting down to a full pasta lunch with views of the Arno River.
- Best of Florence & Pisa
- Combine two iconic Tuscan cities in one unforgettable day. Start by marveling at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, then continue to Florence for a guided tour of the city’s top sights. Along the way, enjoy a flavorful introduction to Florentine cuisine — from street food favorites to time-honored restaurant dishes — before visiting the gothic Church of Santa Croce.
Whether you’re savoring a sandwich in the market or dining in view of the Duomo, these excursions offer the perfect blend of history and flavor.
What Foods is Florence Famous For?
Florence offers no-frills, ingredient-focused cuisine that highlights Tuscan traditions and local pride. Signature dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina, ribollita and lampredotto tell stories of the region’s agricultural roots and time-honored recipes. Fresh bread, extra virgin olive oil, wild game and robust wines are all staples of the Florentine table. The best foods in Florence are often the simplest — rustic soups, hearty meats and comforting pasta made with care. Whether you’re dining in a candlelit trattoria or snacking on gelato under the Tuscan sun, every bite is a celebration of regional flavor and Italian hospitality.
Ready to taste your way through Tuscany? Explore Florence shore excursions to plan your perfect day. For more inspiration, check out what Florence is known for and what to buy in Florence to make the most of your time in this Renaissance city.
