Florence Street Food Guide: 3 Cheap Eats Locals Love (Under €15)

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Florence is famous for bistecca alla fiorentina, but locals know the city is also a paradise for street food and quick, cheap eats. If you want something fast, filling and distinctly Florentine between sightseeing stops, this guide is for you.

Looking for affordable sit-down restaurants instead? Check our separate guide: Florence Cheap Eats (Sit-Down): 5 Affordable Restaurants Locals Love. This article focuses on street food only to avoid overlap.

1) Lampredotto — the ultimate Florentine soul food

Lampredotto is slow-braised beef tripe (the fourth stomach) cooked with celery, onion and carrots—simple, rich and deeply comforting. Order it in a crusty roll as a panino or on a plate (piatto).

Ask for the classic sauces: salsa verde (parsley–garlic–olive oil) and salsa piccante (chili). If you like heat, get both.

✓Where to try
Inside Mercato Centrale: Da Nerbone
Hours: 8:00-15:00, closed Sun (ground floor)

✓Price
About €5-9

Pro tip: It’s wildly popular with locals—go slightly before lunch peak. Their trippa alla fiorentina is great too.

2) Focaccia Panini — the viral, overstuffed sandwich

Florence’s most famous panini are made with olive-oil-rich focaccia, stuffed with classics like prosciutto, salame, truffle cream, mozzarella and arugula. It’s fast, filling and perfect for a budget lunch on the go.

✓Where to try
Near the Uffizi: All’Antico Vinaio
Hours: 10:00-22:00 (irregular closure possible)

✓Price
About €8-14

Queue tip: Lines move fast. Decide your filling while waiting and your panino will be in your hands in minutes.

3) Coccoli — bite-size fried dough with cheese & prosciutto

Coccoli are pillowy, bite-size fried dough balls loved as an appetizer in Florence—typically paired with ultra-creamy stracchino cheese and silky prosciutto. They’re fantastic with a glass of Tuscan wine.

✓Where to try
Santa Croce area: Enoteca Alla Santa Dei Papi
Hours: 10:00-13:30 & 16:00-00:00, closed Sun

✓Price
About €4-6

An enoteca is like a wine bar/bottle shop. Order a glass and enjoy coccoli piping hot—simple and perfect.

Quick tips to eat well on a budget

• Go early or off-peak to avoid queues and sell-outs.
• Carry small change; some stalls are cash-friendly.
• Learn a few words: “per favore (please)”, “piccante (spicy)”, “senza … (without …)”.

Summary: 3 Florence street foods to try

If you loved these bites and want a proper sit-down meal later, save this for later: Affordable Restaurants in Florence.

Have a delicious time in Florence!