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Quick summary
- Must-eats: Bistecca / Lampredotto / Crostini
- Typical prices: Bistecca 1kg €60–120 / Lampredotto €5–8 / Gelato €3–5
- Reservations: Bistecca is essential (esp. weekends)
- Best season: White truffle Oct–Dec (budget accordingly)
- Where to aim: SMN (Santa Maria Novella) area / Mercato Centrale
Florence isn’t just the “City of the Renaissance” — it’s a food capital. This guide focuses on what travelers most want to know: what to eat and where, with prices, reservation tips, and handy ordering phrases.
7 Must-Try Foods in Florence
1) Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Thick-cut, bone-in T-bone grilled over charcoal — crusty outside, juicy rare inside. Even better if it’s Chianina beef.
- Price: 1kg €60–120 (serves 2–3)
- Doneness: al sangue (rare) is standard
- Reservation: Essential (book 1–2 days ahead for weekends)
- Ordering phrase: “Una bistecca alla fiorentina, per due persone, al sangue.”
Where to try: Trattoria 13 Gobbi (central; book ahead). For how to avoid common mistakes, see the Ultimate Bistecca Guide.
2) Lampredotto
Florence’s iconic street food: the fourth stomach of the cow, simmered with aromatics and tucked into a roll. The classic topping combo is salsa verde + piccante (chili).
- Price: €5–8
- Reservation: Not needed (to dodge lines, go before 11:30)
- Ordering phrase: “Un panino al lampredotto, con salsa verde, piccante, per favore.”
Where to try: Da Nerbone (Mercato Centrale, ground floor). More stalls in Florence Street Food: Top Picks. (Coming soon)
3) Pappa al Pomodoro
A soulful Tuscan staple made by cooking saltless bread with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil. Simple look, concentrated flavor.
- Price: €6–12
- Reservation: Not necessary (nice-to-have)
- Ordering phrase: “Una pappa al pomodoro.”
4) Truffle Dishes (Black / White)
Black truffle shines in winter (Dec–Mar) and also in summer (May–Aug). Ultra-premium white truffle peaks Oct–Dec. For aroma, go white; for value, go black.
- Price: Black €20–40+ / White = market price (can spike)
- Reservation: Recommended (essential in white truffle season)
- Ordering phrase: “Tagliatelle al tartufo.”
Where to try: Osteria Pastella (famous cheese-wheel finish + fresh pasta)
- Black (summer): May–Aug
- Black (winter): Dec–Mar
- White: Oct–Dec
5) Tuscan Wine (Chianti, etc.)
From Chianti and Chianti Classico to Brunello — you’re spoiled for choice. Sample by the glass at city enotecas or book a winery tour in the countryside.
Tip: recent standout vintage for Tuscany is 2016 — worth hunting down.
- Price: Glass €5–12 / Bottle €20+
- Reservation: Recommended for winery tours
If you want good-value city spots first, see Best-Value Restaurants in Florence. (Coming soon)
6) Crostini di Fegatini
Warm chicken-liver spread on saltless bread — the quintessential Tuscan starter. Pairs brilliantly with local reds; hard to go wrong ordering this first.
- Price: €5–10
- Reservation: Not necessary (nice-to-have)
- Ordering phrase: “Crostini di fegatini.”
7) Gelato
Florence is often credited as the birthplace of gelato. Old-school boutiques and new-wave artisans abound — fruit flavors really showcase ingredient quality.
- Price: €3–5
- Ordering phrase: “Una coppetta, due gusti.” (cup with two flavors)
Try: Carabè Firenze (near the Accademia; outstanding fruit flavors). See more picks in 5 Must-try Gelato shops in Florence.
Price / Booking / Area at a Glance
| Dish | Typical Price | Booking | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bistecca | 1kg €60–120 | Essential | SMN area / Historic center |
| Lampredotto | €5–8 | Not needed | Mercato Centrale (G/F) |
| Crostini | €5–10 | Not needed | Trattorias citywide |
| Gelato | €3–5 | Not needed | Across the center |
| Truffle dishes | €20–40+ | Recommended | Historic center |
Tips for Eating Well in Florence
To avoid hassles and maximize enjoyment, keep these in mind:
- Book popular places: Especially bistecca/truffle hot spots — reserve by the day before.
- Service & cover (coperto): Seat/bread fees are commonly included. Small tips only if you’re delighted. More in Italy Tipping Guide. (Coming soon)
- Tourist pricing traps: Steps from major sights often = higher prices. Check reviews and price norms.
Bring the Flavors Home
Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil, truffle salt, and local wines make superb souvenirs. You’ll find quality at fair prices in the Mercato Centrale and neighborhood supermarkets.
Personal favorite: Laudemio Frescobaldi EVOO — drizzle over rare steak with salt & pepper and it tastes instantly Tuscan.
Wrap-Up
From bistecca and lampredotto to seasonal truffles and renowned Tuscan wines, Florence delivers the best of simple, elegant cuisine. Use this guide to mix the right places and experiences for your itinerary — and build your own unforgettable food trip.
Planning your trip? A Chianti winery tour is my top recommendation.
Depart from central Florence and visit two historic wineries with a guide — hassle-free and tasty.
You can often find tours for under €50 (as of Aug 2025). Have a look here:
≫ Find Chianti winery tours on GetYourGuide
FAQ
Q: Do I need a reservation for bistecca?
> Yes for popular spots — especially on weekends and in peak season. Standard doneness is “al sangue” (rare).
Q: Lampredotto price and ordering tips?
> Expect €5–8. The classic order is with salsa verde (herb sauce) and piccante (chili).
Q: White truffle season & budget?
> Peak is Oct–Dec. Pricing is market-driven and can spike; check ranges in advance and book restaurants ahead.