In a city as enchanting as Firenze, finding the best hotels, trattorias, and cultural sites is an art form; luckily, we’ve connected with a handful of Florentine locals to help compile your ultimate Florence Guide.

While so much of capturing the essence of Florence is about wandering along the Arno and through her winding streets, having some bookmarked spots in your back pocket makes all the difference. In collaboration with some of our top booked Florence properties and their General Managers, we’ve rounded up the best places to eat in Florence, including where you’ll find these discerning locals on their days off. And don’t worry, we’ve put it all into a Google Map for easy on-the-ground access!

Where to Stay in Florence

Before we dive into our favorite topic (dining), we’d be remiss not to differentiate some of the unique benefits of SmartFlyer clients’ top-booked hotels in Florence.

• Four Seasons Hotel Firenze: Just a ten-minute walk from Piazza del Duomo, this urban retreat is lined with frescoes and original architectural features that will have you feeling like Italian nobility. For the ultimate ‘wow factor’ the Royal Suite is not to be missed.
• Hotel Brunelleschi: Ideal for travelers seeking an independent hotel, this historical property is housed in the iconic Byzantine Pagliazza Tower and adjacent medieval church. Every room and suite comes with a view, including some with a direct sight of the Duomo.
• Hotel Lungarno: Perfectly positioned on the Arno, this Ferragamo family-owned gem is a haven for design lovers who want to be in the heart of Florence.
• Portrait Firenze: A sister property to Hotel Lungarno, Portrait Firenze is an even more elevated outpost overlooking the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Be sure to have your SmartFlyer travel advisor book you a room on the Arno side of the property!
• The Place Firenze: Considered an “if you know, you know” property, its location tucked into charming Piazza Santa Maria Novella makes for a discreet address to lay your head. With only twenty rooms, coming back here feels more like coming home—that is, if your home were dripping in Florentine-made furnishings and Ginori 1735 porcelain plates.
• Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel: Tucked just behind the carousel in Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy instantly attunes guests to Florentine life with the chance to dine on its stunning terrace and savor vibrant Emilio Puccio decor.
• Villa Cora: For the ultimate stay tucked into the hills overlooking Florence, Villa Cora is set within a rose-filled park inside a 19th-century villa. With only forty-four rooms and the city’s only outdoor heated pool (open year-round!), here, you can sink into complete relaxation.
• Villa La Massa: Divided among six villas, the fifty-four rooms and suites that make up Villa La Massa exude tranquility. The property’s location on the banks of the Arno River outside the city makes for an ideal retreat.
• Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel: Ideal for art seekers, the facade at Villa San Michele has been attributed to Michelangelo, a history that has inspired Belmond’s approach to integrating nods to Italian Rennaissance splendor at every turn. With forty-two guestrooms and suites including the three-bedroom Limonaia Villa, here you can admire old masters right from your room!

The Florentine Way: Florence Like a Local

For us, getting into the heart of a destination is about understanding its heartbeat. Few know the inner workings of Florence better than the General Managers behind the city’s most discerning properties, so we checked in with these hoteliers to learn where we could find them on a weekend away from the hotel. From farmers’ markets to the under-the-radar restaurants they keep close to the vest, we’re divulging it all.

Florence Hotel General Manager Picks

Markets

• Mercato di Sant Ambrogio: An indoor market beloved by locals since 1873, here you can buy fresh food or try “lampredotto” and “trippa Fiorentina” which are the favorite street foods of Florentines.
• Mercato Centrale Firenze: One of Florence’s most famous markets, there are over one hundred stalls here selling meat, fish, bread, fruit, and vegetables, plus vendors with clothing and leather goods.
• Piazza Santo Spirito: If you happen to be in town on the second Sunday of the month, go to Santo Spirito for stands with crafts and local bites.

Bars, Restaurants, Grocers and Gelaterias

• Alimentari Innocenti: The ideal spot to pick up Italian goodies for a hike or picnic outside the city.
• Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827: With claims of being the ‘oldest restaurant in Florence,’ Paoli has been a meeting place for intellectuals since the early 1800s. Come here for history and traditional Tuscan fare.
• ‘A Puteca: For some of the best pizza in Florence, look no further than this spot in Piazza Beccaria.
• Da Delfina in Artimino: Serving simple, traditional food, this gem outside the city is a local haunt.
• Element: For the nights when you want to switch it up and do dim sum in Florence, Element has you covered for a contemporary dining experience.
• Gelateria Della Passera: This quaint gelateria is beloved by Florentines for its seasonal specialties made from completely organic, locally sourced ingredients.
• Locale Firenze: Recognized as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, we love the ‘Scultura’ section of the menu inspired by famous sculptures of the Renaissance containing intense drinks while the ‘Pittua’ derives elements from paintings with more floral and fruity combos.
• Trattoria Sergio Gozzi: No frills, time seems to stand still for decades when you walk into this lunch staple for locals.
• Regina Bistecca: If you’re looking for the classic ‘bistecca alla Fiorentina,’ Regina doesn’t disappoint.
• Trattoria Camillo: A staple on many of the ‘best restaurants in Florence’ for good reason, this Oltrano staple serves up authentic, seasonal dishes sure to delight. Don’t skip the chocolate torte (the last time we were there, we ordered a second, it was that good).

Points of Interest

• Giunti Odeon: A new and innovative bookstore format, rediscover the pleasure of book browsing in this stunning setting.
• Medici Villa of Poggio Caiano: Built in 1485, this early Renaissance building is adorned in frescos dating back to the early 1500s.
• Palazzo Strozzi Foundation: A dynamic cultural center, here you’ll find masterpieces of Renaissance architecture.
• Piazzale Michelangelo: More than just a photo spot, this lookout point should not be missed to see all of Florence; we love it at sunrise for ultra serenity.
• San Miniato: The perfect stop to stroll back in time, this little town is an enchanting place between Florence and Pisa with a fascinating church that warrants a trip inside. Be sure to look out for the monks and their unique goods for sale.
• Tennis Club at Cascine Park: Florence’s oldest tennis club, here you can play on clay courts or just observe a match or two! It’s also a beloved place for locals for an outdoor walk or meeting on Sundays after a good lunch with family. And on Tuesdays, there is a market!
• Villa Bardini: With panoramic views overlooking Florence, Villa Bardini’s natural gardens embody seven centuries of Florentine Baroque gardening traditions with grottoes, statues, fountains, and blooming flowers.

“Next, I’d do lunch at Sergio Gozzi which I’m nearly hesitant to share with you — it’s that good! But it’s been a trattoria for over 100 years and is a casual, authentic restaurant…” – Claudio Meli

As a forever Florentine, Claudio Meli, the General Manager and effervescent personality behind The Place Firenze is as emblematic of Florence as it gets. When asked what we could find him up to on a Saturday, he shared, “I would venture out for a morning walk to the oldest market in Florence, Mercato di Sant Ambrogio, where the local Florentines go for fresh veggies, fruits, typical products, cheeses, meat, olive oil, and more. Next, I’d do lunch at Sergio Gozzi which I’m nearly hesitant to share with you — it’s that good! But it’s been a trattoria for over 100 years and is a casual, authentic restaurant open only for lunch. The food quality has remained fantastic for all of these years and through many generations. 

After a nice Florentine lunch, I’d walk up, up to the Piazza Michelangelo and up even further to the beautiful church of San Miniato where the monks still have an apothecary of unique products they make. The church itself has an incredible façade and the interior that has been maintained and restored over the centuries are breathtaking. Sometimes the monks are chanting up there and the views back to the city are incredible! In the afternoon, I’d visit the Medici Villa of Poggio Caiano to take in the scenes and beauty of this villa! Eventually, we would do dinner with my wife and daughters at one of my favorites, Da Delfina in Artimino which has incredible food and views to die for outside the city a bit.”

Sofia Peluso, Managing Director, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel shares, “I would be strolling around the blooming gardens of Villa Bardini, enjoying beautiful views of Florence or visiting the latest contemporary art exhibition at the Palazzo Strozzi Foundation. For a Tuscan and relaxed lunch, I would stop at Santo Bevitore, and have dinner at timeless Camillo or Regina Bistecca near the Duomo.”

Over at Brunelleschi Hotel, General Manager Stefano Lodi shares, “My preferred Saturday morning is at the Tennis Club at the Cascine Park…struggling the game with my partners (and friends) as the lucky winner offers a tasty ‘pasta al ragù’ to all of us! In the afternoon usually I walk around, as after many years spent abroad, the Florentine architecture and hidden corners of this magic city are magnetic for me.. as well as the beautiful shops. The must-do aperitivo is in the vibrant Piazza Della Repubblica, with live music, and I am never disappointed by a Tuscan dinner with steak at the ancient restaurant Paoli…I will be happy to introduce you to the owner!’‘

For a truly local experience, we checked in with Elisa Peroli, General Manager at Villa La Massa to learn about her perfect weekend. She shares, “For me, the weekend means recharging my batteries, and I can’t think of a better way to do that other than by spending time with family and friends, perhaps outdoors and making the most of the many things Florence has to offer. Saturdays usually start with a late breakfast, followed by a long walk or bike ride along the river, known locally as the ‘lungarni,’ where I can admire Villa La Massa from the other side of the Arno.

“In the afternoon, I always find some exhibitions to visit or I head over to Palazzo Strozzi, my favourite exhibition space. Art is a great source of inspiration for me. I wrap up with an aperitivo at Locale, one of my preferred cocktail bars.” – Elisa Peroli

I love to stop by the Sant’Ambrogio market for my weekly grocery shopping at the traditional Florentine butchers and the local farmers’ market where I happily accept their foodie recommendations. Another great market is in Piazza Santo Spirito, in Florence’s most authentic neighbourhood, the Oltrarno, where a drink or coffee is a must in the square. For a lovely lunch with views of Florence and the Tuscan hills, I like to stop at Alimentari Innocenti, which is also just a few minutes walk from Villa La Massa. In the afternoon, I always find some exhibitions to visit or I head over to Palazzo Strozzi, my favourite exhibition space. Art is a great source of inspiration for me. I wrap up with an aperitivo at Locale, one of my preferred cocktail bars.

Sunday brunch is a must for me, perhaps followed by some shopping in the bustling city centre or in the Oltrarno. A visit to a bookstore like Giunti Odeon is also a requirement. It is a historic Florentine venue and an old cinema that has been given a new lease of life as a bookshop and movie theater in English. During the day, they show classic movies suitable for children, which is perfect for families. To finish a weekend of fun and relaxation, nothing beats a beautiful sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo and a typical Tuscan dinner at a family-run osteria. Give me all of this and I’m fully energized on Monday morning!”

Max Musto, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze shares, “My ideal Saturday is a day spent with my whole family: we love to have lunch at our favorite Chinese Dim Sum restaurant, Element, or the perfect place for a casual pizza, ‘A Puteca. After lunch, we’d walk around the city center and have an ice cream from my son’s favorite place, Gelateria Della Passera.”

“I love Chic Nonna, the new fine dining restaurant in town opened by the famous Chef Vito Mollica. Located inside the historical Palazzo Portinari it is not to be missed. Then, there’s Il Locale, a bar and a restaurant that has become an icon and a point of reference for locals’ nightlife.” – Ariele Duina

When asked about her perfect weekend away from the hotel, Ariela Duina, General Manager, Villa Cora shares, “I live in the little village of San Casciano Val di Pesa, twenty minutes by car from Firenze, in the Chianti area. During summer, I love to enjoy the Tuscan countryside, relax in the garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, and refresh in the pool. In winter Firenze is always full of things to see and visit but on a sunny day, I also love to drive to the seaside, to Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi, not crowded and perfect for an outdoors as the temperatures are always nice. If I were in town, I love Chic Nonna, the new fine dining restaurant in town opened by the famous Chef Vito Mollica. Located inside the historical Palazzo Portinari it is not to be missed. Then, there’s Il Locale, a bar and a restaurant that has become an icon and a point of reference for locals’ nightlife. Amazing environment, food and cocktails have made Il Locale win several awards. Book here your aperitivo to start a great night!”

Meanwhile, at Hotel Savoy, we checked in with longtime General Manager Giancarlo Rizzi for his ideal Saturday. We love that his perfect day involves an out-of-town adventure, sharing, “I would love to take you to meet my friend Giulio, the truffle hunter who I like to spend time with during the weekend. He’s based in the nearby countryside and he will show you the beauty of the Tuscan hills next to Florence. Afterward, back to his home, Giulio’s songs will accompany great food and wine selected and prepared by his wife along with many funny stories. You will fall in love with his dogs, likewise learning immensely about the world of truffles.”

Things to Do in Florence

• Work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to arrange a walking tour with a private guide including a visit to the Uffizi, Accademia and the Duomo. This is a must to discover Florence!
• Tour the Artisans’ Santo Spirito district with a stop at few “ bottega” (shops) suggested by the concierge.
• Have an apperitivo in one of the rooftop bars of the city to enjoy the sunset as well as a “well done” Negroni, the original cocktail of Firenze.
• Do a “Barchetto” boat tour on the Arno river at the sunset. Barchetto is a historical boat and you have to sip a cool Prosecco or a glass of Chianti during the tour.
• Take a hot air balloon flight over Firenze at dawn to be the first to awake the city. Have your cell charged to take a lot of pictures and videos. It is magical.

Off-The-Beaten-Track Florence

• San Niccolò district: This is the place for nightlife with a few historical cocktail bars and its bohemian atmosphere. This district is also very well worth visiting during daytime because it is near the Bardini Garden and Forte Belvedere.
• Orsanmichele Church: Designed by Francesco Talenti, it was the former Florence’s central grain market and was converted into a church in the 14th century. A real masterpiece located downtown, its entrance is from a hidden narrow street not easy to be seen.
• Cappella Brancacci: Located inside the church of Santa Maria del Carmine, this little jewel gives you the possibility to admire the masterpieces created by Masaccio, Masolino and Lippi who painted the chapel’s ceiling and walls. A real beauty.
• Opificio delle Pietre Dure Museum: This is a true off-the-beaten-track venue. A laboratory museum where you can experience how paintings, sculptures and pieces of art were restored and renovated. The company of Opificio is still working and commissioned by the most important museums of the city such as the Duomo, Accademia and Uffizi Gallery to restore their damaged pieces of art.

Where to Eat in Florence

Best Restaurants in Florence for Classic Trattoria Vibes

• Antico Ristoro di Cambi: Located in San Frediano — one of the city’s most typical local neighborhoods — Antico Ristoro was founded in 1950 and started as a shop where wine and cold cuts were served. Now, the restaurant offers a typical Florentine menu with old-fashioned decor, including historical red brick vaults.
• Buca dell’Orafo: Managed by the same family for over three decades, Buca dell’Orafo is located a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio in a building dating to around the year 1200, when the bridge was lined with goldsmiths. The decor is classic with wooden tables, vaulted ceilings and a lively atmosphere. Here diners enjoy authentic Tuscan home cooking.
• Cantinetta Antinori: Situated in Palazzo Antinori, this historical wine bar and restaurant is the ideal place for a refined lunch or dinner for elegantly prepared Tuscan specialties or just a glass of Antinori wine.
• Garga Trattoria: Reservations are required at this quaint spot that will transport you to the heart of Tuscany.
• Le Volpe e L’Uva: Ideal for a light lunch, this rustic wine bar near the Ponte Vecchio makes for perfect for a quick stop while sightseeing in the Oltrarno.We love the crostoni with sausage or mortadella.
• Osteria Cinghiale Bianco: At this traditional restaurant, diners can expect local food and a really easygoing ambiance. Wild boar sauce is their specialty.
• Trattoria Sostanza: A Florentine favorite for more than 150 years, there are only six tables to snag, so we recommend booking in advance. The artichoke omelet is exceptional, but we love lunch here for the butter chicken.
• Trattoria del Carmine: With a menu that changes daily based on seasonal specialties, this no-frills spot is filled with locals. The beef carpaccio and porcini sauce (in the fall) are exceptional.
• Vini e Vecchi Sapori: This osteria serves hearty pasta dishes and traditional Tuscan dishes; they’re known for their pappardelle in duck ragu, ribollita soup, and fragrant saffron pasta tossed with zucchini flowers.

Best Restaurants in Florence for Bistecca

Bistecca alla Fiorentina is one of the most “iconic” dishes in Florentine cuisine; here are some restaurants where you can’t go wrong!

• Buca Lapi: As the oldest restaurant in Florence, dating back to 1880, you can’t go wrong with Buca Lapi. Meals here honor the authentic methods of the old Tuscan cuisine including handmade pasta, ribollita, wild boar with polenta, and the famous bistecca alla Fiorentina cooked on charcoal. The flavors are only enhanced by the charming ambiance with the ceiling and walls papered with vintage magazines.
• Buca Mario: Housed in a sixteenth-century “buca” in the cellars of Palazzo Niccolini, this historical trattoria offers pasta and meat, plus fish and several creative rice options. Here, expert chefs lovingly prepare traditional recipes that are part of Florence’s culinary traditions.
• Cucina Torcicoda: An innovative concept born in the picturesque setting of Via Torta near Santa Croce, this traditional Tuscan tavern serves Neapolitan-type pizzas alongside its house specialty, Florentine steak prepared with different cuts of beef you can choose from tableside.
• La Giostra: A top contender on many Florence dining lists, reservations are a must here to snag one of sixteen tables. Everyone comes for the ravioli made with Williams Pears, but the steak is also a top contender on the menu.
• Ristorante il Parione: Located in the heart of the city mere steps from the Ponte Vecchio, Parione is housed in a palace of the XVI century at the intersection of via Del Parione e via Della Vigna Nuova — two of the most ancient streets in Florence.
• Osteria Boccanegra: With a deep love for Tuscan cuisine, this casual eatery serves traditional dishes, meats and cheeses, canapés, and seasonal soups accompanied by wines from its cellar. The Florentine Steak is the star of the show.
• Trattoria del Oste: With twelve different types of beef from all over the world, the selection here is just the beginning of your exceptional dining experience. The wine selection is equally diversified.

Best Restaurants in Florence for Truffle Lovers

• Osteria delle Tre Panche: An institution in Florence if you want to experience white truffle, the cuisine here is sourced from local producers with the highest quality ingredients. The restaurant is located on the rooftop terrace of Hotel Hermitage complete with a gorgeous view over Ponte Vecchio to ensure you have a true sense of place.
• Procacci: Founded in 1885 in the prestigious Via de ‘Tornabuoni, this Florentine institution serves legendary truffle sandwiches. There’s also a wine bar here so that you can pair delicious bites with Marchesi Antinori wines by the glass.

Best Restaurants in Florence for Seafood

• Cestello Ristoclub: Situated close to the Arno River, Cestello is well-known for its fresh fish and seafood cuisine. Inside the restaurant there is a real fish market where diners can choose their own fish and even dictate its preparation. When it comes to finding a classy, gourmet restaurant, you can’t go wrong with al fresco dining here in the warmer months.
• Fuor D’Acqua: In the heart of the historical town just steps from Porta San Frediano, the real flavor of sea in the old tradition of Florence can be found at Fuor D’Acqua. The dishes are decided by the daily arrival of fish, depending on the season, and paired with fresh vegetables.
• Burro & Acciughe: Tucked between the streets that lead to Piazza del Carmine, this spot is one where the attention to detail makes all the difference. Carve out some time for an aperitif, cruditè, and a glass of white wine before digging into a signature fish dish.
• Grotta Marina: Born from the passion of its owners, Alessio and Tonia, the approach here is all about high-quality ingredients and dishes with decisive flavor. The restaurant has only twenty seats to ensure the team can dedicate themselves to guests. Diners love the open kitchen so they can see the chefs at work.
• Diverso Firenze: A new spot in town, the top quality raw materials expertly prepared by the two young chefs have resulted in divine seafood tasting menus! The wine list is extensive and paired with impeccable service.
• Fishing Lab Alle Murate: A unique concept, this restaurant is the result of months of research which has culminated in a palazzo that feels like a carefree museum. Amid the excavations from the 13th to the mid-16th centuries, tables are placed for lunch, dinner, or just a pre-dinner drink, creating a contrast between the elegant severity of the setting and the delicate aromas of the dishes.

Best Restaurants in Florence for Pizza

• Antica Porta: For when you find yourself in Oltrarno, the Truffle Burrata at Antica Porta is beloved by locals.
• Berberè Santa Croce: With a unique concept where pizza encourages conversation, here you’ll get eight slices of different varieties so that everyone at the table can try different flavors.
• Giotto Pizzeria Firenze: Giotto Pizzeria’s main objective is bringing the real Neapolitan Pizza to Florence. After five years, they have become among the top fifty-rated pizzerias in the world, thanks to the continuous passion of Chef Marco Manzi.
• Il Pizzaiuolo: Walking distance from the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, at Il Pizzaiulol, you can enjoy authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in a cozy and lively environment.
• La Bussola: This pizza bar seats twelve and is perfect for single diners who prefer not to sit alone at a table and who can admire the creation of their pizza close up, or, enjoy reading a book or making the acquaintance of the person sitting next to them.
• O Munaciello: A typical Neapolitan pizza restaurant set in an ancient 17th-century convent of Santo Spirito, here you’ll be transported to Naples. The kitchen and the wood-fired oven are assigned to Andrea and Carmine Candito, respectively: two most Napolitnean brothers following in their father’s footsteps.

Best Restaurants in Florence for Vegetarian or Vegan Cuisine

• Brac Library: Libreria Brac is an absolutely original place in the heart of Santa Croce. The choice of the name derives from the fact that this is not only a vegetarian and vegan restaurant but, a bookshop where you can buy unique books and attend presentations and art exhibitions.
• Nugolo: Take more than two hundred ancient varieties of tomato, and mix them with high-quality ingredients and excellent biologically grown vegetables in our Settignano gardens. The result? Nugolo, traditional cuisine, and innovation.
• L’OV Piazza del Carmine: Located in the Oltrarno’s Piazza del Carmine, the dishes are divided into two pages: the “Before” and the “After” because it is love at first sight and at first bite.
• Il Vegetariano: With origins dating back to 1981, The Vegetarian was the first vegetarian restaurant in Florence. Much appreciated for its value, this place offers fresh dishes prepared with vegetables and seasonal fruits with a menu that changes daily.

Best Street Food Restaurants in Florence

• All’Antico Vinaio: In via de ‘Neri, a few steps from Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, you can taste excellent wines to accompany a schiacciata with pecorino cream or artichoke cream with Montespertoli crumble as well as the most varied crostini. The courtesy of the owners combine to make the place even more welcoming.
• I Fratellini: It’s always nice to turn the corner of via Calzaioli, go to Armando and Michele, order a hot and crispy sandwich with ham or with finocchiona and goat cheese, and accompany it with a good glass of wine. There are twenty rotating labels between Chianti, Brunello, and Morellino.
• Da Nerbone: It all began in 1872 at the time of the war: Masini Armido from Signa opened the unique trattoria inside the Central Market that cooks boiled meat, lamprey, soups, pasta with sauce, and country-style stew. Located on the ground floor of the San Lorenzo food market, it is one of the most typical yet simple dining experiences in Florence.
• Fratelli di Mare: This spot is a Kiosk with a fishing Vessel’s kitchen; a piece of Salento in the heart of Florence where diners can enjoy the street food version of seafood specialties. It’s new in town with its own motto, “We have arrived in Florence, in a territory that was not ours, but which could become one. Hence the name for the sign: ‘Fratelli di Mare’, because the sea unites and makes everyone brothers”.