In Tuscany, a traveller is spoilt for choice, there are so many places to visit and things to do. Without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Italy is Florence. Apart from art and architecture, food is high up on the list of Florence’s attractions. The city offers a staggering array of tasty options: from Michelin-starred dining options to hearty street food. Here we want to offer you a list of the best places to eat in Florence.
Fine dining
If you are into fine dining head to the Winter Garden by Caino at the St. Regis Florence Hotel where the menu developed by a multi-Michelin star Chef Valeria Piccini combines the culinary tradition of Tuscany with innovative cuisine. The dishes are truly scrumptious here: roasted rack of lamb in low temperature, with a variety of local cabbages, pappardelle pasta served with hare ragout and wild local mushrooms, emulsion of orange, extra virgin olive oil served with goat milk ice cream and the exquisite semi-frozen Florentine dessert Zuccotto. Expect to pay around €100 per person for a 4-course meal (excluding wine). Another good option for Michelin-starred epicurean experiences is Il Palagio of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.
Simple trattoria
If you only have time for one meal in Florence make sure you taste the famous gigantic Florentine beef steak (“Bistecca alla Fiorentina”) in the family-run Antico Ristoro di’ Cambi. The trattoria has been serving tasty local dishes since the 50s in an atmospheric 16th century ex-convent in the centre of the city. The portions here are generous, so you might want to skip your breakfast! Prices are about 40-50 euro per person for a 3-course meal and a bottle of Chianti.
Street food at a market
The bustling Central Market in Florence (Mercato Centrale) is a paradise for foodies and those looking for a tasty lunch on the go. The dazzling rows of fresh local produce from farms, orchards and groves in the area will have you drooling. Here you will find simple eateries that offer genuine Tuscan dishes. One of them is “da Nebone”, in the southern corner of the market, serves hearty boiled beef sandwiches (“panino con bollito”), artichokes, the tripe. Prices are low, from 4 to 10 euro, but be patient as there is always a line of people waiting to be served.
Artisan ice cream
Sampling Florentine ice cream (“gelato” in Italian) is a “must” while in the city. Try gelateria “Triangolo della Bermuda”, a short walk from the Gallery of the Academy, or “Gelateria Damiani”, not far from the Pitti Palace. Both places make exquisite ice cream using only locally-sourced high quality ingredients.
Photos by: Winter Garden Caino Firenze, Antico Ristoro di’ Cambi, Gelatainpiazza.it
