10 Best Local Restaurants in Florence

Osteria Santo Spirito is a small restaurant known for its delicious handmade pasta and affordable house wine. Located across the Arno River in Piazza Santo Spirito, this local favourite is often packed during peak dining hours.

The menu features traditional Tuscan dishes, such as Florentine steak and risotto with zucchini and heart of parmesan. Its most popular dish is the gnocchi baked in a truffle cream sauce, which is served bubbling on a warm platter. If you’re looking to try multiple dishes, order a few half portions of pasta and antipasti for a tasty spread.

Mercato Centrale is a busy market in the heart of Florence. It hosts dozens of stalls selling fresh produce on the ground floor and a full food court upstairs with over 20 vendors. It’s a great option for a picnic or quick bite to eat in-between sightseeing.

Highlights include a bruschetta bar, a pizzeria, and a bakery. The market hall closes in the afternoon, while the food court remains open until after dinner. If you have extra time, make sure to sign up for a cooking class. Located just steps away from the popular San Lorenzo leather market, Mercato Centrale is easy to get to from anywhere in the city centre.

Antico Vinaio is a small shop that serves incredible sandwiches made with freshly baked bread. Located about 3 blocks from Piazza della Signoria, it’s easily accessible from almost all major sights in the centre of Florence.

Menu highlights include La Favosolsa (salami, cream of pecorino cheese, cream of artichokes, and spicy eggplant), La Summer (prosciutto, mozzarella, fresh tomato, and basil), and La Inferno (roast suckling pig with a spicy cream, spicy eggplant, and arugula). Antico Vinaio has 2 storefronts along Via dei Neri, across the street from each another.

Ditta Artigianale is a posh cafe that welcomes patrons looking to work remotely with a cappuccino or have cosy lunches with friends. Located on Via dei Neri between the Piazza del Signoria and Piazza di Santa Croce, this trendy spot is easy to get to from anywhere in the city centre. It even has a sister cafe only 15 minutes away across the river.

While Ditta Artiginale is known for its amazing coffee, it also has a great brunch menu and freshly baked pastries. If you’re craving something sweet, try the classic French toast or smashed avocado toast with fresh cherry tomatoes.

Gusta Pizza is one of the busiest pizzerias in Florence, thanks to its delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas. Located just 2 blocks from the Palazzo Pitti, this pizzeria often has a line out the door, but service is very quick.

The menu features classic pizzas like Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, basil, parmesan, and olive oil) and calabrese (tomatoes, spicy salami, basil, and mozzarella), and Napoli (tomato, mozzarella, oregano, anchovies, capers, and olive oil). If you're looking for a picture-worthy pizza, ask the staff to make yours in the shape of a heart.

La Proscuitteria is a hidden gem in Florence city centre, with only a few small tables outside and a stunning display of fresh produce and antipasti inside. Located on the same street as Antico Vinaio, just a few blocks southeast of Palazzo Vecchio, this salumeria (Italian deli) is a local favourite when it comes to sandwiches, meats and cheeses.

La Proscuitteria is known for its beautifully crafted charcuterie boards and delicious local wines. Buy your charcuterie ingredients for a picnic to go or snag one of their small tables for a delicious meal on the picturesque Florentine Street.

Il Gatto e la Volpe is a popular traditional restaurant with exposed brick walls and beautiful wooden tables. Located a few blocks south of the Duomo, this restaurant serves incredible local dishes at reasonable prices.

It has an extensive menu to cater for Italian food lovers. Highlights include dry-aged Tuscan steaks, pappardelle with a wild boar sauce, and linguine with pistachio cream and crunchy speck. Since the restaurant gets busy during peak hours, it’s a good idea to make a reservation online.

Melaleuca Bakery & Bistro is a beautiful cafe specialising in fresh pastries and stunning brunch entrees. Located along the river just half a block from the Ponte alle Grazie, this cheerful spot is a great place to start your day in Florence.

Standout dishes include classic eggs Benedict, strawberry ricotta pancakes, and 'Nduja chilli eggs. Since the cafe doesn’t accept reservations, make sure to get there early. If you don’t have time for a full brunch but still want to enjoy a treat from Melaleuca Bakery & Bistro, head to the front and order some delicious coffee and pastries to go.

Trattoria Zà Zà is a beautiful restaurant just a few steps away from Florence's Mercato Centrale. It has a very welcoming environment and incredible Tuscan dishes. Besides pasta and Florentine steaks, this restaurant has an extensive tartare selection. You can choose from traditional ingredients like beef and tuna or more obscure and decadent offerings like fresh lobster and truffled seabass.

It's a good idea to ask your waiter about the day’s specials. Make sure to book a table in advance if you’d like to dine at peak hours. Also, don’t leave without trying one of Trattoria Zà Zà’s decadent desserts – we highly recommend the apple tart and tiramisu.

La Ménagère is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Florence. It serves as a flower shop and cafe during the day and an upscale chic restaurant at night. Located just a few steps south of the Galleria dell’Accademia, many locals come here for its fashionable ambience, elevated dishes, freshly brewed coffees, and creative cocktails.

La Ménagère’s chefs and mixologists are known for their creative twists on classic dishes while featuring seasonal ingredients. Must-tries include duck breast paired with passionfruit and tomato chutney and watercress risotto with clams and fresh lemon.