12 Insanely Unique Restaurants in Florence You Have to Try

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Florence is a foodie’s paradise, offering a mix of traditional Tuscan flavors and unforgettable dining experiences. From charming trattorias serving handmade pasta to sleek rooftop spots with breathtaking views, this city has something for every palate. Imagine indulging in a juicy bistecca alla Fiorentina, sampling fresh truffle dishes, or enjoying creamy gelato as you stroll through ancient streets. Known for its dedication to fresh, local ingredients and bold, authentic flavors, Florence’s dining scene is as inspiring as its art and architecture. These 12 insanely unique restaurants highlight the best of this Italian gem, making it a must-visit destination for any food lover. Prepare to eat your way through Florence’s most delicious and creative culinary spots!

👉 Pro Tip: Discover Florence’s flavors with the Sunset Food Tour! Stroll through charming streets while enjoying Tuscan specialties like fresh pasta, meats, and gelato. With stories about Florence’s food culture, this tour is perfect for foodies. Explore the city’s hidden gems as the sun sets!

Unique Restaurants in Florence

Ready to explore Florence’s tantalizing culinary scene? There’s a delightful array of eateries awaiting you, from luxurious dining experiences to charming, quirky spots. Join me as we discover the best places to eat in Florence.

Are you in the mood for a steak grilled to perfection or perhaps a cozy café serving up authentic Tuscan treats? Florence caters to every taste and preference. Whether you’re seeking a traditional meal or something uniquely Florentine, this city has it all. Here’s your essential guide to the most unique restaurants in Florence. Get set for a dining adventure that’s as unforgettable as the city itself!

1. Rivarno Café

• 📍 Location: Lungarno Guicciardini (Overlooking the Arno)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Cafe/Aperitivo)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cafe / Bar / Light Bites / Aperitivo
• 🔥 Standout Features: Prime Arno river views, modern interior.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Aperitivo seekers, river view lovers, coffee breaks, people-watching, and pre-dinner drinks.

Sip and sightsee in style at Rivarno Café! Perfectly positioned along the Arno with killer views towards the Ponte Vecchio, this chic spot is prime real estate for watching the world go by. It’s Aperitivo hour with a five-star backdrop!

Grab a seat and order a classic Aperol Spritz. A refreshing Negroni, or a glass of local Chianti wine, are also excellent choices. They offer light bites like crostini or small cheese boards with the Italian happy hour tradition.

2. Zio Gigi

• 📍 Location: Via Folco Portinari (Near Duomo)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Tuscan Trattoria / Pizzeria
• 🔥 Standout Features: Classic Florentine dishes, wood-fired pizzas, family-run feel, central location by Duomo.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Tuscan food fans, pizza lovers, casual dinners, and Duomo area explorers.

Get a hearty dose of Florentine hospitality at Zio Gigi! This bustling spot near the Duomo delivers classic Tuscan dishes and fantastic pizzas fired up in a traditional oven. It’s the kind of welcoming, delicious place you hope to find tucked away.

Dive into traditional pastas like pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta). Share a crispy, delicious Margherita pizza straight from the wood oven. Their bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) is also a popular choice for sharing. Zio Gigi is pure comfort.

3. La Giostra

• 📍 Location: Borgo Pinti (Near Four Seasons)
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $100+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Tuscan / Continental (Habsburg influences)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Fairy light decor, royal connection, romantic atmosphere, signature pear ravioli.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Splurge dinners, special celebrations, and history fans.

Step into a fairytale at La Giostra! Founded by Habsburg royalty, this enchanting restaurant twinkles with thousands of fairy lights, creating one of Florence’s most magical and romantic dining atmospheres. Prepare to be charmed!

Indulging in their signature dishes is a must. The legendary pear and pecorino ravioli bathed in an asparagus sauce is divine. The incredibly rich Austrian Sachertorte for dessert, or a classic Florentine steak, also nod to the family’s heritage.

• Read Next: 12 Enchanting Places in Florence That Look Straight Out of a Postcard

4. Ruth’s Kosher Jewish Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Via Luigi Carlo Farini (Near the Synagogue)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Kosher / Jewish / Middle Eastern / Italian influences
• 🔥 Standout Features: Kosher dishes, Jewish-Italian mix, Middle Eastern staples (falafel, hummus), near the Great Synagogue.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Kosher diners, cultural cuisine lovers, Middle Eastern food enthusiasts, and Synagogue visitors.

Discover a unique culinary crossroads at Ruth’s Kosher Jewish Restaurant, Florence’s dedicated destination for kosher dining. Located near the magnificent Synagogue, Ruth’s offers a delicious blend of Jewish culinary traditions, Middle Eastern staples, and Italian influences.

Enjoy comforting classics. Their falafel platter with tahini is excellent. Creamy hummus with warm pita bread, or traditional matzo ball soup, are also popular. They sometimes offer kosher Tuscan specialties, like artichoke hearts Jewish-style.

5. Trattoria Mario

• 📍 Location: Via Rosina (Near Mercato Centrale)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Ultra-Traditional Florentine Trattoria
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic institution (since 1953), communal tables, no reservations.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Bistecca alla Fiorentina lovers, communal dining, budget-conscious foodies, and lunch near Mercato Centrale.

Get ready for a loud, delicious, no-frills Florentine institution at Trattoria Mario! This legendary spot near the Mercato Centrale has been packing them in since 1953. Expect to queue, share tables, pay cash, and eat authentic Tuscan food.

Going for the gold standard, a massive, perfectly cooked bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) to share, is essential. Comforting bowls of ribollita (bread and vegetable soup) or pappa al pomodoro (tomato bread soup) are also fantastic.

6. All’Antico Vinaio

• 📍 Location: Via dei Neri (Multiple storefronts)
• 💲 Price range: $8 – $15 per sandwich
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Florentine Schiacciata Sandwiches
• 🔥 Standout Features: Famous massive sandwiches, guaranteed queue, fresh schiacciata bread, high-quality Tuscan fillings.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sandwich lovers, budget diners, Instagram foodies, and Florentine street food.

Prepare for sandwich nirvana at All’Antico Vinaio, arguably the most famous sandwich shop on the planet! Join the inevitable queue on Via dei Neri and witness the creation of gigantic masterpieces packed with Tuscan goodness onto fresh, dimpled schiacciata bread.

Trying the legendary “La Favolosa” (sbriciolona, pecorino cream, artichoke cream, spicy eggplant) is a must. “L’Inferno” (porchetta, spicy sauce) or building your own with prosciutto Toscano and fresh mozzarella are also excellent. It’s huge, messy, and delicious.

7. Trattoria Osvaldo

• 📍 Location: Via Generale Dalla Chiesa (Outside main tourist center – Coverciano area)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Tuscan / Florentine
• 🔥 Standout Features: Trattoria vibe, off-path location, classic Tuscan meat dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Escaping crowds and trying Tuscan food.

Escape the central crowds at Trattoria Osvaldo. Located outside the main tourist drag, this spot offers a taste of authentic, traditional Tuscan cooking in a genuine neighborhood setting. This is where Florentines eat. Expect hearty, classic dishes prepared with care.

Dive into expertly cooked meat dishes. A fantastic roast pork (arista) or seasonal game specials like wild boar stew are popular. Enjoy traditional pastas like tagliatelle with mushrooms when in season, or a simple pappardelle al ragù.

8. Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio (Food Stalls/Trattoria inside)

• 📍 Location: Piazza Ghiberti (Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood)
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $25 per person (Varies greatly by stall/trattoria)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Florentine Street Food / Market Fare / Trattoria Classics
• 🔥 Standout Features: Bustling local food market with street food stalls, casual trattoria (Trattoria da Rocco), and fresh produce.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Food market explorers, budget eats, and authentic local lunches.

Immerse yourself in local Florentine life at the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio! Less touristy than Mercato Centrale, Sant’Ambrogio offers a vibrant mix of fresh produce stalls and delicious food options, including legendary street food and a bustling trattoria inside.

Trying a classic Florentine lampredotto (fourth stomach) or trippa alla fiorentina (tripe) sandwich from a kiosk is essential. Inside, Trattoria da Rocco serves incredibly affordable, home-style pasta al sugo or roast chicken.

9. Procacci

• 📍 Location: Via de’ Tornabuoni (Luxury shopping street)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Small sandwiches/drinks)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Gourmet Bites / Wine Bar / Specialty Foods
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic bar (since 1885), tiny truffle sandwiches, excellent wine selection by the glass.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Truffle lovers, gourmet bites, aperitivos, shoppers on Via Tornabuoni.

Indulge in a tiny taste of luxury at Procacci, a historic delicatessen and bar on Florence’s fanciest shopping street, Via de’ Tornabuoni. Open since 1885, this elegant spot is world-famous for one thing: its exquisite little truffle sandwiches. Small bites, big flavor!

Step inside the charming, old-world interior. Ordering a few of their signature panini tartufati (truffle sandwiches) – delicate finger sandwiches filled with truffle paste – is a must. Pair them with a glass of excellent Italian wine for a sophisticated snack.

10. Vini E Vecchi Sapori

• 📍 Location: Via dei Magazzini (Near Palazzo Vecchio)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Florentine / Tuscan
• 🔥 Standout Features: Tiny trattoria (reservations essential!), handwritten menu, classic Tuscan cooking.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Authentic trattoria hunters, simple Tuscan food, and diners near Palazzo Vecchio.

Snag a coveted table at Vini E Vecchi Sapori for one of Florence’s most authentic traditional dining experiences. This tiny trattoria near Palazzo Vecchio is all about simple, incredibly delicious Tuscan food, served without fuss in a super intimate setting.

Check the daily handwritten menu. Classics like comforting pappa al pomodoro (tomato bread soup) are essential. Flavorful pastas such as paccheri with spicy tomato sauce, or a simple, delicious fried chicken or rabbit, are also fantastic.

11. Sbrino – Gelatificio Contadino

• 📍 Location: Via de’ Serragli (Oltrarno) / Other locations
• 💲 Price range: $3 – $8 per cone/cup
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Artisan Gelato (“Farmer’s Gelato Shop”)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Farm-to-cone gelato, local milk/ingredients, seasonal flavors, smooth creamy texture.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Gelato lovers, artisan food fans, and Oltrarno explorers.

Taste gelato that truly connects to the source at Sbrino – Gelatificio Contadino (“Farmer’s Gelato Shop”)! This artisan gelateria focuses on exceptional quality, using milk directly from local farms and highlighting seasonal ingredients. It’s farm-fresh flavor.

Indulge in classic flavors. Their pistachio gelato is a standout. Unique seasonal creations like ricotta & fig or intense fruit sorbets like strawberry or lemon, bursting with freshness, are also excellent. The texture is incredibly smooth and creamy.

12. Ristorante Greco Mame

• 📍 Location: Via dei Benci (Near Santa Croce)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Greek
• 🔥 Standout Features: Greek taverna dishes in Florence, classic mezze, grilled meats, traditional decor.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Greek food lovers seeking Mediterranean alternatives near Santa Croce, and sharing mezze platters.

Find a delicious slice of the Aegean at Ristorante Greco Mame! Craving something different from pasta and pizza? This spot offers authentic Greek cuisine, serving classic taverna favorites in a welcoming atmosphere near Santa Croce. Opa!

Share a spread of traditional mezze. Creamy tzatziki with pita bread is a must. Tangy dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), and salty feta saganaki (fried cheese), are also fantastic. For mains, dive into hearty moussaka or grilled souvlaki skewers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Florence

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Florence? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Florence’s best restaurants.

What food is Florence famous for?

Florence is renowned for its rich, hearty cuisine. The star is undoubtedly the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick, succulent T-bone steak grilled over chestnut embers. Don’t miss trying Ribollita, a robust vegetable and bread soup, perfect for colder days. For dessert, Cantucci con Vin Santo, almond biscuits dipped in sweet wine, is a delightful treat amidst the array of activities in Italy.

What time do locals eat dinner in Florence?

Locals in Florence typically dine later than what many visitors might be used to. Dinner usually starts around 8 PM, sometimes even later. I recommend embracing this local custom. It’s a great way to soak in the city’s evening atmosphere.

What is a typical breakfast in Firenze?

A typical Florentine breakfast is simple yet satisfying. It often includes a cappuccino paired with a pastry, like a cornetto (Italian croissant) or a sfoglia (puff pastry). For an authentic experience, grab your breakfast at a local café and enjoy it standing at the bar, just like the locals do.

Is there a famous pasta dish in Florence?

Yes, Pappardelle al Cinghiale, wide ribbon-like pasta served with a rich wild boar sauce, is a famous pasta dish in Florence. It’s hearty, flavorful, and embodies the essence of Tuscan cuisine. Definitely give it a try when you’re in the city.

Where is the best place for sandwiches in Florence?

For the best sandwiches, head to All’Antico Vinaio. Their paninis, stuffed with local ingredients like prosciutto, pecorino cheese, and truffle cream, are legendary. Be prepared for a queue, but it’s absolutely worth the wait. My personal favorite is the ‘Favorita’ – it’s a flavor explosion at this beautiful spot in Italy!