Self-guided Florence Food Tour itinerary

Instructions

This self-guided tour is best enjoyed as a late morning/lunch activity, starting around 11am, but it can also be done in the afternoon/evening too, starting around 6pm, 

I strongly recommend booking a table if you're planning on dining at Dalla Lola, especially if you're a larger group. You'll find contact details in Dalla Lola's card, below.

Where

"Oltrarno" literally translates to "across the Arno [river]", and this is where you'll find the Florentine's truest spirit. Historically, it used to be one of the poorer areas of the city, as described by Florentine author Vasco Pratolini (1913-1991) in his most famous books, and now it's become one of the trendiest areas of the city - but without losing its bright and colorful local life quality.

For example the daily market in Piazza Santo Spirito: vendors standing behind their stands showcasing colorful, in-season produce, people sitting at a café reading their newspaper, espresso cups tumbling off the wobbly tables and onto the cobblestone, and children playing soccer in front of the church on the weekends. Or lively Borgo San Frediano, which comes alive at night with some of the best music and drinks to be found in town.

Oltrarno is home to many artisans, antique shops, and some of the very best food in the city, with many younger chefs, and a special attention to local and seasonal produce. Most of Oltrarno is only a short walk to the busier side of the city center, over one of the historical bridges, which also provides for plenty of photographic opportunities.