When you’re visiting Italy, a big question everyone has is where should I eat to get the best authentic food. Walking by the many restaurants, it’s hard to think you could go wrong with all of the strong alluring smells and atmospheres, but you’re mistaken.
Social media is filled with many posts based on random opinions or experiences from those who once visited Italy or have lived here for a just short time. Remember, some social media posts may even paid promotions if the influencer has enough followers. In any event, all recommendations are just opinions and/or collaborations so they are not the golden word.
We can all have a good or a bad meal at a restaurant, so unless it’s a really bad experience but had great reviews, it’s worth another try in my book. Also, just because you had one great meal doesn’t mean the next will be just as fabulous. That I know for sure, as I'm starting my 9th year now living in Florence. I’ve always tried restaurants a number of times before I recommend it with my heart, so I don’t disappoint others.
We all do our research on social media, trip advisor, and etc. when exploring a new city and want a great meal, right? Time is limited, so how do you really know in your short stay?
While some restaurants are definitely tourist traps that serve mediocre food, some restaurants are called touristy without offering bad food. For instance, if you want to try the pasta made in a cheese wheel or the most famous panino in Florence, do it because they are really good! No influencer should shame you out of that good experience.
Some things to ask yourself before following a recommendation on social media are:
1. Did you do research to fact check the post?
2. Is it a paid promotion?
3. Does the author actually live in the area?
4. Does the author frequent the place regularly?
5. Does the author show photos of the food that match other photos of the food you found online?
6. Was it a celebrity at a restaurant so you think it must be good?
Weigh these questions and decide for yourself when you see recommendations.
We receive numerous requests for restaurant suggestions in Florence, so we want to give some things to consider when choosing a restaurant as well as our top recommendations.
Baci’s picks below include authentic Italian restaurants as well as those frequented by tourists who have learned the secret to good food in Florence.
Happy Eating!
Italian Style Breakfast
Pasticceria Gualtieri
@baci
Historical shop since 1933 of four generations. Great selection of pastries and handmade cakes. Try the Iris cake!
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Forno Top
@baci
Great sweets, bread and snacks.
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Forno Ghibellina
@baci
Wide variety of sweets, bread and snacks.
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American Style Breakfast
Le Vespe Cafè
@baci
Come hungry to this hot brunch spot offering pancakes, eggs, French toast and combination plates. Get the King!
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Melaleuca bakery + bistrot
@baci
Great brunch and scrumptious sweets. Get the carrot cake, cinnamon rolls and millionaire bar!
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Rooster Cafe Firenze
@baci
American style brunch with lots of options. Get the chicken and waffles! Second smaller location at Via Sant'Egidio, 37R
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Lunch
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi
@baci
Homestyle cooking with many shared tables. Only open for lunch. Get the polpette!
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Osteria Pastella
@baci
Specialising in fresh pasta. Get the tagliatelle in the grana padano cheese wheel!
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All’Antico Vinaio
@baci
Florence's famous panini shop. Second location currently less crowded in Piazza San Marco. Lots of options to choose from or create your own. Get the Favolosa!
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I Fratellini
@baci
Landmark panini shop since 1875. It won't disappoint!
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Pizza
La Divina Pizza
@baci
High quality seasonal toppings used on traditional and creative pizzas.
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Pizzium - Firenze
@baci
In addition to regular and regional pizzas, there's also panuozzum. Get the pork and potatoes panuozzum!
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Al solito posto
@baci
Neapolitan Pizza with a gourmet twist. Now located in
PIAZZA DE NERLI (ANG. VIA DELL’ORTO) NOT Via dell' Orto
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Porta Romana • Pizza e Grill | Firenze
@baci
Full menu from land to sea in addition to great pizza.
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Florentine Steak- Bistecca and Meat
La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant
@baci
You have to try Bistecca Fiorentina when you come to Florence and this is a good place to sample it. Also get the pici pasta!
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Perseus
@baci
Another great choice for the classic Bistecca Fiorentina.
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Ristorante La Spada
@baci
In addition to Bistecca Fiorentina, they have a selection of roasted meats and pasta. Also they have a rosticceria for take out.
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All Around Good Dinner Options
La Giostra
@baci
Upscale dining on traditional Tuscan dishes in a romantic atmosphere.
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Alla Vecchia Bettola
@baci
Tuscan homestyle dishes outside of the busy city centre frequented mainly by locals with some shared tables. Get the penne alla bettola!
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Trattoria 13 Gobbi
@baci
Traditional Tuscan flavors in a comfortable and fun atmosphere. Get the rigatoni!
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Trattoria Cammillo
@baci
Large menu of classic homestyle Tuscan dishes in a cozy atmosphere with white tablecloths.
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Gelato
Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera
@baci
Artisan gelato with some unique flavors. Get the salted caramel! Additional locations Via Mazzetta 9a and Via dei Banchi 49r.
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Badiani Gelato
@baci
Opened in 1932 on Viale dei Mille, Badiani has opened a second location in the centre of Florence. Their Buontalenti flavor made only of cream milk, eggs and sugar won a prize in the 60's. Get it!
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Gelateria dei Neri
@baci
Large selection of quality cream gelati, sorbetti and granite.
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