My food days in Florence, from breakfast to dinner

Florence is a paradise for food lovers.
Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a leisurely lunch, or a hearty dinner, this city has something to offer.

Let’s break down where to eat in Florence, from your morning coffee to a late-night dessert.

Eating in Florence: my suggestions

Florence is renowned for its culinary masterpiece, the bistecca alla fiorentina. This substantial T-bone steak, traditionally sourced from the Chianina breed of cattle, is meticulously aged, generously cut, and expertly grilled over a wood or charcoal fire.

Seasoned simply with salt and olive oil, it is customarily served rare, allowing the rich flavors and tender texture of the premium beef to be fully appreciated.

Beyond the bistecca alla fiorentina, Florence's gastronomic landscape boasts a variety of traditional dishes that reflect its rich culinary heritage. Here are some notable examples:

• Ribollita
  A hearty Tuscan soup made with bread, beans, and an assortment of vegetables, traditionally reheated ('reboiled') for enhanced flavor.

• Lampredotto
  A popular street food featuring a sandwich filled with tender, slow-cooked tripe, seasoned with herbs and often topped with a spicy sauce.

• Pappa al Pomodoro
  A thick, rustic soup made from ripe tomatoes, stale bread, olive oil, garlic, and basil, embodying the simplicity of Tuscan cuisine.

• Cantucci
  Also known as biscotti di Prato, these almond biscuits are traditionally enjoyed dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine.

• Panzanella
  A refreshing summer salad combining chunks of stale bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and basil, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

What time do most people eat dinner in Florence?

In Florence, meal times follow the Italian tradition with a local touch.
Lunch is typically enjoyed between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM, while dinner usually begins around 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with many Florentines sitting down to eat closer to 9:00 PM.

Breakfast and mid-morning snack in Florence

In Florence, a traditional Italian breakfast is typically light and sweet.
Most locals enjoy a cappuccino or caffè (espresso) paired with a cornetto—a flaky, slightly sweet pastry similar to a croissant, often plain, filled with jam, cream, or chocolate.

Alternatives include other pastries like sfoglia, girella, or bombolone (a Tuscan-style donut).

If you're looking for a fresh option, a spremuta (freshly squeezed orange juice) is often available as well. For an authentic experience, visit a pasticceria (pastry shop) or a neighborhood bar, where locals quickly enjoy their breakfast standing at the counter before starting their day.

The average breakfast cost in Florence is between €3 and €10.

Ditta Artigianale: start your day with the right coffee

What's better than a coffee to kick off your day?

Head over to Ditta Artigianale, a young and trendy spot where you can enjoy top-notch espresso.

They offer single-origin blends and filtered coffee, perfect for both coffee aficionados and newbies.

Info

Ditta Artigianale
Via dei Neri, 32/R, 50122 Firenze
Tel. 055 274 1541

Via Dello Sprone 5r
+39 055 045 7163
www.dittaartigianale.it

Taste Florence’s street food: Lampredotto

Coffee makes you hungry, and in Florence, you can’t stay hungry for long.

Lampredotto is a traditional street food made from one of the cow's stomachs, boiled and served in a panino with a green sauce made of parsley and garlic, or in a bowl with potatoes. It’s a must-try, and it wouldn’t be a true Florentine trip without it.

Favorite Stalls:

• Sergio Pollini: Via dei Macci, 126, 50122 Firenze
• Chiosco del Lampredotto: Via Val di Lamona, 1R, 50123 Firenze

Cantucci and Vinsanto

Are you more of a sweet person?

Wrap up your day with some cantucci and vinsanto from Il Cantuccio di San Lorenzo. These almond cookies are perfect for dipping in sweet wine.

You can get the classic ones as well as variations like figs and orange zest, or chocolate. They are amazing, not cheap (26€/kg) but a great souvenir for your return trip.

Info

Il Cantuccio di San Lorenzo
Via Sant'Antonino, 23/red, 50123 Firenze
Tel. 055 290034
www.ilcantucciodisanlorenzo.it

Lunch in Florence

In Florence, lunch is a celebration of simple, seasonal ingredients.

A classic option is ribollita or pappa al pomodoro, hearty Tuscan soups made with bread, beans, and vegetables. Many locals enjoy schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread) or panini filled with prosciutto, pecorino, or seasonal vegetables, while adventurous eaters might try lampredotto—a flavorful tripe sandwich.

Fresh salads and quiches featuring local cheeses and produce are also common. Though less widespread than elsewhere, you can occasionally find excellent pizza al taglio, sold by the slice.

Whether at a trattoria or a bakery, Florentine lunches focus on simplicity, quality, and tradition.

Mercato Sant'Ambrogio: Market madness

I love food markets because they reveal so much about a city's culture. Mercato Sant'Ambrogio is an authentic indoor market with a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies.

Trattoria Da Rocco inside the market is a gem. It's simple, cheap, and serves classic soups like pappa al pomodoro and ribollita. Plus, the old man with a mustache there will entertain you with jokes once he realizes you’re not a local.

Info

Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 50122 Firenze
Tel. 055 234 3950
www.mercatosantambrogio.it

Natalino & L'brindellone: classic Fiorentina steak

For a classic sit-down meal, check out Ristorante Natalino. It’s adorned with portraits of famous music and theatre stars who have dined there. The Fiorentina steak is a must-order, but whatever you do, don’t ask for it well done!

Info

Ristorante Natalino
Borgo degli Albizi, 17r, 50122 Firenze
Tel. 055 289404

I’Brindellone

Tucked away from the busy historic center, there's this local Florentine spot.
It's not swarming with tourists, just locals and workers on break.

The star here?
The Florentine steak. Perfectly cooked with a crispy crust and juicy inside. It’s tall, tender, and mouthwatering. The vibe is super friendly, like you're hanging out with friends.

So don't enter if you're wearing a Juventus shirt or you'll probably end up in the grill with the steak.

Info

I’Brindellone
Piazza Piattellina, 10, 50124 Firenze FI
Tel. +39 055217879

Dinner in Florence

Zeb

In the San Niccolò neighborhood, you’ll find Zeb, a hybrid of a food shop and a restaurant. The name stands for zuppa e bollito (soup and boiled meat), so you know what to order. They also take great care with their wine selection.

Info

Zeb
Via S. Miniato, 2/r, 50125 Firenze
Tel. 055 234 2864
www.zebgastronomia.com

Mercato Centrale: touristy but worth it

Mercato Centrale is a must-visit.

Designed by Mengoni architect in the late 1800s, the same as Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, it's a fascinating structure divided into 2 floors.

The ground floor is a traditional food market, while the first floor is a modern space with various food stalls.

Try the meat from Savigni or the Naples-style pizza from Pizzeria Sud.

Info

Mercato Centrale
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI
mercatocentrale.it

Florence is a city that never lets you go hungry.
From breakfast coffee to a hearty dinner, these spots will ensure you experience the best of Florentine cuisine.