The incredible city of Florence in Italy is home to a thriving culinary scene, with a wide range of options for visitors wanting to taste and learn about Italian cuisine. From traditional dishes to local specialties, such as bistecca alla Fiorentina and Pappardelle al Cinghiale, there are flavors for everyone to enjoy in this foodie’s paradise.
Traditional Cafes and restaurants
Many of the traditional cafes and restaurants of Florance have been serving delicious Italian dishes for generations. To try proper Tuscan food, Trattoria Mario is highly recommended. This restaurant serves classic dishes in a cozy and intimate setting. Osteria Pagliazza, which you’ll find in a beautiful Renaissance-era palace, serves a variety of delectable Italian dishes. The rustic Osteria Santo Spirito, on one of Florence’s historic squares, serves creative and delicious Italian dishes with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
Experience Italian Cuisine With local experts
If you’re looking for a unique and immersive way to experience the Tuscan food scene, take a food tour with a local guide. The Taste Florence Food Tour with All’Antico Vinaio (Skip the Line) will introduce you to a variety of dishes. This tour takes you on a journey through the streets of Florence to taste some of the city’s most famous and delicious dishes, including traditional Tuscan specialties and classic Italian street food. The tour also includes a skip-the-line visit to the popular and legendary All’Antico Vinaio sandwich shop.
- Insider knowledge: Our local guides have in-depth knowledge of the local food scene and can provide insight into the history, traditions, and cultural significance of the dishes being tasted. They will also recommend lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path restaurants and cafes that locals love.
- Cultural immersion: Food tours with local guides offer a more immersive cultural experience and visitors will have the opportunity to learn about local customs, traditions, and daily life from a local perspective. You’ll have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture of the destination.
- Personalized recommendations: Local guides can make personalized recommendations for restaurants and cafes based on the specific interests and preferences of your tour group. This can help ensure that you have a unique and personalized dining experience.
- Efficient and stress-free: Food tours with local guides take care of the logistics and planning — saving you time and effort. You can sit back and enjoy the experience without having to worry about finding your way around or making reservations.
Overall, food tours with local guides are a fantastic way to experience Florence’s food scene. Not only will you have the opportunity to taste a variety of delicious dishes, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture and traditions. So why not consider a food tour on your next trip to Florence? You won’t be disappointed.
Cooking up a Storm in Florence
Cooking classes are one of the best ways to experience the rich and varied Florentine food culture. You will shop for ingredients at the Central Market, learn how to make pasta and desserts from scratch, and then eat the delicious food you’ve created in stunning locations. These foodie experiences offer a mouth-watering and immersive way to discover the culinary traditions of this beautiful city.
One popular option for cooking classes is the Hand-Made Pasta and Typical Dessert Cooking Class in the Heart of Florence. In this class, you will learn how to make traditional Italian pasta and desserts from scratch under the expert guidance of a professional chef. We also recommend the family cooking class which takes place in a central location in the city and includes all the ingredients and equipment you need to create a fantastic meal you and your family will never forget.
Food Markets with a Local
One popular option is to visit the local Tuscan food markets. Visitors can browse stalls filled with fresh, local ingredients and try a variety of local specialties. One of the most well-known markets in Florence is Central Market. This is located in the heart of the city and is home to a wide range of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and meats.
Shopping at the Florence Central Market and Cooking Class with Lunch tour, also offered by Gray Line is the perfect way to experience the market. This tour combines a visit to the vibrant and colorful stalls with a hands-on cooking class. You will shop for fresh ingredients and then use these to create an incredible Italian meal. The tour ends with a sit-down lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared during the class.
Food for Thought: Authentic Tuscany Wine Tour From Florence
Take a tour of the beautiful Tuscan countryside if you want to see the stunning vineyards during your trip to Florence. One excellent option is the Authentic Tuscany Wine Tour from Florence tour, offered by Gray Line.
You’ll visit some of the most picturesque and historic regions of Tuscany, including the Chianti Classico and the Val d’Orcia. Here, you’ll be served a variety of delicious Tuscan wines and learn about local winemaking traditions, and you’ll visit charming medieval villages and wonder at the beautiful countryside landscapes.
The tour includes visits to several wineries, where you’ll sample a range of wines and learn about the production process. You’ll also visit a traditional Tuscan farmhouse and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties.
The Authentic Tuscany Wine Tour from Florence is a wonderful way to escape the city and experience the beauty and charm of the Tuscan countryside. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of the region, this tour is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Florence.
See all best Florence Food things to do with Gray Line — your trusted provider of sightseeing tours with more than 100 years of experience.
