Where Do the Locals Eat in Florence? A Guide to the Best Hidden Gems

Where Do the Locals Eat in Florence?

Florence is a city of culture, history, and, of course, food. With its rich culinary heritage and endless array of restaurants, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to finding the best places to eat. But if you want to experience Florence like a local, there are a few places you should definitely check out.

In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite local restaurants in Florence, from hole-in-the-wall trattorias to Michelin-starred eateries. We’ll also provide some tips on how to find the best deals on food and drink, and where to go for a truly authentic Florentine dining experience.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, read on for our guide to the best places to eat like a local in Florence!

Restaurant	Location	Price Range
Osteria Santo Spirito	Santo Spirito	20-25
Trattoria da Burde	San Lorenzo	15-20
All’Antico Vinaio	San Lorenzo	10-15
Il Latini	Duomo	25-30
Le Volpi e l’Uva	Santa Croce	30-35

Florence is a city with a rich culinary tradition, and there are many great restaurants to choose from. But if you want to experience the city like a local, you need to know where to go.

In this guide, we’ll share the best neighborhoods in Florence for finding local restaurants, as well as the types of restaurants that are most popular with locals. We’ll also provide some tips on how to find the best deals on food.

So whether you’re looking for a traditional trattoria, a cozy osteria, or a lively pizzeria, we’ve got you covered.

Neighborhoods with the Best Local Restaurants

Florence is divided into four main neighborhoods: the Oltrarno, the Santo Spirito, the San Lorenzo, and the Piazza della Signoria. Each neighborhood has its own unique character and offers a different dining experience.

Oltrarno

The Oltrarno is the oldest neighborhood in Florence, and it’s located on the south side of the Arno River. This neighborhood is known for its narrow streets, its charming piazzas, and its abundance of art galleries and museums.

The Oltrarno is also home to some of the best restaurants in Florence. If you’re looking for a traditional trattoria, be sure to check out Trattoria Mario. This restaurant is known for its home-cooked dishes and its friendly service.

Another great option in the Oltrarno is Osteria Santo Spirito. This osteria offers a more casual dining experience, and it’s a great place to try some of Florence’s famous street food.

Santo Spirito

The Santo Spirito is a neighborhood located just north of the Duomo. This neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere and its abundance of bars and restaurants.

The Santo Spirito is a great place to find a traditional pizzaria. If you’re looking for a classic Neapolitan pizza, be sure to check out La Pizza di Simone. This pizzeria is known for its thin-crust pizzas and its wood-fired oven.

Another great option in the Santo Spirito is Enoteca Pinchiorri. This enoteca offers a wide selection of wines and cheeses, and it’s a great place to enjoy a leisurely meal.

San Lorenzo

The San Lorenzo is a neighborhood located just east of the Duomo. This neighborhood is home to the Mercato Centrale, which is one of the largest food markets in Europe.

The San Lorenzo is a great place to find a traditional trattoria or osteria. If you’re looking for a hearty meal, be sure to check out Trattoria da Nerbone. This trattoria is known for its bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is a grilled T-bone steak.

Another great option in the San Lorenzo is All’Antico Vinaio. This sandwich shop is known for its schiacciata, which is a thin-crust bread filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Piazza della Signoria

The Piazza della Signoria is a central square located in the heart of Florence. This square is home to the Palazzo Vecchio, which is the former seat of government for the city of Florence.

The Piazza della Signoria is a great place to find a variety of restaurants, including fine dining restaurants, casual restaurants, and street food vendors.

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, be sure to check out Il Palagio. This restaurant is located inside the Palazzo Vecchio, and it offers stunning views of the city.

Another great option in the Piazza della Signoria is All’Antico Vinaio. This sandwich shop is known for its schiacciata, which is a thin-crust bread filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Types of Restaurants Popular with Locals

In addition to the neighborhoods mentioned above, there are a few types of restaurants that are particularly popular with locals in Florence. These include:

• Trattorias: Trattorias are casual, family-owned restaurants that serve traditional Italian dishes. They’re a great place to get a taste of the local cuisine at a reasonable price.
• Osterias: Osterias are similar to trattorias, but they’re typically smaller and more intimate. They’re a great place to enjoy a glass of wine and some small plates of food.
• Pizzarias: Pizzarias are a popular choice for a quick and affordable meal. They typically serve thin-crust pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven.
• Enotecas: Enotecas are wine bars that also serve small plates of food. They’re a great place to try a variety of wines and learn more about Italian wine culture.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Food

If you’re looking for the best deals on food in Florence, here are

Where Do Locals Eat in Florence?

Florence is a city with a rich culinary tradition, and there are many places to eat that are popular with locals. Here are a few of the best places to find authentic Florentine cuisine:

• Osteria Santo Spirito is a small, family-run restaurant that serves traditional Tuscan dishes. The menu features dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), pappardelle al rag (pappardelle noodles with meat sauce), and Fiorentina pizza (pizza with a thin crust and a variety of toppings).
• Trattoria Za Za is another great option for traditional Florentine cuisine. The menu features dishes like ribollita (vegetable soup), artichokes alla Romana (artichokes with garlic, olive oil, and lemon), and lampredotto (a tripe stew).
• All’Antico Vinaio is a popular sandwich shop that serves up some of the best sandwiches in Florence. The menu features a variety of sandwiches, including the schiacciata alla Fiorentina (a Tuscan flatbread sandwich with prosciutto, mozzarella, and tomatoes) and the panino con la porchetta (a sandwich with pork shoulder, fennel, and rosemary).
• Da Nerbone is a seafood restaurant that is known for its fresh seafood dishes. The menu features dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), calamari fritti (fried calamari), and branzino al forno (baked sea bass).

These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Florence that are popular with locals. If you’re looking for authentic Florentine cuisine, be sure to check out one of these restaurants.

Dishes Not to Miss When Dining with Locals

When dining with locals in Florence, there are a few dishes that you definitely don’t want to miss. Here are a few of the most popular dishes that are sure to please everyone:

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a grilled T-bone steak that is considered to be the national dish of Tuscany. The steak is typically cooked rare to medium-rare and is served with a simple side of grilled vegetables.
• Pappardelle al Rag is a pasta dish that is made with pappardelle noodles, a meat sauce, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. The sauce is typically made with a variety of meats, including beef, pork, and veal.
• Fiorentina Pizza is a pizza that is made with a thin crust and a variety of toppings, including tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and artichokes. The pizza is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven and is served with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Lampredotto is a tripe stew that is a popular street food in Florence. The stew is made with tripe, vegetables, and a variety of herbs and spices. It is typically served in a bread bowl and is topped with a squeeze of lemon.

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes that you can enjoy when dining with locals in Florence. Be sure to try them all and find your favorites!

Tips for Finding Local Restaurants

If you’re looking for a truly authentic dining experience in Florence, it’s important to know where to find the best local restaurants. Here are a few tips for finding local restaurants:

• Ask for recommendations from locals. The best way to find a great local restaurant is to ask for recommendations from locals. They will know the best places to eat that are not overrun by tourists.
• Visit markets and food stalls. Markets and food stalls are a great way to find authentic local cuisine. You can sample a variety of dishes and talk to the vendors about their cooking.
• Look for restaurants with no English menus. If you see a restaurant that doesn’t have an English menu, it’s a good sign that it’s a local restaurant. This is because most local restaurants don’t cater to tourists, so they don’t need to have an English menu.
• Try to find restaurants that are located away from the tourist areas. The tourist areas in Florence are filled with restaurants that cater to tourists. If you want to find a truly authentic dining experience, try to find a restaurant that is located away from the tourist areas.

By following these tips, you can find the best local restaurants in Florence and enjoy a truly authentic dining experience.

Florence is a city with a rich culinary tradition, and there are many great places to eat that are popular with locals. By following the tips in this article, you can find the best local restaurants in Florence and enjoy a truly authentic dining experience.

Q: Where do locals eat in Florence?

A: There are many great places to eat in Florence, but some of the most popular spots with locals include:

• Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco is a traditional trattoria that has been serving up delicious Tuscan cuisine for over 100 years. The menu features hearty dishes like pappardelle al rag, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and grilled fish.
• Trattoria Za Za Za is a casual eatery that serves up some of the best pizza in Florence. The pizzas are made with fresh, local ingredients and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
• Da Nerbone is a popular spot for Florentine street food. The menu features classic dishes like lampredotto (tripe sandwich), panino con la porchetta (pork sandwich), and schiacciata (flatbread sandwich).
• All’Antico Vinaio is a must-visit for anyone who loves bread. The bakery is famous for its schiacciata, a thick focaccia-style bread that is filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
• Gelateria dei Neri is the go-to spot for gelato in Florence. The gelateria has been making gelato for over 100 years and uses only the freshest ingredients.

Q: What are some of the best things to eat in Florence?

A: Some of the best things to eat in Florence include:

• Tuscan steak (bistecca alla Fiorentina) – This is a grilled T-bone steak that is typically served rare or medium-rare. It is often seasoned with salt and pepper and drizzled with olive oil.
• Pappa al pomodoro – This is a thick tomato soup that is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. It is often served with a poached egg on top.
• Ribollita – This is a hearty soup that is made with bread, vegetables, beans, and meat. It is typically served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Tortellini in brodo – This is a type of pasta that is filled with meat or cheese and served in a broth. It is often served as a first course.
• Gelato – Florence is known for its delicious gelato. There are many gelaterias in the city, each with its own unique flavors.

Q: What are some tips for eating like a local in Florence?

A: Here are a few tips for eating like a local in Florence:

• Visit a local trattoria or osteria. These restaurants are typically less expensive than tourist restaurants and they serve traditional Tuscan cuisine.
• Order off the menu. Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations. They will be happy to help you choose something that is both delicious and authentic.
• Try some street food. Florence is home to a vibrant street food scene. Be sure to try some of the classic dishes like lampredotto (tripe sandwich), panino con la porchetta (pork sandwich), and schiacciata (flatbread sandwich).
• Don’t forget to enjoy a gelato. Gelato is a must-try in Florence. There are many gelaterias in the city, each with its own unique flavors.

Q: What are some good restaurants for vegetarians in Florence?

A: There are many great restaurants for vegetarians in Florence. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Osteria dei Vegetariani is a completely vegetarian trattoria that serves up delicious traditional Tuscan dishes.
• La Drogheria is a vegan restaurant that offers a wide variety of international dishes.
• Green Garden is a vegan buffet restaurant that is perfect for a quick and affordable meal.
• Blossom is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that serves up creative and delicious dishes.
• The Seed is a raw vegan restaurant that offers a unique and healthy dining experience.

Q: What are some good restaurants for vegans in Florence?

A: There are many great restaurants for vegans in Florence. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Osteria dei Vegetariani is a completely vegetarian trattoria that serves up delicious traditional Tuscan dishes.
• La Drogheria is a vegan restaurant that offers a wide variety of international dishes.
• Green Garden is a vegan buffet restaurant that is perfect for a quick and affordable meal

  Florence is a city with a rich culinary tradition, and there are many great places to eat, both for locals and tourists. However, if you want to experience the city like a local, be sure to check out some of the hidden gems that are frequented by Florentines themselves. These restaurants offer authentic Italian cuisine at affordable prices, and they’re the perfect way to get a taste of the city’s culture. So next time you’re in Florence, be sure to do as the locals do and eat at one of these great restaurants!

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

• There are many great places to eat in Florence, both for locals and tourists.
• The best way to experience the city’s culinary tradition is to eat at restaurants frequented by Florentines themselves.
• These restaurants offer authentic Italian cuisine at affordable prices.
• By eating at these restaurants, you can get a taste of the city’s culture and feel like a local.