5 of the Best Places to Eat in Florence

I love hearing from people who have information to share about eating in Italy - especially if it comes in the form of a list packed with practical stuff like addresses that can be printed out and brought on a trip. Enter Beth Smedinghoff, who sent me this list of some of her favorite places to eat in Florence. Thanks, Beth!
Choosing where to eat in a country as passionate about food as Italy can be nothing short of overwhelming. There is so much to eat and so little time, so where do you start?
If you find yourself in Florence, make the most of your dining experience by trying some of the top eats in Firenze. Key to Price Notes (Beth’s 2011 prices, so expect to pay more now):
€ = €10 or less
€€ = €10-15
€€€ = €15+
Price estimate includes one course & beverage, plus coperto

Acqua al Due

The hardest part about eating out in Florence is deciding what to order. You salivate as you read over the menu and you begin to feel the pressure of choosing just one dish as the waiter approaches. Acqua al Due understands this problem and offers the ultimate solution - the assagio which, translates to “sampler” in English although I choose to think of it as tastes of heaven. Available for each course, the assagio is a series of small mouth-watering dishes and the menu changes from night to night. If you’re someone who likes to commit to their dish, I would recommend: insalata caprese, rigatoni alle melanzane, and their signature blueberry steak - fileno al mirtilio.
Location: Via della Vigna Vecchia 40r
Price: €€ - €€€

Trattoria Dante

If you’re looking for an enjoyable and tasty meal, Trattoria Dante is the place to be. Always crowded (so be sure to make a reservation!) Dante’s has an amazing wait staff and even better white wine. This trattoria is the perfect place to enjoy the true Italian experience of spending time with good friends over great food. The striped macaroni and gnocchi are two personal favorites and be sure to save room for some tiramisu!
Location: Piazza Nazario Sauro 12r
Price: €€

ZaZa

When shopping fatigue strikes you after a day at Mercato Centrale, head over to ZaZa to refuel. This pizzeria is very American-friendly and has a great outdoor patio perfect for those warm Firenze nights. ZaZa’s menu has a wide selection of entrees but it mostly known for its ‘za - you know, pizza - get it?
Location: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26
Price: €€

Trattoria 13 Gobbi

Off the beaten path, Trattoria 13 Gobbi is absolutely worth the trek. This trattoria offers an authentic Italian experience you won’t get at a restaurant a block from the Duomo. A smaller restaurant, 13 (tredici in Italian) Gobbi offers an intimate and cozy setting to enjoy a meal. If you’re looking to try true Florentine steak (bistecca fiorentina), you’ve come to the right place.
Location: Via del Porcellana 9R
Price: €€ - €€€

Oil Shoppe

Sure, you’re only in Italy for a limited amount of time and you want to devour as much authentic Italian cuisine as possible - but no trip to Florence is complete without a trip to the Oil Shoppe. Not far from the Duomo, this little shop serves incredible sandwiches with a side of French fries - which can be a homesick American student’s dream! A small store front, the Oil Shoppe has counters with a few stools to sit at, but their sandwiches are perhaps best enjoyed outside in a nearby piazza. Also be sure to arrive early, there is usually a long line by noon and once they run out of bread for the day they close up shop. If you can’t decide which sandwich to try, the meatball is always a great bet.
Location: Via S.Egidio 22/R
Price: €

About the Author
Beth Smedinghoff considers herself an honorary Florentine after living in Firenze in 2010. When she isn’t daydreaming about cookies gelato, she is helping others pack for their Italian adventures by writing about travel essentials.
photos of Acqua al Due and the gelato by the author (and may not be used without permission), all others from the restaurant websites