The birthplace of the Renaissance may be smaller than some of the other Italian cities, but it’s no less remarkable. Firenze is an art and food lover’s dream, and its relatively small size means it’s eminently walkable. Wander the halls of the Pitti Palace, former home of the Medici family. Admire the perfection of Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell'Accademia, gape at the sheer size and grandeur of the Duomo or, for a less touristy art experience, discover the Bargello Museum or Casa Buanarotti—home of Michelangelo during his Florentine years. If museums aren't your thing, spend your days discovering some of the many villas and gardens while meandering the winding streets. Or, you know, just eating and shopping your way through the city, too.

Indeed in a city as storied as Florence, it can be difficult to know where to start. Our advice? Follow the locals' lead, as we did when compiling this list of the city's best restaurants.

But remember—no list of places to eat can compare to a custom-built itinerary from Nancy Aiello Tours. Leave it to the experts to build a daily travel plan from scratch just for you—complete with hotels, tours/activities, in-destination transportation, and everything in between.

1. La Giostra

Somewhat of a Florence institution, La Giostra is a personality-filled restaurant that draws its charm from the second generation owner. The ceiling is covered in Christmas lights, early 2000 hits play in the background, and the atmosphere manages to be fun, relaxed, and classic all at once. As for the food, it’s outstanding. Start with the burrata and bruschetta. The former is served with fig, honey, and bread rolls; the latter is topped the sweetest tomatoes of all time. Stick with pasta for your main; the pear and pecorino ravioli is excellent—as is the wild boar ragu.

2. Gusta Pizza

Gusta Pizza is one of the most popular pizzerias in Florence, and that’s not just because of its excellent location near the Ponte Vecchio. Popular among tourists, locals, and students alike, Gusta Pizza serves deliciously unpretentious pizzas to eat in or take away. If you have your heart set on dining in its intimate restaurant, though, you may have a bit of a wait—although the staff is always keen to squeeze in extra tables where they can. Alternatively, take some slices to go and enjoy them while sitting in the nearby Piazza Santo Spirito.
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3. Trattoria Pandemonio di Casa Brogi

Down-home Tuscan cooking is what you’ll find at Trattoria Pandemonio, a polished, family-run restaurant near Santo Spirito that's helmed by chef Giovanna Biagi. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere buzzy (starting around 8pm, expect it to start filling up with locals celebrating birthdays and anniversaries). Don't be surprised if Biagi steps out of the kitchen and starts to mingle with the guests.

If you appreciate straightforward cooking, you love her peposo (a typical beef stew made with red wine), baccalà alla livornese (salt cod in tomato sauce), and spaghettini alla cecco (with fresh tomatoes, lots of garlic, and thinly-sliced artichokes). The wine list is heavy on Tuscan reds. Save room for cheesecake, and reserve ahead.

4. Yellow Bar

Don't be fooled by the American-style booths in this hole-in-the-wall restaurant; you'll be surrounded by local Florentines flocking to the quaint space for a stellar pie or plate of homemade pasta—their two specialties. Don't miss the paglia e fieno (a tomato-based pasta dish with prosciutto and mushrooms) or the foccaccia al pomodoro fresco pizza, which comes piled high with tomatoes, arugula, mozzarella, capers, and anchovies. With long benches and tables, it's the perfect spot for larger groups. The friendly, welcoming staff speaks excellent English.

5. Trattoria 13 Gobbi

Off the beaten path, but just a short walk to the Duomo, Trattoria 13 Gobbi seems to have it all: elegant atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious food. If possible, get a table on the garden terrace and sip a glass of wine in the atmospheric, elegant setting. Don't sleep on their signature dish: rigatoni with red wine sauce—it may sound simple, but it packs a powerful flavor, with just a hint of fresh basil. Be sure to save room for the flourless chocolate cake.

If you have dietary restrictions, the staff will happily accommodate you, especially since the menu is fairly expansive with plenty of options for vegetarians and carnivores alike.

6. Ristorante del Fagioli

Fagioli restaurant is one of the oldest trattorias in Florence, characterized by a wood-lined dining room, daily specials scrawled on a blackboard, and old-fashioned straw-covered bottles of Chianti. The menu, which is printed daily, features flavor-packed meatballs in tomato sauce, tender white beans, and olive oil-laced vegetables. You can’t go wrong with any of Fagioli’s savory dishes, but just make sure you top it off with a huge slice of torta della nonna for dessert (“grandmother's” ricotta and pine nut cake). Cash only.

7. Trattoria Sostanza

Trattoria Sostanza embraces its history and quirks, with cracked tiles, slightly rickety chairs, old-school framed photographs, and a pocket-sized kitchen that prepares the best meat in Florence. The menu is classic while still offering some variety, featuring dishes like tortellini al brodo with plump meat-filled tortellini, intensely meaty pasta al sugo, pollo al burro (grilled and battered butter chicken), and fabulous portions of charcoal-grilled bistecca fiorentina.

8. Trattoria Zà Zà

Trattoria Zà Zà is located in the the heart of Florence in the iconic Piazza del Mercato Centrale. It's housed in a former 19th-century inn and has retained its original interiors (thick stonewalls, vaulted ceilings, etc). The menu is extensive, but we're partial to the penne sul coniglio (penne with rabbit meat sauce), which has been on the menu since owner Stefano Bondi opened the restaurant in 1977. The warm and inviting space is filled with antiques from around the world that lend the space a uniquely bohemian charm.

9. Trattoria Mario

The tiny but legendary Trattoria da Mario is located in the square behind Mercato Centrale. For over 60 years, the family-owned and operated spot has been serving excellent and reasonably-priced Tuscan food for lunch. The menu changes daily but usually features classic dishes like hearty ribollita, massive bistecca fiorentina, and bollito misto (stewed beef and tongue with a bright parsley sauce). Prepare to wait a bit since they don’t take reservations.

10. Buca Lapi

Buca Lapi is a lively subterranean restaurant that serves the best bistecca fiorentina in town. What sets Buca Lapi’s t-bone apart from the rest is the large hunk of Chianana beef, which is perfectly charred on the outside and just barely warmed through on the inside (in other words, perfectly rare). The remainder of the menu features all the Tuscan classics, including ribollita and pappa al pomodoro soup, plus crostini with black cabbage.

11. La Bottega Del Buon Caffè

La Bottega del Buon Caffe is a riverside restaurant with an open kitchen, outdoor summer bar, and stylish interior. Everything you’ll eat at this Michelin-starred spot is grown or raised on the restaurant’s farm, except for the responsibly-sourced fish. Expect refined and innovative versions of Italian dishes like suckling pig, flame-roasted pigeon, foie gras creme brûlée, and salted focaccia. À la carte and tasting menus are available.

12. Pitti Gola e Cantina

Although most people flock to Enoteca Pitti Gola E. Cantina for happy hour, it's worth sticking around for a full meal. Try to snag a table on the street-side deck area, which offers views of the Pitti Palace across the street. This bar, wine shop, and small eatery is always filled with locals, making it the perfect spot to spend the evening.

13. Osteria dei Pazzi

You can't go wrong with Osteria dei Pazzi's simple, rustic Tuscan fare and high-quality wine menu (curated by Marco, the sommelier). Be sure to order the fagioli all'uccelletto (white beans stewed in tomatos and sage), and don't miss the regional Florentine pasta dishes—we're partial to the pici con le bricole.

14. Coquinarius

Coquinarius is a tiny and relaxed wine bar near the Duomo. It’s known for pouring top-notch local wines and dishing out seasonal antipasti with a distinct Tuscan flare. If you’re hungry, order the signature raviolini filled with cheese and local pear, and ask the friendly sommelier for recommendations on the perfect Tuscan wine pairing.

15. Osteria Santo Spirito

Located in (and named after) one of the most popular piazzas in all of Florence, Osteria Santo Spirito serves traditional Tuscan fare with a combination of always-available dishes (such as the gnocchi au gratin with four truffle-flavored cheeses) and daily-changing seasonal offerings. The Florentine steak is a must. Take a look at the walls lined with photos and paintings—they're all by local artists and artisans.

16. Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Vini e Vecchi Sapori is a well-known restaurant located off Piazza Signoria, arguably the most touristy spot in the country. Don’t let the crowds deter you; the family running the restaurant could not be nicer and the food is absolutely excellent (despite their tourist-oriented locale, they don’t serve pizza or cappuccino). The menu changes seasonally but the food is always hearty. They’re most known for their grilled meats, especially the t-bone steaks, veal, and chicken livers. Reservations required.

More of Nancy Aiello's top Florence recommendations:

Top 11 Must-Eat Street Food Places in Florence for 2024

Top 10 Things to Do in Florence with Kids in 2024

How To Spend A Day in Florence: from Breakfast to Dinner