For as small as Florence is, every piazza and street corner seems to be teeming with trattorias, osterias, pizzerias and restaurants. Staff beckon you in off the street, “Ciao bella, would you like to come in for a pizza?” TripAdvisor or google reviews can be overwhelming, and sometimes difficult to read between the lines and decipher if someone actually had a bad time or has a bad attitude. So, without being overwhelming or overly exhaustive, we put together a list of the best restaurants in Florence, with a little something for everyone.
1) Il Nugolo
Florentine restaurants tend to be hyper-traditional and don't stray from the same basic ingredients and staple dishes. While that's not necessarily a bad thing (you should frequent those establishments as well, many of which are on this list!) it's nice to experience something a little more modern as well. And Il Nugolo isn't just nice, it's a glimpse into what the future of Italian food should look like. Il Nugolo's seasonal menus do a spectacular job of honoring Italy's most traditional recipes with the finest ingredients in a completely innovative and modern way.
The female owner even has a garden not far from the restaurant where she grows many of the ingredients found on the menu, including the namesake "nugolo" tomato and the entire restaurant is designed to make you feel like you are dining in a garden.
Long story short: go to a traditional checkered tablecloth trattoria to see where Italy has been, but go to Il Nugolo to see where Italy is going.
Via della Mattonaia, 27R, 50121 Firenze
2) Don Fefé
Very rarely do Hollywood movies capture the the magic and romance of Italy without it being a cheesy cheeky trope of “la dolce vita” but Julia Roberts eating pizza in Eat Pray Love gets it. And if pizza can change your life, its the pizza in Naples, Italy. However, if you can’t get to Naples there are plenty of Neapolitan-style spots in Florence, but there’s only one that’s doing it exceptionally.
Don Fefé isn’t exactly in the center of Florence but if you don’t mind a little bit of a walk down the Arno river it is absolutely worth it. The owners, brothers born and raised in Napoli, certainly know their way around a pizza. The crust is perfectly crispy with the right crunch on the outside, and just the right amount of doughy inside. Oftentimes Neapolitan pizza leaves you feeling stuffed, but Don Fefé pizzas are the stuff of dreams, you might even have space for another!
Long story short: If you can’t get to Napoli for pizza, this is the next best thing!
3) 13 Gobbi
For a more traditional Florentine trattoria experience, head to 13 Gobbi. With an equal mix of locals and tourists, you know you're in the right spot. Whether you're looking for a "bistecca Fiorentina" or a big plate of ragù, you'll find just about every traditional Tuscan dish done to perfection here. And with friendly staff and a convivial atmosphere, you're guaranteed to leave with a full belly and full heart after a night here!
Long story short: This traditional Florentine trattoria will give you all the feels and a full belly.
Via del Porcellana, 9R, 50123 Firenze
4) Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
It really doesn't get more classic than Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori. This adorable little hole-in-the-wall spot is tucked away on a side street off of Piazza Repubblica and has a hand written seasonal menu. The staff is so friendly and the spot so cozy, that you might for a moment forget you are at a restaurant and mistake it for one big Italian dinner party amongst friends. They have recently expanded into a second dining room, so there is a little more breathing room than before — but don't let that fool you into thinking you can walk in without a reservation. It is just as beloved as ever.
Long story short: Classic dishes, friendly staff, and a newly expanded space that is still just as popular — book ahead.
Via dei Magazzini, 3R, 50122 Firenze
5) Il Tamerò
Tamerò is located in the trendy bohemian Santo Spirito neighborhood on the south side of the Arno river. A former body shop located in a corner of piazza Santo Spirito, it is quintessentially cool without taking itself too seriously.
Beyond the scene, the pasta is absolutely divine. With a menu that includes everything from spinach and ricotta ravioli in a butter and sage sauce to buckwheat pappardelle with wild boar ragù and red berry sauce, there is something for the most traditional pasta lover all the way to the adventurous foodie on the menu.
Long story short: Come for the vibes, stay for the inventive and delicious fresh handmade pasta.
Piazza Santo Spirito, 11R, 50125 Firenze
