The Best Local Restaurants in Florence

Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Florence sits in a stylish spot near the Gucci Museum, blending Italian traditions with playful influences from Mexico and Japan. Its modern, creative feel is guided by chefs who bring their own experiences to the table, balancing fun ideas with serious attention to detail. The result is an inviting place that feels both elegant and relaxed, reflecting a deep passion for thoughtful cuisine.

Recommended by

João Oliveira

Food & Wine writer

Time tends to treat restaurants well, just as good relationships tend to benefit people. That’s what we experienced in this return to Gucci Osteria, nestled on one of the most beautiful squares in the world, Piazza della Signoria. The restaurant is different; it’s fun but, at the same time, more serious regarding the conception of its cuisine. The guiding thread has become the story of Karime and Taka, their experiences, and their own interpretation of an Italy that sometimes takes itself too seriously. The couple’s happiness brought them the creative mojo to break barriers and take the restaurant further! It’s inevitable, and rightly so, that Massimo Bottura’s name still stands at the door, but the absolute certainty is that this is now Karime and Taka’s restaurant, and Bottura must be very proud of it! To visit once and again!

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Cucina is a neighborhood restaurant in Florence’s Oltrarno that features a straightforward farm-to-table approach, highlighting fresh, local produce in a relaxed atmosphere. Its home-style cooking blends traditional ideas with thoughtful touches, making it a welcoming place to enjoy a simple, flavorful meal.

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Tom Jenkins

Food Writer

Simple yet stunning farm-to-table in the Oltrano One of the best meals I ate in Florence and actually a recommendation from WoM! C-ucina is a neighbourhood farm-to-table in the Oltrano. Fantastic produce largely left to speak (nay sing) for itself but hinting at serious skill in the kitchen, the kind of neighbourhood spot that I would go to all the time if it was, you know, in my neighbourhood. We had delicious rabbit with friggitelli peppers, whipped salt cod, an amazing cabbage dressed with honey and paprika (so simple, so good), and a perfect panna cotta.

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Trattoria Sostanza is a small, welcoming spot in Florence that has been serving guests for more than a century. People keep returning for its straightforward cooking and friendly, efficient service. It’s a cozy place where you can enjoy a relaxed meal that feels like home.

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Karime López

Chef

One of our favorite places in Florence. From my heart, I will recommend it. We don't have a lot of days off, so when we are at this trattoria, it's priceless time together with your friends or family. It's a really small place and they have my favourite thing there, a dish is called Tortina di Carciofi. It's like an omelette with artichokes. It's very simple, but they do it super good and simple. Very nice.

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Cibrèo Caffè has been a cozy spot in Florence since 1989, known for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality ingredients. It was among the city’s earliest bistros and draws a friendly mix of locals, students, and travelers at any time of day. The space feels relaxed and unpretentious, making it easy to settle in for a drink or a simple meal.

Recommended by

Edoardo Celadon

Founder, Most of Italy

Il Cibreo is an institution in Italy. Organic high quality products are daily transformed in marvelous preparations such as the “mythological” stuffed chicken neck or the tomato gelatine. Beautifully simple.

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Enoteca Bruni in Florence offers a carefully curated wine experience with a knowledgeable team that makes you feel right at home. The welcoming atmosphere and high standards set it apart, so you can trust you’re in good hands for a memorable evening.

Recommended by

Billy Wagner

Sommelier

A sommelier place. Trust them. With great Burrata, real Mortadella and 4 years old Parma Ham. So you would think this is like a thousand other restaurants? But not at this amazingly high level.

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Coquinarius is right in the center of Florence, just around the corner from the Duomo, and offers a calm setting with relaxing music and lighting. Its wine list features interesting bottles, including natural options, all at reasonable prices. The easygoing atmosphere and fair service make it a welcoming place to enjoy a meal in a busy part of the city.

Recommended by

Carlos Hernández

Food writer

Nice relationship quality price in the CENTER of Florence The restaurant is in the very centre of Florence just around the Duomo corner and,, of course, we can expect just another fake for tourists but Coquinarius surprised us. Very reasanoble prices and very fair quality and service for the money we payed. The wine list includes a list of very interesting bottles and also a list of natural wines. The ambient (music, light and atmosphere)) is quite relaxing and transmits a very good energy.

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Enoteca Spontanea is a natural wine bar in Florence with a laid-back feel and straightforward food options. The bright, welcoming space offers a range of bottles to explore and a refreshing spot to unwind.

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Edoardo Celadon

Founder, Most of Italy

Cool natural wine bar in Florence. Cool natural wines bar in Florence, with simple cuisine. Nice bottle selection and cool space, very fresh and relaxing.

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Locale Firenze is recognized among The World’s 50 Best Bars and offers a lively setting in the heart of Florence. The kitchen’s creative approach, influenced by local and global ideas, adds a fresh dimension to the dining experience. As the night progresses, the music and energy build, creating a vibrant spot for enjoying both cocktails and food.

Recommended by

Tom Jenkins

Food Writer

Thrilling tasting menu in one of the world's best bars Locale is perhaps best known for being one of The World's 50 Best Bars. But the food offering here has to be one of the most exciting in Florence with Simone Capponetto at the helm, a chef who spent a decade travelling the world, including a stint at Mugaritz, before returning home to Tuscany. There are nods to his former employer in his creativity, but Simone is creating a cuisine all of his own here that speaks of the locality. The vibe is young and fun and be warned the music gets louder as the night goes on when Locale essentially turns into a club, but really you shouldn't miss it. Superb.

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L’Trippaio Fiorentino is a busy street food stand in Florence, valued by locals and visitors alike. People appreciate its quick service and comforting fare that reflects the city’s traditional flavors. The simple, welcoming setup makes it a convenient choice for a flavorful bite on the go.

Recommended by

Kenneth Nars

Creative Director

The Lampredotto panino is the true street food of Firenze. Prepared by slow cooking one of the cow stomachs (not trippa) in a spicy tomato broth, I'Trippaio Fiorentino run by Marco Bolognese is probably the best of the many lampredotto stands in this tourist-packed city. The dish is made of slow cooked lampredotto, chopped up and served hot in a crispy panino bun, French dipped in the broth with some salsa verde. With an ice cold beer this 5 € meal is hard to beat. In the eastern corner of Piazza Cesare Beccaria.

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Semel Street Food is a small shop in Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio market, known for its fresh and ever-changing menu. Locals and visitors stop by for a simple bite in a relaxed setting, where everything revolves around quality and seasonal ingredients. It’s a comfortable spot to take a quick break during a day of exploring.

Recommended by

Saku Tuominen

CEO & Restaurateur

Looking for street food in Florence? Probably the best panini in the whole of Tuscany can be found in this tiny shop in Sant’Ambrogio market, a true culinary institution for both foodies and locals. Offerings change daily and seasonally – all of them fresh and inspiring.

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Trattoria Cammillo has been a well-loved place in Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood since 1945, drawing both locals and curious visitors. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere, simple Tuscan cooking, and friendly staff who make you feel at home. The restaurant’s lasting reputation and frequent return customers highlight its genuine appeal.

Recommended by

João Oliveira

Food & Wine writer

“It’s no wonder that it’s considered an institution in the city, and at its tables, you find a mix of local customers, almost daily, and informed tourists. A visit to Cammillo is a journey through the simplicity (not always simple) and the taste of the most authentic Tuscan cuisine, which comforts us and makes us feel at home like those places we have been visiting for years, where they indulge us, and we treat the staff like friends. So yes, if you want an unpretentious and genuine place, Camillo will be your refuge in Florence – it has been ours for several years, and we have always been happy!”

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Vineria Sonora is a cozy spot in Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood, known for its natural and artisanal wine selection. They offer a relaxed place to enjoy an aperitivo or late-night drink, with small bites on the side. It’s a friendly bar with a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to stop by anytime.

Recommended by

Edoardo Celadon

Founder, Most of Italy

Nice little hidden natural wines and beers bar, serving tiny dishes on the side. Perfect spot for an aperitivo before dinner or for an after dinner, in the beautiful Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood.

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Buca Lapi, set in the historic cellars of Palazzo Antinori, is often noted as Florence’s oldest restaurant and still shows traces of its 19th-century origins. Some guests see it as a tourist spot, while others speak highly of its long-held reputation. Its well-preserved interior and welcoming setting make for a unique dining experience that reflects the city’s past.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Many consider it to be one of the best restaurants in Florence while others find it touristy. I loved it and had a phenomenal meal here.

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Cibrèo Ristorante is a well-loved spot in Florence, blending a forward-thinking approach with deep roots in local cooking traditions. Since 1979, it has offered a welcoming setting known for its refined atmosphere and commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients. Locals and visitors alike appreciate its warm character, making it a standout in the city’s dining scene.

Recommended by

Saku Tuominen

CEO & Restaurateur

Cibreo, founded in 1979 by the late Fabio Picchi, is a genuine Florentine institution, but not your average one. First of all, it is both forward-thinking and deeply rooted in tradition, but this doesn't mean the same thing as many people's impression of a "traditional Italian restaurant." It is refined, rather than rustic (eg sformato di patate e ricotta or timballo di tortellini). Secondly, even though there are always tourists, it is dearly loved by the local art, intellectual, and foodie scene and has its own special atmosphere. Thirdly, Cibreo is actually a family of places. The main ristorante is the most sophisticated one. Trattoria is probably the closest to your traditional Italian, and the café is something in-between, almost like a Florence-New Yorkish wine bar with great food, open from 9 am to midnight. Cibleo, a small Tuscan-Oriental (!) place, was Fabio's love letter to both Florence and Kyoto, being the latest addition to this eccentric family. All places are next to each other and would deserve their own recommendation. Needless to say, this being Florence, the wine lists will not disappoint in any of the places. Everyone has their own favorite, but if you are a foodie, no visit to Florence is complete without visiting at least one member of the Cibreo family.

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Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence is a three-Michelin-star restaurant known for its extensive wine collection and refined atmosphere. While the menu may change, it consistently focuses on quality and thoughtful service. Many people visit for the calm setting and attention to detail that make the experience stand out.

Recommended by

Karime López

Chef

One of the most important places for fine wines in Florence is Enoteca Pinchiorri. It's a famous 3 Michelin star restaurant with great wines and fine dining.

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I’Brindellone in Florence draws a loyal crowd of locals with its traditional Tuscan menu and quick service. The welcoming atmosphere and fair prices make it a favorite neighborhood spot, so it can fill up quickly. It’s a comfortable place to enjoy authentic flavors without a lot of fuss.

Recommended by

Karime López

Chef

Another fun place that I love is l’Brindellone. It’s a place where it seems like the dishes are flying because they serve you so fast. The food is traditional Tuscan, and you barely see tourists there. It's really, really hard to get a table there because the price and the quality is super good – they have perfect traditional dishes. I think everybody’s favourite there is La Bistecca as you are in Florence, but for me is the Fagioli all’uccelletto. As a Mexican, I love beans, but these beans are very, very special and super good. They are cooked with a bit of salciccia and tomatoes into a rich stew. I love this dish.

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Il Palagio is a Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence, offering an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. The team focuses on top-quality ingredients and a balanced vision of Italian cooking, creating a refined but welcoming dining experience.

Recommended by

João Oliveira

Food & Wine writer

“Entering a hotel like the Four Seasons Florence is always a special moment; it is like entering an enchanted world where everyone is a prince and princess, and Il Palagio is where hospitality dresses properly. Paolo Lavezzini’s Italian cuisine brought a breath of fresh air to a certain classicism typical of these spaces, from the combination of textures to the choice of fresh and vegetable elements that mark the presence throughout the menu, making this new era of the restaurant a must-visit when passing through the city. Suppose you are looking for an elegant environment, with service comparable or superior to restaurants with more stars and a balanced and refreshing cuisine while maintaining Italian inspiration and comfort. In that case, Il Palagio should be on your Florence bucket list.”

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Osteria Santo Spirito is located in Florence and has been praised by diners for its tasty offerings. It’s a straightforward spot that many recommend when looking for a satisfying meal in the city.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

Go for the baked gnocchi because it’s an awesome dish.

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