Overview Florence is not just a city for admiring remarkable architecture but also the capital of Italian gelato and a culinary haven. Experience Florence’s best historical restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias, alongside the most iconic Florentine dishes you can’t miss. We have handpicked the “best of the best” to enjoy at your leisure.

Florence’s Markets:

– Pegna Drogheria: Located at the heart of Florence, this bustling market offers over 7,000 different products, including handmade pasta, white truffles, cheeses from across Italy, fine wines, chocolates, and a range of Tuscan meats.
– Mercato Centrale: Situated in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, this historic market features fresh, local produce and an indoor food court serving the finest Tuscan specialties.
– Mercato Sant’Ambrosio: An authentic market offering both indoor and outdoor spaces, filled with local ingredients and Italian culinary delights.

Historical Cafes & Restaurants:

– Caffe Giacosa: A Florence institution, open for nearly 200 years, and said to be the birthplace of the famous Negroni cocktail.
– Caffe Gilli: A sophisticated cafe in Piazza Repubblica, offering expertly crafted cocktails and elegant service.
– Il Caffe Manaresi: One of the original authors of Italian espresso.
– Rivoire: A classy grand café, perfect for an Aperitivo before dinner.
– Procacci: Famous for selling truffle-infused delicacies, located on Via de’ Tornabuoni.

Local Dishes & Specialties:

– Florentine Chocolate: Andrea Bianchini is known for producing some of the finest chocolates in Florence, including pralines with unique combinations such as dark chocolate and saffron.
– Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A large T-bone steak, fire-grilled and traditionally served rare, with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
– Ribollita & Pappa al Pomodoro: Hearty Tuscan soups made with bread, tomatoes, beans, and vegetables.
– Crostini di Fegato: Bite-sized bruschetta topped with chicken liver pate, a staple starter in Tuscan cuisine.

For the best gelato, visit Gelateria Vivoli, Gelateria de’ Neri, and Mordilate. For dairy-free or sugar-free options, check out My Sugar or Le Botteghe di Leonardo. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy meals at Ristorante La Cucina, Liberia Brac, and Il Vegetariano.

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