Florence for Foodies: 10 Food Experiences We Never Miss in Florence

As seasoned foodies, we can honestly say that Florence is one of the best food destinations in Italy.

Tuscany's cuisine is a little different from what you might expect elsewhere in the country, and that's exactly what makes it so exciting.

We absolutely adore coccoli — these little balls of fried dough are dangerously addictive, with the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite

Why food lovers can't miss Tuscan cuisine

From tasting the famous bistecca alla Fiorentina and lampredotto (two local specialties you won't easily find elsewhere in Italy) to nibbling on coccoli, enjoying a hearty wild boar stew, sipping exceptional Tuscan wines, and so much more, there's plenty to discover.

Florence also offers countless ways to experience its incredible food scene.

Whether it's a food tour through Oltrarno or around Mercato Sant'Ambrogio, a pasta-making class, a wine tasting, or a truffle-hunting adventure, Florence offers unforgettable foodie experiences.

Read on to discover our favourite foodie experiences and the must-try dishes in Florence.

👉 Explore our favourite week-long culinary tours across Italy

Not sure where to start? We have ideas 👇

If you're wondering where to start, these are the 10 food experiences in Florence we loved the most and would happily do again.

1. Grab freshly baked goods from a local forno

We always find ourselves following the irresistible smell of freshly baked goods coming from local “forni” (Italian bakeries).

Once we step inside, we can never decide what to choose — soft paninis, golden-crusted schiacciata (which we love with thinly sliced salami), or a delicious slice of pizza.

Just across from the main entrance of Mercato Centrale, tucked away from the busy streets, we discovered Forno Canapa, a small bakery with plenty of tempting treats.

We especially love their coccoli, which always catch our eye from the counter.

These little fried dough balls make the perfect snack — delicious on their own, or even better with prosciutto, salami, stracchino cheese, or a spoonful of pesto.

2. Snack on Florence’s famous schiacciata sandwiches

On our trips to Florence, we discovered schiacciata, a thin and chewy Tuscan-style focaccia, and quickly became fans.

These delicious sandwiches are one of Florence’s most popular street foods, making them perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or even a full meal when paired with something sweet afterwards.

Our favourite place for schiacciata sandwiches is I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti (Via dei Cimatori 23r), just a short walk from Piazza della Signoria. You’ll know you’ve found it by the long queue outside!

The sandwiches are made fresh to order, with a crispy crust and generous fillings. Best of all, they’re very affordable, starting at around €6.

One of our favourite bites in Florence — a richly stuffed schiacciata sandwich from I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti

3. Join a walking food tour of Florence (for delicious food and good company)

Taking a guided food tour is one of the most wanted  Florentine food experience.

Those who join, will kill two birds with one stone, you'll get to know the city and taste amazing food. A friendly local will show you the best trattorias and eateries, you would normally miss.

On these food tours of Florence, you'll eat a food you won't find anywhere else, such as lampredotto, schiacciata sandwich, Tuscan salami and cheeses, pasta with truffles, crostini neri, coccoli... Everyone is welcome to these Florence gourmet experiences!

We recommend these Florence food tours:

• Florence Food Tour with Truffle Pasta, Steak & Free Flowing Wine
• Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour by Eating Europe

4. Try Florence’s best pastries and desserts: From brioche to panforte

As big sweet lovers, Florence is one of our favourite Italian cities. It's a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Must-try Florentine sweets include:

🍪 Cantucci — the famous Tuscan almond biscuits (although they actually come from nearby Prato). We love the ones from Leonardo Firenze bakery!

🍯 Panforte — a chewy, triangular-shaped treat made with nuts, dried fruit, and honey

🍰 Schiacciata alla fiorentina — a soft, fluffy Florentine sweet cake flavoured with orange zest, often dusted with powdered sugar and filled with pastry cream or chantilly cream.

🥐 Brioches — croissant-like pastries filled with delicious flavours; our favourites are crema and pistachio

Our favourite sweet stop in Florence is Ballerini Pasticceria (Borgo Ognissanti 132), a charming local caffè-pasticceria on our walking route from Casa di Chiara.

They serve a wonderful selection of pastries, breads, and chocolates.

We love the cosy atmosphere, and the friendly staff make every visit even better.

A triangular slice of panforte is the perfect energy boost for exploring Florence — packed with nuts, dried fruit, and honey

5. Enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine at a local trattoria

A visit to a trattoria in Florence is the ultimate way to dive into genuine Tuscan flavours and culture.

These cosy, family-run spots serve up classic dishes like ribollita — a hearty vegetable soup, bistecca alla fiorentina — the famous juicy grilled steak paired with baked potatoes, and pappardelle al cinghiale — fresh pasta with wild boar ragù.

Trattorias are popular with both locals and visitors, so it’s a good idea to book your table a couple of days in advance, either in person or by email.

What makes dining at a Florentine trattoria truly special is the casual, welcoming atmosphere — the perfect place to savour traditional Tuscan cuisine.

👌 For an authentic local experience, consider joining a 3-hour evening foodie tour in Oltrarno, where you’ll discover trattorias beloved by Florentines themselves!

Here are the best trattorias where locals and visitors alike enjoy authentic Tuscan meals:

6. Soak up the buzz at Mercato Centrale and Sant’Ambrogio Market

For travellers discovering Florence for foodies, Mercato Centrale and Sant’Ambrogio Market are essential stops.

We love heading to both with no agenda at all—just wandering, snacking, and following whatever smells good. One minute you’re tasting a bite of Pecorino or finocchiona offered by a friendly vendor, the next you’re admiring mountains of fresh produce or chatting with locals doing their daily shopping.

Mercato Centrale buzzes with energy, while Sant’Ambrogio feels wonderfully local and lived-in. These markets aren’t just places to eat—they’re where you slow down, taste a little of everything, and feel part of Florence’s everyday food scene.

7. Treat yourself to a scoop of rich and creamy Florentine gelato

🍦 Gelato, mmmm! Our favourite Italian treat! With a gelateria around almost every corner, enjoying a cone or cup is a must when visiting Florence.

After trying plenty of gelato around the city, these are our favourite spots:

• 🍨 Perché No! — A family-run gelateria making gelato for over 70 years, hidden between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Try their unique flavours like lavender, rose, or fresh mint, but don’t miss the crema Buontalenti — Florence’s most iconic flavour, made with fresh eggs and sugar.
• 🍫 Venchi — A popular spot with two locations in Florence, known for rich, creamy gelato and high-quality chocolates. Expect a queue, but it’s worth it!
• 🍦 Strega Nocciola Gelateria — Located near the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, with friendly service and gelato stored in traditional steel "pozzetti" containers.
• 🍊 Gelateria La Carraia — Cross Ponte alla Carraia for some of our favourite gelato, especially the orange chocolate flavour. Their outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a scoop while watching Florence go by.

We love seeing gelato stored in covered pozzetti containers — a small detail that often shows a gelateria cares about quality. Strega Nocciola gets it right!

8. Have an aperitivo

Come late afternoon, apertivo time begins. A great Italian tradition (and standard at most bars), the aperitivo happy hour involves paying a slightly elevated price for your drink in exchange for a heaving buffet of chips, panini, pasta, snacks, olives and salad – almost negating the need to have dinner at all. 

For some of the best views over the city's red roof tiles (if you want to avoid the claustrophobic climb up Giotto's tower), head to one of the hotels with rooftop bars for a sunset aperitivo.

Our favourite include: 

• Angel Roofbar (Hotel Calimala) 
• Panoramic Bar (Antica Torre Tornabuoni 1)
• La Terrazza (Hotel Continentale)
• the Butterfly Terrace (Hotel Il Tornabuoni) and the wonderful loggia of Palazzo Guadagni.

Or take the lift to the fifth floor terrace of the Caffè del Verone at the Museo degli Innocenti (open daily until 9.30pm) for your Campari Spritz-with-a-view.

9. Take a hands-on cooking class in Florence

Learning to make pasta might be just what you need to make your gastronomic experience complete. With this Small Group Pasta Class you’ll learn a few tricks and tips from a from a professional chef.

Learn to make a few different kinds of pasta – ravioli, tagliatelle, and spaghetti. Then, try your hand at some authentic Italian sauces and taste some wines for the perfect pairings. Class size is limited to eight for personalised attention from the instructor.

Choose from many cooking classes available in Florence! Join Francy's cooking class in Florentine hills and learn how to make fresh pasta and gnocchi. Perfect activity on a rainy day in Florence!

10. Experience wine tasting in historic Tuscan cellars

If you’re in Florence for foodies, tasting wine in historic Tuscan cellars is an experience not to miss. Descend beneath the cobblestone streets into centuries-old cellars, filled with the rich aroma of aging Chianti and Brunello. Guided tastings let you enjoy a variety of local wines, paired with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread. It’s not just about the flavours—it’s a chance to connect with Tuscany’s winemaking traditions and its culinary history.

Find your perfect stay in Florence!

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