We all know that the enchanting city of Florence is famous for its landmarks like the Uffizi Gallery, the Florence Cathedral, and the Ponte Vecchio. But there is a lot of off the beaten path restaurants in Florence away from the crowded pizzerias and the bustling restaurants that is waiting to be explored. So, let us get ready to get an authentic taste of the Florentine cuisine!
Ristorante Belcore
Ristorante Belcore, a Michelin recommended restaurant in Florence is a must-visit alone for its exceptional services! This is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Florence to go if you want to taste the local flavors not far from the city’s center. You will be greeted with a complementary glass of Prosecco accompanied with appetizers like carrot soup, potato soup etc. depending on the availability (on the house). The main course – T-bone steak is a must-try dish in Ristorante Belcore with its delicious rich flavors. And if you want, the staff can help with wine pairing too. The price is very reasonable and it will make you wonder how they offer such good service for the high-quality of the food they make. If you have dietary restrictions don’t hesitate to inform the staff because they are very accommodating of gluten-free food options.
Address: Via dell'Albero, 28, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
Trattoria Anita
Trattoria Anita typically offers a cozy and intimate ambiance, making it perfect for a dinner out with friends or family. The food is really good and is freshly made so don’t let this small place fool you! The freshness of the food will be evident by the tastes that explode in your mouth. The must-try dishes in Trattoria Anita is its homemade pasta with a variety of sauces, including classic marinara, creamy Alfredo, or rich Bolognese. The Black truffle pasta is certainly out of the world when paired with a glass of red wine. The portions are also good, when compared to other pricey restaurants in Florence, Trattoria Anita serves the best with reasonable prices. The staff is also very friendly, so if you don’t know which pasta to try, you can always ask for recommendations from them. You will also see that the menus are in Italian, however, the staff would be happy to translate it for you.
Address: Via del Parlagio, 2R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.
La Beppa Fioraia
Overlooking the incredible views of the Piazzale Michelangelo, La Beppa Fioraia is another one of the hidden gem restaurants in Florence. You will be offered a variety of traditional Italian dishes, prepared using fresh, local ingredients to give a homely feel! Make sure to try the pasta with ragu and the antipasto platter (which is perfect for sharing because of the generous portions) when you are at La Beppa Fioraia. This is an off the beaten path restaurant in Florence often missed by tourists. So, the service can be little slow, but it is totally worth it if you want to escape the busy touristy places of Florence at least for a few hours. There is both indoor and outdoor garden areas, which certainly will look enticing even on a hot day. It is a great place to even have big celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.
Address: Via dell'Erta Canina, 6/R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy.
GustaOsteria
Who doesn’t know the Gusta Pizza in Florence? But if you are looking for a more authentic experience in Florence, check out the nearby Gusta Osteria. I think the pastas served here is one of the best in Florence! Everything is served properly and the food feels homemade, fresh and delicious. Don’t forget to try the pasta with pork ragu or meatballs paired with a glass of red wine. You will want to return to this place just for that meal alone. However, Gusta Osteria may seem a little busy as it is located close to the bustling streets of the picturesque Di Santo Spirito Church. So, if you are planning to go with the outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful street views, I suggest you to make reservations as it fills way faster.
Address: Via dei Michelozzi, 13R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy.
Simbiosi Organic Pizza and Lovely Food
Located close to the Duomo, the Simbiosi Organic Pizza and Lovely Food is another one of the off the beaten path restaurants in Florence. This is where where you will find everything organic with biodynamic wines. The pizza here is one of the best you will have in Florence! (Particularly the Pizza Regina Margherita). You can also head to the Ristorante Simbiosi if you are a fan of medieval quirky décor (paintings with animals dressed!) and authentic Italian atmosphere with brick walls and dim lights. One of the best things you can see here is the “open kitchen” where you can see the live actions of the chefs preparing your food! So, make sure to go to the right Simbiosi (there is a pizza place, pasta place and a café…all nearby though) and make reservations if you don’t want to get disappointed with long waiting hours.
Address: Via de' Ginori, 56r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
Il Vivandiere
Il Vivandiere is where you can go to taste a variety of Tuscan-style tapas: from potato and pecorino croquettes to Colonnata lard. The atmosphere gives a vintage retro feel so it is a good place for a romantic dinner with your loved one. You will feel like you are in a 100-year-old wine cellar at the Il Vivandiere. Don’t forget to try the beef meatballs, fried or with tomato sauce complete the menu. Homemade ricotta cheese & orange ravioli tossed with sausage & local sweet wine is also a must try! But if you are not sure on what to try, ask for recommendations from the staff, and with friendly smiles they will be more than happy to help you.
Address: Via Torta, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.
La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant
La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant is another one of the hidden gem restaurants in Florence that will blow your minds! Keep in my that you need to book well in advance because it fills up with both locals and tourists even on weekdays. The food is really great when paired with the right glass of wine (and you can ask for recommendations from the staff). The highlight in the La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant is the iconic Florentine steak cut from the T-bone grilled to perfection. Don’t forget to try the Cheesy wheel pici pasta – it will just melt in your mouth. All of the dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and are prepared with care by the restaurant's experienced chefs. If you are up for dessert don’t miss their cheesecake – it is heavenly!
Address: Via dei Benci, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy.
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
Overlooking Lungarno Acciaiuoli, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro is a restaurant, a wine bar and a deli all in one for those who are looking for everything in Florence! The atmosphere of the Il Borro Tuscan Bistro is certainly historic; however, it adds to the contemporary flair with its beautiful décor and furnishings. Here you can discover traditional dishes such as Ribollita or Pappa al Pomodoro, or Peposo di manzo. The Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses are also amazing! The staff is very knowledgeable so don’t hesitate to ask which wine best pairs with the food you are ordering. They have their own wine brand “Il Borro wines” so you can check that too. And if you are up for dessert, try the Tiramisu – it is one of the best you will taste in Florence.
Address: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 80r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
Osteria Manì
Osteria Manì is one of the off the beaten path restaurants in Florence located a bit far away from the city’s center. However, it is the perfect place to have authentic Florentine cuisine for dinner! Sometimes you will find no tourists here at all, only you…. making it a true local experience. Try the pasta in Osteria Manì – they are cooked just right with fresh locally sourced ingredients and the combinations will be delicious. For the first course, I suggest you go with Tagliatella with porcini mushrooms and parmesan flakes! And for the second course, Sliced ??beef with Scarpaccia lard will just be right. The portions are not large but the food is really good.
Address: Via G. B. Foggini, 7, 50142 Firenze FI, Italy.
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi, also known as ‘Da Sergio,' has been offering authentic Tuscan food since 1915. The Trattoria Sergio Gozzi is run by the fourth generation Gozzi brothers, Andrea and Alessandro, who want to maintain the atmosphere from a century ago. Trattoria Sergio Gozzi is very popular among locals during the lunchtime hours (nevertheless a hidden gem restaurant in Florence, and you will see why!). All the ingredients used are locally sourced and fresh because they don’t use a refrigerator. What they do is go to the central market nearby and pick up the ingredients every morning, just like how their older generations did it. Isn’t it amazing? However, the only struggle is you will have to line up in the queue (like everyone else) and sometimes it takes more than 45 minutes to get inside the trattoria. Anyway, if you are up for it try their Bistecca alla Florentina and Peposo.
Address: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 8R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
Fiaschetteria Nuvoli
Located close to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Fiaschetteria Nuvoli is just in the city center of Florence. So, if you want to taste traditional Tuscan flavors in the middle of the city, this is place to go! Remember that the owners have three passion namely the Fiorentina soccer team, photography, and this is evident from the beautiful pictures hanging on the walls, and last but not least the Tuscan cuisine. So, the brick walls, rustic wooden furnishings, photographs and the intimate setting with lot of wine bottles will make it a cozy atmosphere. Make sure to try the Crostini Mitsi for starters. The Ribollita and Polpete Miste Con Patate Al Forno will be great for second courses! Not much space is available so it is better if you can make reservations, especially in the weekend’s nights. However, if you come in the afternoon you won’t need to make reservations. With a lot of locals coming here, you will get an instant homely feeling.
Address: Piazza dell'Olio, 15/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
Trattoria Marione
The cozy looking Italian old-school Trattoria Marione is located close to the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella. Trattoria Marione is another one of the hidden gem restaurants in Florence that is suitable for large groups as well. The cheerful atmosphere in the of the first level of Trattoria Marione is great for intimate dinners! On the other hand, there is the second level located underground; which is perfect for a large group of friends looking to dine together while sipping a glass of wine. Highly recommended is the Bistecca alla Florentina with a side of their roasted potatoes – it will be enough for even three people. Peposo Con Fagiloli is also a must try! The lasagna is also worth mentioning – it is one of the best you will taste in Florence.
Address: Via della Spada, 27/Rosso, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.
Now you know that Florence is not a city of just history and culture but also a place full of culinary delights! From high-end Michelin restaurants to cozy osterias and hundred-year-old trattorias, these off the beaten path restaurants in Florence has something for every kind of food lover. And what’s so special about the Florence restaurants not only their delectable food, but also the genuine hospitality and the chance to connect with locals. So, don’t forget to check out these hidden gem restaurants the next time you are in Florence, Tuscany.
