The Ultimate Florence Food Guide - Where Locals Actually Eat

After 6 visits to Florence (and gaining approximately 15 kilos in the process), here are my genuinely tried-and-tested recommendations. No tourist traps, no sponsored content — just honest favorites.

Understanding the Difference: A trattoria is casual and family-run, a ristorante is more formal, and an osteria was traditionally a wine bar with food. In Florence, the best meals are almost always at trattorias.

My Favorites:

1. Trattoria Mario (near San Lorenzo Market)
Communal tables, no reservations, cash only. The ribollita and bistecca are legendary. Get there by 11:45 or face a 30+ minute wait. €12-18 per person for a full meal.

2. Il Latini (near Santa Maria Novella)
Huge portions of traditional Tuscan food. The prosciutto hanging from the ceiling tells you everything. Try the fagioli all'uccelletto (beans in tomato sauce). Book ahead.

3. Buca Mario (underground, near Piazza Goldoni)
One of the oldest restaurants in Florence (since 1886). Go for the bistecca alla fiorentina. It's a splurge but worth it for a special night.

4. Trattoria Sostanza (near the Arno)
Tiny, chaotic, perfection. The burro di carciofi (artichoke butter) is life-changing. Also cash only.

5. All'Antico Vinaio (near Uffizi)
The best sandwiches in Florence, arguably in Italy. €5-7 for an enormous schiacciata filled with porchetta, truffle cream, artichoke paste — whatever combination you dream up. The queue is long but moves fast.

For Aperitivo:

• Le Volpi e l'Uva — wine bar near Ponte Vecchio, incredible cheese boards
• Amblé — tiny courtyard bar, perfect for a pre-dinner Negroni (which was invented in Florence!)

For Gelato:

• La Sorbettiera — slightly off the tourist path, worth the walk
• My Sugar — near Santa Croce, try the pistachio
• Rule of thumb: if it's piled high in mountains of bright colors, walk away. Real gelato is stored flat in covered containers.

Pro Tips:

• Lunch is the better value meal — many places offer a pranzo (lunch) special
• Cover charge (coperto) of €2-3 per person is normal and legal
• You don't tip in Italy like in the US — rounding up or leaving €1-2 is generous
• Drink coffee at the bar standing up — it's cheaper and more authentic