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Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey through Florence? This cultural city is known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine and culinary traditions, offering a variety of delicious dishes that will delight your taste buds. From hearty classics like Bistecca alla Fiorentina to delicious local delicacies, Florence is a foodie’s paradise. Discover with us the aromas and flavors that make up the gastronomic scene of this charming Italian city. Let’s discover the heart of Florence’s culinary heritage and find out what makes up the city’s food culture.
Florence’s culinary diversity is influenced by the best ingredients from Tuscany and beyond, including seasonal ingredients. Inspired by the richness of the region, dishes are often accompanied by earthy truffles, fragrant mushrooms, ripe tomatoes, aromatic pecorino cheese and Tuscan olive oil. Traditional Florentine staples combine with classic Italian dishes such as pasta and risotto together creating an overall culinary picture that delights the senses. In this article, we would like to introduce you to the 10 best traditional dishes in Florence and in which authentic restaurant you should try them.
Florentine cuisine is a culinary art form that has evolved over centuries, deeply rooted in the traditions and history of Florence, Italy. Known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, this style of cooking reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and the bounty of its surrounding landscape.
Tuscan cuisine, which encompasses the culinary traditions of Florence, boasts a history that stretches back to the Middle Ages. The region’s geography, with the Apennine Mountains to the east and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, has played a crucial role in shaping its food culture. The mild climate of Tuscany make it an ideal place for cultivating a variety of crops, including wheat, olives, and grapes. This abundance of fresh produce has always been at the heart of Tuscan cuisine.
Florence’s strategic location as a hub for trade and commerce further enriched its culinary repertoire. The city’s markets were historically filled with exotic spices and ingredients brought in by traders, which were then incorporated into local dishes.
At the core of Florentine cuisine are a few key ingredients that define its character. Olive oil, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is a staple in Tuscan cooking, used generously in everything from salads to soups. Bread, particularly the unsalted Tuscan variety, is another cornerstone, often served with olive oil and vegetables or used in traditional dishes like ribollita and pappa al pomodoro.
Beans, especially cannellini beans, are frequently featured in soups and stews, providing a hearty and nutritious element to many meals. Meat, whether it’s the famous Florentine steak or wild boar, is typically prepared simply to highlight its natural flavors. These traditional ingredients come together to create dishes that are both rustic and refined, embodying the essence of Tuscan cuisine.
One of the most famous dishes in Florence is lampredotto, a popular classic that is proof of the city’s culinary creativity.
This dish consists of tender beef tripe cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth with aromatic herbs and spices. Served on a crusty bread roll and often accompanied by fiery salsa verde or spicy tomato sauce, lampredotto embodies the rustic charm of Florentine street food. Don’t miss the opportunity to try this popular traditional dish on your culinary adventures in Florence.
Where to eat? Aurelio I Re del Lampredotto – Piazza Bernardo Tanucci SNC – 50134 Florence.
A highlight of Florentine cuisine is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a succulent T-bone steak that demonstrates the region’s dedication to quality meat. Typically sourced from local Chianina cattle, this thick florentine steak is simply seasoned with salt, grilled over an open flame and sprinkled with peppery olive oil. The result? A tender, juicy steak with a strong flavor that will delight both carnivores and gourmets alike. Don’t leave Florence without indulging in this classic Tuscan dish.
Where to eat? Regina Bistecca al Duomo – Via Ricasoli, 14r Florence
Crespelle alla Fiorentina, a popular local dish, offers a delicious Italian version of a crêpe. These tender pancakes are filled with a delicious mixture of ricotta and spinach and seasoned with nutmeg and parmesan. Rolled up, topped with creamy béchamel sauce and flavorful tomato sauce, baked until golden and bubbling, Crespelle alla Fiorentina is an indulgent dish that reflects the rich flavors of Tuscany. Whether as a snack on the go or as a filling main course, these savory crêpes are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression!
Where to eat? Trattoria Le Mossacce – Via del Proconsolo, 55r, 50122 Florence
Try in Florence Crostini Neri, a traditional Tuscan appetizer that packs a punch. These bite-sized delicacies consist of toasted bread slices topped with a rich chicken liver paté flavored with garlic, capers and anchovies. The paté is cooked until it has a smooth and creamy consistency and then spread generously over the crispy crostini. Garnished with a little fresh parsley, Crostini Neri offer a delicious combination of savory and salty flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Where to eat? La Prosciutteria Firenze – Via dei Neri, 54/R, 50122 Florence
In this hearty bean stew, tender cannellini beans are cooked with garlic, sage, tomatoes and olive oil to create a symphony of tangy aromas and rich flavors. The beans are gently cooked until they reach a creamy consistency and can absorb the essence of the fragrant sauce. Served hot with fresh parsley and crusty slices of Tuscan bread, fagioli all’uccelletto is italian food that everyone will enjoy.
Where to eat? Trattoria Sostanza – Via del Porcellana, 25/R, 50123 Florence
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Do you prefer peas? Then try the Piselli. Piselli alla Fiorentina stands for a classic Florentine dish cooked with garlic, onions, and pancetta, these peas are simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth.
Enjoy the exquisite flavors of Florence with tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo, a pasta dish that sums up Tuscan cuisine. With fresh tagliatelle pasta, earthy porcini mushrooms and aromatic truffles, this dish offers a symphony of rich and spicy notes. The pasta is tossed in a delicious sauce enriched with the intense flavors of the mushrooms and truffles – an unforgettable taste experience that is guaranteed to impress. Whether as a primi piatti or as a main course, tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo is a must on your culinary journey through Florence.
Where to eat? Trattoria Ponte Vecchio – Lungarno degli Archibusieri, 8, 50122 Florence
Pappa al Pomodoro is a rustic Tuscan tomato soup that creates a 5-star dish from stale bread and simple ingredients. With ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, garlic and Tuscan bread, this traditional dish represents the true essence of Italian home cooking. The tomatoes are cooked until they break down into a thick, creamy sauce, while the bread soaks up the tangy juices, creating a nourishing and soul-warming meal. With a drizzle of olive oil and some Parmesan cheese, Pappa al Pomodoro is a famous dish of local food.
Where to eat? Trattoria Sergio Gozzi – Piazza di San Lorenzo, 8R, 50123 Florence
A very typical Florentine sweet cake is the Schiacciata alla Fiorentina. This famous treat is a fluffy sponge cake flavored with orange zest and fragrant vanilla. Once baked, the cake is cut into thin slices covered with powdered sugar with the design of the Florentine lily, typically served with a cappuchino. With its light texture and delicate citrus notes, Schiacciata alla Fiorentina is the perfect end to any Tuscan meal, offering a touch of tradition and sweet indulgence with every bite.
Where to eat? I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti – Via dei Cimatori, 23, 50122 Florence
Meat is the protagonist of Pappardelle al Cinghiale. The extremely typical pasta dish consists of wide pappardelle pasta served in a rich and tasty sauce with wild boar. Cooked slowly with aromatic herbs, tomatoes and red wine, this delicious wild boar meat adds depth and complexity to the pasta. Served with some freshly grated parmesan, pappardelle al cinghiale is a dish that anyone visiting Florence should try.
Where to eat? Osteria Cinghiale Bianco – Borgo S. Jacopo, 43, 50125 Florence
Ribollita is a traditional, down-to-earth vegetable soup that may sound simple, but is highly recommended! For the soup, a mixture of seasonal vegetables such as kale, cabbage, carrots and beans is cooked in a tasty broth that is enriched with aromatic herbs. The special thing about ribollita is its unique preparation method: after the first cooking, the soup is left to rest overnight so that the flavors can combine and intensify. The next day, it is reheated and served piping hot with a drizzle of peppery olive oil and some grated Parmesan cheese. Ribollita is an experience that warms the soul and is typical of the Tuscan region.
Where to eat? Il Borro Tuscan Bistro – Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 80r, 50123 Florence
Florentine desserts are a testament to the city’s love for simplicity and elegance in its culinary creations. Among the many sweet treats that Florence has to offer, one stands out for its unique preparation and delightful taste: the zuccotto.
Zuccotto is a traditional Florentine dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Tuscan indulgence. This delightful treat is made with sweetened ricotta cheese and candied fruit, creating a rich and creamy filling that is both refreshing and satisfying. The dessert is typically assembled in a bowl lined with thinly sliced cake, which absorbs the flavors of the filling as it chills.
Once prepared, the zuccotto is refrigerated until it reaches a firm, gelato-like consistency. This makes it a perfect dessert for warm summer days or as a luxurious end to a festive meal. Often served at special occasions such as weddings and holidays, zuccotto is a beloved part of Florentine culinary tradition, offering a sweet taste of the city’s rich history and culture.
Another sweet treat you shouldn’t miss is zabaglione, a recipe that dates back to the Medici court in Florence in the 17th century. This liquid custard cream made from egg yolks, sugar and Marsala wine is a decadent treat for the palate. It is the perfect end to any meal.
