Florence is a city that cherishes its rich Renaissance history while embracing the new. The vibrant Florence restaurant scene is known for perfecting the classics and creating innovative favorites. Check out this list of the 10 best restaurants Florence has to offer you!

Michelin Starred Restaurants in Florence

#1 La Bottega del Buon
Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 69/R, 50125 Florence

The classic and elegant La Bottega del Buon features a seasonal menu that highlights the regional cuisine of Tuscany, using ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm and locally sourced meats. Florence native Chef Antonello Sardi has created two must try dishes: a homemade Cappelletti pasta and Amberjack fish served three ways.

#2 Enoteca Pinchiorri
Via Ghibellina, 87, 50122 Florence

Italian restaurant, Enoteca Pinchiorri, is “a feast for the senses” where they’ll treat you like royalty. Focusing on Tuscany cuisine, Executive Chef Richard Monco amazes with dishes featuring Mora Romagnola, a breed of pig native to the mountains Tuscany mountains. Also popular are the savory or sweet pastries by famed pastry chef, Luca Lacalamita

Husband and wife chef and owner duo, Filippo and Ombretta Saporito, promise modern gastronomic Tuscan-inspired cuisine with a romantic view of the city, next to the museum and gardens of Villa Bardini. La Leggenda dei Frati is worth every step of the climb. The ricotta and lemon filled tortellacci and beautifully presented 100% Cioccolato for dessert are must tries.

TripAdvisor Favorite Restaurants in Florence

#4 Osteria Personale
Borgo S. Frediano, 167R, 50124 Florence

Osteria Personale is an Italian restaurant where “seasonal and regional products blend together with a spirit of renewed tradition.” Located in a former deli, the classic wood and stone walls create a perfect atmosphere to try steak tartare with amaranth popcorn or wild fennel ice cream with lemon cream and licorice meringue. It’s the flavors of Florence with a modern twist.

#5 Caffe Dell’Oro
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 2, 50123 Florence

Caffe dell’Oro is a high-class all-day-dining bistrot with a stunning view of Ponte Vecchio. Stop here for a gourmet breakfast. Or live like the locals and enjoy a truly Italian break with a mid-morning espresso and snack or pre-dinner aperitif. Michelin star chef Peter Brunel allows the best organic Italian ingredients to shine with simple recipes for any time of day.

#6 Buca Lapi
Via del Trebbio, 1r, 50123 Florence

Buca Lapi, the oldest and most well-known Florence restaurant (founded in 1880), must be doing something right. With age comes perfection for essential Florentine classics like wild boar with polenta or hand-made pasta. But diners usually flock to Buca Lapi for their famous bistescca alla florentina, the special aged cut of steak cooked over charcoal that Florence is known for.

#7 Lugarno Bistrot
Piazza degli Scarlatti, 50124 Florence

When a meal begins with complimentary glasses of prosecco, it can only get better from there. Lugarno Bistrot is a classic but modern and cozy Tuscan restaurant that overlooks the Lungarno Guicciardini. Chef Francesco Fumarola treats his kitchen like a stage where the seafood tasting plate and tiramisu are the stars.

Florentine Favorite Restaurants

#8 Burro e Acciughe
Via dell’Orto, 35, 50124 Florence

Burro e Acciughe’s literal translation, butter and anchovies, doesn’t do justice to this comfortable but elegant seafood restaurant. A popular spot for the locals, they are known for their Mediterranean dishes that blend exotic and tradition.

#9 Giotto Pizzeria Bistrot
Via Veracini 22/d, 50144 Florence

Even with many great options on the menu like spaghetti with clams or a great pannini list, you can’t leave Giotto Pizzeria without ordering pizza. The menu at this casual and affordable restaurant includes 18 different pizzas, with plenty of classic and exotic combinations. Play it safe with the Caprese or go wild and try the petit lapin – rabbit sausage, carpaccio, truffle, and thyme.

#10 Pane e Olio
Via Faentina, 2, 50133 Florence

Pane e Olio is a quiet romantic Italian restaurant, well loved by locals and serving up classic Italian favorites. Be sure to ask for recommendations for a bottle of wine; they are famous for their carefully curated list. While you’re there, check out the cooking courses and learn to create your own three-course Italian meal.

In the wise words of Sophia Loren – “I’d rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero.”
With this list of best restaurants Florence boasts, who couldn’t agree more?