Buon Appetito! 17 Mouthwatering Spots to Savor Florence's Fabulous FoodThe headline highlights that the article will cover the top 17 restaurants and eateries in Florence, Italy. It focuses on the culinary experiences available in this popular destination, with fun and appetizing language.

Buon Appetito! 17 Mouthwatering Spots to Savor Florence's Fabulous FoodThe headline highlights that the article will cover the top 17 restaurants and eateries in Florence, Italy. It focuses on the culinary experiences available in this popular destination, with fun and appetizing language. - Traditional Tuscan Delights at Trattoria Mario

When in Florence, a visit to Trattoria Mario is a must for those seeking authentic Tuscan cuisine in a cozy, local setting. Tucked away on a side street just steps from the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio, this family-run trattoria has been serving up Florentine favorites since 1953. From ribollita soup to bistecca Fiorentina, the menu spotlights Tuscan comfort food at its finest.

According to visitors, one of the standout dishes is the tagliatelle al ragu – fresh egg pasta swimming in a rich, meaty Bolognese sauce. “The pasta was silky smooth and the ragu was incredible,” writes one diner. This is Tuscan soul food at its best. Another must-try is the beef tenderloin topped with a red wine reduction or creamy black peppercorn sauce. Served with roasted potatoes, it’s a hearty, protein-packed meal perfect for recharging between museums.

While Trattoria Mario offers indoor and outdoor seating, don’t expect an overly fussy atmosphere. As one reviewer puts it, “This place is as authentic as it gets. White paper tablecloths, wine bottles chilling in ice buckets, brisk but friendly wait staff.” Diners rave about the welcoming staff and cozy ambiance, saying the restaurant has a neighborhood trattoria vibe.

Expect long lines at peak times, as Florence residents and tourists flock here for the delicious, unfussy regional fare. Reservations are recommended. Prices are mid-range, but the quality and generous portions make it a good value. Leave room for dessert – options like tiramisu and the ever-popular Florentine custard tart let you end your meal on a sweet note.

Buon Appetito! 17 Mouthwatering Spots to Savor Florence's Fabulous FoodThe headline highlights that the article will cover the top 17 restaurants and eateries in Florence, Italy. It focuses on the culinary experiences available in this popular destination, with fun and appetizing language. - Fresh Pasta and Wine at Osteria Santo Spirito

Tucked away on a quiet piazza in the Oltrarno district, Osteria Santo Spirito is a charming spot to savor fresh pasta and wines alongside locals. Housed in a deconsecrated church, the osteria oozes historic charm with its vaulted brick ceilings, candles flickering on rustic wood tables, and walls adorned with artwork. But it’s the mouthwatering homemade pasta and extensive wine list that make this a Florence must-visit.

According to Santo Spirito enthusiasts, the squid ink tagliatelle served in a seafood broth is the standout. “It was so rich and decadent,” writes one visitor. “The pasta was perfectly al dente and paired beautifully with the silky broth.” Other pastas like paglia e fieno with green and yellow noodles tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce also dazzle diners. And for cheese lovers, the mozzarella and ricotta-stuffed ravioli drizzled with browned butter and sage is a delightful option.

With hundreds of wines to choose from, ranging from everyday table wines to prestigious Super Tuscans and Brunellos, the osteria has something for every palate and budget. The knowledgeable servers happily guide diners through the wine list, pairing bottles with each course. “The wine pairing was spectacular,” shares one diner. “It really elevated the meal.” Visitors recommend letting the staff select wines to complement your pasta picks.

While reservations are recommended, Osteria Santo Spirito has a laidback vibe, welcoming walk-ins who don’t mind sitting elbow-to-elbow with fellow diners at the communal tables. The bustling atmosphere adds to the charm. “The place was packed but the energy was fun and festive,” comments one visitor. Solo diners rave about meeting fellow travelers and chatting over pasta and wine.

The osteria also plates up hearty Tuscan dishes like ribollita, beef stew, and cinghiale (wild boar) ragù for those craving something more than pasta. Seafood like grilled octopus and seared tuna also shine on the menu. Gelato, tiramisu, and other classic Italian dolci provide sweet endings.

Price-wise, Osteria Santo Spirito offers excellent value. While not dirt cheap, prices are moderate for the high quality. “It was surprisingly affordable for the location and excellent food,” shares one budget-conscious traveler. At around $13 for primi pasta dishes, diners feel they get a tasty meal at a fair cost.

Buon Appetito! 17 Mouthwatering Spots to Savor Florence's Fabulous FoodThe headline highlights that the article will cover the top 17 restaurants and eateries in Florence, Italy. It focuses on the culinary experiences available in this popular destination, with fun and appetizing language. - Pizza With a View at Gusta Pizza

Offering breathtaking views of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio, Gusta Pizza lets you enjoy wood-fired Neapolitan pies paired with gorgeous vistas. Located on an upper floor of La Rinascente department store right on Piazza della Repubblica, the pizza spot’s outdoor terrace allows you to soak in the beauty of Florence as you dine.

According to Gusta Pizza enthusiasts, the real star is the scenic outlook. “The views of the river and bridge took my breath away,” shares one happy customer. “I could have sat there all day gazing at the city.” Visitors say the terrace seating makes you feel like part of the bustling city while taking in historic landmarks from a unique vantage point.

Of course, the pizza itself also draws rave reviews. The dough is made fresh daily and cooked in a wood-burning oven to create a crisp crust with a slight char. The Margherita pie, with juicy San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil is a favorite. “The crust was perfectly charred and the cheese was so fresh,” says one visitor. The funghi pizza, topped with earthy porcini mushrooms, melty fontina cheese, and truffle oil, is another standout according to diners. Seafood lovers can opt for the Frutti di Mare with mussels, clams, shrimp and squid.

With indoor and outdoor seating available, Gusta Pizza offers excellent flexibility. According to diners braving chilly evenings, the heated terrace allows for alfresco dining even during cooler weather. For sweltering summer days, the air-conditioned interior provides respite from the heat while still offering river views through large windows.

While reservations are not required, they are strongly recommended as wait times for terrace seating can top an hour during peak periods. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may need to settle for an indoor table. “We showed up without a reservation and had to sit inside,” notes one traveler. “I wish we had planned ahead to snag that view!”

Price-wise, Gusta Pizza is comparable to other restaurants in Florence. Expect to pay around $15 to $20 for pizzas, plus more for drinks and starters like arancini, fried zucchini flowers, or affettati misti charcuterie boards teeming with prosciutto and salami. With tourists flocking for the views, some customers feel the quality no longer quite justifies the cost. However, most diners report leaving satisfied. As one sums up, “The views were unmatched and the pizza was tasty. A fun experience overall!”

Buon Appetito! 17 Mouthwatering Spots to Savor Florence's Fabulous FoodThe headline highlights that the article will cover the top 17 restaurants and eateries in Florence, Italy. It focuses on the culinary experiences available in this popular destination, with fun and appetizing language. - Seafood Feast at Cammillo Trattoria

For seafood lovers visiting Florence, Cammillo Trattoria is a must-visit spot to indulge in the freshest catch from the Mediterranean. Tucked away on a residential street in San Frediano, this unassuming eatery plates up coastal fare at its finest using top-quality ingredients.

“The seafood was so fresh, I felt like I was dining on the Mediterranean coast instead of inland Tuscany,” shares one happy diner. From grilled branzino to fritto misto to linguine alle vongole, Cammillo offers diners a oceanic feast.

Visitors say the standout is the mixed fry platter known as fritto misto di pesce. Lightly fried calamari, shrimp, and sardines served with wedges of lemon let you sample a variety of seafood in one dish. “Each piece was perfectly fried with a delicate, crispy coating that sealed in the sweet juices,” describes one recent visitor. Others recommend the moscardini e gamberi, a saute of tiny octopus and plump shrimp in a tangy tomato sauce served over creamy polenta.

For pasta fans, the spaghetti alle vongole, loaded with fresh clams in the shell simmered in white wine, draws high praise, with one diner calling it “the best pasta with clams I’ve ever tasted.” Linguine topped with a garlicky clam sauce also delights diners craving a seafood pasta fix.

In addition to pastas and fried platters, the menu also includes whole fish entrees like branzino baked under a salt crust or char-grilled orata topped with lemon and herbs. These let you taste simply prepared seafood showcasing the stellar ingredients. Side dishes like insalata di polpo (warm octopus salad) and sautéed spinachcomplement the mains.

While Cammillo offers both indoor and outdoor seating, reviewers recommend an outdoor table to soak in the charming neighborhood vibe. Just don’t expect luxe decor – the ambiance is humble, befitting the restaurant’s mom-and-pop vibe. Guests appreciate the warm, familial staff.

Since Cammillo flies under the radar among tourist haunts, it fills up fast with locals. Reservations are essential to avoid long waits or getting turned away, especially for outdoor terrace tables. “We showed up at 1 pm without a reservation and couldn’t get seated outside,” relates one traveler.

Buon Appetito! 17 Mouthwatering Spots to Savor Florence's Fabulous FoodThe headline highlights that the article will cover the top 17 restaurants and eateries in Florence, Italy. It focuses on the culinary experiences available in this popular destination, with fun and appetizing language. - Caffe Culture at Caffè Gilli

Step through the doors of Caffè Gilli and you’ll feel transported back to 19th century Florence. Patrons sip cappuccinos amid gilded mirrors, painted ceilings, and marble-topped tables at this elegant café that’s been a fixture of Florentine society since 1733. Located on the Piazza della Repubblica, Gilli offers a glimpse into Italy’s age-old caffe culture in a setting steeped in Belle Époque charm.

According to Gilli devotees, the elaborate interior makes even a quick espresso feel special. “With its chandeliers, painted frescoes, and tuxedoed waiters, Gilli made me feel like a classy European sipping my cappuccino,” shares one visitor. Indeed, the glittering hall decorated with iron scrollwork, carved wood, and frescoed walls looks straight from another century. Founded in the early 18th century, Gilli has counted literati like Puccini and Montale among its clientele. Sitting in one of Gilli’s plush banquettes under its grandiose ceilings, you can almost see the ghosts of dandies and divas from ages past.

Yet what truly transports visitors is the ritual of coffee sipping they can partake in. Tables are set with silver trays holding sugar cubes and tiny spoonfuls of chocolate powder to stir into foamy cappuccinos. Crisp white tablecloths hold delicate china cups and saucers for espresso done right. “I loved the whole tradition of taking my time to enjoy a cappuccino,” says one visitor. “It was like being in an Italian movie from the 60s!” From the first-rate espresso to the bitter espresso served with just a hint of milk foam to the cappuccino crowned with frothy art, Gilli lets you sample the full range of Italian coffee culture. For those craving a sweet treat to pair with their caffe, Gilli’s glass display cases overflow with decadent pastries.

Just don’t expect speedy service – part of the Gilli experience is lingering over your drink, whether debating philosophy or simply people watching in the piazza. “They don’t rush you,” notes one reviewer. “I ordered a cappuccino, grabbed a newspaper, and relaxed for a good hour or so.” With plush cushions, sparkling chandeliers, and a prime view of the piazza’s street life, Gilli offers an elegant oasis for whiling away an afternoon over coffee.

Buon Appetito! 17 Mouthwatering Spots to Savor Florence's Fabulous FoodThe headline highlights that the article will cover the top 17 restaurants and eateries in Florence, Italy. It focuses on the culinary experiences available in this popular destination, with fun and appetizing language. - Sweet Treats at Pasticceria Robiglio

For those craving dolci in the birthplace of gelato, Pasticceria Robiglio is a sweet spot not to miss. Tucked away on a side street near the Campo di Marte, this artisanal bakery crafts baked goods, chocolates, and gelato using premium ingredients. While not a tourist trap, Robiglio draws locals and travelers alike thanks to its melt-in-your-mouth treats.

According to dessert lovers, the pasticceria’s forte is its gelato. Made fresh daily on-site, the gelato here is incredibly creamy and complex in flavor. “It was so velvety and rich, I was in heaven with every lick,” writes one visitor. Popular picks include the pistachio studded with crunchy nut chunks and the decadent cioccolato fondente made with 70% bittersweet chocolate. Seasonal fruit flavors like tangy lemon and juicy melon also draw raves when available. For chocolate obsessives, the tartufo combines cocoa’s depth with the silky essence of whipped cream at its heart. Gelato fiends agree: Robiglio’s frozen delights beat even renown gelaterias in bigger tourist centers.

Yet Robiglio wows customers with more than just cones of gelato. The pasticceria crafts some of Florence’s finest Italian pastries and cakes. Ricotta-stuffed cannoli, crusty fruit tarts topped with glazed fruit, and the quintessential Italian cake tiramisu have visitors raving. Nutella-slathered profiteroles filled with silky pastry cream prove popular treats as well. “Every pastry I tried was sheer perfection,” says one happy guest. “You can tell they use quality ingredients.” Light-as-air sfogliatelle flaky with layers and brimming with orange-scented ricotta dazzle visitors. And for chocolate lovers, the chocolate salami swirled with nuts and dried fruit satisfies cravings.

The welcoming staff gladly lets customers sample and mix-and-match sweets. Visitors recommend sitting at one of the few stools or tables to nibble treats inside. During summer, outdoor seating also accommodates small groups. Those hoping to grab pastries and gelato to go won’t be disappointed either. Affordable prices around 2 to 5 euros make it easy to sample a range of goodies. “It was tough deciding what to order with so many amazing options,” says one visitor. “I wish I could have tried them all.”

Buon Appetito! 17 Mouthwatering Spots to Savor Florence's Fabulous FoodThe headline highlights that the article will cover the top 17 restaurants and eateries in Florence, Italy. It focuses on the culinary experiences available in this popular destination, with fun and appetizing language. - Aperitivo Hour at Sei Divino

Tucked away on Borgo Ognissanti in an elegant palazzo, Sei Divino brings a touch of sophistication to Florence's aperitivo scene. This wine bar and enoteca lets you mingle with locals while sipping inventive cocktails or sampling wines by the glass from Tuscany and beyond. But the real draw is the nightly aperitivo buffet from 7pm to 10pm, which transforms Sei Divino into a buzzing hot spot.

For 20 euros per person, you can enjoy an impressive spread of appetizers and nibbles plus a glass of wine, cocktail, or Prosecco. With everyone crowding around the buffet as new trays emerge from the kitchen, the energy is lively and convivial. "It had such a fun, festive atmosphere as people mingled while enjoying the free-flowing drinks and food,” shares one visitor. This is Italian aperitivo culture at its best.

The buffet itself entices with a mouthwatering array of antipasti showcasing refined flavors. Expect to find cured meats like bresaola and Tuscan salami paired with wedges of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Marinated vegetables like grilled eggplant and zucchini with thyme shine, as do classic bruschetta topped with juicy tomatoes. More unique bites like duck breast crostini with truffle cream delight diners. “I tried bites I never would have thought to order off a menu,” says one guest.

Pastas also make frequent appearances, from penne tossed in tomato cream sauce to fusilli lunghi mixed with pesto. Heartier plates of osso bucco and Italian wedding soup rotate through as well. Those with a sweet tooth will likely return for seconds of the dessert tray crowded with tiramisu, panna cotta, and chocolate tartlets.

With its soaring ceilings, velvet banquettes, and sleek finishes, Sei Divino provides an upscale setting for your pre-dinner grazing and mingling. Just don't arrive starving; portions are intended for sharing and sampling rather than gorging. “Come with an open mind to try new things and you'll have a fantastic experience,” advises one visitor. They also recommend pacing yourself on the free-flowing wine and cocktails.

According to regulars, earlier arrival around 7pm helps ensure you'll snag a coveted table or spot at the bar. “By 8pm it was completely packed with no place to sit,” notes one reviewer who arrived late. Groups should book tables in advance to avoid wait times, as walk-ins often get turned away when space fills up.

Buon Appetito! 17 Mouthwatering Spots to Savor Florence's Fabulous FoodThe headline highlights that the article will cover the top 17 restaurants and eateries in Florence, Italy. It focuses on the culinary experiences available in this popular destination, with fun and appetizing language. - Brunch with the Locals at Cibrèo Caffè

Far from the touristy brunch spots doling out fluffy pancakes and eggs Benedict, Cibrèo Caffè offers a distinctly local take on midday dining in Florence. Tucked behind the acclaimed Cibrèo Osteria, this laidback trattoria packs in both neighborhood regulars and savvy travelers craving authentic Tuscan fare. From just-baked schiacciata pastries to ribollita soup, Cibrèo Caffè provides a cozy backdrop for brunching like a true Florentine.

According to Tuscany devotees, the real joy lies in rubbing shoulders with locals rather than fellow vacationers. “Seeing huge families crowded around tables enjoying leisurely meals showed me what Sunday brunch means to Italians,” shares one visitor. Indeed, Cibrèo Caffè offers a peek into local traditions. Here, brunch is not a weekend free-for-all focused on extravagant dishes, but rather a chance to linger over soul-warming favorites that celebrate the region’s humble cuisine.

That said, Cibrèo Caffè puts its own spin on classics through the use of stellar ingredients. Pappa al pomodoro, a thick Tuscan soup of tomatoes, bread, garlic, and basil, dazzles with its deep, sweet tomato flavor. The ribollita stew made with black kale, cannellini beans, and torn bread transcends its peasant roots, with one diner calling it “the best I’ve ever tasted.” Of course, no Tuscan meal is complete without a taste of olive oil, and Cibrèo Caffè offers bread baskets with the region’s acclaimed golden nectar for dipping. Don’t miss the famed schiacciata alla fiorentina, a chewy olive oil flatbread crammed with savory greens. It emerges piping hot from the kitchen, its surface shiny with olive oil.

Beyond the classics, Cibrèo Caffè excels at showcasing seasonal ingredients. In autumn, go for the zucca al forno, a pancetta-laced roasted butternut squash sure to warm you on chillier days. When artichokes are at their springtime peak, the tender baby artichokes sautéed with garlic spotlight this Tuscan gem. And summer sees an insalata Caprese starring juicy heirloom tomatoes and milky mozzarella di bufala that epitomizes sunny Italian flavors. Round your meal out with a crisp glass of Vermentino white wine or even a creamy cappuccino, which locals sip well into the afternoon.