Florence gastronomy (more general, the Tuscan gastronomy) has some main attractions (no, it’s not pizza) that we also tried while there.

Probably the most famous one, in terms of street food is the lampredotto sandwhich – beef stomach, cooked in broth, sliced and served with salsa verde or spicy sauce. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is something you will find in most of the restaurants’ menus – it’s a good option if it’s two people willing to try, as it’s quite a bit portion. Also, lots of meat dishes – mostly lamb, rabbit and wild boar, and of course pasta, made mainly with ragu.

Here are some recommendations of places to eat out. It’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance, especially for weekends, as these places are always packed.

Osteria Cinghiale Bianco

This was our first dinner in Florence – a small place, full of people by the time we arrived. A small menu, but with very tasty dishes and a good house wine. Their rabbit and lamb stews where excellent, and their tiramisu was one of the best I’ve had so far. Also their recipe of trippa alla fiorentina is definitely worth a try.

Trattoria Cammillo

Excellent food, very friendly staff willing to explain and to make recommendations, but a bit more expensive than the average.

4 Leoni 

This was probably our favorite place to dine out for this trip. Set in a small piazzetta just outside the main city center, with a lovely outdoor terrace to enjoy the warm spring afternoons. The food was excellent – with lamb stews and ossobucco cooked to perfection and super tasty and fresh desserts.

Mercato Centrale Firenze

Great place for lunch. Going to the main market of the city, you have the chance to not only buy fresh vegetables, cheese and meat products, but also have a tasty meal, if going to the first floor. Here you will find a big hall full of small restaurants, take-aways, who cook everything on the spot. It seems to be very trending among locals to stop by for a quick bite and a glass of wine.