It’s no secret that Italy has great food, but how do you know where to start when you’re surrounded by culinary delights at every turn? This is where we come in.
Florence, Italy, is a city known as much for its no-frills yet dignified cuisine, as it is for its masterful collection of world-famous Renaissance art. From Florentine Steak to the beloved Chianti wine, here are some of the top tips you need to know about dining in Florence.
Florentine Steak
One of the most popular dishes in Tuscany, bistecca alla fiorentina is a traditional thick, high-quality, grilled T-bone steak served very rare. This is a must if you’re up for the cuisine adventure! Just don’t ask the kitchen to serve it “well done”.
Mushrooms
Calling all mushroom lovers! Porcini mushrooms, a delicacy, are a staple in many dishes: Risotto ai funghi porcini (risotto with porcini mushrooms), tagliatelle ai funghi porcini (egg pasta with porcini sauce), and porcini alla griglia (grilled porcini caps).
Wine
Tuscany is one of the greatest wine-producing regions in the world. In addition to sampling the ubiquitous Chianti, do not leave without tasting the exquisite Brunello di Montalcino or the more moderately priced Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Trattorias
What is a “trattoria”? Long ago, the trattoria was an everyday establishment offering simple fare. Now, because the charm of these places has acquired a price tag, a meal in a popular trattoria may be just as elegant and expensive as one in a ristorante.
Pizzerias
Pizzerias offer a variety of choices, but it's worth remembering that the pizzeria's specialty is pizza— usually cooked in a wood-burning oven. In Florence, pizza is baked in large rectangular baking sheets, and you decide the size of your slice. Price is by weight.
Wine Shops
The fiaschetteria and enoteca are specialized wine shops that serve light meals, including sandwiches made with porchetta (roast pork), soup, and crostini. If you'd like to try a takeout specialty and are not too squeamish, try a lampredotto or tripe sandwich from one of the tripe stands (trippaic) in the markets of San Lorenzo, Sant'ambrogio or Il Porcellino.
Breakfast (or lack thereof)
Italians don't usually bother with breakfast (apart from a cappuccino and maybe a pastry). However, some of the hipper bars and restaurants now offer what they call an English or American breakfast or even an American-style Sunday brunch.
Lunch & Dinner times
Most restaurants open for lunch noon-2:30 pm, with the rush 1-2 pm. Dinner hours begin at 7 pm at the absolute earliest and continue until at least 10 pm; many places stay open until midnight. Florentines dine consistently at 8:30 pm, so if you want to enjoy your meal at a quieter time or avoid lines, plan to dine a bit earlier.
Money & Tipping
Expect to pay the following for dinner for one, excluding drinks and tip: $ = less than 20 euros; $$ = 20 euros-35 euros; $$$ = 36 euros-65 euros; $$$$ = more than 65 euros.
Ready to taste your way through Florence? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today and the ELx Travel team will plan your visit to Italy!
