Florence, Italy
Ate our way through one of my favorite cities in the WORLD! Reviews are all below - Salute!
Il Paiolo
Adorable and smaller romantic restaurant. They turn all the lights off for dinner and only have candles lit at the table. They give you a free glass of prosecco when you sit down. I went with friends one night when we were really hungover, and they were literally shocked that we didn’t want wine. So much so that they eventually came over with a bottle of red wine for free because they couldn't imagine us having our meal without it.
Fishing Lab
If you like seafood, this is great and also inexpensive. You can get a lot of their stuff in “apertif” sizes, so it’s small plates. Such bright vibes. It reminds me of a trendy New York spot with upbeat instrumental music.
Il Teatro
This is a 20 euro special! You get a plate of apps, three pastas, a plate of desserts, and your own bottle of wine all for 20 euro- super fun for a big group of people. The staff is so friendly here, and will be shoving free drinks at you all night.
Gato a la Volpe
This place also has a 15 euro special for an appetizer, 4 pastas, dessert, bread, and wine. The first time we went here, we didn’t do the special and just ordered from the regular menu and loved it too. We all got differently prepared chicken which were all yummy. Definitely a super casual spot. They also have really great house made balsamic for your bread!
Osteria Santo Spirito
SUCH a great place. More locals kind of restaurant with a cozy upstairs. They are famous for their truffle gnocchi, but I recommend getting that for the table to all share and then get another entree. I also really loved their chicken and vegetables (which sounds super basic, but is delicious).
Ciro and Sons
This is a really cute place with good vibes if you sit downstairs. The pizzas and pastas are on the nicer side, but not necessarily “fancy”.
Golden View Open Bar
A little more expensive, but not totally draining the bank account. This is right on the Ponte Vecchio with big windows to see the river- great for sunset, but you have to call in advance and reserve a table by the window because otherwise they will be taken!
lden View Open Bar
A little more expensive, but not totally draining the bank account. This is right on the Ponte Vecchio with big windows to see the river- great for sunset, but you have to call in advance and reserve a table by the window because otherwise they will be taken!
Trattoria Sostanza
This is a more authentic, hole in the wall type place. It seemed like there were a lot of locals here. It has an amazing butter chicken dish.
Trattoria Anita
This place is super casual and cheap with really big pasta portions. This would be a good place to walk into last minute with no reservation.
Winter Garden Restaurant (Inside the St. Regis)
I came here with my family because they were staying at the St Regis Hotel. It is probably the fanciest spot with white table cloths and high ceilings in the middle of the hotel. It also has a Michelin star. This is for a special occasion.
Ditta Artiganale
I think I went here in between classes everyday. It has the BEST greek yogurt I've ever had in my life (with honey and fruit and granola), and has a big menu of avocado toast and eggs and such. The bigger location also does an aperitivo happy hour type thing with a big spread of apps for later in the day.
Shake Cafe
This is a quick, order at the counter place with smoothies, salads, and acai bowls etc. There are a couple of locations.
Tamarindo
This is basically the same idea as Shake Cafe. Think Playa Bowls, but in Florence.
Rivarno Cafe
A quaint little cafe right on the Arno River. Serves coffee, wraps, small snacks to share, etc.
Rooster
This place has two locations, but only one of them serves breakfast. It has a really good omelet and mimosas. This is a cute, trendy cafe.
Pinos
Pino is the cutest smiley Italian man. Here, you can get big sandwiches. They have pre-made menu options, but you can also make your own. They are so good because they toast them, and also have sauces like pesto that Antico Vinaio does not.
All’Antico Vinaio
This is the most famous sandwich shop in Florence. You’ll see the lines become so long during the day, so go either really early lunch or late afternoon. They also just opened up a location for this in New York!
Mister Pizza
This place rivals Gusta Pizza. There is one by the duomo. It is a very basic and reliable “order at the counter” spot.
Favorite Gelato Shops:
Gelateria de Neri
La Carraia
Vivoli