Restaurants

Perseus, Viale Don Giovanni Minzoni, 10/R

A delicious, traditional Florentine restaurant serving wonderful bistecca alla Fiorentina and a vast array of local delicacies. Special touch: as soon as you sit down, a large vegetable pinzimonio and freshly baked schiaccia are brought to you. 

Trattoria San Lorenzo, Piazza di San Lorenzo, 53R

Delicious primi in a super-central location with a beautiful view of Piazza di San Lorenzo. I highly recommend their pappa al pomodoro and, when in season, their pici with artichokes. 

Antico Ristoro di Cambi, Via Sant’Onofrio, 1R

Hidden away from the touristy spots, this rustic restaurant serves amazing, local, fresh and seasonal food accompanied by excellent extra virgin olive oil. Try a plate of prosciutto toscano and mi raccomando, end your meal with cantucci and vin santo.

Trattoria Mario, Via Rosina 2R

Just beside the Mercato Centrale is this tiny trattoria made up of communal tables and lots of chatter. Order from the day’s menu, written by hand by the entrance, and enjoy dishes of local cheeses and salumi and tortelli maremmani as a primo. 

Il Santo Bevitore, Via Santo Spirito 64R

One of Florence’s coolest modern trattorias serving excellent food in a wonderful, intimate setting not too far from the Ponte Vecchio. If the weather permits, book a table outside and enjoy some people watching with a glass of wine. I recommend starting with their terrina di fegatini with bread soaked in vin santo – you won’t regret it. 

Trattoria Sostanza, Via del Porcellana 25R

I find it extremely challenging to summarize Trattoria Sostanza in one phrase as it is simply a place that one needs to experience first hand. Tiny space, communal tables and a menu jotted down on an A4 piece of paper. Ten dishes, nothing more, tortino di carciofi, chicken sizzled in brown butter, prosciutto toscano and meringata with strawberries to finish. Basta. 

Gelato

Gelateria della Passera 

Unique flavours in a tiny gelateria situated in a quiet square not too far from Ponte Vecchio.