Food  &  Wine  Experience  in  Florence

Florence is one of the best cities in the world for food and wine—but the real experience comes from knowing where to go.
This guide is built around actual meals, bars, and experiences—from standout pizza and pasta to wine windows and one of the best cocktail bars in Italy.

Wine & Local Experiences
Wine Windows (Buchette del Vino)
One of Florence’s most unique traditions - small street-side windows where wine is served directly from historic buildings.
This is a must-do experience, especially in the late afternoon.
Tip: Go before dinner as part of aperitivo.

Florence wine window buchette del vino street wine experience Italy

Sandwich Stop (Local Favorite)
Spot: All’Antico-style / Panino del Chianti vibe

  • Quick

  • Authentic

  • Perfect midday stop

 This is where Florence does casual food better than almost anywhere

Enjoying a local sandwich at a popular Florence lunch spot near the historic center

Restaurants Worth Planning Around
Giovanni Santarpia (Pizza)
One of the best pizza spots in Florence - and honestly competitive with Naples. It’s #85 on the Robb Report best pizzas in the world.
What stands out:

  • Light, airy crust

  • High-quality ingredients

  • Burrata-centered pizzas

Burrata pizza with tomatoes and basil at Santarpia Florence
Neapolitan style pizza with melted cheese and tomato sauce at Giovanni Santarpia Florence
Rare sliced Florentine steak showing pink center at L'Ortone in Florence Italy
Entrance to Da Nasone restaurant in Florence, Italy
Interior of Locale Firenze, one of Florence's premier cocktail bars
Rolling vineyards in the Chianti wine region near Florence
Scenic countryside in Tuscany featuring vineyards and rolling hills
Enjoying traditional Tuscan cuisine at Da Nasone restaurant in Florence

L’Ortone (Dinner)
More refined but still very approachable.
What you had

  • Steak and pasta dishes

  • Beautiful plating

  • Strong wine pairings

Bistecca alla Fiorentina
If you’re going to do steak in Florence - this is the dish.
What to know:

  • Served rare

  • Large format (shareable)

  • Simple seasoning (salt, olive oil)

Traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina served at L'Ortone restaurant in Florence
Entrance to Giovanni Santarpia, one of Florence's top pizza restaurants

Day trip to Chianti

Da Nasone (Dinner)
Classic local-style restaurant with a slightly more relaxed feel.

Signature craft cocktail at Locale Firenze in Florence

3 Day Tuscany Itinerary

Homemade Tuscan pasta at Da Nasone restaurant in Florence

Cocktail Scene (Underrated but Elite)
Locale Firenze
One of the best cocktail bars in Italy—and easily one of the best experiences in Florence.
Why it stands out:

  • Stunning multi-level interior

  • Massive back bar

  • Creative, high-level cocktails

Enjoying a signature cocktail at Locale Firenze, one of Florence's top cocktail bars

Aperitivo Culture
Before dinner, Florence comes alive with aperitivo.

  • Spritz

  • Negroni (Florence = birthplace)

  • Light bites


How to Structure a Perfect Food Day in Florence
Afternoon

  • Wine window

  • Light sandwich stop

Dinner

  • Santarpia or L’Ortone

Late Night

  • Locale Firenze


​Planning a full Tuscany trip?

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) in Piazza del Duomo

Milan Guide

The Colosseum illuminated at night in Rome, Italy

Rome Guide