Best places to eat in Florence Italy: 10 Street Food Stops

Every year, over 16 million tourists visit Florence. Yet, only 3% find the authentic street food treasures. Most visitors go to expensive restaurants near the Duomo. But, you can find the real flavors of Tuscany at bustling market stalls and tiny storefronts.

Your journey through Florence’s best places to eat in Florence Italy with a key fact. Street food here is more than just quick bites. Vendors serve recipes passed down through families for centuries. They use ingredients from the Tuscan countryside.

This guide takes you to 10 essential street food destinations. Here, quality meets affordability. You’ll find out why locals line up at certain shops and which stalls have served the same specialties for over a century.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a day of food exploration, these spots are perfect. They showcase the diversity of Florentine street cuisine. Get ready to eat like a local, save money, and taste the true essence of Florence.

Why Florence Street Food is a Must-Try Experience

Walking through Florence’s narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll find street food is more than a quick snack. It’s a way to connect with centuries of culinary tradition. The smells from food carts and stalls tell stories that fancy restaurants can’t.

Street vendors serve dishes that locals have loved for generations. You get a taste of real Florentine life without spending a lot.

The Rich History of Florentine Street Food Culture

Street food in Florence goes back to medieval times. Back then, workers needed affordable, filling meals. Vendors would offer steaming bowls of trippa and fresh bread with local meats.

These simple beginnings led to dishes like the famous lampredotto sandwich. It’s a favorite among locals for over 600 years.

What Makes Florence Street Food Unique

Florence street food is special because it focuses on using the whole animal and simple flavors. You’ll find dishes like:

• Schiacciata: A flat, oily bread filled with fresh ingredients
• Coccoli: Fried dough balls with prosciutto and stracchino cheese
• Panino con il lampredotto: The city’s iconic sandwich

These dishes use ingredients from nearby Tuscan farms. They show the Florentine way of using everything to get the most flavor.

Best Times to Explore Florence Food Markets

When you visit the markets makes a big difference. They open around 7 AM and stay open late. For the best food, go between 11 AM and 1 PM for lunch or 6 PM to 8 PM for dinner.

Early mornings have shorter lines. Vendors are happy to share their stories then.

All’Antico Vinaio: The Legendary Sandwich Shop

Exploring dining in Florence? All’Antico Vinaio is a must-visit. This famous sandwich shop on Via dei Neri is a top spot for authentic Florentine street food. Their oversized schiacciata sandwiches have gained international fame, drawing long lines of eager customers.

What to Order at All’Antico Vinaio

Try these popular sandwiches for a taste adventure. Each sandwich is made with fresh schiacciata bread and top-notch Tuscan ingredients:

Tips for Avoiding the Crowds

Visit before noon or after 3 PM to avoid long lines. During peak lunch hours, expect to wait for an hour. Smart visitors grab their sandwiches early and enjoy them in nearby Piazza Santa Croce.

Location and Opening Hours

The original shop is at Via dei Neri, 65. Due to its fame, more locations have opened across Florence. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, it’s ideal for lunch or early dinner. Among Florence’s best cafes and eateries, All’Antico Vinaio is unmatched for quick, tasty meals.

Mercato Centrale: Your Indoor Street Food Paradise

Step inside the restored 19th-century Mercato Centrale and discover why it’s a top spot for dining in Florence. This indoor food hall turns traditional market culture into a modern culinary adventure. The first floor is alive with energy, featuring over 20 food stalls serving authentic Italian dishes from morning to midnight.

Surrounded by the smells of fresh pasta, grilled meats, and wood-fired pizza, you’ll find a feast for your senses. Each vendor brings their own regional specialties, making Mercato Centrale a hub of diverse flavors under one roof. There are cozy seating areas where you can enjoy your meal with locals and travelers alike.

Highlights include Nerbone, serving traditional Florentine dishes for over 140 years, and Lorenzo Nigro’s innovative vegetarian stand. Wine bars throughout offer Tuscan wines to complement your meal. Meat enthusiasts will love the Chianina burger stations, featuring premium beef from local farms.

Daily hours from 10 AM to midnight make this indoor market perfect for any meal. The upper floor stays open late, with craft cocktails and aperitivos in a relaxed setting.

Da Nerbone: Historic Market Stall in Florence

Da Nerbone is a hidden gem inside Mercato Centrale. It’s one of Florence’s oldest food stalls, serving authentic street food for over 150 years. Both locals and tourists flock here for a taste of traditional working-class cuisine.

The Famous Lampredotto Sandwich

Da Nerbone’s lampredotto sandwich is a must-try. It features tender tripe cooked in a flavorful broth, served on crusty bread. You can choose from salsa verde or spicy red sauce. At €4.50, it’s a delicious and affordable choice for dinner in Florence.

Other Traditional Dishes to Try

Da Nerbone also offers other Florentine classics:

Da Nerbone is open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 2 PM. Get there early for the best selection and shortest lines. It’s a favorite among locals and food lovers who seek genuine Florentine flavors.

Best places to eat in florence italy: Trippaio del Porcellino

Near the famous bronze boar statue in Florence, you’ll find a true gem. Trippaio del Porcellino is a street food cart known for its authentic Florentine dishes. It’s a place where locals and tourists enjoy cucina povera (poor man’s cuisine), showing the heart of Italian food.

Mario, the owner, makes each sandwich with love and skill. The main dish is lampredotto, a Florentine favorite. It’s made from a cow’s fourth stomach, slow-cooked with tomatoes and herbs. Despite its unusual name, the meat is tender and tastes mild, winning over many.

At this cart, you get great value for your money. Sandwiches cost between €4 and €5. You can choose from several dishes:

• Lampredotto sandwich with green sauce or spicy oil
• Trippa alla Fiorentina (tripe in tomato sauce)
• Vegetarian sandwich with aged pecorino and truffle
• Bollito misto (mixed boiled meats)

The cart is open from 10 AM to 7 PM daily. But hours can change with the weather or local events. It’s near the Mercato del Porcellino, a great spot to visit while exploring Florence.

Vivoli Gelato: Artisanal Ice Cream ince 1930

Looking for the top spots to eat in Florence, Italy? Don’t miss out on the gelato scene. Vivoli is a gem, located on Via Isola delle Stinche. This family-owned gelateria has been making ice cream for over 90 years. It’s a must-visit for authentic frozen treats in Florence.

Signature Flavors You Can’t Miss

At Vivoli, you’ll find flavors that are truly Italian. Their crema Vivoli is a must-try—a smooth custard that’s divine. The riso gelato is another standout, with a unique rice texture. In summer, enjoy fresh fruit sorbets made with local peaches, lemons, and berries.

• Crema Vivoli – their legendary house custard
• Riso – creamy rice gelato with subtle sweetness
• Seasonal sorbets – made fresh daily with local fruits
• Nocciola – hazelnut from Piedmont region
• Cioccolato fondente – intense dark chocolate

Why Vivoli Stands Out Among Florence Gelaterias

Vivoli is different from other gelaterias. They keep their gelato in metal containers to stay fresh. You won’t see big gelato displays here. Instead, they focus on quality.

They serve gelato in cups only, believing cones get in the way. Making small batches daily ensures you get the freshest gelato. This makes Vivoli a top choice in Florence, Italy.

La Prosciutteria: Tuscan Charcuterie Boards to Go

Near Piazza della Repubblica, La Prosciutteria is a favorite for authentic Tuscan charcuterie. This bustling spot is known for taglieri – wooden cutting boards full of local meats and cheeses. These make great portable meals.

Your board will have regional specialties like finocchiona (fennel-spiced salami), Tuscan prosciutto, and aged pecorino cheese. You’ll also get local honey, mostarda (fruit preserves), and fresh bread. The portions are big, enough for two people, and it’s a great deal for dining in Florence.

Ordering is easy. Pick your board size and let the staff choose the best products. Prices start at €12 for a small board and go up to €20 for the bigger ones. Everything is wrapped for easy transport, perfect for a picnic in the Boboli Gardens.

This spot is very busy during lunch. Visit mid-afternoon for fewer crowds. The staff speaks English and will explain each item on your board.

Gusta Pizza: Authentic Neapolitan-Style Street Pizza

Craving real pizza in Florence? This small pizzeria near Santo Spirito offers a unique experience. It’s off the beaten path, loved by locals and visitors for its authentic taste. The smell of wood-fired dough and San Marzano tomatoes attracts people to this simple yet perfect spot.

What Makes Their Pizza Special

Their traditional method is the key. Each pizza is cooked in a hot wood-fired oven. This gives the crust a perfect char and keeps the inside soft. They use San Marzano tomatoes for their sweet taste and low acidity.

The dough ferments for 24 hours, adding deep flavors. A classic Margherita costs just €5, making it a great deal among Florence’s cafes and eateries.

Best Pizza Varieties to Order

The Margherita is their top choice, but try the Napoli for €7. It’s topped with anchovies and capers. For cheese lovers, the Quattro Formaggi is a must-try. Vegetarians will enjoy the Ortolana with grilled veggies and mozzarella.

Perfect for Late-Night Cravings

Gusta Pizza is open until 11 PM. It gets busy after 8 PM, as bars nearby fill up. Arrive early, before 7:30 PM, to avoid long lines. The wait is worth it for this true Italian taste.

Il Lampredotto di Luca: Modern Take on Traditional Street Food

Looking for the best dinner in Florence, Italy? Il Lampredotto di Luca is a must-try. It’s in the lively Sant’Ambrogio market area. Here, they take traditional dishes and make them gourmet, surprising your taste buds.

Chef Luca makes the humble lampredotto sandwich into something amazing. You’ll find it with foie gras or aged balsamic reduction. These unique toppings make a simple snack into a memorable meal, as any Florence food guide will tell you.

The menu also has great porchetta and roast beef sandwiches. They’re made with fresh ingredients and creative toppings. This mix of tradition and innovation makes each sandwich special.

The Sant’Ambrogio location is in the heart of local life, away from tourist spots. Here, you get authentic flavors at good prices. It’s a chance to see how modern Florence honors its food traditions.

Essential Tips for Your Florence Street Food Adventure

Exploring the best Florence Italy restaurants is easier with insider tips. Knowing local customs and smart spending can make your street food adventure authentic. These tips will help you enjoy Italian cuisine in Florence while staying within your budget.

How to Order Like a Local

Begin by saying “Vorrei” (I would like) to show respect and get better service. Even basic Italian phrases are appreciated by vendors. If you struggle with pronunciation, just point to what you want.

Local regulars order quickly and confidently. So, have your selection ready when you reach the counter.

Budget-Friendly Eating Strategies

Street food in Florence is great value. Most dishes cost between €4-8, making lunch under €10 possible. To avoid sitting fees, eat standing at the counter.

Visit markets during off-peak hours for shorter lines and fresher food.

Food Safety and Etiquette Guidelines

Look for the “Vera Pizza Napoletana” certification at pizza places for quality. Avoid places with photo menus in many languages – they often serve lower-quality food. Follow where locals eat to find the best spots.

Eat your food right away, like sandwiches and hot items, to enjoy it at its freshest.

Conclusion

Your journey through Florence’s street food scene is filled with real Tuscan tastes at affordable prices. You’ll find everything from legendary sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio to creamy gelato at Vivoli. These spots highlight the city’s rich food history.

Exploring Florence’s restaurants is a treat because of their variety and ease of access. Begin with breakfast at Mercato Centrale, then grab lunch at Da Nerbone. Finish with artisanal ice cream. These spots are great between museum visits and exploring the city.

Make sure to bring your appetite and comfy shoes for this food-filled adventure. These ten spots are just the start of what Florence has to offer. Each bite connects you to Tuscan traditions and creates new memories. Your taste buds will love these authentic spots more than tourist traps.