TalkTuscany.com writer Erin Cammarano talks about some of her favorite dining places in Florence Tuscany Italy.

Dining in Florence

Erin Cammarano

When you first arrive in Florence you will most likely find yourself exhausted, confused, and exhilarated all at once; but most of all, you will be hungry.  As you maneuver through the bustling and eclectic crowd at the Santa Maria Novella train station (your most likely port of entry into the city) the first thing you’ll be met with is an overwhelming aroma issuing from the nearby trattoria’s, osteria’s, forno’s, and yes, even McDonald’s.

The seemingly mouthwatering displays of pasta, panini, and pastry will be hard to resist, but check your appetite, get your bearings, and guide yourself out of the tourist areas to experience the hidden gastronomic excellence that Florence has to offer.

Dining | Gelato | Picnicking

Dining

Trattoria Mamma Gina
Borgo San Jacopo 37/R
+39 055 239 6009
www.mammagina.it

This charming restaurant near the Ponte Vecchio on the other side of the Arno provides a good introduction to classic Tuscan cuisine.  Start with any of the crostini topped with fresh Italian flavors, or if you’re feeling adventuresome try the Lardo di Colonnata con toast (special fat from the pigs of Colonnata on crisp bread).

The soups and pastas all have a wonderful home-made taste, and Mamma Gina also offers the famous bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak).  But be warned, it doesn’t come well done (anywhere) and the portion is sizeable.

Gilli
Piazza della Repubblica, 3/R
+39 055 2396310
www.gilli.it

You’ll be tempted to order lunch and sit outside to watch the bustling Piazza della Repubblica at this famous café, but the food isn’t spectacular and the price is exorbitant.

Instead, do like the Italians and order a cappuccino and a pastry and stand at the bar (it’s double if you sit at a table) for only around €3.

Pizzeria Nuti
Borgo San Lorenzo, 22
+39 055 210145

Although Nuti is in the heart of the city right next to the San Lorenzo market the prices are fair and the food is satisfying.

Specializing in an extensive selection of pizzas, they also have a full menu which includes calzones, salad, pasta, seafood, meat, and dessert.

The Oil Shoppe
Via San Egidio 22/R
+39 055 2001092
www.oilshoppe.com

Exceptional sandwiches made-to-order from fresh ingredients and homemade bread.  Get there early because when they run out of bread they close up shop.

Order one (hot or cold) and head to the steps of Santa Croce to people watch under the shadow of the 15th century Franciscan church…that is if you can tear your eyes away from the best sandwich you will ever have.

I Fratellini
Via dei Cimatori 38/R
+39 055 2396096

Literally a hole in the wall on a side street between Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria, this sandwich shop and wine bar offers a unique array of ingredients from wild boar sausage and tripe, to sun dried tomatoes and grilled vegetables.

These can be ordered from a menu on the left-hand side, and should be ordered with a glass of wine and enjoyed against the wall opposite the shop.  A bit primitive at first sight, but you’ll find yourself truly enjoying feeling like a local.

Trattoria da Tito
Via San Gallo 112/R
+39 055 472475

Filled with locals and travelers in-the-know, da Tito serves up the kind of dishes you would enjoy if you were lucky enough to be invited into a traditional Italian home.  Only a short cab ride from the center of town, reasonable prices don’t sacrifice quality, making it a good idea to make reservations at this family run restaurant since 1913.

Some of the classic Tuscan dishes not to be missed are the ribollita (a delicious bread and vegetable soup), any of their many pasta dishes (don’t be afraid to try the wild boar, it’s a Tuscan speciality!), and of course an assortment of dolce.  If you’re having a difficult time deciding the friendly staff is more than happy to help you make a selection.

Gelato

Perchè No?
Via dei Tavolini 19/R
+39 055 2398969
www.percheno.firenze.it

Translation: Why not?  Which is exactly what you’ll be telling yourself on your third or fourth trip back to this gelateria whose taste and quality far exceeds its competitors heaping displays of overpriced gelato.

It’s totally acceptable to order two or three different varieties to go in your cup or cone.  Try the bacio (an chocolate and hazelnut Italian candy), coffee crunch, or any of their refreshing sorbets.

Vivoli
Via Isola delle Stinche 7R
+39 055 2302621
www.vivoli.it

Vivoli knows it makes superb gelato and its attitude and prices reflect it.  In any case, stop by this famous gelateria for a taste of some very well-made flavors.

Gelateria dei Neri
Via dei Neri 26/R
+39 055 210034

Their home-made gelato is the best in Florence for both taste and price.  They have a large selection including sorbets and house specialties, the best of which is the Crema Giotto made from hazelnuts, almonds, and coconut.

Picnicking

Fiesole
Only about a 20-minute bus ride (catch the #7) out of Florence is the neighboring hill town of Fiesole.  When you arrive in the Piazza Mino da Fiesole, climb the steep (but short) hill to the left and enjoy your picnic overlooking a breathtaking panorama of Florence.