Panna Cotta
Cooking in Tuscany is simpler than in some other parts of Italy. Grilled meats are a specialty, and no trip to Florence is complete without having Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Made from a thick steak cut from the local Chianina cattle, it’s seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil, then grilled over charcoal. It might be the best steak you ever eat.
Chianti also comes from the region, so rabbit, boar, or deer braised in red wine are on most menus. Beans (fagioli) are also popular. They’re often used to make hearty soups and stews. And you’ll find pasta almost everywhere.
Unfortunately, some of the restaurants in the main tourist areas are overpriced and mediocre. So don’t just wander into anyplace that looks appealing. Go to one of the spots here or choose one that has positive, recent reviews.
Here’s our list of the Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Florence:
1) Angels
A favorite of young and beautiful Florentines, Angels is located in a former chapel. It’s a romantic spot with white drapes, coffered ceilings, and stained glass windows. The changing menu features truffles, pheasant, and boar when they’re available. Terrific American-style bar.
2) Antico Ristoro di Cambi
Overlooking the Arno River, this popular trattoria serves great bistecca alla fiorentina, pastas, and tripe. Dine in the 16th-century dining room or outdoors on the piazza. Good wine list.
3) Cantinetta Antinori
Thirty years ago, the Antinoris – one of Tuscany’s most famous wine families – opened a wine bar in their 15th-century palazzo not far from Via Tornabuoni. Many of the ingredients they use to make their delicious Italian food are from the family farm. And of course, the wine is top notch.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
4) Enoteca Pinchiorri
Located in a Renaissance palace in Santa Croce, Enoteca Pinchiorri serves some of the best food in Italy. It has three Michelin stars, and in 2005, it was voted best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine. Chef Annie Feolde combines French and Italian cuisine to create amazing dishes. Beautiful, sublime, and very expensive.
5) Il Cibreo
Since opening Il Cibreo twenty years ago, Fabio Picchi has opened several other places in the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood. If you’re on an expense account, dine at Il Cibreo. If not, Osteria Il Cibreo is almost as good and about half the price. Desserts, which are made by his son Duccio, are exceptional.
6) Il Latini
In business since 1950, Il Latini is still packing them in. In fact, you’ll likely have to queue for one of the communal tables. Go with the flow and order the day’s menu, which will include a bottomless pour of wine that’s selected to match. It’s a fun, unfussy place with great Tuscan cooking.
7) La Giostra
Run by the twin sons of a Hapsburg Prince, La Giostra features a seasonal menu that changes often. Homemade pasta is inventive and original. Try brie ravioli in a sauce of fried artichokes or anything with white truffle sauce. The dining room is romantic and the Sacher Torte is as good as what you’ll get in Vienna.
8) L’Osteria di Giovanni
Giovanni Latini left the restaurant that bears his family name in the 1990s to open a restaurant outside of Florence. In 2004, he opened this place with his two daughters acting as chef and sommelier. The cooking here is very good and it’s a good value.
9) Osteria de Benci
The menu here changes often, but you can always count on delicious grilled meats and salumi from Falorni, the Chianti butcher shop. Dine on classic Tuscan dishes in the dining room under pretty vaulted ceilings or on the terrace which overlooks a 13th-century tower.
10) Osteria del Caffè Italiano
A charming trattoria on the street level of a Santa Croce palazzo, Osteria del Caffe Italiano serves platters of sliced meats, salumi, cheese, and baked pasta. You can also share small plates of classic Tuscan dishes. The adjoining pizzeria is excellent too.
Find the Top 10 Italian restaurants in Bologna here.
View Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Florence in a larger map
Bistecca alla Fiorentina Image Flickr: roboppy
Panna Cotta Image Flickr: roboppy
