What to eat in Florence
It's a fact that food in Italy is never disappointing, so we want you to make your mouth water by telling you about the culinary specialities of Florence.
We'll take you on a journey to discover the typical atmosphere of an osteria, where the menu is characterised by the inviting house specialities and the ubiquitous Chianti wine.
Appetisers, first courses, second courses, and desserts: here's our guide to discovering Florence's culinary delicacies.
Fettunta
Strictly Tuscan bread (made without salt) that is toasted and served with a smearing of garlic and olive oil. Simple and perfect for accompanying your aperitif!
Tuscan Crostini
To start off on the right foot, you must try the Tuscan crostini. Rich and tasty chicken liver patè enriched with anchovies and capers: this delicacy is a staple on the list of typical Tuscan appetisers.
Ribollita
A traditional peasant dish, typically made in winter, where Tuscan kale is the star ingredient. In the Middle Ages, noble families used to give servants their leftover food, who proceeded to slowly boil the leftover vegetables and bread over a long time. The result was a delicious steaming hot velvety soup accompanied by toasted bread, cannellini beans and rings of fresh onion, to add even more flavour.
Panzanella
A cold summer dish prepared with stale Tuscan bread that is left to soak in water for a few hours. The original recipe is seasoned with thinly sliced onion and fresh cucumber, but over time the dish has undergone an evolution, resulting in ingredients being added, beginning with tomatoes.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
The reigning queen and renowned star of Florence's cuisine, Florentine steak is obtained from the short loin of Chianina beef, which explains the particular T shape. Cooking instructions: it must be served rare!
Lampredotto
Once a traditional Florentine peasant dish, now a mainstay of Tuscan street food. The abomasum (cow's fourth stomach) is boiled to produce a delicate texture and a unique flavour, to be savoured in a takeaway sandwich. It is sold from iconic kiosks, known as "lampredottai". Remember to always ask for the accompanying "salsa verde", otherwise it is not a real lampredotto sandwich.
Florentine-style tripe
Never judge a book by its cover: while it isn't exactly visually appealing, tripe represents one of the traditional Florentine dishes and we could not fail to mention it in this article. What are the golden rules for making proper Florentine tripe? Slow cooking and lots of sauce.
Cantucci and Vin Santo
Fancy a digestif? End your meal in the manner best-loved by the Florentines: with a small glass of Vin Santo, a typical dessert wine, accompanied by twice-baked biscuits studded with almonds, known as Cantucci.
Enjoy your visit to Florence and remember to look out for restaurants serving the authentically traditional Florentine dishes we've just recommended to you.
