First things first: There’s no such thing as “Italian food”—not when each of Italy’s 20 regions has its own distinct culinary traditions! And Tuscany is no different. When visiting Florence, be sure to seek out the regional delicacies that are at their best on their home turf.
If you’re visiting Italy, you probably (understandably) plan on eating all the pasta you possibly can. Here in Florence, try the local wild boar ragu served with wide, flat noodles (pappardelle al cinghiale) or any type of pasta graced with Tuscany’s prized local truffles.
But pasta is far from the end-all-be-all of Florentine food. Traditionally, Tuscan cuisine was characterized as cucina povera, or “food of the poor,” and many dishes that are still enjoyed today have roots in this humble gastronomic tradition. Foods like ribollita, a hearty bread and kale soup, and the famous lampredotto (tripe) sandwich were born out of efforts to reduce waste and make the most of every scrap of meat and vegetables.
Last but not least, Florence’s most famous typical food is just about as far from cucina povera as it gets: the legendary bistecca alla fiorentina, or Florentine steak. If you’re looking to splurge on an unforgettable meal while in the Tuscan capital, don’t miss it!
If you want to eat the best Florentine food at the spots real locals love, join us on one of our Florence food tours. Our Tastes & Traditions of Florence Food Tour is a fantastic daytime option featuring a visit to the Sant'Ambrogio Market. In the evening, head across the river for aperitivo and dinner on our Oltrarno at Sunset Tour. Either way, you're guaranteed a fun, relaxing, and delicious few hours.