BEST 20 RESTAURANTS IN FLORENCE
So where are the best restaurants in Florence? Making this selection is an inevitably subjective undertaking. In light of this, we approach our ratings by taking into account fundamental pillars of experience; ambiance, service, and of course; the drink and food.
Keeping this in mind, we have compiled a list that reflects the very best of these elements. At the end of the day, it is important to remember that the best restaurant is one that moves us in some way, offering us intimate and spontaneous moments. With that, we invite you to independently discover your personal favorites with this list as an initial road map.
PINCHIORRI
Undoubtedly among the top restaurants in Florence there is Pinchiorri lcated in the heart of Santa Croce. Pinchiorri is an icon within the panorama of Italian food and wine. Now boasting three Michelin stars, the restaurant started out as a wine bar in 1978. The restaurant is operated by married couple; Giorgio Pinchiorri and Annie Féolde, with Chef Riccardo Monco running the kitchen.
The Pinchiorri Menu offers two tasting menus: one as an homage to Italian cuisine, the other seasonally inspired. A la carte dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine are also offered, enhanced by a modern and creative approach and ingredients of the highest quality. Monco puts an emphasis on a holistic attention to detail: “I create, and taste, with all my senses. The eye also demands its portion”.
With a particular focus on French wines, Pinchiorri’s renowned cellar is one of the most prestigious in the world with over 100,000 international bottles. They are also home to the award-winning and historic sommelier, Alessandro Tomberli. Fully among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Via Ghibellina, 87
Phone – +39 055 242777
Website – enotecapinchiorri.it
RISTORANTE SANTA ELISABETTA
Come to dine inside a medieval tower at this intimate spot of just seven tables within Torre della Pagliazza. A two-minute walk from the Duomo, the restaurant can be found on the first floor of the Brunelleschi Hotel. Holding two Michelin stars, the restaurant menu is created by Chef Rocco de Santis who takes a minimalist approach, often highlighting just one ingredient. The cuisine uses Italian flavors and techniques, while incorporating modern fusion approaches. The restaurant offers three types of tasting menus with 5, 7, or 9 courses. A la carte is only offered during lunch Wed-Fri.
The wine list offers a wide and refined selection of Italian wines, with particular focus on the regions of Tuscany, Trentino Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Wine pairings are available in combination with the tasting menus. Definitely among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Piazza Sant’Elisabetta, 3
Phone – +39 055 273 7673
Website – restaurantsantaelisabetta.it
IL PALAGIO (Four Seasons Hotel Firenze)
Located at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, this restaurant offers dining in their elegantly decorated neo-Classic dining room or open air garden terrace.
Having earned a Michelin star, the Executive Chef Paolo Lavezzini offers both tasting menus and a la carte dining. The modern and refined menus that have their roots in Tuscan, Emilian, and Brazilian cuisine. Lavezzini spent ten years heading a kitchen in Brazil and resolves that he is “Italian by heart, Brazilian by soul”- this is reflected in his menus. During summer you can choose to have lunch or dinner at the “Al Fresco” summer restaurant by the pool
The wine list offers a wide selection of the most iconic Italian wines, with a particular focus on the Tuscan region, and also many of the most prestigious French wines. Definitely among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Borgo Pinti, 99
Phone – +39 (055) 2626 450
Website – ilpalagioristorante.it
LA LEGGENDA DEI FRATI
Restaurant La Leggenda dei Frati is named after the story of three friars who gathered the best sprouts from their garden. Located inside the historic Villa Bardini, built in 1641, this restaurant offers a spectacular panoramic view of Florence. After meeting in culinary school, this restaurant is the creation of married couple; Filippo Saporito and Ombretta Giovannini. They propose a cuisine inspired by the Tuscan culinary tradition, with their creative and modern twist. Sourcing the highest quality raw materials, preferably supplied by local and sustainable supply chains, the restaurant also offers a romantic summer service that takes place on their terrace surrounded by greenery. The wine list is comprehensive, offering a generous selection of Italian wines, with an emphasis on the Tuscan region – you will also find numerous vintage labels. Also of note is their small but refined selection of Champagnes. Without any doubt among the best restaurants in Florence. Fully entitled among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Costa San Giorgio 6/A
Phone – +39 055 0680545
Website – laleggendadeifrati.it
GUCCI OSTERIA DA MASSIMO BOTTURA
Located in the bustling Piazza della Signoria, this central restaurant is the collaboration of Gucci and Chef Massimo Bottura.
The Michelin-starred restaurant’s menu is curated by Mexican Chef Karime Lopez, a student of Bottura, who offers a menu of Italian haute cuisine enriched by her imaginative, international influences. Whimsical rooms with walls covered in antique mirrors, teal velvet couches, patterned floors: the interior is eclectic and just as much attention to detail is applied to decor as to the food. With a view of Palazzo Vecchio, diners can expect two tasting menus, in addition to the a la carte menu.
The wine list offers a selection of the most prestigious classics of Italy (highlighting Tuscany), France, international, with some less conventional options. Definitely among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Piazza della Signoria, 10
Phone – +39 055 0621744
Website – gucciosteria.com
WINTER GARDEN FLORENCE
Winter Garden Restaurant of The St. Regis Hotel Florence is a stone’s throw from Santa Maria Novella, in the heart of Florence .The location is classic and refined with nineteenth-century style furnishings, round wooden tables, and large antique windows. The Michelin-starred restaurant’s menu is created by Executive Chef Gentian Shehis who offers elegant and modern cuisine inspired by the Tuscan tradition. The wine list offers an original selection of Italian wines, with a pleasant variety of less common labels. Undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Piazza Ognissanti, 1
Phone – +39 05527163770
Website – wintergardenflorence.com
SE.STO ON ARNO
SE.STO on Arno is located in the center of Florence on the sixth floor of The Westin Excelsior Florence, with spectacular views of both the Duomo and the Arno river. The incredible view the bar and restaurant offer is the true value of this place. Located in a palace of the Renaissance, the interior is a blend of modern and classic and is run by welcoming and professional staff. The restaurant menu is curated by executive chef Marco Migliorati, offering a refined menu combining Mediterranean and contemporary cuisine. The wine list offers a selection of over 300 labels, which includes both prestigious classic Italian wines and choices for more original labels. To be counted among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Piazza Ognissanti, 3
Phone – +39 05527152783
Website – sestoonarno.com
RISTORANTE BORGO SAN JACOPO
The Michelin-starred restaurant Borgo San Jacopo is located close to Ponte Vecchio, in the center of Florence .The location is elegant and exclusive, the restaurant offers unique views of the Arno and boasts a terrace seemingly suspended over the water. The restaurant’s menu is curated by Executive Chef Claudio Mengoni, who creates a modern and sophisticated haute cuisine. The wine list has a selection of over 900 labels, which include both classic and iconic Italian wines as well as labels from small wineries, at an excellent value . Dutifully among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Borgo San Jacopo, 62/R
Phone – +39 055 281661
Website – lungarnocollection.com/borgo-san-jacopo
ORA D'ARIA
Chef Marco Stabile creates three different menu options; Past, Present, and Future, all three inspired by the Tuscan tradition interpreted in an elegant and contemporary way. The Ora d’Aria location is intimate and minimal with a modern design. The wine list has a refined selection of top-level Italian wines (with particular attention to the Tuscan region), but also French labels, including a wide range of Champagnes. Undoubtedly among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Via Accademia dei Georgofili, 11r
Phone – +39 055 200 1699
Website – oradariaristorante.com
GUNÉ SAN FREDIANO
Nicola Langone ‘s restaurant is located in Piazza del Cestello, in the heart of San Frediano. The location is modern, minimal, and the walls display portraits of iconic and tenacious women such as Frida Kahlo and Malala. In fact, the name “Gunè” is derived from Greek, meaning “Woman”. The menu is curated by Chef Mirko Margheri who offers refined and modern cuisine inspired by the Tuscan tradition. The wine list has a selection of good value labels that includes many original labels from more artisanal producers, but also various classics among the most famous Italian wines. The cocktails must also be mentioned, mixologist Eleonora Romolini creates possibly the best drinks in town – distractingly creative and delicious. To be counted among thebest restaurants in Florence for lovers of fine-dining cuisine looking for a welcoming environment.
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Address – Via del Drago D’Oro, 1/3r
Phone – +39 055 493 9902
Website – gunesanfrediano.it
ESSENZIALE
Located within Piazza del Cestello, Essenzial is in the heart of San Frediano. The location maintains minimal and chic furnishings, with cutlery placed in the drawer of the tables and a ceiling showcasing beams and tiles. The menu is curated by Chef Simone Cipriani who creates a Tuscan inspired experience revisited in an experimental and modern way, often using exotic combinations. In addition to the menu, there are three different parts to the diners gastronomic itinerary: getting to know each other, resalio, and darkness . Three experiences that take place just a few steps from the kitchen, where one may observe the preparation of the dish from cooking to plating. The wine list is made up of original and refined Italian labels, including some from smaller, more independent wine producers. Small but thoughtful selection of French wines. Undoubtedly among the best restaurants in Florence in San Frediano.
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Address – Piazza di Cestello, 3R
Phone – +39 0552476956
Website – essenziale.me
CIBREO RISTORANTE
The iconic Cibreo is a must; founded by the histrionic Chef Fabio Picchi and now led by his son Giulio, it is located in Sant’Ambrogio. The restaurant is welcoming and elegant, consisting of a retro-style sitting room with wooden furniture. The menu offered is classic and traditional, inspired in particular by Tuscan cuisine and what is seasonally available. Watch out for the mustard stuffed roasted pigeon and a slice of their cheesecake with bitter orange marmalade – yum. The wine list is made up of less mainstream Italian labels as well as more famous, classic wines. Additionally, there is an interesting selection of French wines. Undoubtedly among the best restaurants in Florence center.
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Address – Via Andrea del Verrocchio, 8/R
Phone – +39 055 234 1100
Website – cibreo.com
VENTUNO BISTROT
Ventuno Bistrò is located in the Peretola area, on the outskirts of central Florence. The location of the restaurant is welcoming and elegant, enhanced by minimal and modern design furnishings and a young and very attentive staff.
The menu is curated by Chef Simone Gori, with roots in traditional Italian cuisine, enriching it with imaginative and international influences. The dishes are only made with ingredients of the season, thoughtfully selected from local producers.
The wine list has a selection of Italian wines of both classic labels and more niche, alternative wines. Additionally, there is a small but appealing range of Champagnes and Slovenian wines. Undoubtedly among the best restaurants in Florence for value for money
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Address – Via De’ Vespucci, 21
Phone – +39 331 787 3568
Website – ventunobistrot.it
CESTELLO RISTOCLUB
Cestello can be found within Piazza del Cestello, in the San Frediano district. The location is welcoming with soft warm lights, furnishings with natural tones, and bronze statues by the artist Onofrio Pepe. The Michelin-starred restaurant’s menu is curated by chefs Gabriele Rastrelli and Daniele Di Sacco, who offer a menu of Italian Mediterranean haute cuisine with modern and creative twists. The wine list is extensive and offers a good selection of Italian wines, especially whites, including various original labels, and a fair selection of international wines. Undoubtedly among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Piazza del Cestello, 8
Phone – +39 055 2645364
Website – cestelloristoclub.com
CUCULIA RISTORANTE
Cuculia is located in cozy San Frediano, run by Chef Oliver Betancourt and Roberta Del Prete, husband and wife. Small and understated – you will get a Michelin level meal here. Cuculia offers seasonally inspired dishes of contemporary cuisine that contain South American and Caribbean roots with a strong French influence, additionally inspirations from Spain and of course, Italy. The menu is an original treat; look out for the tagliolini with bitter cocoa, nduja honey, and prawn tartare or the duck in chianti and tamarind sauce, pak-choi, hazelnuts and black cabbage extract. Tasting menus of six and eight courses are available as well as an a la carte menu. The ambience is warm and inviting, with decorative bookshelves, candlelight, friendly and knowledgeable staff. A personal favorite. Among the best restaurants in Florence for modern and original style.
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Address – Via dei Serragli, 3/R
Phone – +39 349 434 4518
Website – cuculia.it
LA VETRERIA
La Vetreria of Carlo Nigro located in the center of Florence, close to the Duomo. The restaurant is elegant and modern, but also welcoming with soft warm lights and masonry walls. The restaurant menu is curated by Chef Salvo Pellegriti who offers a cuisine of reinterpreted street food and traditional Tuscan cuisine. Of note are the grilled meats; offering seven different types of beef, and also ostrich and horse. The wine list offers various prestigious Italian wines, with particular emphasis on the Tuscan region. Undoubtedly among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Via del Proconsolo, 30
Phone – +39 055 003 0028
Website – restaurantvetreria.it
IO-OSTERIA PERSONALE
Io – Osteria Personale is located in San Frediano. With a minimal and modern design of wooden ceilings and brick walls, the menu is curated by the Chef and owner; Matteo Fantini. The menu is inspired by traditional Tuscan cuisine, elevated with experimental and contemporary techniques. Unusually, approximately 80% of the dishes are gluten free and there are numerous vegetarian and vegan options.
The wine list offers a wide original and refined range of mainly Italian and French wines, with many options from smaller wineries. Also of note, is their specific section for range wines (from Italy, Georgia, Slovenia and Australia). Deservedly among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Borgo San Frediano 167r
Phone – +39 055 9331341
Website – io-osteriapersonale.it
VILLA SAN MICHELE
Villa San Michele is located in the hills of Fiesole, not far from Florence. It is part of the Belmond Hotel in Fiesole, built on an ancient medieval monastery with a stunning panoramic view of Florence. The menu is curated by the Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino, who offers a refined cuisine inspired by the Tuscan tradition with slow food ingredients of great value. The wine list offers a wide selection of Italian wines carefully selected by their sommelier; Andrea Petraroli. To be counted among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Via Doccia, 4
Phone – +39 0185 2353 03
Website – belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/florence/belmond-villa-san-michele/dining
GOLDEN VIEW
Goldenview is Tommaso Grasso’s spectacular restaurant overlooking Ponte Vecchio. To celebrate twenty years of activity, the location – elegant, spacious and welcoming – has been revamped, including the menu – masterfully orchestrated by Chef Paolo Secci. The restaurant’s menu is centered around carefully selected ingredients with the intention of using products that are processed as little as possible, so as to maintain the integrity of their essence.
Chef Paolo Secci manages to carry on both sea and land cuisine, with a keen eye for vegetarians. Among the recommended dishes on the autumn menu: the baby octopus soup alla Luciana and polenta; Mancini square spaghetti with Sicilian shellfish, salted butter and caviar; seared Tyrrhenian pink swordfish, sour beetroot and potato mousse. The wine list is curated by the wine manager Paolo Miano. With 8,000 labels available, the Golden View cellar is considered the second most important in the center of Florence. To be counted among the best restaurants in Florence.
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Address – Via Doccia, 4
Phone – +39 0185 2353 03
Website – belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/florence/belmond-villa-san-michele/dining
BISTROT 84
Bistrot 84 Rosso has a minimal style – playing on the alternation of black and white, with black marble tables and white lights. The restaurant menu is curated by the young and talented Chef Matteo Longhi who offers imaginative cuisine with a contemporary style, serving us unusual fusions of flavor, without forgetting the vegetable world. Look out for the almond scampi with koji or the tandoori carrot with labneh. The wine list offers a selection of well priced wines both traditional or more niche.
There are two tasting menus: Omnivore and Veggie, five courses for 90 euros and seven courses for 110 euros. Among the best restaurants in Florence for modern and original style.
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Address – Borgo Ognissanti, 84
Phone – +39 055 796 4289
Website – https://bistrot84r.it/menu/
What are the best restaurants in Florence?
What are the best restaurants in Florence? Choosing is a difficult undertaking, which in any case is inevitably subject to the limits of a subjective opinion, which as such, by definition, is deficient and arbitrary.
We have simply compiled a list of our recommended restaurants based on our ratings. However, it remains essential to underline that the best restaurant is one that is capable of moving us, binding us to contingent situations and to the unrepeatable and intimate moments of our lives.
Therefore, we invite you to discover the best restaurants in Florence in their uniqueness, so that you can independently discover and choose the restaurant that can be counted for you among your personal best restaurants in Florence.