Restaurants, Café's and Rooftop Bars! Eating and Drinking in Firenze.

Like the rest of Italy Florence is known for its excellent food and drink.  It is certainly hard to go wrong amidst the abundance of café's, bars and restaurants dispersed along each and every street.  Whether you're searching for a lunchtime panini or an afternoon espresso, the high standards of Florence will leave you impressed (and satisfied!).

To truly immerse yourself in Florentine culture, a good appetite is essential.  As the social heart of the city, Osteria's and Trattoria's provide great opportunities to mingle with locals and experience Florence from an Italian perspective.  Here you will find lively atmospheres perfect for practicing language skills  and experimenting with authentic Tuscan cuisine!

Below I have compiled some recommendations for eating, drinking and relaxing, all of which have been tried and tested (over an extended period of time!).  Whilst there are plenty of hidden gems yet to discover, these are the most memorable places I have so far encountered.

Gustapizza 

Via Maggio, 46r

Situated beside Santo Spirito, this pizzeria is almost constantly busy...and for good reason too!  Alongside daily specials, Gustapizza offers a small selection of well-priced pizza's with a 'Marinara' amounting to a very reasonable $4.50 (although keep in mind pizza is the only option!).  Gustapizza attracts a varied crowd of both tourists and students creating a buzzing, if not hectic, atmosphere.  All pizza's arrive quickly and can be taken away or eaten in depending on your mood.  Gustapizzas' are certainly the most memorable I am yet to encounter in Florence.

Il Latini

Via dei Palchetti, 6r

Arguably, Il Latini offers the best steak in Florence.  If not the best, certainly the most generous!  This is a restaurant for big appetites and carnivores.  There is no menu and your bill will be estimated by an extremely theatrical waiter at the end of the meal (remember each course is optional!).  Whilst certainly not on the light side, the food at Il Latini is superb and will be enjoyed in a fun, laid-back environment.  If Henry VIII or Cosimo de' Medici happens to be one of your alter egos, this is the banquet hall for you!

Soul Kitchen

Via de' Benci, 34r

Have you ever questioned why aperitivo is only popular in Italy?  After sampling the food at Soul Kitchen I certainly have!  Not only is this bar/restaurant cheap, it also offers a delicious variety of aperitivo suitable for vegetarians and meat-eaters.  All you need is a drink and you are free to fill up (and re-fill) your plate with as much food as you please.

Trattoria 4 Leoni

Via de Vellutini, 1r

Trattoria 4 Leoni is one of my favourite restaurants in Florence or possibly the world! Simply the smell of this restaurant is enough to make your mouth water!  It is not a place you would naturally stumble upon but is nevertheless extremely popular and requires booking in order to secure a table.  Whilst the portions are small, the prices are reasonable and you will find yourself savouring every mouthful.  I recommend the pear and gorgonzola tortellini... or the steak, or the tuna, or the tiramisú.  Whatever you choose you won't go wrong!

L'Art Bar

Via del Moro, 4r

In my opinion, this vibrant bar serves the best cocktails in Florence.  During happy hour, which is from 7 to 9 pm, drinks are on average $6 and afterwards $9.  They are delicious and evidently made with much love and care by a true expert.  There are only ten tables in this small bar, so it's a good idea to arrive early in a small group.

Teatro del Sale

Via de Macci, 118

Teatro del Sale is one event not to be missed!  In order to attend this ten course feast you must become a member of the Teatro and be sure to book in order to avoid disappointment.  The rules of membership, which you will be offered at the restaurant's main desk, provide a quirky introduction to the Teatro del Sale experience.  With requirements that involve socialising, sharing and (rather strangely) respecting other's silence, it is not hard to imagine the kind of elaborate evening offered here.  Taking place in a hall opposite a stage, there is no set seating and you are encouraged to sit beside friendly strangers.

Each course is announced by an eccentric waiter followed by a collective round of applause. Wine is unlimited and the food is extremely varied offering pasta, seafood, meat and soup.  Some of these courses were traditional whilst others are slightly miscellaneous, particularly for those who are not culinary experts!  Desert and coffee is served in front of a preforming blues band - the perfect way to end a meal.  As my friend and I were warned before embarking on the Teatro del Sale feast... pace yourself, or you won't make it to the end!

Westin Excelsior

Piazza Ognissanti, 3

Whilst on the more expensive side, the 6th floor bar at the Westin Excelsior hotel offers spectacular views of Florence and great quality cocktails. 

Coquinarius

Via delle Oche, 15r

Note di Vino

Via Ghibellina

Positioned opposite Santa Croce, the cheese, meat and crostini boards offered at this small wine bar make for a tasty and not-too-heavy midday meal.  Attracting mainly Italians, these shared lunches are great for social gatherings in a picturesque and busy location.

La Beppa Fioraia

Via dell'Erta Canina, 6r

Cuculia - Liberia con Cucina

Via Dei Serragli 3r

Situated close to the British Institute library, this café offers a varied selection of herbal teas, cakes and other edible treats.  There is also free wifi and an interesting selection of art books and contemporary novels for a spot of lunchtime browsing!  Cuculia is a relaxed, friendly place offering an ideal environment to simply sit back, unwind and watch the world go by.

- Ellie Porter HOA Intern

And another review of 'La Maremma' located on Via Guiseppe Verdi 16r by Calum Trenaman, a student on the Italian and Early Renaissance course.

'Don't be fooled by the average looking facade of La Maremma.  The inside of this quaint restaurant is quite the little gem, without even mentioning the food.  A small place, where reservations are not mandatory but highly recommended, the staff could not be more friendly.  Our bottle of water was 5 minutes forgotten so we were given it for free!  The food, although in quite small portions, is delicious.  I went with 2 friends and we all thought our respective meals were exquisite.  We were salivating at other tables' meals as well after finishing.  Do not miss this place while you're in Florence.'