Florence's Most Talked-About Restaurants

The Renaissance city of Florence is no exception. Between the grandeur of the Duomo and the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery, the true soul of Florence is revealed through its food. However, amidst a flood of trattorias and ristorantes, discovering the real gems is no easy task.

Today, I will introduce three special restaurants that go beyond the typical tourist list, offering a glimpse into the history, the present, and the lives of the locals in Florence.


1. A Taste of History: Buca Lapi

If you've come to Florence, experiencing 'Bistecca alla Fiorentina' is something of a ritual. The most reverent and perfect place to perform this ritual is Buca Lapi. Opened in 1880, it is one of the oldest restaurants in Florence, located in the cellar of the Palazzo Antinori.

The antique posters that fill the vaulted ceilings and the scent of charcoal from the open kitchen create a unique atmosphere. Here, a thick cut of Chianina beef is grilled over charcoal with nothing but salt and pepper. This steak, perfected through the simplest but most flawless cooking method, will become the most primal and intense flavor memory of your time in Florence.


2. Experience the Space: La Ménagère

If you are looking for the most trendy and sensational space in Florence, La Ménagère is the answer. Originally Florence's first homeware store, opened in 1896, it has been reborn as a massive 'concept store' where a restaurant, cocktail bar, flower shop, and lifestyle shop coexist.

Inside the industrial space, where the texture of the old walls remains, beautiful flowers, tableware, and creative dishes exist in perfect harmony. This is a place to experience the 'now' of Florence in the most stylish way, going beyond just having a meal. It's perfect anytime—for a morning coffee, an afternoon brunch, or an evening cocktail.


3. A Taste of the Local: Trattoria Sabatino

The true charm of a Florence trip lies in the Oltrarno district, across the Arno river and away from the noise of tourists. And there, you will find Trattoria Sabatino, which has been responsible for the dinner of Florentine locals for decades.

There are no fancy decorations or English menus here. The daily menu is handwritten with a familiar charm, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. Here, you can taste the most simple but sincere home-style Tuscan food, as if it were cooked by a local grandmother. If you want to taste the real soul of Florence at the best value, remember this place.