Restaurants in Florence

Ristorante la Giostra

Owned by a Hapsburg prince, this cosy restaurant is busy at lunchtime but more intimate in the evening, making it perfect for a romantic evening meal. Flavours are mainly Tuscan, but with some Austrian influence. The seasonal menu might include white truffles or Chianina beef. Desserts are both Italian and Viennese.

Cantinetta Antinori

Owned by Tuscany's most famous winemakers, Antinori, and housed in the family's elegant palazzo, this refined restaurant pitches super-Tuscans and great Chiantis from their extensive estates. Subtle food flavours predominate on the menu and accompany diners in their vinous deliberations, with dishes such as rolls of glazed veal and artichokes.

Enoteca Pinchiorri

This classy restaurant serves gourmet Italian cuisine with great panache. The food is sourced from local artisans and producers in Tuscany and the wine cellar is one of the world's largest with over 150,000 bottles. An unforgettable experience, topped off with great decor of frescoed ceilings and renaissance inspiration.

La Cucina del Garga

This family-friendly restaurant supplies both adults and children with crayons to draw directly onto the tablecloth. While the place is adorned with previously decorated napkins and tablecloths hanging from the walls and ceilings, the food is moderately priced and cheerful with interesting twists on classics such as pistachio pesto.

Cantinetta dei Verrazzano

This gastrodome near the Ponte Vecchio incorporates a deli, bakery, coffee bar and sales outlet for the wines of the prestigious Chianti vineyards of Castello di Verrazzano. Specialities include savoury-filled focaccia bread and a delicious array of crostini and cold meats, which can be sampled with the estate's wines at the tables.

Cucina Torcicoda

You could come here three times and have a different experience each time, because this popular ‘kitchen’ by Santa Croce has three different menus and three different dining areas, so you can choose from the pizzeria, osteria or restaurant. Food is excellent with innovative takes on Italian classics.

Antico Ristoro di Cambi

This family-run restaurant overlooking the Arno is a traditional Tuscan trattoria offering bare brick walls and a warm welcome. The antipasti and the bisteccaallafiorentina (a T-bone steak dabbed with virgin olive oil and cooked over glowing charcoal) are both excellent, while vegetarians will enjoy dishes such as penne with pumpkin flowers.

Amici di Ponte Vecchio Da Stefano

Hidden in a side street close to the Ponte Vecchio, this popular little spot serves a wide choice of pizzas, sandwiches, sausages and other Tuscan street food specialities. There's limited seating inside, so grab a take-away or perch on a stool in front and watch the world go by as you eat.

Aurelio I'Re del Lampredotto

The house specialty at this little kiosk on Piazza Tanucci is lampredotto, a hearty Florentine dish consisting of finely chopped cow stomach slowly cooked in vegetable broth and served in a soft white bread roll. Less adventurous eaters can opt for roasted pork or sausage fillings instead. Conveniently located only a 15-minute-walk away from Santa Maria Novella Train Station, this popular spot makes for a good pit stop on a sightseeing tour.