Best Italian Restaurants in Florence

Florence has plenty of Italian dining spots where pasta and pizza take center stage, from Osteria Pastella and Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco to La Giostra and Osteria Santo Spirito. You’ll also find places like Matto Matto and Pastamania serving classic dishes and desserts, while Gusta Pizza adds a lively pizza stop to the mix. Together, these Italian eateries give Florence a warm, casual food culture rooted in familiar regional flavors.


Ranked venues

  1. $$$CharmingAuthenticCozyTraditional TuscanHandmade pastasLocal wines

    About the venue

    Osteria Pastella in Florence specializes in traditional Tuscan dishes with modern interpretations, situated in a charming setting near the city center. The restaurant offers a cozy dining experience, seating around 50 guests, and features a seasonal menu that highlights local ingredients. Notable dishes include handmade pastas and local wines, with many patrons enjoying the atmosphere of authentic Italian dining. The combination of quality food and attentive service draws in both locals and tourists.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases the preparation of pasta in a large cheese wheel, highlighting the process of adding ingredients and serving the dish. The camera captures the detailed steps of melting cheese, adding pasta, pouring olive oil, and sprinkling truffle shavings. The scene also includes additional elements like wine glasses, bottles, and flowers, suggesting a dining setting.

    Via della Scala 17 R

  2. $$$RusticHistoricWelcomingWild boarLocal ingredientsHistoric ambiance

    About the venue

    Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco at Borgo San Iacopo 43r in Florence has been serving traditional Tuscan cuisine since the late 1800s. The restaurant features rustic decor, complete with wooden beams and stone walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their menu focuses on local ingredients, offering dishes like wild boar ragù and seasonal game. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, the establishment provides a genuine taste of Tuscan traditions.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases three different pasta dishes served on white plates with green trim. The first dish is fettuccine with pesto sauce, the second is spaghetti with tomato sauce, meatballs, and a dollop of white cheese, and the third is pappardelle with Bolognese sauce and an olive.

    Borgo San Iacopo 43r

  3. $$RusticTuscanInvitingHouse-made pastaRegional winesOutdoor seating

    About the venue

    Osteria Santo Spirito, located in Florence's Piazza di Santo Spirito, presents a cozy dining atmosphere with a focus on traditional Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant features rustic decor and a menu highlighting local ingredients, including house-made pasta and regional wines. Opened in 2018, it has since gained a reputation for its authentic flavors, drawing both locals and visitors. Guests appreciate the outdoor seating option, allowing them to enjoy the vibrant Piazza scenery.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases various pasta dishes, starting with a close-up of a cheese-covered pasta, then a plate of spaghetti with clams and herbs, and finally a plate of penne pasta with red sauce and grated cheese. The scene includes a table setting with a glass of water, salt and pepper shakers, and a paper bag, suggesting a dining environment.

    Piazza di Santo Spirito, 16

  4. HistoricCulturalBustlingMichelangelo's DavidPalazzo VecchioStreet performances

    About the venue

    Piazza della Signoria is a historic square in Florence, surrounded by stunning architecture and significant sculptures, including Michelangelo’s David replica. It's an important gathering place, often buzzing with tourists and locals alike. The square hosts the Palazzo Vecchio, an iconic building with a tall tower, and nearby is the Uffizi Gallery. Street artists and performers frequent the area, adding to the vibrant atmosphere that encapsulates Tuscany’s cultural heritage.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases a bustling gelato shop with staff preparing gelato behind a counter. The camera pans across the counter, revealing various equipment and ingredients used in the gelato-making process.

    Piazza della Signoria

  5. $$$RomanticIntimateCharmingHandcrafted pastaFine winesExquisite service

    About the venue

    La Giostra, located at Borgo Pinti 12R-18/R in Florence, is renowned for its intimate setting and exquisite Tuscan cuisine. Known for its exceptional service and romantic ambiance, guests can enjoy handcrafted pasta dishes and a selection of fine wines. The restaurant's décor features charming touches, with twinkling lights and artwork, creating a warm atmosphere. Reservations are recommended for this highly acclaimed dining destination.

    What the videos show

    The video shows a close-up of a plate of pasta with tomato sauce and melted cheese being mixed with a fork and spoon. The pasta is penne, and there is a basil leaf garnish on the side.

    Borgo Pinti 12R-18/R

  6. RusticIntimateCozyHandmade pastaSeasonal specialsTruffle dishes

    About the venue

    Pastamania is a local favorite in Florence, Tuscany, dedicated to Italian cuisine, with a focus on pasta dishes since its inception. The restaurant features a menu that includes handmade pasta and a selection of sauces inspired by various Italian regions. With a rustic decor and an intimate setting, it’s a great place for couples and families. Regulars recommend the truffle pasta and their seasonal specials.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases a plate of pasta with a tomato-based sauce and grated cheese, garnished with basil leaves. The camera pans across the plate, highlighting the dish's details, including additional ingredients like spinach and possibly some meat.

  7. $$$ContemporaryChicWarmArtisanal pastaRustic pizzasOutdoor seating

    About the venue

    Matto Matto, located on Via Nazionale 122 in Florence, is a contemporary Italian eatery known for its artisanal pasta and rustic pizzas. Open since its inception in 2018, the restaurant emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The casual yet chic interior creates a welcoming environment for both locals and tourists, with a spacious outdoor seating area perfect for enjoying the Tuscan sun. Dishes like handmade ravioli are frequently lauded by patrons.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases various Italian dishes and desserts, including spaghetti bolognese, tiramisu, and a chocolate cake with hazelnuts. It also features a silver teapot and a glass of red wine.

    Via Nazionale 122

  8. $LivelyCasualWelcomingWood-fired pizzaOutdoor seatingWide variety

    About the venue

    Gusta Pizza, located in the lively Oltrarno district of Florence on Via Maggio, is known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. Opened in 2001, it emphasizes fresh ingredients and offers a variety of toppings, from classic Margherita to more inventive options. The pizzeria is famous for its casual vibe and is often filled with locals and tourists alike enjoying slices al fresco. Its popular takeout option allows visitors to enjoy pizza in the nearby squares.

    What the videos show

    The video begins with a view of a bustling street scene at night, featuring a restaurant with outdoor seating. The camera pans across the restaurant, showing patrons seated at tables under umbrellas. A person in a black uniform, possibly a security guard or staff member, stands near the entrance. The scene then transitions to a close-up of a receipt from 'i Gustapizza,' displaying the restaurant's name, address, phone number, and other details.

    Via Maggio 46r

  9. $$$CharmingTraditionalFamily-runHandmade pastaBistecca allaRegional wines

    About the venue

    Francesco Vini is a family-owned Italian restaurant located in the historic Borgo dei Greci area of Florence, offering a charming atmosphere and traditional Tuscan cuisine. Since 1983, they have been serving handmade pasta and classic dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina. The restaurant features rustic decor with wooden tables and consistent local patronage. Expect a well-curated wine list featuring regional wines that perfectly complement the menu.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases a plate of pasta with herbs, gradually revealing more layers of pasta as a hand lifts a fork from the plate.

    Borgo dei Greci 7

  10. $$LivelyTuscanInvitingTraditional TuscanLocal ingredientsWell-curated wine

    About the venue

    Trattoria Zà Zà, located at Piazza del Mercato Centrale 26 in Florence, is a lively restaurant offering traditional Tuscan dishes with a modern twist. Since its opening in 2000, it has gained a reputation for using fresh, local ingredients in its menu, which includes pasta, grilled meats, and seasonal vegetables. The vibrant atmosphere and stylish decor create an inviting space for diners, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Zà Zà also features a well-curated wine list highlighting regional wines.

    What the videos show

    The video shows a close-up of a plate of pasta with green pesto sauce. A person's hand enters the frame from the left side holding a fork, which is then used to pick up some pasta from the center of the plate.

    Piazza del Mercato Centrale 25

  11. SophisticatedRusticCulinaryGuided tastingsArtisanal pairingsLocal delicacies

    About the venue

    Enoteca Obsequium, situated on Borgo S. Jacopo in Florence, is a refined wine shop highlighting Tuscany’s best wines and local delicacies. The shop offers guided tastings that pair selections with artisanal cheeses and cured meats, enhancing the culinary experience. The rustic ambiance invites guests to linger and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Enoteca Obsequium is popular among locals and tourists looking to immerse themselves in the rich flavors of Italian wine culture.

    What the videos show

    The video captures a scene in an Italian restaurant where guests are toasting with glasses of red wine. The camera pans to reveal additional elements such as a bowl of chips and bottles behind the group, and pedestrians walking past on the street outside.

    Borgo S. Jacopo, 17, 50125 Firenze Fl, Italy

  12. $$$RusticAuthenticWelcomingHomemade pastaWood-fired pizzasOpen kitchen

    About the venue

    Il Grande Nuti Trattoria, located in Florence, offers authentic Italian cuisine with an emphasis on Tuscan flavors. The trattoria features a rustic interior that echoes traditional Italian dining experiences, with communal tables and an open kitchen. Signature dishes include homemade ravioli and wood-fired pizzas, all made with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike, blending a familial atmosphere with culinary passion.

    What the videos show

    The video showcases a plate of pasta with red sauce, a glass of water, and a piece of bread, with the camera remaining static throughout the short duration.

    Via Borgo San Lorenzo, 22