Gin sommeliers, sandwiches laced with truffle cream, and black sesame seed gelato are changing Tuscany′s food hub landscape, making Florence a natural choice for foodies. Find out 15 of the best places to eat in the city.
1. In the family
Mother and son Giuseppina and Alberto Navari serve fresh spring flavours at Zeb Gastronomia, their small 21-seat space in the quaint San Niccolò district. Take a pew at the gallery table and enjoy plates such as pecorino cheese and pear ravioli made to old family recipes. zebgastronomia.com
2. Champion coffee
Redolent of cafes in New York and Melbourne, Ditta Artigianale serves rare coffee blends by world-championship barista Francesco Sanapo. By night, gin sommelier Cecilia creates sublime cocktails (try the Gin Mule) to go with the free Tuscan tapas. Via dei Neri, 32 (00 39 055 274 1541)
3. Shoppers′ delight
The recently opened food hall upstairs at Il Mercato Centrale is a worthy addition to Florence′s burgeoning culinary scene. Head to Romualdo Rizzuti for perfect southern-style pizza, or go for the local delicacy, a tripe sandwich at Il Lamprodotto. mercatocentrale.it
4. Food trippin′
Tour some of the best food spots in town by joining one of Taste Florence′s morning walks (9.30 am – 2 pm). Along the way, you′ll discover San Lorenzo′s renowned food market plus hole-in-the-wall, family-run shops and fresh cornetti, potent café, truffle and grappa tastings. tasteflorence.com
5. A quick bite
Panini is essential when exploring Florence and an ideal quick bite between galleries. At La Prosciutteria, choose from freshly sliced meats in salty ciabatta bread and rows of other toppings, including truffle cream and marinated aubergine. The wine box shelving houses condiments you can buy to take home. laprosciutteria.com
6. Vine times
Wine lovers should head to Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina, where brothers Eduardo and Zeno Fioravanti have curated an extensive list of Tuscan wines, from bold Brunello to softer Chianti Classico. Resident chef Donatella cooks delicious Tuscan fare to complement the booze. pittigolaecantina.com
7. Star cooking
Riverside restaurant La Bottega del Buon Caffè has just received its first Michelin star, and rightly so. Chef Antonello Sardi creates delicate dishes from the finest Tuscan produce, much of which is grown at their country farm just outside Florence. labottegadelbuoncaffe.com
8. Ice ice baby
No Italian trip is complete without sampling the local gelato. Gelateria Santa Trinita hand-makes their selection every morning. Try sesamo nero (black sesame seed) or cioccolata fondente (dark chocolate) for a sweet taste sensation. gelateriasantatrinita.it
9. Al fresco
For a Florence for foodies experience and view to remember, enjoy an aperitivo on the terrace of Se.sto at the Westin Excelsior Hotel and, from 7 pm, enjoy the free snack buffet. sestoonarno.com
10. Meat lovers
Meat is heavily featured in Tuscan cuisine, with bistecca alla Fiorentina famous in Florence. Sit with the locals at I′Brindellone to enjoy a three-fingers thick T-bone steak served one-way only – bloody, simply seared on the outside, then lightly seasoned with salt and olive oil. Piazza Piattellina, 10 (+39 055 217879)
11. Cocktail hour
Head to amblé near Ponte Vecchio to enjoy a cocktail hour Spritz surrounded by vintage furniture; you can buy everything you see, from your chair to your cocktail glass. It’s an ideal spot in Florence for foodies who like their homewares. amble.it
12. Food finds
For take-home goodies, head to Eataly. The local branch of the famed chain opened in 2013 and houses thousands of Italian-made food brands. You′ll find condiments, cookbooks and fresh food – plus a café bar – on the ground floor and a fine dining restaurant and wine cellar upstairs. eataly.com
13. Cook school
Take a class in Tuscan cookery at Desinare. Set upstairs in the unique workshop and interior showroom of Riccardo Barthel, this bespoke kitchen and dining room offers courses covering meats to bread making and traditional Tuscan dishes. desinare.it
14. Gluten-free
Quinoa offers innovative gluten-free dishes in a secluded palazzo courtyard just a skip from the Duomo. Porcini mushroom pie with Parmesan fondue or aubergine and almond ′meatballs′ feature on the menu alongside hearty meat and fish dishes. ristorantequinoa.it
15. Seasonal menus
For traditional Italian food with a modern twist, Il Santo Bevitore serves a seasonal menu in a converted carriage hall. Its dolce (desserts) are addictive, with two recent additions: salted caramel chocolate mousse or pineapple with basil sorbet worth every bite. ilsantobevitore.com
Main image © Jay Wennington