Traditional Florentine Food: What to Eat in Florence

Florence is not only a city of art and Renaissance masterpieces—it’s also one of Italy’s most celebrated food capitals. Travelers looking for authentic Florentine food will find rustic recipes, high-quality ingredients, and dishes rooted in centuries-old traditions

Traditional Tuscan dishes in Florence

1. Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak)

Perhaps the most iconic dish in the city, the Florentine steak is a must-try for meat lovers. This thick T-bone steak—typically from Chianina cattle—is cooked rare over a wood fire.

Bistecca alla fiorentina, the thick T-bone steak of Florence
Bistecca alla fiorentina, Florence’s famous T-bone steak. Photo: Microsoikos, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

2. Lampredotto: Florence’s Street Food Tradition

A true symbol of Florentine street food, lampredotto is a slow-cooked tripe sandwich served with salsa verde. You’ll find it at historic food trucks called “trippai”, especially around San Lorenzo.

Lampredotto street food kiosk in Florence
A lampredotto kiosk, Florence’s classic street food. Photo: Fabio Venni, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

3. Ribollita (Tuscan Bread Soup)

A comforting dish originally made by Tuscan farmers, ribollita is a thick vegetable and bread soup filled with kale, beans, and carrots. It’s especially popular in autumn and winter.

Ribollita, Tuscan bread and vegetable soup

4. Pappa al Pomodoro

Another famous Tuscan bread dish, pappa al pomodoro is a rich tomato and basil soup made with stale bread, olive oil, and garlic. Simple, rustic, and incredibly flavorful.

Pappa al pomodoro, Tuscan tomato and bread soup
Pappa al pomodoro, a rich Tuscan tomato and bread soup. Photo: Catia Giaccherini, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

5. Crostini Toscani (Chicken Liver Pâté)

A classic starter in Florence, crostini toscani are slices of toasted bread topped with chicken liver pâté—a staple of Tuscan appetizers.

Crostini toscani with chicken liver pâté

6. Pappardelle al Cinghiale (Pasta with Wild Boar)

This hearty pasta dish features wide ribbon noodles served with a slow-cooked wild boar ragù—one of the region’s most beloved winter specialties.

Pappardelle with wild boar ragù

7. Cantucci e Vin Santo

To finish your meal the traditional way, try cantucci (almond biscuits) dipped in Vin Santo, a local sweet wine.

Cantucci almond biscuits with Vin Santo

Around the historic center, especially near Piazza del Duomo, Santa Croce, and Oltrarno, you’ll find authentic trattorias serving these classic dishes in a warm and traditional setting.

Florence offers a culinary journey that reflects its history, culture, and love for simple, high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a Florentine steak, trying lampredotto like a local, or savoring a bowl of ribollita, these traditional dishes showcase the soul of Tuscany.

Plan your stay at Hotel Duomo Firenze, you’ll be surrounded by trattorias and restaurants serving the best of Florence’s food heritage — all within a short walk.

Planning your stay in Florence?Hotel Duomo Firenze is at Piazza del Duomo 1, directly facing the Cathedral. Discover our rooms with a Duomo view, our breakfast with a view and the special offers for direct bookings.

Hotel Duomo Firenze

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Piazza Duomo, 1
Florence, Italy