What to Eat in Florence: Pasta, Panini & Gelato

Florence was one of my favorite food cities in Italy: incredible panini, truffle pasta prepared in a cheese wheel, a wine window, pistachio affogato, and gelato by the river. Some places are famous-famous, some are more humble, and a couple are worth approaching with realistic expectations.

This is the Florence food guide I would send a friend who wants the fun stops without wasting meals on expensive mid tourist food.

My Florence food rule: go early for the famous panini, reserve the truffle pasta, and save dessert for Vivoli or La Carraia 🍨.

All’Antico Vinaio

I knew All’Antico Vinaio was big, but I did not realize there were literally multiple storefronts on one block. This is arguably the most famous sandwich shop in Europe, born right here in Florence, and it did not disappoint.

The thing that sets the sandwich apart is the freshly baked bread. If you love truffle, order La Beatrice with truffle cream, stracchino cheese, and beef carpaccio. That one was a solid 10/10. We also tried La Paradiso, one of the famous orders, but the pistachio cream was a little too heavy for us.

Go early if you can, ideally before the lunch rush or with flexible timing. Lunch gets packed, and this is much more enjoyable when you are not hangry in a crowd.

Pino’s Sandwiches

Pino’s Sandwiches is the more local-feeling panini stop I would add if you want something humble and friendly. Pino himself still whips up the sandwiches, and the shop has been a family-owned neighborhood staple since 1991.

We tried the Beegs and the Springtime. Both were delicious, especially the crispy bread, high-quality ingredients, and sun-dried tomatoes. I would give it an 8/10 because I wanted a little more filling, but I would still absolutely check it out if you are nearby.

This is the easier walk-up panini stop for a normal sightseeing day. For more detail on how the two sandwich stops compare, read my Florence sandwich guide.

Osteria Pastella

If you are lactose intolerant, it is time to bring the Lactaid, because Osteria Pastella was a full truffle pasta moment. The pasta is prepared tableside in an entire cheese wheel, then topped with what feels like endless freshly grated truffle. Why was it actually endless? No complaints from me.

The truffle pasta was on a whole other level, but the saffron risotto and Caprese salad were also phenomenal. Ambience was amazing, service was 10/10, and the food was even better. Make a reservation ahead if this is one of your must-eat Florence stops.

Babae Wine Window

I am not even the biggest wine person, and I still thought Babae was such a fun Florence experience. You order through a historic wine window, get your drink, take the little video you know you want, and suddenly the stop feels like something you could only do here.

This is best as a quick pre-dinner or post-wandering stop, not a whole meal plan. Pair it with a walk through the Oltrarno side or a dinner reservation nearby, and expect the window itself to be more of a fun little ritual than a long sit-down experience.

Vivoli

Everyone and their mom has seen Vivoli, and yes, the line speaks for itself. But the verdict for me is easy: I would come back despite the line. The pistachio affogato tastes just as good as it looks, and the line moved faster than expected when we went.

I think we waited about 25 minutes. There is also cozy indoor seating and classic gelato for anyone who does not drink coffee. If you like ice cream and coffee, you have to come here ☕.

Gelateria La Carraia

Near Ponte Vecchio and the Arno, Gelateria La Carraia is the gelato stop I would not sleep on. The kefir and passion fruit flavors were phenomenal, and it fits perfectly into a river walk.

I would pair this with Ponte Vecchio, an Oltrarno wander, or the walk back from Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. It is easy, delicious, and exactly the kind of Florence dessert stop that does not need to be overplanned.

Florence Food Tours and Cooking Classes

This guide works well if you prefer finding each stop independently. If you want more context on Florence’s food traditions, a local guide to choose the tastings, or a hands-on activity between sightseeing days, these are the food experiences I would compare.

What I Would Skip or Temper Expectations On

I would not make Mercato Centrale your main Florence food plan. It is convenient, and it can be fun to walk through, but our food there felt expensive and mid compared with the places above.

I would also be careful with Florentine steak. We tried it at La Bistecca, and honestly, the steak was super tough (and BLUE 😱). That does not mean you should skip bistecca alla Fiorentina entirely, but it does mean you should research carefully before booking. A famous dish still needs the right restaurant.

If you are planning the full trip, plug these stops into my 2 days in Florence itinerary so the food fits naturally around the Duomo, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, and sunset views.