11 Traditional Florence Foods To Try in 2025

The capital of Tuscany is home to iconic museums showcasing works by legendary painters and sculptors, but some of the best art can be found in the form of Florence foods. The city of Florence was the center of the Renaissance. It was a wealthy city, but also full of working-class Italian people.

The city of Florence became a melting pot of both the rich and the poor, leading to some interesting food combinations. You’ll find classic dishes that are hearty and rustic as well as elegant and luxurious meals coming from the city of Florence. So, what are the most classic Florence foods? Are there specific Florence foods to try when visiting the city? Let’s explore some of the traditional Florence dishes and foods that define the flavors of this region. 

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• Get a Taste of Traditional Florence Food
• The 11 Most Traditional Florence Dishes

Get a Taste of Traditional Florence Food

In the United States, “Italian” is a catch-all term for foods that originate from the country of Italy. But as with Mexican or Chinese food, there are defining ingredients and dishes that distinguish one geographic region from another. Florence is one of the best foodie cities in the world. Traditional Florence foods will include a mix of rustic and decadent dishes that focus on the use of locally raised meats and produce. There will be plenty of bread and pasta too.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and want to explore Florence and all that Italian food has to offer, consider taking a food tour. Food tours are led by local experts who know how to introduce tourists to the regional cuisine. Food tours in Florence are a great way to get more comfortable with menus and specific Florentine dishes and they’re a lot of fun too! You’ll discover hidden gems and get to taste samples of local Florence foods that will whet your appetite for more.

The 11 Most Traditional Florence Dishes

1. Fettunta

Breads are one of the traditional Florence foods to try and are key to many Italian meals. Fettunta is a simple grilled bread drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled lightly with salt. It makes for a great appetizer and is commonly used as an after-school snack for kids. Fettunta is a Florence food similar to bruschetta. It can be a vehicle for other foods or enjoyed alone.

2. Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Steak lovers, rejoice! Bistecca alla Fiorentina, or Florentine steak, is the most iconic Florence food. This ribeye steak is produced from Chianina cows local to this region. 

The Florentine steak is typically served as a huge cut of meat several inches thick. It is grilled until a dark, crusty exterior forms on the outside and is served medium rare. No salt or olive oil is used to garnish. This Florence food delicacy is intended to be eaten in its purest form.

3. Ribollita

Ribolita is a classic Florence food to try, especially during winter. This "peasant" stew is made with white beans, vegetables and broth but gets some bulk with the addition of stale bread. The term “ribollita” means “reboiled,” because historically it was often made with leftovers. This Florence food can feed a crowd on a budget.

4. Pappa al Pomodoro

Tomatoes are a staple crop in Italy. Florence foods often showcase the creative ways in which tomatoes can be transformed into delicious dishes. The pappa al pomodoro is a simple but addictive soup made from tomatoes and stale bread. While it sounds like a soothing dish for cool nights, it’s best enjoyed in summer when tomatoes are at their peak.

5. Lampredotto

Many iconic Florence foods have humble roots. Lampredotto is a working man’s lunch sandwich made from tripe (the edible lining of the stomach of cattle, pigs or sheep). This inexpensive ingredient gets chopped and heated up, then piled onto a crusty roll. It’s the Florence food equivalent of a New Orleans po-boy. 

Don’t let fear of the main ingredient scare you away. Tasting the food that city locals actually eat makes the experience all the more rich and authentic. After a long day of touring historical sights and museums, you’ll be surprised at how satisfying this simple sandwich can taste. Look for this Florence food at street vendors — these often draw the largest crowds.

6. Cavolo Nero

While meat is certainly a central part of the Tuscan diet, vegetarians will be happy to know that kale is also a staple Florence food to try. Tuscan kale, known as lacinato or dinosaur kale in the U.S., is heartier and sweeter than other varieties of kale. It tastes best cooked down and served alongside a meat dish but you’ll often find it in soups like ribollita or with white bean dishes.

7. Pappardelle al Cinghiale

No trip to Tuscany would be complete without indulging in some pasta. Pasta is a staple of Florence food and pretty much every restaurant makes its own from scratch. Pappardelle al cinghiale is ribbon noodle pasta with wild boar ragù. 

Wild boar are native to Tuscany and are hunted from September to February. Traditionally, cinghiale (boar) is dry-aged for a short time and then cooked down into a ragù made with red wine. 

8. White Beans

One of the most ubiquitous Florence foods is the white bean. This region of Italy has the perfect climate and soil for growing legumes and beans, so white beans are widely used as a protein in Tuscan dishes. White beans are served with garlic, olive oil and herbs, either as an appetizer or as a main course by themselves. You’ll also find this Florence food in many different soups.

One classic dish that has become a lost art in Italy is fagioli al fiasco, or “beans in the flask”. It involves cooking white beans with leftover breadcrumbs, olive oil, sage, black pepper and water in a wine bottle that goes into the still-warm oven after making bread. The beans cook slowly for several hours and are then seasoned with salt. 

9. Lardo di Colonnata

One of the best things about Florence's foods is their simplicity. You’ll find endless varieties of salumi to snack on as you travel throughout Italy but lardo di Colonnata is one of the most decadent Florence foods to try. This cured pork salumi has been seasoned with rosemary and other herbs. It is sliced thinly and draped over fresh bread. No cooking is required.

10. Chianti and Barolo

You’ll need something to wash down your Florence foods, so reach for a bottle of one of the region’s premier wine varietals. Chianti is the most commonly found red wine in the area. It’s inexpensive and goes with pretty much all Florence foods. Barolo is a splurge-worthy option for fancier meals featuring Florence foods. This red wine is typically aged at least 10 years before it is bottled.

11. Gelato

For the finale, make sure to enjoy as much gelato as you can while in Italy. This cousin of traditional ice cream is made with more milk and less cream, and it was invented in Florence, making it a must-try Florence food!

Gelato is more dense than ice cream and is served closer to room temperature so that it’s slightly melty. In addition to traditional ice cream flavors like vanilla, coffee and chocolate you’ll often find it made with fruit and nut flavors. 

One of the best reasons to travel to Tuscany is to explore Florence's foods. It's a city that's brimming with history, and not only inside its amazing museums! The streets you walk, the architecture you admire and the food you eat — all have cultural and historical significance, with many popular dishes dating back to Roman times. This makes it a must-visit destination not only for gourmands looking to expand their culinary horizons but also for those hoping to take their taste buds on a journey back in time.

For even more ways to explore Florence foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.