A Food Guide to the Renaissance City | Florence
Art, gastronomy & romance - this city has it all
By The Bearleaders
Florence
Find out the best restaurants for fine dining in Florence through this guide by tastemakers like chefs, designers and gastronomists.
From local hidden gems to high-end cocktail bars, these frequent travellers have a recommendation for you!
Where to eat
ATELIER DE’ NERLI
Chef Gianluca takes you on a voyage through Italy with his excellent cooking, while you soak up the fantastic atmosphere and high-class decor at this restaurant and art gallery.
SANTAROSE BISTROT
Colorful contemporary food and cocktails in a lush garden, the perfect place to chill on a hot summer day.
MERCATO CENTRAL FIRENZE
The market you don’t want to miss. On the street level you have small shops and on the first floor the real magic happens. Watch as pasta is being made and then enjoy a fresh linguine pasta with truffle. Welcome to creamy, truffle heaven
MOMOYAMA
If you are aching for a pasta-free evening in Florence, Momoyama is the place to be. A restaurant with a minimalistic interior and amazing Asian food. Enjoy beautifully sculpted platters of sushi, sashimi, carpaccio and noodle bowls
MENAGERE
This place is located close to the mercato, and it’s one of my favourite places to go for lunch or coffee. Its modern design and cosy setting highlights the Italian vibe of the place. Their food and sweets can keep you here all day
SANTA ROSA BISTROT
Delicious food prepared from local seasonal ingredients, served to you in a beautiful green garden. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and their bar is open almost 24/7
instagram | maps | favourite of Rini Scherpenisse, Interior Designer
BOCCADAMA
Simple yet delicious Italian food paired with fantastic local wines. Small and cosy inside but with a large terrace
instagram | maps | favourite of Rini Scherpenisse, Interior Designer
COQUINARIUS
A great pasta and wine bar, located right behind the Duomo. Enjoy creative interpretations of classic kinds of pasta in a cozy informal atmosphere.
maps | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder
Where to sleep
HOTEL SINA VILLA MEDICI, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Set in a historic 19th-century palazzo in the heart of Florence, this meticulously refurbished hotel blends contemporary luxury with an enchanting old-world charm, a grand swimming pool, and inspiring views of the breathtaking Florence cityscape.
Read more about the hotel and discover even more restaurant and bar tips in Florence in the Guide in and Around Hotel Sina Villa Medici by Fernando Pane, Hotelier and Bearleader in Hospitality. Make sure to mention you know the hotel through Bearleaders for VIP treatment and benefits.
Where to go for a drink
LA CITÉ
A place where books, music and drinks meet, this library cafe is full of life and character and a must visit.
instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
CANTINETTA ANTINORI
Feast on local specialties while enjoying the finest Marchesi Antinori wines in this grand15th-century mansion.
DITTA ARTIGIANALE
This trendy coffee bar is known for its great quality coffee. People from all over Florence come here to get their daily dose of caffeine. The atmosphere is very inclusive; locals, tourists, and businessmen
IL SANTINO
Housed in a former wine cellar, Il Santino — the little sister of the hugely popular Santo Bevitore restaurant, just a couple of doors away — is a tiny, cosy wine bar and deli serving up fine wines and top-notch snacks. It’s my favourite place to go for drinks, snacks, and dinner - all at the same time
LA TERRAZZA
On the top floor of the Continentale Hotel is the rooftop bar La Terrazza. It’s considered one of the fancier places in Florence. They have great cocktails and offer a one-of-a-kind view over the city
GOSH
With its flamingo wallpaper, funky music, DJ sets, and a subtle NYC vibe, Gosh lures Florence's cocktail lovers to its buzzing bar across the river. Expect lots of fun variations of classic cocktails and a colourful crowd of people
maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
