Eating in Florence is always an exciting discovery as I’ve had the luck to be guided by my friend, Chef, Giovanni Manna. My Gypsy Tips and his Local VIP Faves, below should provide you with the similar experience.
Gypsy Tips:
Apart from a few select friends kitchens, this is my absolute favorite place to dine when in Florence. The linguine with truffles melts in your mouth and the beautiful plum and golden hued setting and artful presentation just compliments that taste of every dish.
Address: Piazza dell Olio, 10/r
Phone: 055 211 466
www.osteriadellolio.com
The only place you can enjoy a true gourmet meal while dining alfresco in a cozy lounge setting overlooking the river Arno. My top pick for your most elegant evening in Florence.
Address: Borgo San Jacopo, 62/r Phone: 055 281 661
www.lungarnocollection.com/en/eat-drink-e-shop/restaurant-borgo-san-jacopo.html
Florence Cooking Classes – Food & Wine Academy Florence
Fantastic four course meal that you learn to prepare while enjoying with wine. Also includes an entertaining tour through the MercatoCentrale, and a stop at one of my favorite stalls, Conti I Sapori Della Toscana, where you’ll try the most amazing truffle spreads and honey.
Address: Via de’ Lamberti, 1 Phone: 055 012 3994
www.florencecookingclasses.com
Forno Becagli
Amazing bakery where I love to start my day with fresh pastries or perhaps pick up a panini for a quick lunch on the go. The most amazing stracchino i rucola paninis that I’ve ever tasted come from Forno Becagli.
Address: Borgo Ognissanti, 92/R Phone: 055 215 065
Located inside the Mercato Centrale, it’s a great place to have lunch and mix with the locals and tourists at the shared picnic table style seating. The roast beef is their most typical dish and a must try.
Address: Farmacia del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 87/R Phone: 055 219 949
www.trattoria-mario.com
High quality gelato in a cute, pink retro setting. The flavor Santa Trinita was to die for.
Address: Piazza Frescobaldi, 11, 12/R Phone: 055 238 1130
Local VIP faves:
Local VIP: Giovanni Manna
Executive Chef, Food & Wine Academy Florence
Address: Via de’ Lamberti, 1 Phone: 055 012 3994
www.florencecookingclasses.com
Traditional Tuscan cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere right on the Piazza Santo Spirito. Fantastic central location where all locals gather.
Address: Piazza Santo Spirito, 6/R, Phone : 055 210 437l. +39 055
www.borgoanticofirenze.com
A lovely Tuscan osteria managed by Garga, a Florentine Artist.
Address: Via San Zanobi 33/A R Phone: 055 475 286
http://garga.it
Great Tuscan osteria in the Santa Croce area. Great Bisteca Fiorentina.
Address: Via Ghibellina, 124/R Phone: 055 200 1098
www.boccanegra.com
A great place for a dinner in the area of Santo Spirito. Dark lighting and bright cuisine.
Address: Via Santo Spirito 66/R Phone: 055 211 264
www.ilsantobevitore.com
Jetsetter Gypsy 