Best Food In Florence For Solo Travelers
Florence, Italy, is known for its rich culinary history and mouth-watering food. There are endless dishes worth trying that you might not get to during your time in Florence. Fortunately, we did the hard part for you. In this guide, we cover the best food in Florence, from hearty soups and pasta to delicious meats and sweet treats. Whether you’re looking for the best steak in Florence or the best pasta in Florence, we have you covered. Keep reading below to dig in!
Best Food in Florence for Solo Travelers — Here's Our Top 8 List
The cuisine of Florence is top-tier. This Tuscan city is known as a hub for the arts, from works created by Da Vinci and Michaelangelo to inventions by Galileo. Paintings and new ideas weren’t the only cultural revelations to come out of this area — so did food. To help you understand how Florentines dine, look at the best food in Florence in our list below. You can create the best food tour in Florence with these dishes on your list.
1. Bistecca alla Fiorentina
If you’re looking for the best steak in Florence, make sure to add bistecca alla fiorentina to the check. This dish may sound simple, but the delicate cut of this high-quality meat makes it so special. Rather than a complex marinade or glaze, Florentina steaks must be grilled with the bone in over hot coals, similar to an American T-bone. Fiorentina steaks come from a special breed of cow called the Chianina, and bistecca alla fiorentina is typically served rare or medium-rare with a charred crust and juicy interior.
2. Pappa al Pomodoro
Although this was historically a dish for peasants, pappa al pomodoro is a fan-favorite found in most restaurants in Firenze, the Italian name for Florence. Pappa al pomodoro is a rustic tomato soup whose key ingredient is bread. To further enhance this hearty soup, basil, garlic, and olive oil are added, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The benefit of this soup is that it can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re visiting in the heart of winter or on a summer respite, pappa al pomodoro can be served hot or cold, depending on your preferences.
3. Arista di Maiale
For those searching for the best food in Florence, Italy, make sure to add arista di maiale to the dinner menu. This roasted pork loin is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and sage, giving a savory flavor that your taste buds will never forget. Common pairings with this dish include roasted potatoes or a side of beans, and the dish is hearty enough to fuel you up after your epic adventures of roaming the streets of Florence.
4. Chianti
No trip to Florence is complete without a wine tour, and the first vino you’ll be served is Chianti, a dry, red wine from the Tuscany region. This wine is named after the region of Chianti, located in central Tuscany. Chianti is made from Sangiovese grapes and is medium-bodied with notes of plum, cherry, and spice. Foods that pair well with Chianti include red meats, like the best steak in Florence, the bistecca alla fiorentina, as well as tomato-based dishes like pappa al pomodoro, aged cheese like Gouda, and the savory flavors of charcuterie, including salami, chorizo, and prosciutto.
5. Gelato
A classic Italian frozen dessert is gelato, similar to ice cream but with a denser, creamier texture. Gelato is the perfect way to finish a meal, as its rich, intense flavor gives your taste buds a powerful ending to the night. Gelato is made from milk, sugar, and flavorings, including chocolate, fruit purees, and nuts. What makes gelato’s flavors pack a punch is its ability to be served at warmer temperatures, which enhances the flavors and makes it easier to scoop. Often served in small portions, gelato is the perfect way to cleanse your palate after a delicious meal. Popular flavors include hazelnut, stracciatella (chocolate chip), pistachio, fig, and even balsamic vinegar.
6. Cantucci
Cantucci, also called cantuccini (a smaller version), is a traditional Tuscan biscotti, an almond biscuit that is twice-baked and often served with a sweet wine like vin santo. Crunch and not too sweet, cantucci can be found with flavors in the middle, typically orange, with roasted almonds throughout. Cantucci is a great snack to have as a mid-day treat as you continue living and learning in Florence.
7. Lampredotto
If you’re adventurous with food, one of the best foods in Florence is lampredotto. This is a popular street food whose main ingredient is the fourth stomach of a cow. While this may sound new, it’s a favorite among many and is served with a tasty tomato-based sauce on a bread roll. As you make your way from the Uffizi Gallery to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, lampredotto is a great quick bite to eat as you continue to check off activities on your Florence bucket list.
8. Ribollita
To round off our list of the best food in Florence, Italy, we have ribollita. Ribollita is a hearty soup with ingredients like black cabbage/kale, beans, bread, and other vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and more. Perfect for a cool Tuscan day, ribollita is an excellent lunch or dinner choice to get warm and reenergize yourself for a day of adventures.
Embark on the Best Food Tour in Florence With Road Scholar
At Road Scholar, our experiential learning adventures allow you to taste some of the best food in Florence. Whether you’re interested in the best steak in Florence, like bistecca alla fiorentina, or the best pasta in Florence, like carbonara or cacio e pepe, we can help. Our expert guides will walk you through the top cuisine of Florence and the history, landscape, art, and culture of this ancient city.