It has been one of my goals in life to create a food tour for myself: visiting a different restaurant for every course. I’m also dreaming of going to Florence and eating all the food (as I am apt to do). In order to start making this dream a reality, I’ve put together this wonderful food tour of Florence: the best local dishes and the best restaurants in Florence you can eat them in. Loosen that belt buckle now!
Starter: Crostini Di Fegato
These bite-size starters are a meaty version of bruschetta made with white bread instead of sourdough bread: Chicken pâté (chicken livers, anchovy fillets, chopped sage, and butter) tops off the lightly toasted slices of bread. It’s a traditional antipasto you’ll find at most restaurants.
Crostini di Fegato: Where to Eat in Florence
All’Antico Vinaio. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant charges for each crostini and their fresh bread makes it a worthwhile side trip. Order a glass of Chianti and a panini for a true taste of Florence.
First Course: Ribollita
This vegetable-and-bread soup is classic Tuscan comfort food – cabbage and bean soup infused into day-old bread for a hearty, warming dish. Ribollita means re-boiled, and the authentic dish will contain black kale. Strictly speaking, it’s a winter recipe, but in the spring and summer chard replaces the cabbage (and has a completely different flavour!).
Ribollita: Where to Eat in Florence
Il Latini. I’m of the opinion that a classic dish should never be fiddled with, and this place serves ribollita in its traditional style. The restaurant has the feel of an old Tuscan inn with small tables and rustic service.
Main Course: Bistecca Fiorentina
This steak is heaven for those who like their meat rare: It is an insult to ask for a Florentine steak well-done. The Florentine steak is a large entrecote that includes the fillet (also known as a T-bone steak), cooked on a wood grill so that it is crispy on the outside and succulent and juicy on the inside.
Florentine Steak: Where to Eat in Florence
Trattoria Sostanza. This historical trattoria has been in business since 1869. Order a bistecca fiorentina here and you’ll get a massive steak cooked over their ancient wood-burning stove.
Dessert: Cantuccini with Vin Santo
While you are probably more familiar with tiramisu (or the Florentine version called zuccotto), the dessert you’ll see on most menus in Florence is cantuccini with vin santo. Cantuccini are hard almond biscuits similar to biscotti. Dip the cantuccini into the glass of sweet vin santo until spongy and eat. It’s a delicious way of ending a meal in Florence.
Cantuccini with Vin Santo: Where to Eat in Florence
Il Cantuccio di San Lorenzo. This bakery specializes in cantuccini, so you can guarantee that you’re eating one that is fresh and made to a high standard. They have a number of flavours and other sweet delicacies, but stick with the traditional biscuit for a true taste of Florence.
Now that you know where to eat in Florence, why not check out Hipmunk for awesome hotels in Florence?!
Featured photo courtesy of Hecktic Travels via Trover.