Best Places To Eat In Florence On A Budget

A Foodie’s Guide to Florence Without Breaking the Bank

🍝🍕🍷 Florence is a food lover’s paradise, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the city’s culinary delights. From traditional trattorias to artisanal gelato shops, Florence has plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds without burning a hole in your pocket.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best places to eat in Florence on a budget. Whether you’re a student, a backpacker, or simply looking to save some money, we’ve got you covered.

Introduction

Florence is a city that’s steeped in history, culture, and art. But it’s also a city that’s famous for its food. Whether you’re looking for classic Italian dishes or regional specialties, Florence has something to offer every palate. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to go.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best places to eat in Florence on a budget. We’ll cover everything from traditional trattorias to street food vendors, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, we’ve got you covered.

1. Trattoria Mario

🍝 Located near the Mercato Centrale, Trattoria Mario is a local institution that’s been serving classic Tuscan dishes since 1953. The menu changes daily, but you can always expect to find hearty pasta dishes, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables. Be prepared to share a table with locals, as the restaurant is always busy.

🍷 Pro tip: Make sure to try the house wine, which is served in traditional Tuscan jugs.

2. All’antico Vinaio

🍕 If you’re looking for a quick and affordable lunch, head to All’antico Vinaio. This tiny sandwich shop serves up some of the best panini in Florence, with a wide selection of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. The sandwiches are huge and filling, making them perfect for a midday meal on the go.

🍷 Pro tip: The shop can get crowded, so be prepared to wait in line.

3. La Prosciutteria

🍷 Located near the Ponte Vecchio, La Prosciutteria is a wine bar and charcuterie that’s perfect for a pre-dinner snack. The menu features a wide selection of cured meats, cheeses, and wines, all at reasonable prices. The outdoor seating area is perfect for people watching.

🍷 Pro tip: Ask the staff for wine recommendations, as they’re always happy to help.

4. Grom

🍦 For dessert, head to Grom for some of the best gelato in Florence. The gelato is made with all-natural ingredients and comes in a variety of flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like ginger and cinnamon. The portions are generous, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

🍷 Pro tip: The pistachio gelato is a customer favorite.

5. Mercato Centrale

🍴 If you’re looking for a wide variety of food options, head to the Mercato Centrale. This indoor food market features dozens of stalls selling everything from fresh pasta to seafood to pizza. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the communal tables, or take your food to go and enjoy it outside in the nearby Piazza del Mercato Centrale.

🍷 Pro tip: Make sure to explore all the stalls before deciding what to eat.

6. I’Brindellone

🍝 I’Brindellone is a cozy trattoria located near the Boboli Gardens. The menu features classic Tuscan dishes like ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, as well as grilled meats and homemade pasta. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.

🍷 Pro tip: Make sure to try the house wine, which is served in traditional Tuscan jugs.

7. Gustapanino

🍕 If you’re looking for a quick and affordable lunch, head to Gustapanino. This small sandwich shop serves up some of the best panini in Florence, with a wide selection of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. The sandwiches are made to order, so you can customize them to your liking.

🍷 Pro tip: The shop can get crowded, so be prepared to wait in line.

8. Le Vespe

🍝 Located near the Santa Maria Novella train station, Le Vespe is a casual trattoria that’s perfect for a quick meal. The menu features classic Italian dishes like spaghetti carbonara and lasagna, as well as salads and sandwiches. The prices are affordable, and the portions are generous.

🍷 Pro tip: Make sure to save room for dessert, as the tiramisu is a customer favorite.

9. Pugi

🍕 Pugi is a small pizzeria located near the Sant’Ambrogio market. The pizza is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the crust is thin and crispy. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are perfect for sharing.

🍷 Pro tip: The margherita pizza is a customer favorite.

10. Il Vegetariano

🍴 If you’re looking for vegetarian and vegan options, head to Il Vegetariano. This cozy restaurant serves up a variety of dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.

🍷 Pro tip: Make sure to try the house-made seitan, which is a customer favorite.

11. Cantina del Gelato

🍦 For a sweet treat, head to Cantina del Gelato for some of the best gelato in Florence. The flavors are creative and unique, ranging from strawberry and balsamic vinegar to apple and cinnamon. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.

🍷 Pro tip: The chocolate and orange gelato is a customer favorite.

12. Zeb

🍝 Zeb is a hip and trendy restaurant located in the Oltrarno neighborhood. The menu features a mix of classic Italian dishes and more experimental options, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are perfect for sharing.

🍷 Pro tip: Make sure to make a reservation, as the restaurant can get busy.

13. Nerbone

🍴 Located inside the Mercato Centrale, Nerbone is a food stall that’s been serving up local specialties since 1872. The menu changes daily, but you can always expect to find hearty soups, sandwiches, and roasted meats. The prices are affordable, and the portions are generous.

🍷 Pro tip: The lampredotto sandwich is a local specialty that’s not to be missed.

FAQs

1. What is the average price of a meal in Florence?

🍝 The average price of a meal in Florence varies depending on the restaurant and the type of cuisine. However, you can expect to pay around €10-€15 for a pizza or pasta dish, and €20-€30 for a full meal with wine.

2. What is the typical Tuscan cuisine?

🍷 Tuscan cuisine is known for its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, including olive oil, herbs, and vegetables. Classic dishes include ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak).

3. What is the best time to eat in Florence?

🍴 In Florence, lunch is typically served between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, while dinner is served between 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm. Many restaurants close in the afternoon, so it’s best to plan your meals accordingly.

4. How do I find the best restaurants in Florence?

🍝 There are many ways to find the best restaurants in Florence, including asking locals for recommendations, reading online reviews, and consulting guidebooks. You can also explore different neighborhoods and try out different restaurants to find your favorites.

5. Is it necessary to make reservations at restaurants in Florence?

🍷 It’s always a good idea to make a reservation at popular restaurants in Florence, especially during peak tourist season. However, many small trattorias and pizzerias don’t take reservations, so try to arrive early to avoid long waits.

6. What is the dress code for restaurants in Florence?

🍝 The dress code for restaurants in Florence