Just like everything else in Tuscany and Florence, the food and dining in general is many a splendid thing. There are many restaurants and trattorie all over the region of Tuscany where you can dine on magnificent food, accompanied by the famous wine of the region of Chianti while on your Tuscany vacation. For wine connoisseurs, you can even take a wine tasting tour. You will even find Tuscany vacation packages which feature mainly dining in Tuscany. In other words, in Florence and Tuscany, you won’t go hungry and you’ll find much to choose from that is both healthy and delicious.
Tuscan cuisine is made up of foods such as wonderful breads, cheeses, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables. Olive oil made from various types of local olives is often used. Pork and beef is of high quality from local farms.
Try out some of the following restaurants in Florence that you must not miss. You’ll also find plenty of bars and cafes for a snack, coffee, conversations and relaxation on your Tuscany vacation. I’ll start with some of the cheaper places to eat, if you’re traveling to Tuscany on a budget.
Sample the Florentine specialty Panini which you can purchase from the tripe seller carts. It can be eaten hot (caldo) or cold (freddo) served with unsalted Tuscan bread. Cost for this quick meal with a bottle of mineral water is about $3.00.
Dining at a Trattorie, instead of a formal restaurant is fun and will save you some money if you are a budget traveler to Tuscany. You will also find people selling food from food carts in the streets of Florence.
Dining in Tuscany
Il Latini is a fun place to eat. Hanging from the ceiling you’ll notice large prosciutto hams, you’ll be surrounded by waiters with an entertaining sense of humor, you’ll sit at long communal tables, dining on ribollita (vegetable soup) and large plates of grilled meat and other staples of Florentine cuisine. Il Latini is popular with tourists and locals alike.
Dine on traditional Tuscan fare at I’ Cche’ c’e c’e in Florence, dishes such as beef cooked in Chianti wine or tagliatelle with wild mushrooms. Accompany your meal with bread, cheese and some local wine. I’ Cche’ c’e c’e is also a fun place to go for a meal in Florence. In the center of the Trattorie is one large communal table, surrounded by smaller private reserved tables around the outside. This is a charming, popular trattorie for locals and tourists alike on vacation in Tuscany.
The Sandwich Shop is located next to the Antico Noe – a famous wine bar in Florence. You can also get food at Antico Noe, but The Sandwich Shop offers sandwiches for up to $3.00. You can choose from a variety of sandwiches with fillings such as roasted meats, and toppings such as fresh mozzarella cheese, spinach, and roasted eggplant.
Another suggestion for budget meals in Florence is right across the street where there is a falafel/schwarma stand for great sandwiches with that Middle Easter flair. You can also get a beer here for just $3.00 – the same price as the sandwich.
In the Piazza de Mercato in Florence, dine at ZaZa’s. The food is good traditional Tuscan fare, such as insalata, crostini, minestra and spiedini. There’s outdoor seating and wine is served.
Another trattorie to eat cheap in Florence is Il Pizzaiuolo. The owner is from Naples and brings with him his famous pizza recipe. The restaurant is loud, fun and you’ll be sitting at long tables with other hungry folks. The pizza is incredible, and you should arrive early and stay late for a fun night in Florence.
In the Mercato Central, dine at Nerbonne, somewhat buffet style. Lunchtime serves hot and cold dishes you line up for. Sandwiches such as Panini are made up especially for you. The dining area is made up of art nouveau décor, marble tables and wrought iron work. Delicious sandwiches such a tripe, boiled beef are yummy! Huge portions are served which will quell any appetite!
For your vacation in Tuscany, there are many delicious places to dine, even if you are on a budget, you can enjoy a heavenly feast of Tuscan fare. For the rich travelers among us who will be staying at the wonderful villas in Tuscany, there are also plenty of dining in Tuscany options, but that’s another article to come in the near future.
