Note: This post goes back to 2016. Its contents are still valid but for my latest restaurant recommendations, go to my Substack. I offer my curated and updated lists to subscribers there, along with lots of other info about travel to, and moving to, Italy.
Del Fagioli
Corso dei Tintori, 47r
Open Mon-Sun for lunch and dinner.
Closed Saturdays and Sundays. They accept cash only
The family-run Trattoria Del Fagioli has served good quality traditional food for the past 50 years. It retains an old-world atmosphere where you can still experience the typical Tuscan trattoria of long ago. If you want an elegant meal or a table in a sun-splashed piazza, this is not the place. I recommend it most in colder months. The dish I’m most fond of here:
Arista di Maiale con Salvia e Rosmarino
This dish at Trattoria del Fagioli was even better than my mother’s Christmas turkey and my mom is a very good cook. I asked the owner how it was made, already with a plan in my head that I should attempt to replicate it this year at Christmas.
Angiolino
Via Santo Spirito, 36r
Open daily, for lunch and dinner
In the oh so handsome street of Via Santo Spirito, you will find Angiolino. It was overhauled in 2015, and its new look retains traditional elements and yet feels modern. I noticed the same attractive blue and white ceramic plates that I remember from 13 Gobbi, (a pretty trattoria that I used to take clients to 12 years ago when I was living in Florence running my wedding business) and I realized that Angiolino’s new owner is the same padrone of 13 Gobbi. My favorite dish here can be found in the fall:
Tagliatelle con Porcini e Nepitella
Along with the luscious silky nature of porcini, the addition of calamint lifts the dish a bit higher toward the heavens.
Berberè
Piazza dei Nerli, 1
or Via dei Benci 7
Open every evening, and also at lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Berberè was opened in 2014 in the neighborhood of San Frediano and recently another one opened in the Santa Croce area. They have a commitment to organic pizza, made with stone-ground organic flour— “never double zero flour”. You can choose your dough: enkir wheat, kamut, spelt, ancient grains, or whole wheat. Berberè rocks and people know it so you need a reservation.
I am partial to pizza bianca and love this one:
Pizza Bianca con Asparagi, Cipolloti Primaverili, Fiordilatte, e Pecorino Romano
The ancient grains dough has a healthy sourdough flavor and the inside of it almost has the texture of a croissant, while the outside has a perfect crunch. The sweetness of the spring onions combined wonderfully with sourdough, and the cheese is ultra-soft, melting buttery in the mouth.
For more about Florence, go here.
I have to say the three best meals I had in Florence were all Gelato
But this does look incredible…now I’m hungry!
Haaaa, that’s a great comment Jordan! ????
These all sound and look deelish!
Although, I must say that i love pizza and pasta , the first one stole my heart. the roasted pork loin seems amazing. Sage and rosemary are great flavours and you have got me drooling all the way from Manchester.
It sure stood out to me too, I may try making it for Christmas!
Oh wow!
I would happily tuck into any of these 3 dishes, polished off of course with a nice bottle of vino
Now I’m craving Italian…
Hi Chris, Food in Italy is just so fun, isn’t it?
Pasta definitely appeals to me through your description and pictures. Am going to make a note of the name to see if I can get something like that here.
The pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing these unique dishes with us
Hi Ami, where you are living?
I’ve been to Italy a couple of times, but unfortunately never to Florence. I would love to try Pizza Bianca con Asparagi. It looks so tasty!
Hi Adam,
I hope you’ll be able to visit Florence. It’s fantastic.
I want to try them all too! But I will give the priority to Roasted Pork Loin with sage and rosemary.
Glad you enjoyed the post Jessica
These are lovely and authentic Italian dishes. When in the beautiful city of Florence we too had the opportunity of eating Pizza and Pasta in some local Cafe’s. Being vegetarian we did not progress beyond this
Hi Vyjay,
Lately in Florence many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free, places have cropped up. I need to write a post that covers those!
When I was in Italy, I didn’t get the chance to see FLorence, now I have more reason to actually come and visit
When you go, let me know if you need any tips!
We actually tried all three restaurants and had all three dishes during our trip to Florence — you weren’t lying, they’re great spots and great dishes!
Berbere pizza truly stood out amongst the others in the City. Their sourdough bread crust and fresh, creative ingredients were amazing. We went back a second time during the third day but did not catch them when they were open. I recommend reservations given their upcoming popularity.
Trattoria di Faggioli was wonderful. It retains a local vibe, yet is welcoming to others who make reservations. All their food was incredible as well as their hospitality (we were a few minutes early to the reservation and were welcomed with two glasses of amazing table wine regardless).
Trattoria di Angiolino is a must in Florence. The restaurant is a bit larger than many of the Trattorias in Florence, but is charming nonetheless. The seafood and pasta dishes were great.
I am so tickled that you went to each of those places and ordered each of those dishes! I feel like you should get an award for being my most diligent clients
So glad you loved the experience at each of those restaurants.