The city of Florence is most famously known for its culture, art, history, and the food, of course! With so many options to choose from, it can seem overwhelming when trying to find places to eat during a busy day of classes. There are countless places you’ll have to hunt down during your time in Florence, but in the meantime, here are some suggestions to help make the process easier!
Rivarno Cafe
A hidden gem along the Arno River, Rivarno Cafe is a quaint and charming place that is vegetarian friendly with plenty of gluten-free options. Located directly next to Palazzo Bargagli, it’s an ideal spot to grab a quick bite in between classes. Their menu offers an array of smoothies, wraps, panini, and baked goods. Make sure to let them know you attend ISI Florence to receive a student discount!
Mercato Centrale
Mercato Centrale is the largest indoor food market in Florence, and is a food lover’s paradise! The first level is a sort of farmers market that sells fresh produce, meats, spices, cheese, and so much more. On the second floor, you’ll find a wide range of cuisines and Florentine specialties packed into an upscale food court. From burgers, to sushi, to cheese and wine bars, this is the ideal place to try out different dishes. Be sure to check out Mercato Centrale, the opportunities are endless!
All’Antico Vinaio
Considerably one of Florence’s most iconic sandwich shops, All’Antico Vinaio is a bucket-list spot during your time abroad. For only 6 euro, you can try their famous focaccia sandwiches from a menu full of variety to satisfy any taste palette. Located in the heart of the city center, it’s within walking distance from Palazzo Bargagli, and is a great place to stop in for lunch in between classes. Did I mention that All’Antico Vanaio is the third most-reviewed restaurant on TripAdvisor in the world?
#RAW
A short walk over the Arno river into Santo Spirito, #RAW has a menu consisting of completely raw ingredients, and is a nice change of pace from the usual Italian cuisine. With vegan and gluten-free options, their menu has a wide variety of wraps, smoothies, juices, and even gelato. If you’re looking for healthier options, this place is a must!
Gusta Pizza
In a country famous for its pizza, Gusta Pizza is arguably one of the most popular pizza spots in Florence. The menu is simple, the service is quick, and the pizzas are made fresh at a reasonable price for under 10 euro. Seating is limited, but you can take it to go and sit on the steps of Santo Spirito Basilica. It’s always bustling with locals and tourists alike, and the atmosphere is unmatched. This hole-in-the-wall pizza shop will not disappoint!
Interested in learning about what kind of food Italy has to offer? Check out courses like Social Media, Social Food, or The History & Culture of Food.
About the Author:
Brenna is a former student of ISI Florence and a current intern at ISI Abroad. She has traveled extensively in recent years to embrace new cultural experiences and gain new perspectives.