When it comes to food, Italy offers an incredible variety, and it’s almost difficult to choose where to go. Florence, a well-known tourist destination, has an outrageous number of cafes, food stores, panini shops, restaurants, and trattorias. However, it must be said that the overall quality is very high, and no matter where you go, the food will likely be pretty good. As a temporary resident of this city, though, you might want to seek out the niche spots—the hidden gems that Florentines keep as secrets (or at least, they try to!).
We’ve put together a short list, though it’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more suggestions we’ll leave for another time.
SandwiChic
This small store was once a merceria, with an elderly lady selling underwear, socks, buttons, threads, and ribbons, stored in carefully arranged cardboard boxes on wooden shelves. In 2014 it was transformed into a fantastic sandwich shop—or panino. The brand proudly states, “EAT ME WARM, PLEASE”—so that’s exactly what you should do! Most of the ingredients are locally sourced from selected producers known for their quality.
They also offer student discounts!
Address: Via San Gallo, 3r
Forno Pugi
“La schiacciata del Pugi l’è bona” is a Florentine statement to express a certainty, not an opinion: it—is—good. Schiacciata is the local version of the better-known focaccia, the Italian oven-baked flatbread topped with extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt. Pugi bakery, established in 1925, is famous for its signature schiacciata—a must-try!
Address: Piazza San Marco 9/b
Semel Street Food
Sèmel is an old Tuscan word for a soft white flour bun. Semel Street Food is a tiny shop near Piazza Ghiberti in the Sant’Ambrogio area, open for over 20 years. You won’t find truffle or pesto sauces here, but to fill your sèmel, you’ll find specialties like slow-cooked wild boar, braised venison with mushrooms and polenta, or mussels in zimino (a traditional Tuscan stew with greens and tomatoes). The house favorite? Smoked herring, Tuscan Pecorino cheese, and Sicilian cherry tomatoes.
Address: Piazza Ghiberti, 44r
MaMe Greek Street Food
At MaMe, they believe that street food can be a high-quality experience. Their menu combines the simplicity of street food with the authenticity of Mediterranean flavors: here you’ll find fresh and great quality ingredients!
Address: Via dei Serragli, 114r
Wild Buns Bakery
Authentic Scandinavian bakery opened in 2022, Wild Buns has already gained the title of best patisserie in Florence for 2024. You will find all types of buns, not only the classic cinnamon, but also pistachio, lemon-poppy seeds, peach-crumble, and salted caramel… stop here also for lunch, as they serve delicious homemade wraps, salads, burgers, and sandwiches.
Address: Via dei Camaldoli 1/c
Ravvin Ravioli e Vino
Alternative Dining – Eat in the Factory at Factory Prices. If a plate of Chinese dumplings costs €3 and a glass of wine is just €1—plus, you get to enjoy it with a friendly crowd of Italian and international university students—there’s every reason to give it a try! Homemade dumplings for an easy, delicious bite!
Address: Via del Ponte alle Mosse, 9R