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Vinny's Florence Food Walking Tour

This is something I put together quickly for a friend (Vinny) based on what I think he would enjoy. It is not a best of everything and it isn't meant to be definitive at all - it's just some personal favorites and recommendations for him (and I know it has some big holes in it but I will continue to update in the next few days).

It also does not have many of the places that are always discussed on social media, and a couple that are.

Mercato Centrale — Piazza del Mercato Centrale
The famous Central Market - turned into a real tourist destination on the upper floor several years ago. Probably worth a visit - it is pretty cool. Nerbone - on the ground floor, since 1872 is known for their panino con bollito (boiled beef sandwich, dipped in the cooking broth, topped with salsa verde), plus lampredotto and trippa alla fiorentina. Also a really good wine shop on the ground floor.
Procacci 1885 — Via de' Tornabuoni, 64R
This is a very particular place, and pretty expensive, but I think it's worth the experience, especially if you like Truffles. Think fancy snack - with great wine.
Lampredottaio de Cimatori — Piazza de' Cimatori
Make sure you are at the cart in the little piazza - at this place, get a bollito - a boiled beef sandwich. I just get the salsa verde but you may want the hot sauce too.
Yellow Bar — Via del Proconsolo, 39R
Our favorite carbonara, solid pizza and entrees too.
Rocco at La Loggia degli Albizi
La Loggia degli Albizi — Borgo degli Albizi, 39R
Just a bakery/bar but if you need a coffee and a snack it's a good spot - ask for my friend Rocco.
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio — Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti
I think this market is a must see. Outside are the food vendors, along with some household goods, clothes, etc. - and inside are all the food stalls - butchers, cheese mongers, grocery - and some restaurants. Trattoria Da Rocco is a good one - simple, fast, and cheap.
Trattoria Il Giova — Borgo la Croce, 73R
Went here with Pete - love this place. Real hole in the wall, family style place. Close quarters, solid food. Get a bottle of wine, not a carafe.
Cibrèo Caffè — Via Andrea del Verrocchio, 5R
The best cappuccino, and some amazing pastries, and everything else. This is a must stop - stand at the bar and have a coffee.
Il Pizzaiuolo — Via dei Macci, 113r
Our friends swore this place was the best pizza in Florence.
The owner of Semel - great guy.
Semel Street Food — Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 44/r
This is a really high recommendation - super particular little panini with stewed meats (like donkey, deer, etc.) on amazing little hard rolls. Really unique. Short hours 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Ristorante Boccadama — Piazza di Santa Croce, 25/26r
Just solid - a little on the touristy side but you will find out, everything is. We were good friends with the owner - ask for Marco or Giorgio. If you are going to have a Bistecca Fiorentina this is a solid choice.
Caffè Italiano — Via Isola delle Stinche, 11R/13r
Classic place - good for lunch at the restaurant, but at night they have pizza in the downstairs. This was my favorite.
All'Antico Vinaio — Via dei Neri, 65R
The famous schiacciata sandwiches, right on Via dei Neri - where we lived for about 5 years. The panino at the top of this page is from there.
Le Volpi e l'Uva — Piazza dei Rossi, 1R
Absolute must stop for wine by the glass (huge selection) and amazing plates of cured meats and cheeses, Italian and French.
Il Santo Bevitore — Via Santo Spirito, 64r
Really solid contemporary Italian. Great food, wine, staff - a good place for a romantic dinner.
I'Brindellone — Piazza Piattellina, 10
Real Tuscan trattoria - simple, inexpensive, good. Friendly vibe and they're into Fiorentina and the Calcio Storico.
Ellen with the owner
'L Trippaio di San Frediano — Piazza dei Nerli
This was right next to our last apartment. This is the place to try the lampredotto.
iO Osteria Personale — Borgo San Frediano, 167R
This is fancy, upscale, fine dining - a modern take on some classic Italian dishes (I had pigeon here once). If you want a fancy night out, it is this or il Santo Bevitore.
Trattoria Sabatino — Via Pisana, 2R
I wrote about this place here - you can decide for yourself. Basically it's a cafeteria but it has become a hit with tourists. We used to eat there - it's good, but super simple.