Visiting Florence is always a good idea.

A city that represents the Italian genius, art, culture, and the traditional Tuscan cuisine from the Renaissance. Getting lost in its alleys entails exploring history, and there is always some unexpected wonder around every turn.

A harmonious blend of inventive contemporary and regal antiquity may be found in the palaces, sculptures, fountains, squares, clubs, and restaurants. Florence is a city in the making that utilises its incredible past to constantly change and advance.

It has traditionally been one of the most sought-after cities to move to for study and work, as well as a favourite Italian tourist destination for both domestic and foreign travellers, thanks to both its beauty and gastronomy.

It provides fantastic opportunities and the assurance of priceless encounters.

The Cathedral, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Museum, which features priceless works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio; Ponte Vecchio with its renowned goldsmith shops, Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city, and the numerous must-try Florentine restaurants are just a few of the city's many attractions.

You may find our ranking of the 8 best restaurants in Florence in this article. We have divided them into four categories: best restaurants with a view, best Florentine steak restaurants, most famous restaurants and best traditional restaurants. We provide you with two suggestions from the numerous available in the city for each category. This is our guide to helping you have an unforgettable sensory and emotional experience.

Best restaurants in Florence with a view

Let's start immediately with two of the best panoramic restaurants in Florence.

There are a lot of landscapes to choose from, and even if the price may be a little higher, it's worth having lunch or dinner there. But to make it easier for you to select, here are two places you must visit whether you're simply passing through or planning to travel for a while.

Golden View Firenze

Through its windows, you can see the Ponte Vecchio and all of its vibrant shops just over the Arno River.

One of the most well-known pictures of this panorama can be taken by you directly from the Golden View Firenze room.

But this restaurant also stands out for its high standards of excellence and elegance, as well as its upscale menu and all-natural ingredients.

The owner, who loves both art and wine, infuses his creativity into the dishes and will suggest the best pairings to maximise your enjoyment.

Address: Via Dei Georgofili, 11/r

SE·STO on Arno (Westin Excelsior)

One of the city's most breath-taking panoramic vistas may be seen on the sixth level of The Westin Excelsior. The opulent, translucent window-enclosed edifice stretches out across two sizable terraces with a view.

You will be able to admire Florence from above and will feel as though you could wrap it up in one giant hug.

Mediterranean and modern food are served in the SE-STO restaurant, which has a lovely setting. Tagliatelle with rabbit meat, cream of leeks and black truffle, and pork cheek with soft polenta are a few of the most luxurious options available.

Address: Piazza Ognissanti, 3

Best Florentine steak in Florence

The Bistecca alla Fiorentina, also referred to as La Fiorentina, is one of the most well-known beef dishes in the world.

A grilled adult beef steak that is three to four fingers high.

We will now unveil two of the best Florentine steak in Florence because, if you are not a vegetarian, we are confident that your mouth is watering already.

There are undoubtedly many more, but you may rely on these if you're not sure which one to contact.

Buca Lapi

At Luciano's Buca Lapi, under Palazzo Antinori, you will feel like you are at home, even better.

It is one of the symbolic places of true Florentine cuisine, where you will find a 3-finger high steak and one of the best on the market. They use quinini or Marche calves from Italy for their meat.

Cooking on the grill with a certain olive wood is one of the tricks to make it so excellent, but further information cannot be disclosed. The meat has an unmistakable flavour and is juicy and soft. One must try to believe!

Address: Via del Trebbio, 1r

Regina Bistecca

The restaurant was founded in the heart of Florence, in a former antiques bookshop that still exudes elegance. The Regina Bistecca restaurant is on two floors and there is also a space where books are still kept.

This Fiorentina is perhaps the largest steak you've ever seen, four fingers high. You will be given snacks while in the waiting, such as a mini sandwich with lampredotto.

On gorgeous cutting boards, the meat is brought to the table after being grilled over open charcoal coals.

Address: via Ricasoli, 14r

Most famous restaurants in Florence

The cuisine of today includes reinterpretations in a modern style that incorporate seasonal, local, and regional ingredients in creative ways.

There are renowned Michelin-starred restaurants everywhere, including Florence, where you can enjoy delicious food.

You must spend at least one genuinely spectacular evening in one of these two locations if you want to make your trip truly memorable.

Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura

The Gucci restaurant in Florence is located on the first floor of the Palazzo della Mercanzia, which also contains the Gucci Garden, which includes the archive, the museum, and the boutique of the Florentine maison.

Massimo Bottura, one of the best chefs in the world, devised the menu for Gucci Osteria, which features main courses, sides, and desserts. The young Mexican chef Karime Lopez has also revamped the kitchens of other nations.

The venue has given the historic structure where it is housed a contemporary spirit. The service is stylish and refined, and the furnishings have been carefully considered.

The latest news is the opening of the Gucci Giardino 25 café and cocktail bar, which is located close to the restaurant. The colours and decor of the location have a Florentine feel to them, and certain elements are reminiscent of the Gucci Osteria. The restaurant serves breakfast and creatively crafted beverages throughout the day.

Address Gucci Osteria: Piazza della Signoria, 10

Address Gucci Giardino 25: Piazza della Signoria, 37r

Atelier de’ Nerli

From the creative flair of Daniele Cavalli, one of Roberto Cavalli's five children, Atelier de 'Nerli was born in the historic centre of Florence.

He has built a starred restaurant that doubles as an art gallery and atelier since he has a lifelong interest for art, food, music, and photography. Gianluca Camilotto, the restaurant's chef, contributes his culinary skills to a space that is also referred to be a place for quality and cultural exchange.

The restaurant's particular flavour comes from a contemporary touch added to the Tuscan food that serves as its basis.

The tasting tour is certain among the butter-browned scallops, the sautéed artichokes, and the fillet with three peppers.

Address: Piazza de’ Nerli, 9r

Best traditional restaurants in Florence

Traditional “trattorias”, where you can enjoy homemade food and the tastes of the past, continue to be the lifeblood of Florentine cuisine.

Two of the best traditional restaurants in Florence, hotspots for fans of regional cuisine, could not be left out of our evaluation. There are several traditional recipes that date back in time, including ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, lampredotto, and many others.

You cannot say that you have been to Florence, or to Tuscany, without having tried the real traditional dishes at least once.

Buca Mario

This area truly represents Florence in the past.

The ingredients used at Buca Mario are simple and genuine, as is the design of the place, which is a traditional cellar created in the basement of the Niccolini palace in the sixteenth century.

Among the recipes there are: artichoke flan, ribollita, pappardelle with wild boar sauce and grilled steak.

Special features: a private room with an exit to the rear.

Address: Piazza degli Ottaviani, 16/r

Il Magazzino

Here you may experience the authentic flavour of Trippa alla Fiorentina, but there are also lampredotto meatballs, ravioli loaded with lampredotto and potatoes, and linguine with black cabbage pesto among the menu options.

Even Il Magazzino's wine list is well-stocked, so you can pair the ideal bottle with the food of your choice. Naturally, the flavours are powerful and transport you to an earlier time in Florence.

The restaurant is distinguished by its basic and classic furnishings, hardwood tables, and soothing lighting.

Address: Piazza della Passera, 2/3

It's now all up to you to decide which restaurants to visit in order to complete your short- or long-term stay in the city of the Italian Renaissance in true Florentine style.