What is Italy known for? Their food. And I can understand why! There is no Italian food like the food in Italy. I lived in Florence for 4 months, and of my time there, these were my favorites. (Map included at the bottom for reference).
Dining in Italy
There are so many options when choosing a place to eat out in Florence. Italians go out to dinner and think of it as an experience. Americans go out to dinner to just to eat and leave. It is very common to sit down to dinner in Italy and be there talking and eating for hours. (This means the service is usually pretty slow so you can never be in a rush). It also means that the food is to die for since it is such a big part of the Italian lifestyle and culture. On most menus you will see and "Antipasti" section along with "I Primi" and "Carni" meaning starters, pastas/first plate and meats. From my experience watching Italians dine, they will order one of each for themselves.
Tipping is only a thing here in America. Keep in mind that tipping is not common at restaurants in Italy. On your check you will see a line item called a "coperta" which is essentially a cover fee of usually $2-$3 per person. This is their version of a tip and therefore nothing in addition to that is required. Another thing that is very different from America is that the water is not free. Typically we'd ask for tap water, but sometimes they didn't do that so we would just pay for still.
A few more things to note if you've never been dining in Italy:
Trattoria=restaurant. Everything is called Trattoria ____ so it can be confusing.
Don't put cheese on seafood pasta. This is a big no in Italy and they will secretly judge you.
The limoncello they give you in shot glasses at the end of meals is not not the kind of alcohol you take as a shot. It is meant to be sipped as a digestive. (We learned this after downing a few on our first night and having people stare at us)
Restaurants & Cafes
Trattoria Zaza
A must!! Their menu has such a wide variety of Italian options including seafood, steaks, chicken, pizza, (obviously pasta), and much more. It is also so cheap! As a table of 6 getting wine and meals we would spend around $120 total every time.... The restaurant is also very large with year round patio seating. There is almost always a line so make a reservation if you can, although it is not necessary. Definitely a Florence favorite!
Website: https://www.trattoriazaza.it/
{#Patiodining} {#Budgetfriendly}
Gusta Pizza
BEST PIZZA IN FLORENCE!! Do not go to Florence without getting Gusta Pizza. There is always a line around the corner for this pizza. It may seem like there is not a lot of seating but they get people in and out and you never have to wait too long. When you think of pizza in Italy, this is it. They have great options, they're ginormous, and are only $8-$14! My favorite is the pesto pizza!(pictured in the bottom right).
{#Patioseating} {#Budgetfriendly} {#Pizza} {Does not take reservations}
4 Leoni
4 Leoni has a great patio within a courtyard. It's kind of a hidden gem, but it will have a wait so be sure to make a reservation. (A good sign that it's really good food.) Once again... cheap wine, amazing pasta and outdoor seating for smaller and larger parties.
Website: https://www.4leoni.it/
{Patio dining with possibility for larger groups}
Palazzo Tempi
Another larger Italian restaurant that is great for large or small parties. One of the best parts is that it is right by the river. Although I am not sure if they take reservations or not, we were able to sit right down with a party of 7. It is almost always crowded though because of its perfect location. Just like any restaurant in Italy, do not expect fast service here.
{#Restaurantontheriver} {#Largepatio}
Rooster Cafe
If you are looking for more of an American type breakfast to fill you up as a change of pace from all the pastries, Rooster Cafe is your place! We loved eating here because 1. they had great bagel sandwiches, 2. iced coffee and 3. breakfast potatoes!! All things we missed from America. They also have great prices. $12 for a whole meal, including coffee and water!
Website: https://www.roostercafefirenze.com/
{#Breakfast}
Caffe Concerto Paszkowski
Located on the Piazza della Repubblica (the plaza with the carousel), this caffe has a ton of comfortable patio seating is a great people watching spot. We only got drinks here, but it was a great spot to do so. This was the perfect lounging spot to have drinks with friends/family.
{#Gooddrinks} {#Largepatio} {#peoplewatching}
Vineria del Re
Also located on the Piazza della Repubblica, this restaurant has great outdoor seating with amazing food. They mostly serve pasta type meals, but all were really good. Atmosphere is 10/10 and once again, the wine is cheaper than water!
Website: https://www.vineriadelre.com/
{#Greatatmosphere} {#Outdoorseating} {#Pasta}
Trattoria de Pitti
This restaurant has a great atmosphere! It's a white tablecloth, candlelit dinner kind of place with a good variety of menu options and friendly staff. There is great boutique shopping on this street along with the Pitti Palace. Even if you don't make it to eat here, you must visit this area!
Website: https://www.trattoriadepitti.it/
{#PatioDining}{#GreatAtmosphere}
All'Antico Vinaio
If you've done any research on where to eat in Florence, you've probably already had this recommendation. Although I did not personally try this panini shop because the line was always so long, I've heard nothing but great things. Do not plan to "stop by" because you will most likely be waiting in a line that quite literally snakes down the street.
Website: https://www.allanticovinaio.com/
Rivarno Cafe
There are plenty of coffee shops and cafes around Florence, however, this cafe is right along the riverwalk and has the cutest atmosphere. Great for a morning coffee and pastry.
{#Coffee} {#Aesthetic}
Babae Firenze (Famous Italian "wine windows")
If visiting Florence you may notice the "wine windows" located on the walls of local Italian restaurants. (They're only about the height of a wine glass so they're little). You can go up to the window and order through it and they will hand you your wine through the opening. Despite what seems like a great COVID ~minimal contact~ idea, this tradition has actually been around Florence for centuries and is a fun thing to check out in the city! There are many around the city, but here is one if you know you for sure want to visit one.
Website: https://www.babaefirenze.it/
Plaza Hotel Luccessi Bar
My parents stayed here while visiting Florence. They had a nice rooftop patio with a bar and pool for in the summer! There is also such a good view of the duomo and the river. Nothing I love more than a rooftop bar!
Gelateria's
Florence really knows how to do their gelato. While you can find a gelateria on almost every street in Florence, these were my top picks. (In order)
Cantina del Gelato
This spot is right along the river and has great gelato options. The prices are great and the gelato is even better. While eating you can sit along the river with a view of Ponte Vecchio!
Sbrino
Sbrino is always decorated based on the season and has great flavors. Their options are definitely more unique than other gelato places and change seasonally.
Vivoli
Gelateria La Carraia
Ginos Bakery
Ginos Bakery has some gelato, but it mostly has crepes and bakery items that are to die for. It's super close to Ponte Vecchio too!
Gelateria della Passera
Although I have never gotten gelato from here, every time I passed it I would overhear a tour guide recommending it. Must be pretty good!
Restaurants & Gelato Locations
The link below allows you to interact with this map:
Sounds amazing Taylor. Great details of recommendations and beautiful photos —especially the one with your Dad 😘