Where to go in Florence for a tasty and authentic but inexpensive meal? Where to taste the gourmet Florentine steak? Find out in which restaurants and cafes the locals eat, what tourists advise, and how to save money.
Tripperia pollini
A mobile shop next to the Basilica of Santa Croce is created for those who love pesto and tripe and cracklings. Traditional Florentine fast food is prepared in the van. Locals and tourists alike love the hot meat sandwiches with lampredotto and trippa. There is a queue of people who want to try simple food in the shop.
Average check... A hearty snack for two costs 7 €.
Address: Via de'Macci, angolo con Borgo la Croce.
Website: www.facebook.com/tripperiapollini
I 'Covo De' Ghiotti
A great place to eat deliciously and inexpensively in Florence is an amazing family cafe in the city center. It is renowned for its hospitable hosts, friendly atmosphere, attentive service and a large selection of Italian and Tuscan cuisine.
Food prices start at 3-4 €. There is a menu in different languages. The staff speaks good English.
Average check... Lunch for two costs 22-25 €.
Address: Borgo Albizi 83 / R.
Website: www.facebook.com/I-COVO-DE-GHIOTTI
La Fettunta
Simple wooden tables with napkins, baskets of fresh bread, delicious food and fast service are all you can dream of when you're hungry. The restaurant specializes in traditional Italian cuisine. You will be offered delicious pasta, lasagne, caprese salad, desserts and exquisite homemade wine.
The prices are good - a decent piece of beef with potatoes and salad costs 18 €. At lunchtime at the entrance you need to sign up on a piece of paper.
Average check... Lunch for two costs 30-40 €.
Address: Via Dei Neri 72 / R.
Website: www.facebook.com/LaFettuntaFirenze
Il Coccolo
A tasty and inexpensive meal in Florence can be found in this small, authentic cafe. The interior is very cozy and the famous Tuscan pasta is served at home in a low red saucepan. Order assorted seafood and quality beer!
Try the signature fried balls stuffed with nutella, cream and apricot jam. Visitors are allowed to fill desserts on their own. The prices are moderate - from 4 € per dish. A glass of wine costs 2 €.
Average check... A hearty lunch for two will cost 25-32 €.
Address: Via Matteo Palmieri 30 / R Near the Arch of San Pierino.
Website: www.facebook.com/ilcoccolofirenze
Come Dio Comanda
Paninoteca serves connoisseurs of Tuscan fast food. You can take a glass of wine for 1-2 € and a hearty sandwich with fresh sausage, meat, cheese and herbs for 3-5 €. Gourmets love delicious sauces and delicate truffle oil.
Try the famous Tuscan Lampedotto, a large burger stuffed with meat from a cow's stomach. If you're in a hurry, order takeaway and grab a bite to eat in the Rose Garden or on the Arno Quay.
Average check... A hearty snack for two - 12-15 €.
Address: Via di San Niccolo '69 / R.
Website: www.facebook.com/ComeDioComanda
I Maledetti Toscani
If you are looking for a delicious meal in Florence, check out the café with the funny name “I Am Damned Tuscan”. The history of the institution began in 1848, and today chain cafes are open in several cities in Italy, other European countries and Canada. Young Italians and tourists alike come here for Tuscan ham sandwiches, pizza, soda and sprite. Prices for burgers are very affordable - from 3 €.
Average check... Lunch for two costs 10-14 €.
Address: Via Dei Cerchi.
Where to eat Florentine steak
If you're looking for a place to try Florentine steak in Florence, check out All'Antico Ristoro di Cambi (address: Via Sant'Onofrio, 1R) and I 'Brindellone (address: piazza Piattellina, 10). Don't count on low prices. The Chianina specialty of cow meat costs from 40 to 60 € per 1 kg, and the steak is usually served weighing 1.3-1.4 kg. But you can eat it together!
Tips on how to save money in Florence
The most affordable cafes and restaurants in Florence are those for the locals. They are easy to find by special signs. There is no barker near the entrance. The entire menu is on the street. Restaurants are open from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 19:00 to 22:00. During lunch and dinner, there are few or no vacancies at all.
There are many inexpensive fast food restaurants and cafes in the Mercato Centrale Florentine market, and there is a large food court on the second floor.
During the daytime, restaurant prices are lower than in the evening. Eat big during the day and grab a bite to eat in a café or bar in the evening!
There is a daily menu at noon in many places - set meals are offered with discounts.
In Italy, large portions. Don't rush to order a lot. Find out what tourists think of Florence.
It is customary to leave a tip in restaurants - 10% of the bill. Ask the waiter if the price of dishes includes superto - a surcharge for a set table and serviso - a service charge.
In order not to spend money on street food, settle in an apartment with a kitchen and cook yourself. A daily set of groceries for one in supermarkets in Florence will cost 12-15 €.
