If you’re looking for the best food to try while in Florence, Italy, then look no further! This list of 12 fantastic dishes will have your taste buds tingling and your stomach rumbling. From Tuscan Pecorino Cheese to Rigatoni alla Carbonara, there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Bon appetite!
1. Tuscan Pecorino Cheese
For cheese lovers, a trip to Florence, Italy is not complete without a taste of Tuscan Pecorino. This delicious cheese is made from sheep’s milk and has a wide variety of flavors, depending on the age of the cheese.
The youngest Pecorinos are creamy and mild, while the aged cheeses are sharper and more pungent. No matter what your taste preference, there is a Tuscan Pecorino that will suit your palate.
In addition to its great taste, Tuscan Pecorino is also known for its nutritional value. It is high in protein and calcium, making it an ideal snack for those who are looking for a healthy alternative to traditional snacks like chips or cookies.
2. Rigatoni alla Carbonara
There’s nothing quite like a hearty plate of pasta to hit the spot, and in Florence, rigatoni alla carbonara is one of the most popular dishes. This dish is made with short, thick pasta tubes that are cooked in a savory pancetta and egg sauce.
The sauce is traditionally made with lots of Parmesan cheese, giving it a rich and creamy flavor. So if you’re looking for a delicious and authentic Italian meal, be sure to order rigatoni alla carbonara the next time you’re in Florence.
3. Bistecca alla Fiorentina
There’s nothing quite like a big, juicy steak, and in Florence, you’ll find some of the best steaks in the world. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a Florentine specialty, and it’s a must-try for any meat lover.
The steak is usually made from Chianina beef, a rare breed of cattle that is only found in central Italy. The meat is cooked over an open flame, and it is typically served rare or medium-rare.
The steak is typically served with a simple salad of arugula and shaved Parmesan cheese. But no matter how you enjoy your Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
4. Trippa alla Fiorentina
If you’re looking for a truly memorable dining experience, look no further than Trippa alla Fiorentina in Florence, Italy. This unique dish is made with fresh Tripe, a type of stomach lining that is commonly used in Italian cuisine.
The tripe is slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and white wine, creating a rich and flavorful stew. Traditionally, Trippa alla Fiorentina is served with either bread or polenta, making it a perfect meal for any time of day.
5. Crostini di Fegato
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Florence, Italy, then you have to try Crostini di Fegato. This traditional dish consists of slices of liver paté on top of grilled bread.
The liver is full of rich, savory flavors that are perfectly complemented by crispy bread. Crostini di Fegato is typically served as an appetizer, but it’s so delicious that you’ll want to order it as your main course.
6. Ribollita
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are few dishes more iconic than Ribollita. This hearty soup originated in the Tuscan city of Florence, and it has been a staple of the region for centuries.
The soup is traditionally made with a variety of vegetables, beans, and day-old bread, all simmered together in a rich tomato broth. While the exact ingredients may vary from cook to cook, Ribollita always has a robust flavor that is sure to satisfy.
Today, this beloved soup can be found on menus all over Italy, and it remains a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. If you find yourself in Florence, be sure to try a piping hot bowl of Ribollita.
7. Panino con la Porchetta
There’s nothing quite like a Panino con la Porchetta from one of the street vendors in Florence, Italy. The porchetta is a traditional Italian dish made of roasted pork that is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and other spices.
The pork is then thinly sliced and placed on a freshly-baked roll. The result is a sandwich that is both savory and juicy, with a hint of sweetness from the bread.
Vendors typically offer several different types of porchetta, including traditional (plain), rosemary, fennel, or chili pepper. No matter which type you choose, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious Florentine treat!
8. Cantucci Biscotti
Florence is famous for its Cantucci Biscotti, a delicious almond biscuit that is perfect for dipping in coffee or Vin Santo. Cantucci Biscotti are made with flour, sugar, eggs, almonds, and baking powder, and they are traditionally shaped into logs before being baked.
The biscuits are then cut into slices and baked again to create the signature crunchy texture. Cantucci Biscotti come in many different flavors, including classic almond, chocolate, and chestnut.
In Florence, you can find them at cafes and bakeries all over the city. If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to bring home from your trip to Florence, a box of Cantucci Biscotti is a perfect choice!
9. Gelato
Florence is home to some of the best gelato in Italy. Restaurants and gelaterias line the streets, each offering its own unique flavors. From simple chocolate and vanilla to more exotic options like pumpkin spice and cinnamon, there’s a flavor for everyone.
The gelato in Florence is so good that it’s worth waiting in line for. The creamy texture and rich flavor will leave you wanting more. So next time you’re in Florence, be sure to grab a cup or cone of gelato.
10. Vin Santo
Among the many delights of Florence, Italy, is the Vin Santo wine. This delicious dessert wine is made from a blend of white grapes that are left to air-dry for several months. The result is a dark, rich wine with a sweet, raisin-like flavor.
Vin Santo is traditionally served with Cantucci biscuits, which are also known as “biscotti di Prato.” These twice-baked cookies are the perfect accompaniment to the sweet wine. Together, they make a delightful ending to any meal.
11. Zuppa Inglese
Zuppa Inglese is a traditional dessert from Florence, Italy. It is made of layers of sponge cake soaked in coffee and liqueur, alternating with layers of custard or chocolate pudding. The cake is then covered with whipped cream and decorated with chocolate shavings or candied fruit.
Zuppa Inglese has a long history, dating back to the 17th century. According to legend, the dessert was created by a chef who was trying to impress the English ambassador to Florence. The name “Zuppa Inglese” literally means “English soup,” a reference to the fact that the dessert is composed of various different components.
Today, Zuppa Inglese is a popular choice for special occasions such as birthdays and weddings. It is also a favorite of tourists visiting Florence. If you’re looking for a truly indulgent treat, be sure to try Zuppa Inglese!
12. Ricciarelli
There’s nothing like a freshly baked Ricciarelli cookie, and in Florence, Italy, you can find some of the best. Ricciarelli is a type of Tuscan almond cookie that dates back to the Middle Ages.
They’re made with sugar, almonds, egg whites, and lemon zest, and they have a characteristic oval shape. These days, you can find Ricciarelli all around Italy, but they’re particularly popular in Florence.
If you’re looking for a delicious treat to bring home from your trip, or if you just want to enjoy a delicious snack while you’re exploring the city, be sure to stop by a bakery and pick up some Ricciarelli cookies.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best food to try in Florence, Italy, look no further! From traditional Tuscan dishes to sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re in Florence, be sure to sample some of these delicious foods. You won’t regret it!
