What to Eat, Where to Go and Taste Florence Like a Local!
Eat Your Way Through Florence: The Ultimate Food & Tasting Tour by Artviva
Experience the flavors of Florence with the original authentic luxury food tour company in Italy. Taste your way through historic markets, street food stalls, gourmet shops, and end with a classic Tuscan meal in a beloved local restaurant.
Why Florence is One of the Best Cities in the World for Food Lovers
Florence isn’t just the cradle of the Renaissance—it’s a living, breathing pantry of flavors, shaped by centuries of tradition and a fierce love for seasonal, local ingredients. From tripe stalls that date back to the Middle Ages to noble wines born from ancient hills, this city tells its story not only in museums and palaces – but in markets, wine bars, and humble bowls of ribollita.
Florence’s culinary heritage is rooted in cucina povera—the art of making extraordinary meals from humble ingredients. Think crusty saltless bread, slow-simmered beans, offal turned into delicacies, and wild herbs foraged from Tuscan hillsides. Paired with world-class wines and the best extra-virgin olive oil in Italy, Florence is a food-lover’s dream—and Artviva’s tasting tour is the best way to experience it.
What Makes Artviva’s Florence Food Tour So Special?
Artviva has been leading acclaimed tours in Florence for over 25 years. We’re not just a licensed luxury travel company based in Italy—we live here. We know the market vendors by name, the chefs who still stir pots like their nonnas taught them, and the best spots that locals keep to themselves.
Our tasting tour isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about connecting with the soul of Florence—through bites, sips, and the people behind them.
A Perfect Day of Eating in Florence: Your Florence Food & Tasting Tour Itinerary
1. Start the Day the Florentine Way: With a Perfect Coffee
We begin in a beloved historic café—perhaps Caffè Gilli in Piazza della Repubblica, serving espresso since 1733, or Ditta Artigianale, a modern coffee temple where single-origin beans meet Italian technique. Whether you take your espresso al banco or sit and savor, this is how the city wakes up.
2. Explore Florence’s Vibrant Food Markets
Markets are the heart of Italian life, and Florence is no exception.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
This is where real Florentines shop. We weave through vegetable stalls and butchers, sampling:
• Fresh-baked schiacciata all’olio
• Creamy and aged pecorino toscano
• Handmade ricotta (if we’re lucky, still warm)
• Salumi like finocchiona, soppressata, and rare buristo
Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo)
In the buzzing upstairs food court, we may stop for:
• Fried seasonal vegetables from Il Vegetariano
• Street-style panini from La Nerbone, famous for bollito and lampredotto
• Artisanal balsamic vinegar tastings at Acetaia Leonardi
• Tuscan honey, truffle sauces, and olive oils from tiny producers
3. Taste the Most Famous Street Food in Florence
Florence’s street food is bold, rustic, and unforgettable.
Top Street Food Stops in the Florence Food Tour:
• Da Nerbone – For lampredotto sandwiches with salsa verde and a splash of spicy red.
• Semel – Inventive panini like duck with orange or artichokes with pecorino and walnut cream.
• I Trippaio di San Frediano – A family-run stall in the Oltrarno where you can try lampredotto or trippa alla fiorentina with tomato and Parmigiano.
• Da Vinattieri – Hidden in a tiny alley behind the Bargello, offering coccoli (fried dough) with stracchino and prosciutto.
• I Due Fratellini – Since 1875, this stand-up spot has served mini panini with a glass of Tuscan red.
4. Cheese, Balsamic & Gourmet Tastings: Hidden Treasures
We venture into a tiny alimentari or formaggeria, where shopkeepers cut slices of cheese as if they were offering jewels.
• Pecorino stagionato aged in caves or wine barrels
• Pecorino fresco with fig jam
• Caprino (goat’s cheese) paired with acacia honey
Then, aged balsamic vinegar—aceto balsamico tradizionale—is served on a porcelain spoon like syrupy black gold. No bread. No distractions. Just the complexity of 25 years in a barrel.
Optional Florence Food Tour stops might include:
• Procacci – For panini al tartufo (tiny truffle sandwiches) and a glass of sparkling wine.
• Pegna – A historic grocery store with shelves of gourmet preserves, pastas, and wines.
• Casa del Vino – A tiny enoteca serving wine by the glass with Tuscan crostini.
5. Discover Florence’s Wine Scene at Its Best Enoteche
Wine is a living part of daily life here. Our Florence Food Tour includes a stop at a top-tier enoteca, where you’ll sip Tuscan wines like:
• Chianti Classico DOCG – With its iconic black rooster seal
• Brunello di Montalcino – Deep, aged, and regal
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Elegant and structured
• Bolgheri Rosso – From the coastal “Super Tuscan” region
Top wine bars we may visit on the Florence Food Tour:
• Le Volpi e L’Uva – A wine lover’s gem behind the Ponte Vecchio
• Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina – Facing the palace, perfect for sipping with a view
• Enoteca Fuori Porta – In the Oltrarno, with a cozy garden terrace and expert pairings
6. End With a Classic Tuscan Lunch or Dinner
The tour ends as it should: with a proper meal at a truly great Florentine restaurant. No gimmicks, no shortcuts—just time-honored recipes, seasonal ingredients, and welcoming service.
Top Classic Tuscan Restaurants in Florence for a Florence Food Tour:
• Trattoria Cammillo – Handwritten menus and perfectly cooked pasta. A favorite of visiting chefs and locals alike.
• Ristorante del Fagioli – Near Santa Croce, known for bistecca alla Fiorentina and ribollita.
• Trattoria Sostanza – Rustic and tiny, famous for butter chicken (petti di pollo al burro) and tortino di carciofi.
• Buca Lapi – One of the oldest restaurants in Florence, known for its classic steak and cellar setting.
• I’Brindellone – Near Piazza Carmine, a local’s favorite for pappa al pomodoro and tagliata di manzo.
• Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori – If you can get a table, order everything. The vibe is pure old Florence.
For dessert, it’s often simple: cantucci dipped in vin santo, or perhaps a silky panna cotta with wild berries.
Signature Dishes to Look For in a Florence Food Tour
• Ribollita – Hearty bread-and-bean soup, reboiled to develop flavors
• Pappa al pomodoro – Thick tomato-bread soup, silky and savory
• Crostini neri – Chicken liver pâté on toast, bold and briny
• Lampredotto – Slow-cooked tripe sandwich, uniquely Florentine
• Pecorino toscano – Tuscany’s answer to Parmigiano
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina – A giant T-bone steak, grilled rare and served with salt and olive oil
Why Food Tours in Florence Are Essential
Because walking through Florence without tasting it is like seeing the David but never knowing Michelangelo. A food tour gives context. It connects what’s on your plate with the history in the stones beneath your feet. It turns a meal into memory.
With Artviva, you’re not just taking photos of plates—you’re learning what’s behind them. Our guides are locals, food lovers, and culture experts who bring flavor to life.
Book Your Florence Food Tour with Artviva Today
Artviva’s Florence Food & Tasting Tours are available as:
• Morning Tours (including market visits)
• Afternoon Tours (with wine tastings and gourmet stops)
• Private Food Experiences (for families, honeymooners, and serious foodies)
• Custom Tours (gluten-free, vegetarian, or special requests)
Tour Duration: 3–4 hours
Languages: English (other languages available on request)
Book Now & Taste the Real Florence
Click here to book your Florence food tour with Artviva
Some More Great Food and Wine Experiences You May Enjoy:
But of course, this tasting experience is just the beginning. At Artviva, we’ve spent over 25 years curating the most authentic and immersive food and wine experiences across Florence, Tuscany, and all of Italy.
From hands-on cooking classes in the kitchens of historic villas, to truffle hunting in the forests of Chianti, to noble wine tastings and gourmet transfers between cities, we offer a full menu of exceptional culinary adventures.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or planning a private group experience, Artviva’s insider access and deep local knowledge mean you’ll always be tasting Italy at its very best. Explore some of our most delicious experiences below.
Florence Food Tours & Tastings
Explore the rich culinary heritage of Florence through guided tours that take you to local markets, traditional eateries, and historic wine bars.
Tastes of Florence: A Walking Food Tour
Embark on a guided exploration of Florence’s gastronomic scene. Visit bustling markets, family-run bakeries, and historic wine bars, sampling Tuscan specialties like pecorino cheese, salami, and the famed Florentine tripe. Conclude with a delightful gelato from a renowned gelateria.
Tastes of Florence: Private Walking Food Tour
Enjoy a personalized culinary journey through Florence’s historic center. This private tour includes visits to traditional food markets, artisanal shops, and local eateries, offering tastings of regional delicacies tailored to your preferences.
Wine Tasting with a Sommelier in Florence
Enhance your understanding of Italian wines with a professional sommelier. Sample a selection of Italy’s finest wines, learn about regional variations, and receive expert guidance on wine appreciation.
Florence Cooking Classes
Immerse yourself in the art of Italian cooking with hands-on classes led by expert chefs in Florence.
Traditional Tuscan Cooking Class – 4 Courses
Learn to prepare a full four-course Italian dinner featuring traditional Tuscan dishes. This class emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and provides insights into authentic cooking techniques.
Fun Florence Cooking Class: 3-Course Dinner
Enjoy a fun and interactive cooking session where you’ll prepare a three-course Italian dinner. This class is perfect for those looking to learn the basics of Italian cuisine in a relaxed environment.
Renaissance Cooking Class in Florence
Step back in time and learn to prepare authentic Renaissance-era dishes. This class offers a historical culinary journey, exploring recipes and techniques from one of history’s most fascinating eras.
Vegan Cooking Class in Beautiful Florence
Explore the vibrant world of Italian vegan cuisine. This class focuses on traditional recipes adapted for a plant-based diet, utilizing organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Private Pasta Making Cooking Class in Florence
Experience a personalized pasta-making session tailored to your preferences. Learn the secrets of crafting perfect pasta from scratch in a private setting, ideal for couples, families, or small groups.
The Florentine Steak Experience™ – Florence Cooking Class
Delve into the tradition of the iconic Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This unique cooking class guides you through the preparation and enjoyment of Florence’s famous steak, offering a deep dive into local culinary customs.
Michelin Chef Cooking Classes & Market Tour in Florence
Join an exclusive cooking class led by a Michelin-starred chef. Begin with a market tour to select fresh ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking session focusing on authentic Italian recipes.
Tuscany Food & Wine Tours
Discover the flavors of Tuscany with tours that combine scenic beauty, historic sites, and culinary delights.
The Original Best of Tuscany Tour
Experience the essence of Tuscany on this full-day tour visiting the region’s most stunning hilltop towns: Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch and wine tasting at a local estate.
Wines of Nobility Tour – Wine Tasting in Tuscany
Visit historic Tuscan estates renowned for their noble wines. Enjoy tastings of award-winning vintages, learn about the winemaking process, and savor the rich heritage of Tuscan viticulture.
A Perfect Morning in Tuscany – Hiking Tour with Lunch and Wine
Combine scenic beauty with culinary delights on this relaxed morning hike through Tuscany. Enjoy stunning views, visit a historic villa, partake in a wine tasting, and indulge in a delicious Tuscan lunch.
Grape Stomping in Tuscany – Private Wine Tour Experience
Participate in the age-old tradition of grape stomping at a picturesque Tuscan vineyard. This private tour includes a guided vineyard visit, wine tasting, and a delightful lunch featuring local specialties.
Private Chef in Florence & Cooking Class at Your Villa
Enjoy a personalized cooking experience in the comfort of your villa. A professional chef will guide you through the preparation of a customized menu, culminating in a delightful meal shared with your group.
Adopt a Vine with Prince Corsini – Luxury Tuscany Wine Tour Experience
Experience an unforgettable day at the historic Principe Corsini estate in the Chianti countryside. Tour the vineyards, private villa, and 17th-century cellars before sitting down to a Tuscan lunch paired with estate wines. The highlight: adopt your own vine with a personalized nameplate and become part of the winemaking legacy of one of Tuscany’s most noble families.
Private Tuscany Wine Tour with a Wine Journalist
Discover the heart of Tuscany’s wine country on a private tour led by a professional wine journalist. Visit carefully selected boutique wineries producing Chianti Classico, Brunello, and Super Tuscans. Learn the stories behind the labels, meet winemakers, and enjoy expert-led tastings that bring the region’s wine culture to life.
Venice Food Tours
Navigate the canals and backstreets of Venice while indulging in the city’s unique gastronomic offerings.
Taste of Venice: ‘Bacari’ Food & Wine Tour with a Gondola Ride
Experience Venice like a local with a tour of traditional ‘bacari’ wine bars. Savor ‘cicchetti’ (Venetian tapas) paired with regional wines, and enjoy a gondola ride across the Grand Canal, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant food culture.
Sicily Food Experiences
Delve into the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Sicily, from street food to aristocratic cooking classes.
Sicily Street Food Tour
Wander through Sicily’s lively markets and historic streets, tasting iconic street foods such as arancini, panelle, and cannoli. Learn about the island’s culinary influences and traditions from an expert local guide.
Cooking Class with a Duchess in Sicily
Experience the elegance of Sicilian aristocratic cuisine with a cooking class hosted by a local duchess. Prepare traditional dishes using family recipes passed down through generations, and enjoy the meal in a historic palazzo setting.
Amalfi Coast Culinary Experiences
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Amalfi Coast with immersive cooking classes and culinary tours.
Amazing Positano Cooking Class
Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the Amalfi Coast with a hands-on cooking class in Positano. Learn to prepare classic dishes using fresh, local ingredients, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with stunning coastal views.
ARTVIVA BESPOKE GOURMET ADVENTURES
In addition to these curated experiences, Artviva offers bespoke gourmet adventures tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re interested in truffle hunting in Piedmont, pasta-making in Emilia-Romagna, or wine tasting in the vineyards of Sicily, Artviva can craft personalized itineraries to suit your culinary interests across Italy.
Ready to taste the real Italy?
Book your Florence food tour or start planning a custom culinary journey with Artviva today. Whether you want to sip Chianti in a Tuscan vineyard, learn to cook with a local chef, or discover hidden food treasures across Italy, we’ll make it unforgettable.
Visit www.artviva.com to explore our full range of food and wine experiences—or contact us to create a bespoke gourmet adventure tailored just for you.
Eat well. Travel deeper. Taste Italy with Artviva.
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