Local Eats in Florence, Italy

By Kelsey Gibson

Discover Some Amazing Local Eats in Florence

“I love places that have an incredible history. I love the Italian way of life. I love the food. I love the people. I love the attitudes of Italians.” – Elton John

When I think of Italy, Italian cuisine is the first thing that pops up in my head. Pizza. Pasta. Wine. Olive oil. What else do you need in life?

But it is so much more than just a cuisine in Italy. The ‘al dente’ cooked homemade pasta, thin and crisp pizza, and flavorful wine perfectly paired with each course is sure to make you believe you are in Heaven. Italians make it more than just a simple and quick meal; each meal becomes an event with family and friends. 

When traveling to Italy, you need to try real and authentic Italian food…these are normally not the restaurants located in the main tourist paths. Below you can find some of our favorite local Italian eats in Florence!

Touch

Starting off with my favorite restaurant in Florence. I am a bit biased since this is where I worked last summer, but it truly is a restaurant full of Italian authenticity and quality. It has traditional Italian foods with a modern 'touch' to them. Touch is co-owned by Matteo, Max and Stefano, all friends that had a similar vision and passion for sharing Italian history, culture, and food with people from around the globe. 

The restaurnt is a great place to grab a nice dinner with a few courses and a bottle of wine! While 'Selfie Carbonara' is a crowd favorite and stays on the menu, Touch updates their menu often in order to keep the freshest ingredients in all of their dishes. They are able to update often with their iPad menus! Definitely worth a visit when in Florence.

Touch

http://www.touchflorence.com

Via Fiesolana 18/r Firenze 

Tel: +390552466150

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY

Trattoria 4 Leoni

This restaurant is definitely more off the beaten path in the Oltrarno neighborhood not too far from Santo Spirito. Easily books up for dinner, but lunch is the same menu and easier to go on a whim! The menu is in Italian, but the wait staff is very open to give suggestions.

I got the fiocchetti alle pere con salsa di taleggio e asparagi, which consisted of some amazing pear filled pasta with asparagus and a really yummy sauce!

This restaurant is well-known to locals and tourists and the food won’t disappoint! You can even sit outside on a beautiful day and afterwards enjoy a taste of authentic gelato at Gelateria della Passera across the way. 

4 Leoni

http://www.4leoni.it/4Leoni/

Tel: 055218562

Via de' Vellutini 1r Firenze 

I’Brindellone

On the same side of the river as Trattoria 4 Leoni, this local restaurant is always full of locals. If you are looking for the classic Florentine bistecca, this is the place to go! This restaurant is closed on Monday nights, like many other Florentine restaurant, and is recommended that you call to make reservations before going.

You will not only get the real Tuscan feel through the food, but also simply being in the restaurant. This place will go far and beyond your expectations.

I'Brindellone 

Piazza piatellina 10-11/r

Tel: 39055217879

https://m.facebook.com/pages/I-Brindellone/202541566441800

 

Trattoria dell’Orto

Another local favorite, located once again in the Oltrarno neighborhood (are you catching the local trend on the other side of the river?), is Trattoria dell’Orto. This restaurant is simple, rustic, and fantastic.

Its ambiance will make you feel as though this is one of the most authentic in Florence…and it is! This restaurant has a wonderfully cooked Florentine bistecca and Tuscan wines to accompany it. Closed on Tuesdays and takes reservations! 

Trattoria dell' Orto

Via dell'Orto 35

39055224148

http://www.trattoriadellorto.com

Obicá Mozzarella Bar

This restaurant is an upscale mozzarella bar on Via Tornabuoni next to many designer stores. Its menu is filled with a few different kinds of mozzarella, cold plate starters, a few salads, and, my personal favorite, the pizza!

This pizza is one of the best I have had in Florence. Its fresh flavors and ingredients lets you taste the heart of Italian culture and will keep you coming back for more!

OBICA 

Via de Tornabouni 16

Tel: 390552773526

Www.obica.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY

Have you ever been to any of these? Share some of your favorite Florence eats with us! 

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Kelsey is the Part Time Assistant Travel Consultant for Travel Italian Style and is a student at the University of Mississippi studying Hospitality Management with a minor in Spanish and Business Administration. Kelsey took part in an exchange program in Argentina in high school which created a flourishing passion for travel and learning about other cultures. From then on she took every advantage to study abroad and backpack through Europe. This past summer, Kelsey interned for a local restaurant, Touch, in Florence, Italy and fell in love with the Italian culture. She was able to have a real local experience by making friends with coworkers and locals. She wants to make it possible for everyone who travels to be completely immersed into the culture in order to gain another perspective and to be able to enjoy life even more. 

The Local Life of Florence

By Kelsey Gibson

Day #1: A Gelato Tour of the City Center

Each week we will be giving you some great insider tips from team members: Cassandra, Kelsey or Giorgio who live or have lived in Bella Italia! We will even have some special guests with even more insider info so be sure to follow along! First stop: Florence for some Gelato!

Living abroad is both exhilarating and challenging. You may try your best to live by the golden rule of “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”, but sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to begin. Living and working in Florence pushed me to explore the city and find some cool, unique, and local spots to eat, relax, and be adventurous. First on the list, of course, is the unforgettable Italian GELATO. We may view this delicacy as a dessert, but to many Italians this can be a midday snack, a refreshing addition to a meal or even a breakfast option for those with a sweet tooth! Today I’m going to take you on a Gelato Tour to my top 5 Gelato shops in Florence!

First key fact and most important one to remember: the shops along the streets with giant and beautifully designed amounts of gelato in the glass cases are simply for show. Just like they say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” …don’t judge gelato by its display design. Normally this means that the gelato is made with more artificial chemicals in order for it to hold shape better, not to taste better. Another tip is to look for the gelato that is held in metal tubs with tin lids. It doesn’t have to be some famous historical shop either to be real house-made Italian gelato!

Here are my top 5 Gelato Shops in Florence, Italy:

5. Grom – Close to the Duomo, this shop is famous among both tourists and locals. Staying open later than most shops around the Duomo, I often visited this shop with my local coworkers after getting off work. The crema di Grom is an original that pairs well with most flavors and is a must-try. The torroncino (nougat) is also a great unique option! Along with this being a great and conveniently located gelato stop, it is completely gluten-free and has a detailed chart on their menu for other food intolerances! 

http://www.grom.it/en/index.php

4. Gelateria dei Neri – this popular gelato shop is also in a convenient and well-known area near Santa Croce where many international students stay. It shares the street with many trendy restaurants and recognized stores that are around the world. The lines get long, but once you order, you won’t regret waiting for it. The ricotta and fig was recommended to me, and once I tasted it, I had to get it again and again!

Via dei Neri 9, 50122 Florence Tuscany, Italy

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY

3. Le Botteghe di Leonardo– Off the path from the Central Market, you will find this quaint gelateria. Right as you walk through the door, you feel the true Italian atmosphere with original murals on the inside walls and built-in stone benches. Not only is the ambiance authentic, but the gelato is the perfect texture, the variation of flavors is creative and unique, and the taste is unforgettable. Their dessert wine flavor you can taste the ‘after dinner sweetness’. Their refreshing mint flavor tastes as though you are biting into a mint leaf rather than chewing a piece of artificially flavored gum. And their unique milk flower flavor melts in your mouth on a hot summer day. On top of their amazing flavors of gelato, they also sell cakes, popsicles, and other treats! The owner is knowledgeable, personable and willing to answer any questions and let you try any flavor!

http://www.lebotteghedileonardo.it/firenze-via-de-ginori-21r/

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY

2. Gelateria Santa Trinta – This was one of the first gelaterias I had ever visited in Italy and, man was I spoiled! Not only does the line go out the door and around the corner to wait for the immaculate flavors they make, the view of the Ponte Vecchio and the fresh air from being right above the Arno River makes the experience that much better! They have 38 flavors at a time and are known for their dark chocolate flavor. I have never been able to pick just one favorite because each flavor leaves an exceptional memory that you will have to go back for over and over again.

http://www.gelateriasantatrinita.it/index_ing.html

1. Gelateria della Passera- Finally, my favorite gelateria of all time is this precious and authentic gem found on the other side of the river in the ‘Oltrarno’ neighborhood. This hole in the wall sells the freshest, most mouthwatering, authentic gelato in all of Florence. They always have new flavors, and even though the variety is limited day to day, the flavors do not disappoint. Their lavender flavor cannot be found in other well known gelaterias, at least not to the quality Gelateria della Passera holds. This place will change any expectations you had and raise the bar for your future endeavors.

Hope this tour has gotten your mouth watering and taste buds churning in hopes to one day try these out if you haven’t already!

 

What’s your favorite gelato flavor/shop you have been to? If you don't have a favorite sign up for one of Travel Italian Style's upcoming tours and we'll be sure to help you create your own list because isn't gelato the best?!

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Kelsey is the Part Time Assistant Travel Consultant for Travel Italian Style and a student at the University of Mississippi studying Hospitality Management with a minor in Spanish and Business Administration. Kelsey took part in an exchange program in Argentina in high school, which created a flourishing passion for travel and learning about other cultures. From then on, she took every advantage to study abroad and backpack around Europe. This past summer, Kelsey interned for a local restaurant, Touch, in Florence, Italy and fell in love with the Italian culture. She was able to have a real local experience by making friends with coworkers and locals. She wants to make it possible for everyone who travels to be completely immersed into the culture in order to gain another perspective and to be able to enjoy life even more!

Top 8 Travel Myths

Common travel myths that need to be addressed.

Don't let travel myths spoil your travel plans.

1. “Traveling is too Expensive”

People are constantly making excuses when it comes down to travelling and this myth tends to be the most popular one. Traveling is all about the journey, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot along the way. There are so many ways to avoid the high expenses and still travel the way you want to! Flights will always be one of the biggest expenses when it comes to travelling overseas, but still does not have to be the biggest burden. There are many deals, tricks, and hints about flying that can save you a lot of money. We are a fan of Nomadic Matt's suggestions. He has done some research of his own that can help you out here: http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-tips/how-to-find-a-cheap-flight/. To see our flight finding hacks, join our mailing list!

In Europe, especially in Italy, eating does not have to be expensive either! There are many local markets that contain some of the tastiest meats and produce for a very low cost. You don’t have to sacrifice your idea of luxury to lower your cost of accommodation. There are many different lodging options that are cheaper, more fun, and give off a local and authentic feel. You can look into AirBnbs, and Bed and Breakfast which leads us to our next myth…

2. “Airbnbs and B&Bs are not luxury travel”

Luxury travel does not have to be all 5 Star hotels with a plethora of pools, restaurants, and spas. Luxury travel can also be authentic and simple. Www.Airbnb.com is a website that rents out apartments or rooms by local families who simply want to share their homes in order for you to have an experience of a lifetime in their own town! These comfy apartments and rooms can range from a studio apartment to a 5 room villa…nothing short of a luxurious accommodation. Did you happen to catch the Super Bowl 50 half time show?! Queen B herself stayed at an Airbnb in California during her stay for the Super Bowl! Tell me that doesn’t say luxurious!

Bed and Breakfasts are also a way to be able to better embrace Italy and have an authentic and luxurious stay in the hills of Tuscany, the coast of Positano, or the city center of Sicily. On www.bedandbreakfasts.com you can search through pictures of specific B&Bs in a destination of your choosing. All of the B&Bs that Travel Italian Style uses as accommodations for their travelers, are luxurious. For example, the new Travel Italian Style trip to Puglia has chosen a 1500s farmhouse in the country side of Ostuni. http://www.travelitalianstyle.com/puglia/ . This Bed and Breakfast style farmhouse is a prime example of a luxury B&B…it might finally change your perspective of luxury accommodations!

PHOTOS FROM TRAVEL ITALIAN STYLE PUGLIA ACCOMMODATIONS

3. “Travelling in Italy can be too cliché”

Many people have Italy on their bucket list, but some may say that it is too cliché of a country to travel to because they want a ‘more unique’ traveling experience. I can tell you right away that Italy is the furthest thing from cliché. It is a country that is full of hidden gems and has more unique cities to dive into and explore than ‘cliché’ ones. Even the most popular ones, like Rome, Naples, Florence, and Milan have secret spots that you will never fully be able to conquer. Traveling like a local is an adventure that can never seize to excite its travelers. Keeping an open mind to any city is the key to finding its treasures. Some city suggestions to keep it less ‘cliché’:

• Verona (Find love and send your own letter to Juliet)

• Alberobello (Located in Puglia, the boot of Italy, and is home to the ‘trulli’, which are the famous white limestone houses)

• Bologna (This foodie city gives off a medieval and uniqe vibe)

• Noto (Sicily’s historical gem full of wine, olive oil and culture)

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY GIBSON

4. “If I cannot walk far, I cannot travel Italy”

If you are not fond of walking a lot, or physically cannot, and think that in order to see Italy you have to be extremely fit and active, that’s not the case! Yes, there is a lot of walking done in and around Italy because it tends to be convenient. However, there are so many more ways to get around than by walking. There are busses, shuttles, bike tours, and the best…VESPA tours! Who wouldn’t want to see Italy like a local on one of those cool rides? You also can choose smaller cities to do walking tours in like Verona. Some areas, like Cinque Terre, are seen as hiking areas but it is not necessary to hike from city to city. There are trains and ferries to get from one to the other! Italy also has so many different beach towns that you could relax on, or wine tours and olive oil tastings that have planned transportation for you!

5. “If I have a food allergy, I can’t eat Italian food”

Pizza, Pasta, Parmesan, and wine! These are a few things that come to mind when I think of true Italian food! Even though these are popular Italian dishes, there is so much more to their cuisine that these! If you are a celiac (need to be gluten free), there are amazing alternatives that are also authentically Italian, like the Florentine steak! Also, they have some of the best organic produce and make most items from scratch, unlike the processed food in the United States, so they have an easier time of customizing almost any item. No matter if you actually have an allergy or are just health conscious, you will still be able to be in awe of the impeccable Italian cuisine

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY GIBSON

6. “I can’t speak Italian, so I can’t travel through Italy”

Speaking another language is always a plus with jobs, traveling, and life in general. However, it is never a necessity when traveling through Italy. Most European cities, and many other nations around the world, speak English fluently. It is important to be able to speak English for many businesses due to the amount of English speaking tourists; therefore, you do not need to know how to speak Italian fluently. The Italians are also proud of their language and appreciate if you attempt to learn and use their language. The respect many local businesses have towards travelers who try to speak Italian can be the difference in a discount off a meal or a new local friendship! So don’t hold back!

7. "Too much planning, not enough time”

To search for a place to stay, restaurants to eat at, sights to see, and how to get to each can take a lot of your time. But there is one great solution that fixes all of these problems: using a travel company, or tour operator, like Travel Italian Style! Travel Italian Style will not only find you accommodations, transportations, and planned activities, but they will also go above and beyond to find authentic tours filled with artisan shops, local cuisines, and unique places that will turn your dreadful trip planning to a stress-free adventure!

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY GIBSON

8. “I only have a small window open for vacation, so I don’t have time to embrace Italy”

We all get busy with life whether it’s a career, family, or certain time crunching hobbies, but nothing should stop you from taking your adventure of a lifetime! Many people view traveling as a long and time consuming event that only results in being more tired than you were when you left. With Travel Italian Style, you can choose one of many set 7 day excursions. These trips are only a week but filled with plethora of different activities. Anything from a relaxing day on the beach with meditation and taking in the sun to a walking tour around the city filled with wine and olive oil tastings. If you want something different or are more time crunched, there are even more options with a customizable tour! These tours can range in a certain amount of days and work around your schedule. While embracing the Italian culture, you will also be able to learn more about yourself and come back with a new perspective!

Don't let travel myths keep you from traveling to Italy!

Let Travel Italian Style show you that it's possible to have a unique and authentic Italian travel experience!

What are some travel myths that have kept you from traveling?

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Meet Kelsey Gibson

Kelsey is the Part Time Assistant Travel Consultant for Travel Italian Style and a student at the University of Mississippi studying Hospitality Management with a minor in Spanish and Business Administration. Kelsey took part in an exchange program in Argentina in high school, which created a flourishing passion for travel and learning about other cultures. From then on, she took every advantage to study abroad and backpack around Europe. This past summer, Kelsey interned for a local restaurant, Touch, in Florence, Italy and fell in love with the Italian culture. She was able to have a real local experience by making friends with coworkers and locals. She wants to make it possible for everyone who travels to be completely immersed into the culture in order to gain another perspective and to be able to enjoy life even more!