Visiting Florence means walking through squares, museums, artisan shops, markets and views that look as if they came out of a painting. But there is another way, perhaps an even more direct one, to truly get to know the city: sitting down at the table.
Florentine and Tuscan cuisine tells a story made of simple ingredients, recipes passed down through generations, bold flavours and dishes created to be shared. It is honest, concrete cuisine, without too many frills. That is exactly why it remains so loved by those arriving in Florence for the first time, and by those who return with the same desire every time: to eat well.
So, what should you eat in Florence to enjoy a truly typical experience?
Here are 5 traditional dishes to try at least once.
1. Tuscan Crostini
Tuscan crostini are one of the most representative starters of the regional tradition. Simple only at first glance, they perfectly express the spirit of Tuscan cuisine: few ingredients, plenty of flavour and great attention to quality.
They are usually served at the beginning of the meal, perhaps together with other starters, cured meats or cheeses. They are perfect for starting dinner in a convivial way, especially when paired with a glass of red wine.
Their intense flavour makes them one of those dishes that are hard to forget for anyone who loves authentic traditional tastes. They are the classic first bite that prepares the palate for everything that comes next.
2. Coccoli, Prosciutto and Stracchino
Among the most loved dishes for those looking for something typical, delicious and immediately recognisable are coccoli with prosciutto and stracchino.
Coccoli are small balls of fried dough, warm and soft, often served with raw ham and fresh cheese. The contrast is simple but irresistible: the warmth of the fried dough, the savouriness of the prosciutto and the creaminess of the stracchino.
They are the perfect starter to share, one of those dishes that arrives at the table and disappears within minutes. They tell the most convivial side of Tuscan cuisine: long tables, shared bites, plates placed in the centre and the pleasure of eating together.
For those visiting Florence, they are an ideal way to begin the meal with something traditional yet very approachable.
3. Ribollita or Pappa al Pomodoro
Tuscan cuisine has a very strong connection with what is known as cucina povera, or “poor cuisine”. Poor in name, certainly not in flavour. It is called this because it was born from simple, everyday ingredients, often reused and transformed with intelligence.
Two dishes express this spirit particularly well: ribollita and pappa al pomodoro.
Ribollita is a soup made with bread, vegetables and legumes, deeply connected to rural tradition. It is warm, hearty and full of depth, especially perfect during the cooler months.
Pappa al pomodoro, on the other hand, is one of the most recognisable dishes of Tuscan cuisine: bread, tomato, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, basil and just a few other elements that, together, become something much greater than the sum of their ingredients.
These are dishes that tell the story of a less scenic, more familiar Florence. The Florence of homes, real kitchens and recipes that do not need to be complicated to be memorable.
4. Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragù
Among the most representative first courses of Tuscan tradition, pappardelle with wild boar ragù hold a special place.
The wide, rough pasta holds a rich, flavourful sauce with a bold character. It is a dish that speaks of the land, of woods, of slow cooking and intense flavours.
It is not a light or timid first course. It is a choice for those who want to taste a more robust, deep and authentic side of Tuscany. The kind of dish you order when you want to enjoy a full dinner without being afraid of strong flavours.
Pappardelle with wild boar are also an excellent alternative for those who want to try something typical without going straight for the steak. They tell the story of Tuscan tradition in a different, but equally recognisable, way.
5. Bistecca alla Fiorentina
When talking about what to eat in Florence, it is impossible not to mention bistecca alla fiorentina.
It is one of the most famous symbols of the city and of Tuscan cuisine. More than just a main course, it is almost a ritual: the cut, the thickness, the cooking, the way it is served and the sharing at the table.
A true bistecca alla fiorentina does not need too many additions. It is an essential dish, where the quality of the meat, the cooking and respect for tradition are what truly matter. It is usually served rare, with a well-seared crust on the outside and a soft, juicy centre.
It is the perfect dish for those who want to enjoy a complete and memorable Tuscan dinner. Not surprisingly, many travellers arrive in Florence with one clear idea: before leaving, they want to taste a real Fiorentina.
Where to Try Typical Dishes in Florence
Florence is full of restaurants, trattorias and osterias. The choice is wide, especially in the city centre. That is exactly why it is important to choose a place able to offer recognisable cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere and an experience that does not feel created only for tourists.
Osteria Pepò is located on Via Rosina, in the heart of Florence, just a short walk from the Central Market and the San Lorenzo area. It is a place designed for those who want to stop, eat well and enjoy Tuscan cuisine in a warm, intimate and familiar setting.
On the menu, you will find dishes linked to tradition, starters to share, flavourful first courses and specialities that celebrate the pleasure of an honest table. A simple, generous proposal created for those looking for authentic flavours in the centre of Florence.
Eating in Florence Is Part of the Journey
Florence is not only visited with the eyes. It is also discovered through the scent of bread, a shared starter, a warm dish served at the table, a glass of wine and a dinner without rushing.
Typical Florentine dishes tell the story of a city that is concrete, elegant and popular at the same time. A city that knows how to be refined, but at the table remains faithful to the simplicity of its roots.
That is why choosing what to eat in Florence is not just a detail of the trip. It is part of the experience.
Want to Try Tuscan Cuisine in the Heart of Florence?
At Osteria Pepò, you will find simple, authentic and generous Tuscan cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere in Florence’s historic centre.