The best restaurants for a lunch in Florence

From the most elegant to well-known trattorias: the perfect addresses for lunch in the city centre

Looking for a place to have lunch in the centre of Florence but don't know where to go? Here are our suggestions, ranging from trattorias to elegant restaurants, for a pleasant moment of sharing or a quick lunch break.

Click here to discover all the best restaurants in Florence, here for the historic holes in the city and here for the best steaks in town.

TRATTORIES

Trattoria le Mossacce
Via del Proconsolo, 55/r
ph. +39 055 294361

The Fantoni-Mannucci family is ready to welcome you to the Trattoria le Mossacce that they have been running for more than 50 years. Here you can savour typical local dishes prepared according to the seasonality of the products. A meeting place for many Florentines for lunch, the trattoria is the perfect place for conviviality and sharing.

Buca San Giovanni
Piazza San Giovanni,8
ph. +39 055 287612 / 055 219151

Founded in 1882, it is one of the historic restaurants in the city. It began as the former sacristy of the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence's ancient cathedral before Santa Reparata was built. It later became the haunt of famous personalities such as the Prince of Bulgaria, who celebrated his bachelorette party, and President J.F. Kennedy's stopover. The restaurant is open for lunch from 11:30 to 15:00 and offers a typical Tuscan menu with a wide choice of dishes including appetisers, soups and first courses, meat and traditional Italian musts.

Cibrèo Trattoria
Via de’ Macci, 122/r
ph. +39 055 2341100

A restaurant that has been changing with the seasons since 1979. Started by chef Fabio Picchi, a great ambassador of Florentine cuisine, the Cibrèo Ristorante, together with the Cibrèo Trattoria, was the first piece of the taste empire he put together in the Sant'Ambrogio district. Broad beans in summer, Tuscan cabbage in winter, chicken liver, traditional dishes such as stuffed chicken neck... A skilfully crafted blend of nature and tradition for a mouth-watering lunch.

Coco Lezzone
Via del Parioncino, 26/r
ph. +39 055 287178

A typical Florentine trattoria from the early 1900s with checked tablecloths and on the walls portraits of artists and famous people who have passed through here. Typical dishes include pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, baked arista and an excellent steak that has the secret of being marinated in olive oil, salt and pepper before cooking.

Il Santo Bevitore
Via S. Spirito, 64/r
ph. +39 055 211264

In the heart of the Oltrarno. Contemporary yet intimate ambience. Don't miss the chicken liver terrine with Vin Santo and pan brioche or the beef tartare with crispy vegetables. Also on the menu are dishes for coeliacs and vegetarian options. The wine list is extensive and well researched. For an aperitif stop at Santino, a small wine bar right next to the restaurant.

Trattoria da Sostanza detto il Troia
Via Del Porcellana, 25/r
ph. +39 055 212691

Also known as 'Il Troia', the trattoria is one of the city's historic ones. It welcomes customers in a simple and traditional ambience. Some of the must-try dishes, apart from the unmissable steak, are tripe, zuppa paesana (country soup) and chicken breasts in butter accompanied by artichoke pie.

Trattoria dei 13 Gobbi
Via del Porcellana, 9/r
ph. +39 055 284015

Specialities of the house are the unparalleled rigatoni served in the glass soup tureen and the ever-present tagliata di manzo served on the log. All accompanied by a wine list that includes the best labels. It is also possible to request a celiac or vegetarian menu. There is something for everyone!

ELEGANT

Atrium Bar - Four Seasons Hotel Florence
Borgo Pinti, 99
ph. ph. +39 05526261

The elegant bar and lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is the perfect place for an elegant lunch surrounded by decorations, marble and fine furniture, overlooking the marvellous Giardino della Gherardesca, the largest private garden in the historic centre of Florence.

Winter Garden - The St. Regis Florence
Piazza Ognissanti, 1
ph. +39 055 27163770

In the elegant setting of the prestigious Winter Garden of The St. Regis Florence, Executive Chef Gentian Shehi offers a refined culinary experience that reflects and enhances Tuscan tradition and a tailor-made service that pays attention to every little detail, in the heart of Florence. Every day, from 12 noon until 2.30 p.m., a Fish Pokè Bowl selection prepared live by the chef, for an elegant lunch to remember.

Caffè dell'Oro
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 2P
ph. +39 055 27268912

Contemporary Italian café boasting a privileged position on Ponte Vecchio. The menu, signed by Executive Chef Antonio Minichiello, offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional Italian dishes that will win over even the most cosmopolitan palates. A perfect combination that invites you to taste and travel.

Atelier de' Nerli
Piazza de' Nerli, 9r
ph. +39 055 7602982

From the creative flair of Daniele Cavalli, a place of art, craftsmanship and quality cuisine, which combines the gastronomic experience, with its clear Tuscan roots, with the love for handmade products and the esprit of today's artists - painters, photographers and sculptors - whose works are hosted and on sale in the restaurant. A vision of lunch as a treasure chest containing the most varied souls. To be experienced according to your needs: à la carte, for those who want to indulge in the pleasure of picturesque flavours and slow rhythms, and fixed menu, to indulge in an intense taste break, albeit at speed.

Irene
Piazza della Repubblica, 7
ph. +39 055 2735891

Irene is the elegant restaurant of the Hotel Savoy and welcomes its guests in a unique and refined ambience. Chef Fulvio Pierangelini brings authentic dishes and flavours of the Tuscan territory to the table, celebrating Italian cuisine. Open all day, the restaurant offers lunch options to suit all palates: from antipasti and bruschettoni to first and second courses, both fish and meat.