The Restaurant Guide to Romantic Florence
Art, gastronomy & romance - this city has it all
By The Bearleaders
Florence
Find out the best restaurants for fine dining in Florence through this guide by tastemakers like chefs, designers and gastronomists.
From local hidden gems to high-end cocktail bars, these frequent travellers have a recommendation for you!
Where to eat
LOCALE FIRENZE
Housed within a historic building dating back to the 1200s, the venue blends Renaissance architecture with contemporary design, offering guests a unique dining & cocktail experience.
GUCCI OSTERIA DA MASSIMO
For lovers of food and fashion. Established in 2018 as a collaboration between renowned chef Massimo Bottura and the House of Gucci. It is part of the Gucci Garden complex, which also includes a boutique, art gallery, and bookshop. Under the leadership of chef Karime López, they earned its first Michelin star in 2019.
ATELIER DE’ NERLI
Chef Gianluca takes you on a voyage through Italy with his excellent cooking, while you soak up the fantastic atmosphere and high-class decor at this restaurant and art gallery.
instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
IL SANTO BEVITORE
As classic as they come, but with real elegance and unbeatable pasta.
MERCATO CENTRAL FIRENZE
The market you don’t want to miss. On the street level you have small shops and on the first floor the real magic happens. Watch as pasta is being made and then enjoy a fresh linguine pasta with truffle. Welcome to creamy, truffle heaven
VIVOLI
Established in 1930, is one of Florence's most renowned gelaterias, celebrated for its rich history and high-quality gelato. Try the "Gran Crema Caffè Vivoli.
GUNE SAN FREDIANO
Restaurant with delicious Lucanian cuisine. The ambiance is enhanced by elegant portraits of iconic actresses.
MENAGERE
This place is located close to the mercato, and it’s one of my favourite places to go for lunch or coffee. Its modern design and cosy setting highlights the Italian vibe of the place. Their food and sweets can keep you here all day
BOCCADAMA
Simple yet delicious Italian food paired with fantastic local wines. Small and cosy inside but with a large terrace
instagram | maps | favourite of Rini Scherpenisse, Interior Designer
COQUINARIUS
A great pasta and wine bar, located right behind the Duomo. Enjoy creative interpretations of classic kinds of pasta in a cozy informal atmosphere.
maps | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder
Where to sleep
HOTEL SINA VILLA MEDICI, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Set in a historic 19th-century palazzo in the heart of Florence, this meticulously refurbished hotel blends contemporary luxury with an enchanting old-world charm, a grand swimming pool, and inspiring views of the breathtaking Florence cityscape.
Read more about the hotel and discover even more restaurant and bar tips in Florence in the Guide in and Around Hotel Sina Villa Medici by Fernando Pane, Hotelier and Bearleader in Hospitality. Make sure to mention you know the hotel through Bearleaders for VIP treatment and benefits.
Where to go for a drink
THE ARTS INN
An art gallery and cocktail bar in one, offering visitors original artworks while enjoying finely crafted beverages. Established in 2016, the venue was designed by an artist in his former atelier, creating a beautifully decorated space that showcases a permanent exhibition of paintings by P.T. Foster.
ENOTECA PITTI GOLA
Renowned for its extensive selection of fine local Italian wines, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. The bar has a great views of the 15th-century Pitti Palace.
CAFFE GILLI
This is Florence's - not to miss - oldest café, located in Piazza della Repubblica. Go here for a coffee and delicious pastries.
instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
LOGGIA ROOFTOP
Overlooking Piazza Santo Spirito, this historic loggia provides an ideal setting for an aperitivo, especially during sunset.
maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
LA CITÉ
A place where books, music and drinks meet, this library cafe is full of life and character and a must visit.
instagram | maps | favourite of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
CANTINETTA ANTINORI
Feast on local specialties while enjoying the finest Marchesi Antinori wines in this grand15th-century mansion. Excellent spot to go for lunch.
instagram | maps | favourite of Roberto Payer, Hotelier and of Jorane Cuppen, Gastronomist
DITTA ARTIGIANALE
This trendy coffee bar is known for its great quality coffee. People from all over Florence come here to get their daily dose of caffeine. The atmosphere is very inclusive; locals, tourists, and businessmen
IL SANTINO
Housed in a former wine cellar, Il Santino — the little sister of the hugely popular Santo Bevitore restaurant, just a couple of doors away — is a tiny, cosy wine bar and deli serving up fine wines and top-notch snacks. It’s my favourite place to go for drinks, snacks, and dinner - all at the same time
MARCHESI VILLA ANTINORI
Get a taste of six centuries of winemaking excellence. Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, this historic estate of the Antinori family is worth visiting for a tour of the estate and wine tasting.
