TUSCAN FLAVOURS

The best places to eat and drink while meandering the cobblestone streets of Florence

ALL’ANTICO VINAIO

With over 32,000 reviews on Google, there’s a reason this sandwich brand - that has three curbside sandwich shops right across each otherattracts crowds willing to queue for 45 minutes to an hour! The menu is straight forward with a selection of sandwiches served in an incredibly large Schiacciata (thin, crisp exterior, chewy Florentine flatbread). Try the Favolosa (Sbriciolona salami, cream of pecorino cheese, cream of artichokes and spicy eggplants), Beatrice (Beef carpaccio, stracchino soft cheese, cream of truffle and rocket leaves) or vegetarian and “historical” options. allanticovinaio.com

Antico Ristoro Di Cambi

If there’s one dish meat lovers need to try before leaving the city, it’s the Bistecca alla Fiorentina (beefsteak Florentine style); an Italian steak typically from Chianina cattle - an ancient Tuscan breed prized for its flavour-packed meat. Usually sold per kilogram, this rustic eatery that features a counter with all the fresh cuts, a cellar and a garden, is one of the local’s go-to spots for the exceptionally grilled succulent steak. It’s only served rare – don’t dare to ask for any other cooking temperature!

Other unmissable dishes include the Tagliatelle with wild boar, Ribollita (Tuscan bread soup) and succulent Ossobuco alla Fiorentina. anticoristorodicambi.it

Mercato Centrale Firenze

This large indoor food hall features artisan food producers selling everything from crisp, fresh woodoven baked pizzas to pasta, fried zucchini flowers, gelati, Italian pastries and more. Look for multiple bars across the venue serving classic Italian concoctions and grape varieties.

mercatocentrale.com/Florence

SERGIO POLLINI LAMPREDOTTO tripperiapollini.com

This sandwich cart is one of the most traditional spots in the city, having been in the same square for 23 years. Featured on various food television channels, the menu here is simple, with Sergio and his son Pierpaolo serving the typical Florentine dish, Lampredotto (tripe sandwich) with a traditional green sauce, or for the purists, seasoned with just salt and pepper.

VIVOLI

Florence’s oldest gelateria dates back to 1930, with the family producing homemade ice creams with high-quality natural ingredients for four generations. Nestled in the historic centre, gelati is served only in cups, in flavours such as pistachio, rice pudding, hazelnut, pear, eggnog and custard, to name a few. You can also order a selection of cookies, tarts, pastries and an affogato. vivoli.it