Would there have been a Rainassance without Florence? Considered the birthplace of this cultural movement, the city is imbued with classical and iconic buildings and sites (such as Piazzale Michelangelo, The Duomo and the Cathedral) and works of art (like Michelangelo’s David). However, it is not only the architecture and artistic culture that makes Florence stand out: its cuisine is ranked highly among the main attractions of the city. In this guide, we propose some culinary stops that make Florence an unforgettable taste.
For those who want to grab a bite of both the culture and the most notable flavours in any food tour Florence, there are some dishes that have become as legendary as the city itself. Some examples include:
Gelato
Yes, it is ice cream but no, it is not regular ice cream. Take milk, cream, sugar and a variety of nuts and fruits and you will have a fresh, sweet and tasty treat. There are several flavours to try and many vendors around the streets to grab a bite, but some say that a true “gelato cognoscenti” will try “gelato artigianale”.
Pizza
Have you been to Italy if you have not tried pizza? Although it is a dish available in many countries and food tours, from food tour San Francisco to a food tour in New York or Chicago, Florentine pizzerias stand out for their version of Neapolitan pizza.
Florentine Steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina)
What makes Florentine Steak different from any other? The meat comes from the Chanina cattle that are raised in the Tuscan countryside. Usually served as a thick slice of T-bone and cooked only for a few minutes on a wood grill (a preparation that results in a charred outside and a rare center), the traditional recipe can include pepper and salt, but not toppings like sauce or lemon. Most people enjoy it with red Tuscan wine on the side.
Ribollita
This dish, that can be loosely translated to “reboiled” is a hearty soup that includes stale bread and the leftovers of the soup that was cooked the previous day. Bread was included to thicken the preparation and make it last for more meals (which makes it part of the tradition of the “cucina povera”, translated to “poor cooking” due to the low cost ingredients that peasants used in the preparation). Nowadays, however, it is made from scratch and has become a traditional Tuscan recipe, which includes greens (such as kale and cabbage, among others), cannellini beans and vegetables like onions, carrots and potatoes.
Papa al Pomodoro
Yet another classic Italian stew, yet another example of what was known as “cucina povera”, but this one includes stale bread and tomatoes. Some include basil, olive oil, garlic and herbs to infuse scent into the preparation. Then, it cools and it is served chilled.
Finocchiona
If you like salami, Florence is the perfect location for you. Finocchiona is a kind of salami that includes fennel as the main seasoning for this cured meat. The ingredients include pork meat, fennel seeds, salt, pepper and red wine. Once prepared, it is fermented and cured for five months.
Lampredotto
While offal is not always the customer’s first choice, Italians have a way of making cow stomach tasty. Here, tripe is cooked with onions, tomatoes, celery and parsley until it is tender. This recipe was created long ago by peasants and has remained a classic. Some compare it to “trippa alla fiorentina”, served in restaurants. “Lampredotto panini” can be bought from any street vendor, who places the meat in a soft roll (called semella) and tops it with sauce. Not expensive yet tasteful, it is a great meal to have on the go.
Cantuccini
A sweet treat that is often compared to biscotti, these almond cookies (which often include nuts and dried fruit) are baked twice in the oven and often dipped into Vin Santo wine (also known as holy wine).
Liver Pate (Pate di Fegato)
The Florentine outtake of liver pate has received several names: from “crostini di fegatini” to “crostini neri” or “crostini toscani”, one thing remains common to them all: add capers and anchovy paste to the chicken liver and you will have an Italian icon.
Florence: the art, the architecture, the food. Do not miss out on this city’s outstanding cultural offer.
