Florence is such a beautiful city with some amazing cultural sights and incredible history but, like many Italian cities, it’s the food that people are most excited about. Italians are renowned for their amazing food and you’ll find some of the best examples of all of the classic dishes in Florence.
If you’ve never visited the city before and you need some advice, this great guide will tell you everything you need to know. There are plenty of great things to keep you entertained but when planning a trip to Florence, you need to think about all of the wonderful food that you are going to try while you are there. These are some of the classics that you have to try during your trip.
Gelato
If you think that gelato is just ice cream, you’re wrong. Genuine Italian Gelato is unlike any ice cream you’ve ever tasted and Florence does some of the best, so you have to make sure that you try it while you’re there. Just be careful about where you get it from because a lot of the places on the streets are selling pretty low quality stuff to tourists that can’t tell the difference. Anything that is very brightly coloured probably isn’t handmade, so steer clear of that. Usually, you’ll find the best gelato in the small places down the side streets. Check out this list of the best gelato in Florence, so you can get a true authentic experience. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never want to go back to normal ice cream again.
Lampredotto
Lampredotto is a dish that is very divisive, even amongst the locals. It’s basically Florence’s version of Marmite, and a lot of people are put off by the description alone. Lampredotto is thin slices of tripe, which has been boiled in broth, usually served in a sandwich with a choice of spicy red sauce or herby sauce. It’s a common street food and it is a big part of the history of the city, so even if you don’t like it, it’s one of those things you should try when you get the chance.
Ribollita Or Pappa Al Pomodoro
On the face of it, Ribollita doesn’t sound that appetising. It’s a soup made from leftover stale bread, beans and tomatoes, but you’ll be surprised just how delicious it is. Pappa Al Pomodoro is a soup made from the same ingredients, but mashed together and served cold like a traditional gazpacho. It’s a testament to the quality of Italian ingredients how delicious a simple dish made from leftovers can be.
Tagliere
Tagliere is the name of the meat and cheese platters that you find all over Florence and throughout Italy. But it’s unlikely that you’ve had a platter as delicious as this before, with all sorts of local cured sausages and hams, and some delicious cheeses. These are perfect as a light lunch or an appetizer to share with a friend.
There are so many culinary delights in Florence and there’s always something new to discover, but these are the dishes that you absolutely must try while there.
