Where to eat

haute cuisine

Enoteca Pinchiorri

With a total of 3 Michelin stars since 1993, Enoteca Pinchiorri always lives up to its formidable standards: inimitable dishes, an immense cellar (4 thousand labels), the presence of the patrons Giorgio Pinchiorri and Annie Féolde always. WEBSITE

Santa Elisabetta

Santa Elisabetta is the restaurant of the Brunelleschi Hotel with two Michelin stars. Located in the Byzantine tower of Pagliazza, the oldest building in Florence, chef Rocco De Santis serves meat from Pontassieve, fish from Livorno, caught according to season, and Florentine vegetables. Olives and citrus fruits instead come from the Amalfi Coast. WEBSITE

Gucci Osteria

A complete journey between past and present, time and place, across three countries. Located within a historic palazzo, original stones 750 years old and antique Ginori 1975 ceramics have been preserved and integrated in the decor enriched by a tripudio di Verdi. The cuisine is an evocation of a love story between Chef Karime Lopez and her husband Takahiko Kondo transporting you to Mexico, Japan and Italy – destinations close to both Chefs who work closely with Massimo Bottura. Three tasting menus (as well as the possibility to chose a la carte) that represent the chefs souvenirs, memories and personal growth through an explosion of contaminations, flavours and techniques that blend in harmony. Favourite dish? The Cannolo that want’s to become a Cannellone – where each bite transports you from Sicily to Tuscany. WEBSITE

Fine Dining

Saporium

The place to be for gourmet cuisine in Florence is Borgo Santo Pietro Saporium. Why? Let’s see. Among mirrors, crystals and luxuriant plants of a 50s styled room, it feels as though you walk into a theatre: in the open kitchen, Chef Ariel Hagen, from Florence, finishes his culinary creations with a scenography of perfect gestures that will never cease to amaze. When your dish is placed in front of you, you’ll be stunned by the aromas, textures and flavours of the land and sea. Meticulous attention is also paid to the vegetable, which becomes the protagonist of one of the three tasting menus. Everything is made with organic and seasonal Tuscan products, many of which are sourced straight from the farm of one of the most luxurious resorts in the region and in Italy: Borgo Santo Pietro. WEBSITE

ATELIER DE NERLI 

Atelier de’ Nerli treats diners with a special synaesthetic experience, combining its Art and Crafts Gallery with the culinary experience, all within the context of the Florentine Oltrarno. The curious thing is that everything that makes up the furniture, produced by the artisans left in the neighborhood, is purchasable. Let your eyes be ravished by unusual sofas and mirrors while your sense of taste is spoiled by refined culinary offerings and quality ingredients. WEBSITE

LE VOLTE

Imagine the combination of traditional Tuscan flavors with a meticulous search for taste and the highest quality ingredients. What will pop into your mind will be the closest thing to Le Volte restaurant, which awaits you nestled in the San Frediano district, amidst streets that tell the story of Oltrarno’s artisan workshops and Florentine culture. In this rich context, chef Leonardo Lanini brings to his dishes his passion for meat, passed down to him from his butcher parents. WEBSITE

trattoria SABATINO

We know that traveling sometimes means being away from family. If while you’re lost among the poetry of the Florentine alleys you’re overcome by a heavy sense of nostalgia, we know a place that will give you the warmth and hospitality you’ve been missing. Sabatino, the popular trattoria in the San Frediano quarter, is a homely setting where dishes are offered with the signature that only a mother or grandmother can leave behind. The menu, in which Florentine steak is never missing, changes daily, offering dishes that respect the dictates of tradition. WEBSITE

AL TRANVAI

If you want to taste Florentine tradition while immersed in a special setting, Tranvai in Piazza Torquato Tasso will open its doors to you. Sitting in this osteria furnished like a late 19th-century streetcar and immersed in a convivial atmosphere, you’ll be able to taste dishes with strong flavors, including specialties of quinto quarto and offal. Don’t be intimidated: this place also has a delicate face that is reflected mainly in the desserts, where we find homemade tarts and zuppa inglese on offer.

Steak Home

Steak Home is not your classic old restaurant for a classic Florentine steak; here, the meats are treated with the dry aging method, that is, a maturation in hi-tech cells that control air, temperature and humidity to obtain a tastier and more digestible meat. WEBSITE

Cafè & Breakfast

SFORNO

If you happen to be in Florence, whether for leisure, business or a day trip, you cannot fail to stop by Sforno. After a charming walk through the Oltrarno alleys, with your eyes full of Renaissance poetry, you can treat yourself with a genuine lunch while enjoying authentic Tuscan simplicity. This place announces its authenticity with its 1970s sign and then, inside, gives you an exquisitely country chic decor. Its selection includes the most celebrated Tuscan leavened goods (such as wood-fired bread and schiacciata) and quality shelf-stable products. WEBSITE

ditta artigianale

Ditta Artigianale is a true place of worship for coffee lovers, not surprisingly located in the former monastery of Sant’Ambrogio. The religious respect for this beverage is reflected in the absence of sugar at the tables: no additions are required to enjoy coffee. The café’s owner Francesco Sanapo was raised brewing cappuccinos behind the counter at his family’s bar, and eventually became an award-winning connoisseur, a devotee of the raw material.  This café offers you a unique way to enjoy your Italian-style break by enrapturing you with its overwhelming aromas and picture-perfect design. WEBSITE

Caffè lietta

A garden under the loggia in Piazza della Libertà, for a freshly baked slice of cake, tea, lunch with a glass of Tenuta degli Dei or a drink from the staff of the former Giacosa, the cradle of Negroni. Caffè Lietta is open from breakfast to aperitif (7am-9pm), Monday to Saturday, near the Fortezza da Basso. A must try, the famous flourishing piruli puddings filled with ricotta, cosmetics and delicious bouquets of flowers. WEBSITE

What to See

Museo Casa Martelli

The Museo Casa Martelli was the home of the noble Martelli Family, since the 14th century. This location preserves some of the most important collection of paintings in history – it was actually once one of the stops of the Grand Tour. One of the most picturesque parts is on the ground floor, two area seen as a winter garden painted with 18th century frescoes. Only available to visit on Saturday Mornings and Tuesday Afternoons with guided tours. WEBSITE

GALLERIe DEGLI UFFIZI

When we thought the Uffizi Galleries had already reached its peak, we were wrong. After the health emergency, the museum reopened to the public, proposing a new wing of more than two thousand square meters. Inside are some never-seen masterpieces and some well-known ones, such as works by Parmigianino, Pontormo, Rosso Fiorentino and Daniele da Volterra. The last room, the fourteenth, is dedicated to self-portraits: a fascinating mosaic of faces that catch your eye to take you inside the canvas. For €18 you can purchase the 5 day Passepartoute which includes entry also to Palazzo Pitti & Giardino di Boboli. WEBSITE

FONDAZIONE FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI

Here the artistic enterprise of Maestro Zeffirelli (director, screenwriter and set designer) comes to life with 250 works including set sketches, drawings and costume figurines. The exhibition, housed in the San Firenze Complex, illustrates the developments of his theatrical stagings and film productions, also through set photos. WEBSITE

L’Officina profumo-farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Just take a step into the Antica Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella and you will find yourself in the year 1221. This venue is one of the oldest existing pharmacies and its atmosphere is steeped in tradition and mystery. Today it can be visited free of charge and it allows visitors to purchase their handcrafted perfumes and pharmaceutical mixtures. WEBSITE

MUSEO DELL’OPERA DEL DUOMO

Not many people know that the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo offers a very special view over the facade of Florence Cathedral, which has a very long and troubled history. The one that today is under the eyes of millions of tourists is not, in fact, the original: the first one was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and demolished back in 1587. If you want to have an elite experience on your Florentine tour, you can admire it inside this museum. WEBSITE

MUSEO MARINO MARINI

Is it possible for classical and contemporary art to coexist in one space? Yes, according to the vision of the Marino Marini Museum. This artistic collection is housed inside the stone walls of the deconsecrated church of San Pancrazio, chosen for its perfect balance of space and light. WEBSITE

GIARDINO DELL’IRIS

In the Iris Garden, the flowers indulge naked to the eyes of visitors, who are thirsty for their ethereal beauty. This garden, located at Piazzale Michelangelo, is the guardian of the city’s flower. Florence, in fact, is very attached to this botanical species, so much so that it chose it as its emblem (it is not a lily, as many erroneously believe). The area of this park is about two and a half hectares and offers impressive views of the city skyline. Together with this, its flower-lined paths, plazas, and steps will allow your soul to find the perfect balance. 

PALAZZO VECCHIO

Is it possible to explain in a few words the reasons why Palazzo Vecchio is worth a visit? No. Let’s try, though. This Medieval fortress stands on the ancient ruins of a Roman theater and houses frescoes by two of the greatest artists of all time: Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti. If that excites you, so can the majestic Salone dei Cinquecento, which is filled with paintings, gilding and impressive sculptures. Or again, the Hall of Lilies and the Hall of Geographic Maps may amaze you with their richness. Yes, we said it was difficult to condense all this wonder. Perhaps, however, it will be even more difficult for you to walk the 406 steps up the tower of the building. But the view of the city will repay the effort, we promise.

ANTICO SETIFICIO FIORENTINO

If you are a fan of traditional craftsmanship, Antico Setificio Fiorentino will make your eyes sparkle. Founded in the historic district of San Frediano in the 18th century, it is one of the last remaining silk workshops in the world. Its priceless looms are embellished with a marvellous warper designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. In this place steeped in magic, your heart will be trapped in a weave of elegance and refinement. WEBSITE

BASILICA DI SAN LORENZO E COMPLESSO MEDICEO LAURENZIANO

The San Lorenzo Complex is the perfect destination for art lovers because it holds a staggering amount of masterpieces, such as masterpieces by Donatello, Bronzino, Filippo Lippi, Michelangelo and Brunelleschi. It consists of the Basilica, which is one of the main places of worship in Florence and holds priceless treasures, the Laurentian Library and a magnificent inner cloister.

OPERE DI BEATO ANGELICO AL MUSEO DI SAN MARCO

It was Cosimo dei Medici who commissioned the Museo di San Marco in Florence, a true architectural masterpiece that coexists with the church and the parts adjacent to the cloister, still used as a monastery. This building today holds the world’s largest collection of works by Beato Angelico and is a must-see for all lovers of Renaissance art.

LOGGIA DEGLI INNOCENTI

The Spedale degli Innocenti stands on the right side of Piazza Santissima Annunziata and it is the earliest architectural example of the Renaissance style. This building constructed between 1419 and 1445 to the design of Filippo Brunelleschi is a symbol of Florentine humanistic culture and an architectural model of elegance, proportion and harmony. Its curious name (“Innocenti” means innocent) comes from its former use as an orphanage. Today it is still a noble institution dedicated to childhood and the future of humanity.

OFFICINA DI CLET

Despite its classical and Renaissance imprint, Florence always proves to be open to the novelties of contemporary art. For this reason, street artist Clet Abraham chose it as his city and as a testimony to his artistic process. In fact, the Breton creative has his artistic workshop in Florence and interacts with its road signs to steal smiles from passersby and give them new food for thought. If you want to make your city tour even more interesting, try looking for them: every time it will be a pleasant surprise.

What to do

Panino at Procacci 1885

Looking for a quick pit stop for lunch during your day of exploring the city?Yes, we all know the All’Antico Vinaio which is incredible and serves warm focaccia filled with anything of your choice however there are always km long queue’s. Procacci, instead, is lesser known even though it has been around since 1885 and equally as exquisite. Take a seat in Via de’ Tornabuoni or order to take away and enjoy on the go a sandwich filled with delicacies from truffles and foie gras, butter and anchovies, prosciutto crudo mushroom cream and truffles and many more fillings. WEBSITE

explore Manifattura Tabbacchi

Manifattura Tabacchi is a new center for high craftsmanship, exhibitions, eating (at Bulli & Balene), playing in a mini token-operated recording room created in an elevator (Loud Lift). Since the 7th January it has been the headquarters of Polimoda. website

Shop

LORETTA CAPONI 

Born in the heart of Florence, in a small, cobble stone street, Loretta Caponi is a sensational Italian artisan brand that began with the production of lingerie and tableware and has expanded with homeware, ready-to-wear and a bridal line on an international basis. The store is a historical atelier featuring frescoed vaulted ceilings and a unique collection of period furniture. Every design has been produced following a sartorial concept: prestigious silk and linen materials, embroidered or embellished with intricate lace and the option of personalisation. Recently, collections have been launched in harrods, matches fashion, net-a-porter and, soon to launch a dedicated spot in Harrods. As Loretta Caponi, founder, said “If anything, I make the statement” because instead of following the lines of fashion, Loretta Caponi is a visionary based on craftsmanship and recovery of prints from the archives, creating her own statement. WEBSITE

MERCATO CENTRALE 

If you want to immerse yourself in an authentic Italian setting, the Mercato Centrale, or San Lorenzo Market, cannot be missing from your list. This gathering place, in fact, is the city’s oldest and most famous food market, a destination for Florentines and people from all over the globe. As you enter the ground floor, you get lost among the smells, flavours and genuine merchants who take you to a unique world of food that speaks of the countryside and history. If you still feel a discreet languor afterwards, you can move to the second floor of the structure, where there are street food offerings, many of them related to Tuscan and Florentine traditions. Outside, stores and craft stalls embrace the building, enclosing it in a tight ring of Tuscan authenticity. WEBSITE

PYLONES

Pylones is a 20th-century French brand whose locations include a shop in the Tuscan capital. Of course, it is not Italian, but you can trust us: it is worth a visit. Heir to folk arts and traditions, this brand twists, reinvents and colours objects. An exquisite meeting of genius designers throws you into a magical and paradoxical world born of imagination.

GINORI 1735

The first opening of the Ginori store in 1802 was this exact store in the heart of Florence even though the renowned brand was first founded in 1735 by the Marquis Carlo Andrea Ginori opened a porcelain factory. More than objects, Ginori is seen as a style icon and prime example of Italian craftsmanship. The flagship store is a showroom, a home (or one many would love to have) filled with the beautiful prestigious Italian ceramics that have made their way around the world. WEBSITE

Numeroventi artist residence

Centrally located between the Duomo and Santa Croce, Numeroventi is housed within the early 16th century Palazzo Galli Tassi, a Signor palazzo as we would call it with high ceilings, original staircase and beautifully preserved frescoed interiors. The space is a studio and workspace for creatives as well as a boutique hotel that thrives within it’s simplicity. Six Suites and two apartments furnished with an artsy, contemporary and Scandinavian minimalistic approach which are the works of founder and designer Martino di Napoli Rampolla together with Andrew Trotter. Breakfast, which is a healthy selection of eggs, granola and X is served in the frescoed lounge and available to non-guests throughout the week upon reservation. Each artist leaves a piece of their works behind which is displayed throughout the rooms and communal areas and available to purchase. WEBSITE

HOTEL PALAZZO GUADAGNI

Imagine gazing at a wonderful view of the city of Florence, with the immensity of Renaissance beauty in front of you. Palazzo Guadagni’s terrace, the Loggia, allows you to enjoy this scenery while you stay in one of its rooms, brimming with frescoed ceilings, antique fireplaces and incomparable views of the piazza and Florence’s main monuments. This impressive 1505 building is only a short walk from the city’s most fascinating and popular sights: Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, and the Boboli Gardens, which can be reached by strolling among antique stores and ancient artisans’ workshops. WEBSITE

25 Hours hotel

The hotels of the 25hours family summarise what a globetrotter, design-conscious tourist open to new encounters seeks when traveling. Each hotel – and each room – is different from the other and seems to be an experimentation ground in the furnishings and decorations, with an evident ironic touch. The 25 Hours Hotel Firenze is centrally and conveniently located in the Santa Maria Novella district and it’s design, curated by interior designer Paola Navone and her team, is eclectically inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy and is full of allusions to this work, especially in the rooms that are either a passionate red colour or heavenly white. The lobby conveys conviviality and invites you to sit with a drink in hand, even before unpacking. There is a courtyard garden, a traditional Negroni bar and an Alimentari for groceries, snacks or an aperitif as well as a relaxation area that comprises of a Turkish Bath. If you’re in the mood to sit and relax then head to the Cinema Paradiso for a movie night in with popcorn. WEBSITE

THE SOCIAL HUB FIRENZE

The Social Hub Firenze is a gathering place for travellers, students, and locals. This sparkling place is used for co-working, staying, studying and having fun. It is located in a renovated building with a rooftop terrace and swimming pool and it’s the ideal starting point for enthusiastic spirits seeking inspiration in Florence. WEBSITE

hotel savoy

Located on the site where the Mercato Vecchio and the church of San Tommaso once stood, the Hotel Savoy features an extensive collection of artwork, including large paintings by renowned Italian artist Luca Pignatelli. Walking placidly through the building’s streets, you’ll be ravished by works by contemporary artists depicting shoes and hats, a tribute to Florence’s renowned reputation for craftsmanship and fashion. Luxury rooms, with stylish furnishings and breathtaking views, complete the setting for a dreamlike stay. WEBSITE

PORTRAIT

The Ferragamo family counts among its properties the Portrait, a five-star hotel brimming with charm, which appears in the collection of Leading Hotels of the World. Here the architect Michele Bonan has adorned the hotel with an aristocratic, contemporary charm that dances elegantly between the past and the present moment. In the structure, wood, cashmere and gold meet to open an interesting dialogue that has as its background the ethereal beauty of the Florentine landscape. WEBSITE

LUNGARNO

In 2017, after 50 years since its first inauguration, Hotel Lungarno was completely renovated and reborn, presenting itself in a guise of unparalleled elegance, echoing in the lobby the color palette of the iconic boats on the Arno: blue, white and leather. The property takes you by the hand and and tells a story made of art through its collection of more than 450 works and its luxury rooms and suites, some of which have terraces overlooking Renaissance masterpieces. Hotel Lungarno is a true living room on the water where the Borgo San Jacopo restaurant – 1 Michelin Star – shines among its points of pride. WEBSITE

FOUR SEASONS FLORENCE 

The Four Seasons Florence is described as “An urban retreat.” It is not complex to understand why: the hotel’s private garden is a unique treasure of statues, fountains and ancient trees. After strolling through the foliage of the green space, you can relax in one of the suites, where frescoes and original architectural elements take center stage. Don’t forget to indulge in the ultimate romantic experience at Il Palagio, a Michelin starred restaurant which presents itself to diners with an evocative, suspended and intangible mood. Sitting before the background of large windows and heavy curtains, here you can enjoy the best seasonal ingredients, chosen to support artisans who work with genuine and ethical methods, enhancing taste and quality. WEBSITE

HELVETIA & BRISTOL

The Helvetia & Bristol lives within the walls of a magnificent 19th-century residence in the beating heart of Florence’s historic centre. This place is special not only for its strategic location, but also for the masterful way in which the renovation has combined the comfort of the present, with the splendour of the past. Indeed, it is the old-world charm that will make your stay memorable: the hotel boasts extraordinary Art Deco interiors, marbles, 17th-century paintings, and splendid original salons. The splendour of the past is also reflected in the menu at the Bristol Winter Garden, the hotel’s restaurant, where chef Pasquale D’Ambrosio offers dishes that bring back memories and a pleasant nostalgia. Where else to eat? Cibreo’s very own setting within the hotel and the final bonus?waking up in the morning to an exquisite spread by world renowned Pasticciere Iginio Massari. WEBSITE

THE PLACE 

The Place lives in the beating heart of Florence and is surrounded by the cheerful whirlwind of daily city life, the vibrant local cultural scene and its priceless artistic heritage. This hotel boasts unparalleled attention to detail and is custom-designed for ambitious and discerning travellers who want to enjoy new experiences with an exquisite touch of elegance. Florence is unique and so should be the guests of The Place as they stay in one of the delicately but crisply decorated rooms. WEBSITE