Food tells the story of a community. A society is distinctly understood by learning about and tasting its traditional food. You can find phenomenal pasta and pizza throughout Italy, but each territory has its unique culinary culture. Florence further exemplifies this. Tuscany proudly displays many distinctive dishes that can be found in Florence, setting it apart from other Italian regions and telling a riveting tale of Florentine history. Most Florentine cuisine is what Italians call “cucina povera,” or peasant cuisine. Tuscany started as a rural area. Thus, many traditional meals came from attempts to minimize waste and use the limited resources available. To this day, cucina povera is served and loved by the Florentine community.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

While a juicy, rare steak may not be typical Italian cuisine, Florence is best known for their Bistecca alla Fiorentina. The meat comes from Chianina cattle and refers to a cut just below the ribcage and above the round. It is a T-bone-style steak that can weigh up to 2 kilograms. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is always cooked rare, so be prepared for a red, tender steak packed with flavor.

The best places to find it:

Buca Mario (Piazza degli Ottaviani, 16r)

La Giostra (Borgo Pinti, 10/18R)

Buca Lapi (Via del Trebbio, 1r)

Lampredotto

This next dish also originated in times of grave poverty. Lampredotto is tripe made from the lining of the cow’s fourth stomach, and it is a common Florentine street food. Although it could be eaten for dinner at a Florentine trattoria or osteria, this flavorful meat is often slow-cooked and served on a sandwich drizzled with “green sauce,” made of parsley, oil, and garlic or “red sauce,” which is a little picante. This dish may not sound appetizing, but the juicy meat combines with the flavorful sauce to create a perfect on-the-go bite. Take a chance to try it, and lampredotto could become your next favorite food!

The best places to find it:

Il’Trippaio di Sant’Ambrogio (Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti)

L’Antico Trippaio (Piazza de Cimatori)

Pappa al Pomodoro

Pappa al Pomodoro is a traditional Tuscan soup made of tomato, basil, and bread. The English translation of this simple dish is literally “tomato mush,” which is exactly what it looks like. Pappa al Pomodoro originated during times of poverty, when wasting bread—even stale bread—was considered an atrocity. Instead of being thrown out, old bread is mixed into the tomato soup until the mixture is thoroughly soaked. Pappa al Pomodoro was a common dish among the impoverished communities of Tuscany. It is referred to as a “peasant dish,” but today, Pappa al Pomodoro can be ordered at most restaurants. Another stale bread dish similar to Pappa al Pomodoro is Ribollita, which includes beans and vegetables in addition to the tomatoes and bread in Pappa al Pomodoro.

The best places to find it:

Osteria Pepo (Via Rosina, 6 r)

L’Osteria del Giovanni (Via del Moro, 22r)

Coccoli Toscani

Coccoli is a staple when it comes to Florentine comfort food, with an English translation that means “cuddles.” Coccoli are fried balls of dough typically served with prosciutto and stracchino—a type of spreadable cheese. Many times, you assemble them yourself by slicing the fluffy Coccoli in half, spreading the stracchino, and slapping cut prosciutto on top. Today, there are many other modern variations, including dessert coccoli, which may be filled with cream or Nutella. This traditional Tuscan dish is typically a snack to enjoy during an aperitivo with a refreshing glass of wine.

The best places to find it:

Beppa Fioraia (Via dell’Erta Canina, 6/R)

Enoteca alla Sosta dei Papi (Borgo la Croce, 81r)

Cantucci con Vin Santo

 

Cantucci Con Vin Santo is the perfect end to a delicious meal in Florence. Cantucci are crumbly almond biscuits that originated in Prato. They quickly absorb and turn soft when dipped in Vin Santo, or Italian dessert wine. This treat is common in the winter months, but it is possible to enjoy Cantucci Con Vin Santo all year round at any Florentine trattoria.

The best places to find it:

Il Cantucccio (Via Fienza, 23R)

Antonio Mattei (Via Porta Rosa 76R)

Any Florentine trattoria or wine shop!

 

Written by Spring 2024 student Ella Buffalo

Prepared for website by Summer 2025 student Marina Hishikawa