Florence is one of the best cities for food in Italy (the best in my opinion). The pasta is perfect, the pizza is topped with fresh mozzarella, and the panini are made with crisp bread.
Like any city, not all restaurants are budget-friendly, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality for a cheap eat!
To find delicious Italian staples and save a few euros, go to these places to get your fix for pizza, panini, gelato, pasta, and chicken.
If you’re looking for some of the best Italian food for less…you’re in the right place.
Let's eat!
Pizza: Gusta Pizza | Via Maggio, 46r
It can be hard to find good Italian pizza under five euros, but you can find it at Gusta Pizza, located near Santo Spirito.
For 3.50 for marinara (just sauce and crust) or 4 for margherita (sauce, crust, cheese), the prices are hard to beat.
Pizzas with more toppings aren't even much more. What's even better is if you split your pizza with a friend, then you'll have some extra cash for a glass of wine!
Panini: I Due Frattelini | Via dei Cimatori, 38
Due Frattelini is always packed at lunch time and for good reason. Part of that is because it is a tiny walk-up kiosk, but mostly because the panini are just that good!
And inexpensive, too: 2.50 euro for most sandwiches.
The bread is the best part, warm and crisp. The ingredients are fresh - you see them cut up the tomatoes and mozzarella right in front of you. They serve wine as well!
Gelato: Gelateria La Carraia | Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25
You can't beat tasty gelato for only 1.50 euro!
My general rule is to only trust gelaterias that serve the small sized gelato for 2 euros or less. More than that, the prices are likely tourist-driven and the quality isn't as great.
The gelato at La Carraia is good quality and right across the Ponte alla Carraia bridge. Take your gelato with you to the bridge and enjoy the views while you eat.
Pasta: Osteria de' Peccatori | Piazza di San Firenze, 14
Osteria de' Peccatori is one of my favorite restaurants in Florence. We went there a number of times - it is great for a semi-large group of people or dining solo, whatever works for you.
There is a lot of selection on the menu, but the pasta has always been my favorite - especially the gnocchi al pesto or the tortellini labro di prete (7.90 euro each).
The service is really friendly and welcoming. (The dessert is beyond amazing, too)! I could sure go for their tiramisu...
Rotisserie Chicken: Ristorante La Spada | Via della Spada, 62
I'm not quite sure if rotisserie chicken counts as a staple Italian food, but if you need to take a break from all the carbs, head to La Spada for some delicious, juicy take away chicken.
For only five euros you get a half chicken and can add a side if you want - potatoes, vegetables, etc. You also have many other choices with the take away selection.
(Note that sitting down at the restaurant costs more than it does at the take away shop around the corner, but tastes the same all the less).
There you have it - the best places in Florence to get amazing Italian food at a fraction of the price.
These are a few examples of my personal favorite places to go from when I used to live in the city – I would often frequent these eateries at least once every other week!
I recommend these places and hope you enjoy them too.
Book a Place to Stay in Italy
My all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.
It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!