Florence Favs: Food Edition

As many of you know from my endless posts and pics documenting my travels these last few months, I just returned home from a semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy. Now that I am home with a heart full of gratitude and a phone FULL of photos, I've decided to bring back the blog to share and recap the highlights, and even the struggles at times, that these last few months have brought about. To kick off the blog posts with a bang, this post will be dedciated to nothing more than my absolute favorite restauraunts in Florence. As great as the food was in other countries as well, (I could make a whole other blog post on that), I honestly don't think I could have been in a better place for experiencing such delicious meals from restaurants than where I was. The food culture in Italy was so interesting to me as meals are such a staple part of the social scene and there is such an emphasis on prioritizing freshness, flavor, seasonality and quality in cooking. Whether you are a foodie like me, or plan to travel to Italy one day as well, I hope you enjoy this compilation of just a few of my favorite spots in Florence!

First up....

Il Grande Nuti Trattoria "NUTI"

• The pasta in the window place!

• My favorite pasta of all time in Florence

• Elegant atmosphere - main window looks into the restoraunt where anyone can see the delicious capellacci (stuffed pasta) and Pici Cacio e Pepe in a cheese wheel being made fresh daily!

• First photo shows the seasonal capellaci pasta I got which was a beet pasta filled with a pumpkin ricotta filling topped with butter and sage, second photo is the pici cacio e pepe. Unreal you guys!!

Ginori Pizzeria

• Friendly staff

• Good vibes

• Wide variety of menu options

• Fav items of mine: Tricolore Pizza (with proscuitto, arugala, tomatoes and burrata cheese), Florentine Steak, Roasted Potatoes

Ciro and Sons

• Cozy atmosphere

• I got the most refreshing aperol spritz there and they have delicious appetizers and pizza! The Vesuvio pizza I got in the second photo had buffalo mozzarella, truffle, cherry tomatoes, arugula and tuscan ham and it was one of the best I've had omg.

• Everything on their menu can be made gluten and lactose free and they advertise themselves as very accomodating towards offering vegan, vegetarian and lactose-free options as well.

Trattoria Zaza

• A Classic!

• Cool atmosphere - brick and frescoed walls, each room is unique

• Big menu, great antipastos

• Truffle Gorgonzola Gnocci is to-die-for

La Bistecca Osteria

• The truffle pasta I got was SO tasty...wish I got truffle pasta more in Italy but glad I got it there. Creamy, fresh, flavorful!!

• Also great florentine steak

Trattoria da Chef Enrico

• Authentic cozy Italian restaurant vibe

• Has all the classics

• Elegant plating

Quicker bites/On-the-go

Pino's

• Quick and casual - order at counter

• Option to customize

• Big paninis for great prices!!

All'Antico Vinaio

• This shop blew up on TikTok so people either love it or say it's overhyped...I think it was delicious and as long as you can catch it when there is no line it's worth going to! Only reason I wouldn't consider it a top choice is because there are so many similar panini shops that are just as good (and friendlier) all around Florence

• Their pistachio cream is a perfect addition to their sandwhiches though and I have yet to see it anywhere else

Shake Cafe

• ICED COFFEE (it can be a struggle to find good to-go iced coffee options in Italy but Shake does it right)

• Went to this place like it was my lifeline while in Florence lol

• Great options for eat-in brunch, studying or just to grab a meal on the go

• American-style

• Wraps, salads/grain bowls, bagels, smoothies, juices, omelettes, coffees/teas, etc.

• Fun atmosphere

• The 'Berry Glowing Collagen' smoothie bowl and 'Protein power bowl' were my two favs shown in the last two pics!

Rosalia's

• Salads, grain bowls, wraps

• Perfect place for when you are craving something fresh and colorful in between all the pizza and pasta...especially like I was during the first couple weeks of being in Italy!

• They also have coffee and other fun drink options (fun bev girlies where you at?!). The 'Pink Latte' I got was less than 3 euros and was sooo good. It's made from almond milk, beetroot powder and agave so fun drink to switch it up from coffee

The gelato and coffee scene needs it's own post so stay tuned for that along with a semester recap soon! As always, thanks for being here and thanks for reading :)

XX,

Adele