The 10 Best Restaurants In Santa Croce Florence

While the protagonist of Santa Croce is its stunning Franciscan basilica, there are numerous culinary gems scattered around the quarter, demanding attention. With fresh, high quality ingredients on offer at the nearby Sant’Ambrogio market and a wealth of historical architecture as a backdrop, this neighborhood has all the tools to be a culinary paradise. The following list explores some of the area’s top restaurants.

1. Finisterrae

typical italian pizza Napoli with anchovies and Mozzarella cheese baked in traditional wood-fired oven on plate in local restaurant in Lombardy

Finisterrae

2. La Giostra

Restaurant, Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Vegan

La Giostra was founded by Dimitri Kunz, a prince of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine with a passion for gastronomy. The restaurant’s motto ‘In Food We Trust’ conveys the spirit which is fostered there. As the business is passed from generation to generation within this noble family, the culinary magic is not lost but is shared with the growing number of patrons. An impressive display of wine bottles lines the walls becoming a key feature of the decor, transmitting the sense of reverence that the family holds for high quality food and drink.

3. I Ghibellini

I Ghibellini

Courtesy of I Ghibellini | Courtesy of I Ghibellini

5. Brac

Restaurant, Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Vegan

Creamy Tuscan chicken with sun dried tomatoes, spinach and parmesan

Artsy types should head to Brac where a passion for culture is married together with a love of good food in this bookshop-restaurant. Specializing in vegetarian and vegan dishes, this trendy haunt stands out in the home city of the Florentine steak. Their menu showcases the delicious natural ingredients yielded by the Tuscan landscape. The decor creates bohemian vibes and a key feature is the shredded fabric which hangs over the courtyard, adding a splash of color to al fresco dining.

6. Trattoria Cibrèo

Market, Restaurant, Italian

Trattoria Cibrèo, known by the locals as Cibreino, is one of the three establishments which makes up this Florentine institution. Serving the same high quality ingredients as its more formal counterpart, Cibrèo Restaurant, but for lower prices and in a relaxed atmosphere, this rustic establishment is worth a visit. Pasta and pizza are left off the menu so the spotlight can be shone on lesser-known Italian delicacies. Given that the menu reflects the daily market stock, rather than providing a physical list, servers will recite options to diners, an impressive feat which not only confirms the freshness of the ingredients but is also an important feature of their first class customer service.

7. Enoteca Pinchiorri

Enoteca Pinchiorri

Courtesy of Enoteca Pinchiorri | Courtesy of Enoteca Pinchiorri

8. Osteria De’Benci

Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Cooked grilled T-bone steak.. Image shot 08/2008. Exact date unknown.

Osteria De’Benci

9. Antica Macelleria Falorni

Butcher, Restaurant, Italian

Antica Macelleria Falorni is a gem in the Florentine culinary scene, offering the unique experience of dining in a butcher’s shop. Most restaurants in the area boast locally sourced ingredients, but the freshness at this restaurant is guaranteed by the fact that their produce comes straight from their own farm just outside the city. Their cheese cave is a foodie’s dream and the bonus of this restaurant’s double function is that you can take some home with you. Their wine vending machine is an entertaining way of sampling a selection of regional wine.

10. Boccadama

Bar, Restaurant, Italian

Boccadama Restaurant Terrace; Piazza di Santa Croce Square, Florence; Italy

Dine in this cozy renaissance palazzo or bag a table on the terrace of Piazza Santa Croce for spectacular views of the basilica. Either way, Boccadama offers the ideal setting for an authentic Tuscan dining experience. The menu showcases the delights of the regional cuisine. Considering that this restaurant began its days as an enoteca, a bar specializing in wine, the meals are complemented by a selection of regional beverages.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.