The 10 Best Restaurants In Duomo And Piazza Della Signoria, Florence

This cafe, one of the oldest in Florence, is situated in the Piazza della Signoria. Rivoire oozes class and elegance and is known in Florence for its delicious artisanal chocolate. The Tarta del Nonno (Grandpa’s Cake), a chocolate-filled cake with almonds sprinkled on top, is the best you will find in Florence, or indeed Italy. During the winter months visitors can enjoy the lush hot chocolate while admiring the beautiful Palazzo della Signoria, which gives its name to the Piazza; in summer travelers can sip on a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine and snack on one of their tasty dishes.

Located meters away from the Piazza della Signoria, Vini e Vecchi Sapori (which means wine and old flavors, a nod to traditional Italian cuisine) is a wonderful family-owned bistro that serves authentic Italian food. They serve a wide variety of flavorsome dishes, from Caprese salads (fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil), to typical pasta-based recipes and steaks. It is a small establishment and visitors flock here by the dozen, so reservations are a must. Gluten-free options are available on request.

Coquinarius is a cute cafe situated near the Duomo in the center of Florence, with impressive vaulted ceilings and a wooden decor. It is an informal place to have lunch or dinner, and the food that is served here is of the best quality. Everything, from their starters to their divine chocolate cake, is as tasty as it gets. Since it opened in 1999 it has become a success, and it gets so busy that visitors can rarely get in without a reservation.

Terra Terra is a family-run restaurant situated in close proximity to Florence’s Duomo. They serve great portions of their excellent food at very fair prices, making it a must for visitors who want to experience authentic Italian dining without breaking the bank. The cozy, intimate interior provides an excellent place for travelers to sit down and relax while they enjoy their meal. A lot of their dishes are made with cinghiale, or wild boar, which is a typical ingredient in many traditional Italian recipes.

A couple of blocks behind the Duomo, Zio Gigi, or Uncle Gigi, serves traditional Italian food. Gigi is the chef at this restaurant, and he is the reason behind its place on our list of the Duomo’s best restaurants. Not only does he cook amazing food, but he has a charming personality, and can often be heard singing from the kitchen. He serves great portions of flavorsome food at fantastic prices, and the staff is friendly and happy to speak in Italian with tourists who want to practice their language skills.

Fiaschetteria Nuvoli, which roughly translates to ‘cloud tavern’, is also located close to the Duomo. They serve one of the most traditional Florentine dishes, lampredotto, which was originally a peasant dish, and is made from cow stomach, usually served in a sandwich. The restaurant, which is almost 200 years old, also has an excellent selection of wines. The prices are very modest for the quality and taste of the food, so visitors on a budget should make sure to stop by this tavern.

Next on our list is the La Sosta de’ Golosi, situated in a small street close to the Duomo. For lunch, visitors can order one of their delicious dishes from their menu, and at dinnertime they can sometimes partake in the typical Italian experience that is the aperitivo. Travelers can get a drink and unlimited access to a tasty buffet, something that many Italian restaurants and bars do at night. From time to time they also put on special musical events which are supremely atmospheric: check the restaurant’s event calendar for more information.

Close to the Piazza della Signoria, Dei Frescobaldi has an excellent location from which tourists can easily reach any part of the city. This restaurant serves wines made by the renowned Frescobaldi family (a Florentine family with aristocratic origins) as well as excellent Tuscan food. It is divided in two areas: there is a bar area and a dining room, which are both elegantly decorated with inviting colors. The service is friendly and attentive, which makes for a great meal.