Pizza is an integral part of Italian gastronomy, and one of the reasons why Italian cuisine is known all around the world. True Italian pizza was born in Napoli, where it is made with a thin crust in wood-fired ovens. Florentines love this traditional way of making pizza, with it being widely available throughout the area. Here we explore the most delicious slices in the city.
There are several of these Pizza Man restaurants around Florence and many of the locals find that the best ones are located in via Rocca Tedalda and Via dell’Agnolo. One of their star pizzas is the Pizza Pasquale, made with cherry tomatoes and basil. They have also started the innovative concept of pizza parties; you can order a huge slice of pizza that is enough to feed three or four people, and they will deliver it to your party while it’s still hot and deliciously chewy. Address: Pizza Man, Via dell’Agnolo 105-107R, Florence, Italy, +39 055 248 0200
Pizzeria Spera has an ever-increasing clientele; just one visit gets diners inevitably hooked on the pizza, turning them into regular customers. Since it is always in demand, those without a reservation might wish to take their pizza home, instead of waiting for a table and leaving quickly after having finished the exquisite meal. The chef Elena’s excellent work has been recognized internationally, and she has received several awards for her delicious creations. Address: Pizzeria Spera, Via della Cernaia 9, Florence, Italy,+39 055 495286
This tiny locale is situated in the Santa Croce area, and is a great place to stop by for those tourists who want to stay near the historic center. Be warned, however – it is not for those who are in a rush. The pizzas here are so popular that the few tables inside the restaurant are always full, and since they do not accept reservations, waiting outside or getting a takeaway is usually a must. They only have three different types of pizza, focusing on quality above quantity. Their margherita is one of the best in the city, and it costs a mere eight euros.
Located near the San Frediano church in the Oltrarno, at Da Gherardo’s visitors will get a true taste of what it means to eat a Neapolitan pizza. The antipasti are also to die for, and if visitors are unsure of what pizza to get the Regina is a great option, made with basil, eggplants, fresh tomatoes, provola buffala cheese and tomato sauce. The food here is really great value, and it will be difficult for diners to forget this authentically Italian culinary experience.
The Firenze Nova pizzeria can be found in the Northern, more modern part of Florence. It is a bit out of the way in terms of tourist attractions, but it is worth the visit. It is rarely empty and the waiters do their best to accommodate the huge number of people who come to eat here each day, so the service might feel a bit rushed, but it is all part of the charm. The locale is not the most luxurious, but the open kitchen is an original touch, and visitors will enjoy watching the action that usually goes on behind closed doors. Address: Firenze Nova, Via Benedetto Dei 122, Florence, Italy, +39 055 411937
Run by a Neapolitan family, the pizza at Pizzeria Santa Lucia is the real deal. The authentic dining area, decorated with quirky paintings and pictures, and the delicious pizzas will keep visitors coming back for more. For those who have maybe had too much pizza, but are still looking for an authentic Italian restaurant, never fear, the pizzeria’s fresh fish is also an optimal – and traditionally Neapolitan – choice.
