by Lindsey Young
When most tourists think of Florentine cuisine, they think of the traditional Florentine steak, and although we believe this is a must-try, Tuscan cuisine has much more to offer than a big slab of meat.
Some of Florence's most authentic and classic meals don't come from a five-star restaurant. They come from wandering local markets, trying family-owned shops, and recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. If you want to understand Florence, understanding its cuisine and the history behind the food is a great place to start.
Lampredotto: Florence's Original Street Food
We can't start a food tour without mentioning lampredotto. Although it might not be the most glamorous meal, it is a traditional Florentine street food that has been popular for centuries. Lampredotto is made from the fourth stomach of a cow and is slowly cooked in a broth with celery, tomatoes, onions, and other herbs.
Most people enjoy it on a bread roll with salsa verde, creating a sandwich called a panino con lampredotto. Lampredotto is one of the best-known examples of cucina povera (peasant cooking) because it could be made cheaply while still providing plenty of flavor and protein. It was originally known as a working-class delicacy.
Today, you can find lampredotto throughout Florence. One of the most popular places to try it is the San Lorenzo Market, which is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you can't make it to the market, many food trucks and local street vendors also serve this Florentine classic.
The Schiacciata Sandwich Craze
If you have spent any time on social media before your trip to Florence, you have probably seen videos talking about schiacciata sandwiches. Local shops have gone viral for these sandwiches, and lines can often stretch for over an hour just to try one. So why are tourists going crazy for this traditional Tuscan meal?
Schiacciata sandwiches are made using a flatbread with a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. They are then stuffed with Italian meats such as prosciutto, mortadella, porchetta, salami, and capocollo. Cheeses like mozzarella, stracciatella, and pecorino cream are added, followed by spreads such as pesto, artichoke cream, or tomato-based sauces. Finally, the sandwich is topped with fresh ingredients like basil, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and more.
The history of schiacciata dates back centuries. The word itself translates to "squished" or "pressed," referring to the way the bread is traditionally prepared. Over time, Florentines began filling the bread with local meats, cheeses, and fresh ingredients, transforming a simple staple into one of the city's most iconic foods. What was once a practical meal has now become a must-try experience for visitors from around the world.
The Renaissance Origins of Gelato
Did you think gelato was just the Italian version of ice cream? Think again.
Many historians credit Florentine architect and artist Bernardo Buontalenti with creating an early version of modern gelato for the powerful Medici family during the Renaissance. In the 1500s, Buontalenti was tasked with creating elaborate dishes and desserts for Medici banquets, eventually developing a frozen treat made with milk, honey, egg yolks, and flavorings. What began as a dessert served exclusively to Florence's elite would eventually become one of Italy's most beloved culinary traditions.
Today, gelato can be found on nearly every corner of Florence, but not all gelato is created equal. One of the easiest ways to spot an authentic gelateria is by looking at how the gelato is displayed. While the large mountains of brightly colored gelato piled high in display cases may catch your eye, traditional gelato is often stored in stainless steel or silver tins called pozzetti. These covered containers help maintain a consistent temperature and protect the gelato from air and sunlight, preserving its flavor and creamy texture.
The ingredients can also tell you a lot about the quality. Authentic gelato is typically made with fresh, natural ingredients, which means the colors are often much more muted than visitors expect. Pistachio gelato should not be bright green, and banana gelato should not be neon yellow. Many of Florence's best gelaterias also use seasonal ingredients, allowing flavors to change throughout the year.
When searching for the perfect scoop, don't be afraid to skip the flashy displays and look for the silver tins instead. When you find the perfect shop, consider trying Buontalenti, an authentic Florentine flavor, which was the first flavor of ice cream. Sometimes the best gelato in Florence is found in the smallest shops, continuing a tradition that dates back more than 400 years to the Renaissance courts of the Medici family.
Taste Florence Like a Local
Florence's food scene is about much more than checking famous dishes off a list. From grabbing a lampredotto sandwich at a local market to enjoying authentic gelato with roots in the Renaissance, every bite tells a story about the city's history, culture, and traditions. So yes, try the steak, but don't stop there. Some of Florence's most memorable experiences can be found one meal at a time.
Ready to taste Florence for yourself? Accord's Tour Florence: Eat & Go lets you discover the city through its authentic flavors, local traditions, and iconic street foods. In just three hours, you'll experience Florence one bite at a time. Or join our Aperitivo at Sunset Tour and enjoy stunning views of Florence while sipping classic Italian cocktails and sampling traditional local bites.
