Definitely one of the most popular stalls in the market. Very straightforward where you choose…read more What kind of pasta you like between regular pasta, tortellini, ravioli, or gnocchi. Then you choose what kind of sauce you like and presto-chango it's ready in about 5 to 10 minutes. The biggest issue is waiting in line to order which can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes depending how long the line is. I found the pasta is very good, but the sauces were exceptional. We tried the ravioli with buffalo mozzarella and pesto Genovese, which is our favorite. The gnocchi was good maybe only four stars, but the Bolognese sauce was excellent as well.

This experience is about the food -- authentic, fresh pasta and sauces following Italian recipes…read more Service is expedient, but you have to understand this is a takeout place -- pasta window service :) and the line can be very long. The ambiance is typical of a local food market. They're located on the first floor, not the touristic second floor built for tourists. We got scolded for taking our takeout to the second floor and were forced to buy drinks to sit at a table. Got it. I was impressed best fresh pasta for couple euros.

Amazingly delicious and enormous portion - - porchetta sandwich upstairs at the central market…read more Unfortunately, I don't recall the name of the restaurant, but certainly worth seeking out. If I go back one day, I'll have the exact same sandwich again!

Located in the San Lorenzo district, just a few minutes' walk from the main train station of Santa…read moreMaria Novella), Mercato Centrale is a vibrant food hall experience housed in a historic market building (very similar to the Time Out Market franchise across Europe). From the outside, it looks like a grand, iron-and-glass structure typical of European markets; inside, it opens into a bustling, multi-level space filled with food vendors, communal tables, and constant movement. The vibe is energetic, social, and slightly chaotic in a fun way - perfect for grazing, group dining, or trying multiple cuisines in one visit (from Italian to American to Mexican!). We stopped in for a quick lunch at around 2pm on a Wednesday; there was plenty of seating at high-top tables, and QR codes on paper menus make it easy to explore all the different food vendor options. It's also a fun activity to peruse the market, taking in different sights, smells, and flavors. All of us ended up opting for Schiacciatas (large Italian sandwiches that are a staple in Florence) from Massimiliano Parri, which all ended up ranging from €10-12, depending on toppings - yes, it's more expensive than what you'd get from a traditional schiacciateria, but you're also paying for the market's location and convenience. We appreciated the fact that they shave the meat right in front of you! My schiacciata came with freshly shaved ham atop crusty white bread, slathered with burrata cheese, and sprinkled with arugula and figs (I opted for no additional olive oil, since I found the ham quite rich already). I loved the contrast of textures and flavors, though I will say that the bread ended up cutting the roof of my mouth! All in all, Mercato Centrale is a bit touristy, but still miles better (and cheaper) than most "Italian" sandwich places you'd find in the US (pro tip: save your receipt for free use of their bathrooms). The variety can't be beaten, prices are reasonable for a central market, and it's steps from some of Florence's most iconic spots.

After a heavy day of shopping, walking for 8 miles and dealing with the heat, we needed a good…read moresit-down dinner with a substantial meal tonight. We found Trattoria Za Za, but could not get reservations. We showed up with 60 people waiting in line like us. The line moved quickly and we were seated in a glass enclosure with nice views. The menu is vast and the food flying out of the kitchen looked amazing. An appetizer of lightly battered squash blossoms was unique and enjoyed by all. Our first choice was the green peppercorns and Cognac cream covering a steak with rosemary potatoes. This was the best dishes of our 17 day excursion. The steak was perfect while the sauce was incredibly delicious. The steak with argula salad was our second choice. It was also savory and highly recommended. The setting here is great, amazing food, good value and a truly relaxed environment. If you are in Florence, please treat yourself to a fine meal at Trattoria Za Za for that special evening. To the establishment, great restaurant and we will return. Congrats on a beautiful evening.

- [ ] a Tratorria Came here on our last night in Firenze…read more The restaurant was very large with multiple dining rooms and plenty of outdoor seating. We were seated by our server Chaima. She was friendly and attentive during our dinner. We began our meal with their house Chianti which was very good. We began with their ZaZa Cheese as appetizer. Next, we had Spaghetti alla Carbonara with Truffle and Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil. We ended our meal with the ZaZa Tagliata with Italian Seasoning with Rosemary Potatoes. After eating in Italy for 17 days. ZaZa had the best pasta and steak. I would highly recommend ZaZa for its service, atmosphere and food.

Short Review: About a five minute walk from the Duomo in…read moreFirenze, and on a cozy but well-trafficked side street. Food is excellent and service is fast. Long Review: I was in search of the best spaghetti in Firenze and I think I found it! It's a cute little restaurant about a 5-min walk to the Piazza del Duomo. There's as much outdoor seating as there is indoor seating, which is a nice differentiator for them. We walked up and were seated outside right away. The requisite bread and water was served right away and a friendly waiter came to take our order of food...and of course wine. The streets near the duomo are all well-trafficked so just know that the wait staff will tell you over and over to not keep your mobile devices or purse on the table. They get taken by the pickpockets pretty often I guess. Nonetheless the meal, the ambiance of the busy street and the service was absolutely fantastic. And the food! OMG it was honestly some of the best food I've had in Firenze. And it wasn't an ostentatious restaurant. Definitely family owned and operated and they've got the market on the location! As I saidordered the spaghetti since I was in search of "the best" in the city, and honestly it was! A must try if you're in the area.

Trattoria Antellesi is tucked into a side street off Florence's historic center with a classic,…read moreunderstated exterior that blends into the surrounding stone streets. Inside, it feels like a traditional Tuscan dining room: warm lighting, warm yellow-painted walls, rustic wood furnishings, and a cozy, intimate layout. The vibe is relaxed and authentically local, with a slower-paced, sit-down dining experience that encourages lingering. At around 8pm on a Wednesday night, the restaurant was mostly full, but our party of five was able to be seated immediately. The menu is extensive, with both Italian and English versions; there's also a daily special menu that's quite fairly priced, and has some more traditional Italian dishes. They offer some more familiar options like bruschetta and meatballs with tomato sauce, as well as the classic Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Each table comes with complementary bread service, which was a bit stale, but it's free; what more could you ask for? It was also paired with a rich, earthy olive oil and tangy balsamic vinegar. Four members of our party ordered Aperol Spritzes (€8) - these were tangy, refreshing, and with just the right amount of sweetness countering the fizzy Prosecco and citrusy, herbal Aperol. For entrees, two members of our party ordered the Spaghetti Fiaccheraia (€13), which is spaghetti in garlic and oil with chili pepper, bacon, and ricotta. While this seems like quite a simple dish, there's so much complexity in the variety of flavors and textures. The spaghetti was al dente, and soaked up the addictive, slightly-spicy garlic oil; they were also more than willing to exclude the bacon for my vegetarian friend. Another friend opted for the Pappardelle Coniglio (€13) on the special menu - a tomato-based pasta with rabbit. Certainly a dish you couldn't get at most Italian places in the States, and the wide noodles paired nicely with the acidic tomatoes and gamey rabbit. The Ravioli Burro Salvia (€15) was a traditional Florentine ravioli with ricotta cheese, spinach, butter, and sage; while the portion was a bit small, this dish was truly made with care. The filling let the earthy flavor of the spinach shine while being further elevated by the sage and rich, tangy ricotta cheese. Lastly, my Spaghetti alla Carbonara Fiorentina Tartufata (€17) was an indulgent take on the classic spaghetti carbonara, with egg, pecorino cheese, bacon, and freshly-shaved black truffle. While this was a tasty dish with a large portion, the sauce had partially clotted, and I found it to be missing some component of acidity or brightness to liven the dish up and contrast the richness. I was stuffed by the end of my meal, but some members of my party opted for their Tiramisu (€7) - this is an elevated take on the classic Italian dessert, with whipped mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers served in a parfait-like glass and sprinkled with a light dusting of cocoa powder. It was neither too sweet nor too rich; the perfect amount of decadence to end a meal. We had a lovely time during our dinner at Trattoria Antellesi, prices are more than reasonable for a traditional trattoria experience with delicious food and a lovely ambience. It may not be as flashy as some of the more touristy restaurants in the city, but certainly a great stop for traditional Florentine food if you're in the area!

We decided to stop at this restaurant on a whim. Wow! We were blown away by the food and service…read more We started with the bruschetta, which was served with fresh tomatoes, olives and arugula. It was delicious and so light! We also ordered wine. We got the Rosso di Montalcino 2024 and it was definitely one of the best glasses of wine I ever had. The steak we had was also amazing. It was tender and so flavorful. The potatoes were also fantastic! At the end of the meal, we had Vin Santo (dessert wine that you dip biscotti in). Very delicious, but very strong. Lastly, the server (maybe manager or owner) brought us out complimentary limoncello. It was also delicious. We definitely had to walk (or try to walk) it off after all that! I can't say enough about the food and service. We went to another steak place a few days before at Trattoria Dalloste. It was a couple of doors away from this place. The service and food didn't even compare to this place. We spent a lot more money for rubbery and fatty steak. They also tried to overcharge us. So, do yourself a favor and try La Cantinetta Osteria con Cucina. You won't be disappointed! If we ever go back to Firenze, we would go back to this restaurant in a heartbeat.

We visited this place last night, our first night in Florence. There weren't a lot of options in…read morethis area of Florence, near the Duomo, and most places were full. The establishment is nice and inviting, and the staff are friendly and helpful enough. The lasagna was--and I'm not exaggerating -- gross. It looked and tasted like it came out of a can or package. After having excellent lasagna in Tivoli, two of my family members were expecting something at least enjoyable. If we were in a restaurant in American, where we are from, we'd have asked for something else as substitute. I had a risotto dish that was good enough, but the wine pour could have been better. If you come to this place, you may like it enough, based on other reviews, but definitely don't order their atrocious lasagna. Grocery store lasagna is better.

Osteria Pastella was such a beautiful dining experience. The restaurant felt upscale, polished, and…read moreexceptionally clean, while still having a warm and inviting atmosphere. It felt like the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion. The highlight was definitely the flaming truffle cheese wheel pasta--it's easy to see why it's so popular! Watching the pasta being prepared in the cheese wheel made the experience even more fun, and the flavor was incredible. My husband was obsessed. To top it all off, they surprised us with complimentary champagne at them beginning and limoncello shots at the end, which was such a nice touch. Definitely make a reservation ahead of time! The line was literally down the block when we went, so this is clearly a popular spot. Between the food, atmosphere, and thoughtful little touches, it was absolutely worth the visit.

Best meal in Florence. Pastella is a hit with all. Both locals and tourists seem to have found this…read moreplace. We were here 8 years ago and loved it and still do. And it seems everyone does looking at the skills in everyone's faces. We ordered the pasta cooked in the parmesan cheese wheel. We had the show and it was great. The fresh truffles were just perfect. The second entree was an order of Pappardelle with a Chianti marinated Tuscan Wild Boar. It was out of this world delicious. No room for dessert but the complimentary limoncello was perfect. Great service. Highly recommend making a reservation...the restaurant was packed at 1:30PM!!!

Wonderful little shop near Porta Romana specializing in fresh pasta made by hand. Many shapes and…read moretypes to choose from and amazing fillings for the ravioli, tortellini, etc. They even offer a few delicious homemade sauces to go with the pasta if you prefer not to make your own. They also carry top quality dried (as in store-bought) pasta, canned tomatoes, etc. All the best!

came here based on the yelp reviews. Location is in a weird parking lot adjacent area. lots of cars…read moredriving by. this was upsetting for my mother. she asked to sit more inside away from cars driving by, her concern was for dirt/pollution. the outside area was cute, elevated, great breeze. the wait staff were welcoming and nice. Only got an eh face when we unordered the fanta. the margherita pizza was GREAT. crust beats Eataly. a little stingy on the basil rigatoni with ragu: red sauce, yummy the fettucine with ragu: different sauce. also yummy bruschetta, fresh, slightly burnt bread, would've liked more basil. not sure if there was any basil or if it was supposed to have basil... would definitely eat here again.

Wow definitely coming back before I leave Definitely try the Spaghetti with tomato and basil, the…read morebruschetta and the pizza with spicy pepperoni (diavola) I ate everything it it was delicious , The host or owner is hilarious as well such a great 1st experience here in Florence

Great pasta! Super cheap and good portions. Great for a quick bite when out wondering around.read more

La Pasta Fresca is located inside Mercado Centrale in Florence…read more For some reason, rigatoni with meat sauce was €1 cheaper than spaghetti without meat sauce. Anyways, wanting meat with my pasta, I got the rigatoni. I didn't mind that it came on a paper plate, all the places in the mercado served their food on the same paper plates. It was the fact that it was served already cold on the paper plate. I feel the rigatoni could've used another thirty seconds or so in the water to make it al dente and warmer, and the meat sauce, aside from having more meat, could've had more flavoring and thicker. It's not that I thought the food was bad, I just expected more from a Mercado, based off food establishments located in markets like this (Central Market in LA and La Boqueria in Barcelona).

Best Pasta, I've ever had. Stunning Place…read more Great Service. All in All best Italian Food ever.

oh my god...hands down the BEST pasta I've had so far during this trip…read more Truffle gnocchi (1000000/10): I'm going to be dreaming of this years from now. Creamy, perfectly salted, and the PERFECT truffle flavor. My mom doesn't like truffle and even she liked this dish. It comes out on a sizzling hot plate and the cheese on top is nice and crispy!! Fresh spaghetti with fresh tomatoes and basil (1000/10): sounds so simple but the spaghetti noodles were the best I've ever had. They were thicker and chewier and perfectly cooked! Everything was so so fresh Complementary bread was meh. Kinda dry and came with this olive (?) dip Hugo spritz (9/10): they don't give it to you in a cute wine glass and don't have mint so it's not aesthetic but was still very tasty! Basically like a fruity sweet white wine I'd definitely go back. Show up right when it opens and you'll be seated immediately!!