Florence, a city renowned for its rich history, art, and culture, is equally celebrated for its culinary scene. The city’s fine dining establishments offer a perfect blend of traditional Tuscan flavours and modern gastronomic innovation. And with 11 Michelin Star restaurants in the city, now has never been a better time to visit this incredible Italian city. Read on to discover more.
Read our guide to the best hotels in Florence.
Saporium Firenze
Saporium Firenze is a modern culinary gem that reflects a commitment to sustainability and the farm-to-table movement. The decor is sleek and minimalist, with an emphasis on natural materials like wood and stone, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. With around 50 seats, the restaurant offers a cosy and intimate dining experience. Chef Filippo Saporito’s menu is both innovative and rooted in Tuscan tradition, featuring dishes such as “Tuscan Beef Tartare with Smoked Egg Yolk” and “Homemade Ravioli with Pecorino and Black Truffle,” all highlighting local, seasonal ingredients. The open kitchen allows diners to witness the culinary artistry in action, enhancing the overall experience. Saporium Firenze’s wine list focuses on organic and biodynamic selections, perfectly paired with the creative dishes, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking for something fresh and exciting in Florence.
Location: Florence
Décor and Vibe: Modern, minimalist design with a focus on sustainability.
Cuisine: Modern Italian
Michelin Star: One
Website: www.saporium.com
Il Palagio
Il Palagio is the epitome of luxury dining, set within the grand surroundings of a former 16th-century convent-turned luxury hotel. The restaurant’s decor is a blend of Renaissance architecture and modern design, with high ceilings, grand chandeliers, and elegant furnishings that create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. With seating for about 60 guests, Il Palagio offers both space and intimacy in its dining environment. Chef Paolo Lavezzini’s menu showcases the finest Italian ingredients through both traditional and innovative dishes, such as “Homemade Tortelli with Ricotta and Spinach” and “Veal Chop Milanese.” The restaurant is particularly renowned for its tasting menus, which provide a culinary journey through Italy’s diverse regions. Il Palagio’s wine cellar is extensive, featuring over 400 labels, and the outdoor terrace provides an idyllic setting for al fresco dining during the warmer months.
Location: Florence, Four Seasons Hotel
Décor and Vibe: Luxurious and grand, befitting its setting within a historic palazzo.
Cuisine: Italian
Michelin Star: One
Website: www.fourseasons.com
Santa Elisabetta
Santa Elisabetta offers an intimate and exclusive dining experience within the medieval Pagliazza Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Florence. With only seven tables, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant creates a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion. The decor is understated yet elegant, featuring original stone walls and contemporary furnishings that blend historical charm with modern comfort. Chef Rocco De Santis presents a menu that expertly combines traditional Tuscan flavours with innovative techniques, offering dishes such as “Chianina Beef with Black Truffle” and “Lobster with Mango and Lime.” The small size of the restaurant ensures personalised service and attention to detail, while the extensive wine list, featuring over 500 labels, complements the exquisite cuisine. For an even more exclusive experience, Santa Elisabetta offers a private dining room in the adjacent “Sala del Pozzo.”
Location: Florence, Hotel Brunelleschi
Décor and Vibe: Intimate and historical, set within a medieval tower.
Cuisine: Italian
Michelin Star: Two
Website: www.ristorantesantaelisabetta.it
Borgo San Jacopo
Borgo San Jacopo offers an intimate and romantic dining experience right on the banks of the Arno River. Part of the prestigious Lungarno Collection, owned by the Ferragamo family, this restaurant is a beacon of fine dining in Florence, known for its fusion of traditional Tuscan ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques. With just 45 seats, the restaurant’s elegant, minimalist interior is designed to highlight the breathtaking views of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio through floor-to-ceiling windows. Chef Claudio Mengoni’s menu is a tribute to Tuscan flavours, with dishes such as “Risotto with Green Apple, Roasted Scampi, and Sea Lettuce” and “Pigeon with Hazelnuts, Cabbage, and Tamarind,” all prepared with the freshest local ingredients. The restaurant’s extensive wine list is carefully curated to complement the seasonal menu, and its intimate setting makes it ideal for a romantic evening or a special celebration.
Location: Florence
Décor and Vibe: Intimate and elegant, with breathtaking views of the Arno River.
Cuisine: Contemporary Italian
Michelin Star: One
Website: www.lungarnocollection.com
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Enoteca Pinchiorri is one of Italy’s most celebrated dining establishments, boasting three Michelin stars and a reputation for excellence that spans decades. Housed in a grand 16th-century palazzo, the restaurant exudes timeless elegance with rich fabrics, antique furnishings, and original artwork that create a luxurious and refined atmosphere. The restaurant seats about 80 guests across several elegantly appointed dining rooms, each offering a unique charm. Under the direction of Chef Riccardo Monco, the menu is a testament to Italian culinary excellence, featuring dishes like “Risotto with Scampi and Lemongrass” and “Pigeon with Foie Gras and Red Fruits.” Enoteca Pinchiorri is also famous for its legendary wine cellar, which houses over 4,000 labels and 150,000 bottles, including some of the world’s rarest wines. The restaurant offers private dining rooms and sommelier services that provide expert wine pairings, ensuring a dining experience that is both exceptional and unforgettable.
Location: Florence, Baglioni Relais Santa Croce
Décor and Vibe: Elegant and sophisticated, with an impressive wine cellar.
Cuisine: Italian
Michelin Star: Three
Website: enotecapinchiorri.it
Atto di Vito Mollica
Atto di Vito Mollica is a chic and contemporary addition to Florence’s fine dining scene, housed in the historic Palazzo Portinari Salviati, a Renaissance palace once owned by the family of Dante’s muse, Beatrice Portinari. The restaurant’s interior is a blend of modern art and sophisticated design, with an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the culinary team at work. With around 50 seats, Atto di Vito Mollica offers an intimate and elegant dining experience. Chef Vito Mollica’s menu is a modern interpretation of Italian classics, featuring dishes like “Tuscan Ribollita with Black Cabbage” and “Roasted Octopus with Potatoes and Olives,” all presented with artistic flair. The restaurant’s wine list is carefully curated, featuring selections from both Italian and international vineyards, and private dining options are available for those seeking a more exclusive experience. Atto di Vito Mollica is a must-visit for those looking to enjoy contemporary Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
Location: Florence, Palazzo Portinari Salviati
Décor and Vibe: Chic and modern, with an emphasis on art and design.
Cuisine: Italian
Michelin Star: One
Website: www.attodivitomollica.com
Paca
Paca is a modern and innovative restaurant located just outside Florence in the town of Prato. Founded by chef Tommaso Arrigoni and local entrepreneur Giovanni Lombardi, Paca has quickly become a destination for fine dining enthusiasts. The restaurant’s decor is modern and understated, with warm lighting and contemporary furnishings that create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. With seating for about 40 guests, Paca offers an intimate and personalised dining experience. Chef Tommaso Arrigoni’s menu is a creative exploration of Italian cuisine, with dishes like “Risotto with Saffron and Bone Marrow” and “Lamb with Artichokes and Pecorino,” all crafted with seasonal ingredients. The tasting menu is a highlight, offering a selection of the chef’s most inspired creations. Paca’s well-curated wine list focuses on small producers from Italy and beyond, and the restaurant also offers cooking classes and private dining options, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Location: Pratoo, near Florence
Décor and Vibe: Modern and refined, with a cosy atmosphere.
Cuisine: Contemporary Italian
Michelin Star: One
Website: www.pacaristorante.it
Osteria di Passignano
Osteria di Passignano is a rustic and charming restaurant located within the historic Abbey of Passignano, a 1,000-year-old monastery in the Chianti region. Managed by the Antinori family, the restaurant is renowned for its dedication to traditional Tuscan cuisine and its connection to the surrounding vineyards. The decor features exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and antique furnishings that reflect the rich history of the abbey, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. With about 50 seats, Osteria di Passignano offers a cosy and intimate dining experience, and the outdoor terrace provides stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. Chef Matia Barciulli’s menu is a celebration of Tuscan flavours, with dishes like “Wild Boar Ragù with Pappardelle” and “Bistecca alla Fiorentina,” all sourced from the local countryside. The restaurant’s wine list is closely linked to the Antinori family’s vineyards, offering an extensive selection of their wines, and guests can also enjoy wine tastings and tours of the historic cellars.
Location: Passignanoo, near Florence
Décor and Vibe: Rustic and charming, set within a historic abbey.
Cuisine: Italian
Michelin Star: One
Website: www.osteriadipassignano.com
La Torre
La Torre offers a unique and grand dining experience within a stunning 17th-century villa designed by the renowned Italian architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This Michelin-starred restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional cuisine, which skillfully combines tradition with innovation. The villa itself exudes historic charm, with frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and beautiful gardens that create an elegant and timeless atmosphere. The dining room is luxurious yet welcoming, providing an ambience that makes every guest feel at home while surrounded by history. With seating for around 50 guests, Atman offers both indoor dining in the opulent dining room and outdoor dining in the villa’s picturesque gardens. Chef Marco Cahssai’s menu is a modern interpretation of Italian cuisine, featuring dishes such as “Duck Breast with Orange and Fennel” and “Risotto with Red Wine and Gorgonzola,” each presented with creative flair and bold flavours. The restaurant’s tasting menu is particularly noteworthy, offering a carefully curated selection of the chef’s most inspired creations. Atman a Villa Rospigliosi also features private dining options and a sommelier service that provides expert wine pairings, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience that blends fine cuisine with cultural richness. Guests can also enjoy a tour of the historic villa and its gardens, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a combination of fine dining and cultural immersion.
Location: Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Castello del Nero
Décor and Vibe: Luxurious and romantic, with stunning views of the Tuscan countryside.
Cuisine: Italian
Michelin Star: One
Website: www.comohotels.com
