Gusto Leo is well-known around Florence for providing guests with plenty of food and plenty of room to consume it. It's the perfect place to ask for dishes served family-style--they'll be happy to make sure that you all can share some of the great options they have. With a fun environment that everyone in your family or your group will enjoy, you can sit and take your time sampling some of the great pizzas and pastas they have available. Also, make sure that you take some time and ask your waiter or waitress what they would recommend--you might get something a bit unexpected.
Recommended for Homestyle because: With fantastic pizza, Gusto Leo offers big pies for the whole family.
Alexa's expert tip: If you have a large group, think about contacting the restaurant beforehand--it fills up fast!
It might be hard to find an authentic restaurant so close to the Duomo and other main sights, but Trattoria remains a hidden gem amongst the throngs of tourist traps. The staff is wonderful and happy to assist, and the specials are always unique but true to the typical taste of Tuscany. Also, if you are thinking about experiencing a plate of gnocchi at its finest, this is the restaurant to try it out. They serve several different kinds, but the best is probably the simplest--you might want to consider the tomato and basil. Wine is also cheap and quite good, and the restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere for guests.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Trattoria Gabriello offers an intimate setting and local cuisine.
Alexa's expert tip: Make sure to check out the specials and see what they have available that day.
Comfort food doesn't necessarily have to be Italian, and when you have been in Italy for a while and feel the need for a solid burger and fries, the Diner can deliver. Started as a response to the fact that there were so many American students in Florence, the Diner serves up a delicious breakfast or brunch, and you'll love the taste of their burgers when you grab lunch here. Sometimes, comfort means craving the familiar, and the location and staff make is easy to feel like you are back home again without ever having to leave Florence or Italy.
Recommended for Homestyle because: When you are craving classic American food, you'll want to stop here.
Alexa's expert tip: Their milkshakes are almost better than anything you will find at home!
Nothing is better than some classic Tuscan comfort food, and Osteria del Gatto e la Volpe does a great job of bringing some of the local flavors to their restaurant. If you are thinking about tasting some quality pasta, this is the place to order a dish or two and share with friends. They do not have a house wine, but the chianti available is very good and cheap--it's a fantastic accompaniment to the meal. This is also a great place for vegetarians who still want a filling meal without any meat involved. It's also the perfect spot for a gathering of friends and family.
Recommended for Homestyle because: This spacious restaurant has some amazing pasta and a staff happy to help you with everything you need.
Alexa's expert tip: Think about trying some of their family recipes--you'll see why they have been handed down for years.
Florence has plenty of restaurants that feel Tuscan in nature, but Perseus does a wonderful job of making it truly authentic with hearty meals and a great atmosphere. Their t-bone, Florentine steak is known as one of the best in the entire city, and you won't end up spending a lot of money for a large meal. It's a little bit out of the city center, and more of a favorite spot for locals, so you will want to make reservations to insure that they can accommodate a large group or your family if you are planning on bringing more than two people.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Perseus has a great decor and an authentic feel.
Alexa's expert tip: Depending on how hungry you are, the t-bone, Florentine steak is the best to order!
It's not always easy to eat cheaply in Florence, but Osteria Nuvoli is a great option for those on a budget or those planning on feeing a lot of people. Whether you decide to grab one of their warm sandwiches or you are thinking about sitting down and enjoying some of the traditional Tuscan cuisine that you can find around the area, this can be a great option. Be warned that it closes fairly early for an Italian restaurant (even as early as 9 pm some nights), so you might want to think about an earlier dinner here if this is a place on your list of eateries to try.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Osteria Nuvoli is a cheap option that remains true to traditional Tuscan flavors.
Alexa's expert tip: Think about stopping here for a panino in the afternoon.
Located right in the center of the action, the Yellow Bar serves up some of the best pasta and pizza for those looking for something a bit heartier than some of the higher-end restaurants located in Florence. Kids will love being able to see their meals being made, and everything is made in-house--including the pasta and pizza dough. The staff is happy to help you with any concerns you may have or to recommend some dishes. Make sure to ask them about serving the dishes family-style so everyone in your group can get a bit or two of fabulous pasta and well-crafted pizza.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Between the amazing pasta and helpful staff, this is a great location for a meal with comfort food.
Alexa's expert tip: See if you can find a booth or a long table if you are bringing your family with you.
When you are looking for some delicious food and you want to make sure that you take the time to enjoy it, Le Antiche Carrozze is one of the best in Florence. Make sure that you ask for some recommendations--the specials are comforting, and the house wine is cheap. It's the perfect family restaurant, your kids should be able to find something that they will enjoy and that tastes good. It's also a great place to order some large plates of food for group of people, so when you want something familiar and that you know there will be a lot of it, it's worth the short walk from the city center.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Le Antiche Carrozze provides wonderful pizza and pasta in a laid-back atmosphere.
Alexa's expert tip: Choose one of their pasta dishes--they're made in-house and they're huge.
Tuscany has hearty food to begin with, but Trattoria Marione truly brings those flavors to life. With both an antique atmosphere and plenty of seating, its location by the train station makes it an easy spot to find and stay the rest of the night. You'll find several tradition dishes here worth ordering, including the bread soup and the caprese. After a long day of sight-seeing and walking around the city, you'll love sitting in a restaurant where you feel like you're at home. You'll find some of the most authentic food around at this spot while enjoying a homey environment and great staff.
Recommended for Homestyle because: With a checkered table cloth and classic Tuscan food, you can feel as though you're experiencing the best of Florence at this spot.
Alexa's expert tip: You'll find a classic atmosphere and some delicious dishes.
Ristorante Paoli has some delicious Tuscan food with fair prices. However, that's not the only thing this restaurant offers. It's worth it just to go and take a look at the interior and to grab a glass of wine. Located not too far away from the Ponte Vecchio, you feel like you're stepping back in time when you sit down at your table. Enjoy the beautiful murals while you munch on some anitpasti and you take a look at the wide variety of meals available. One of the best parts about visiting this restaurant is the large portions and the friendly service.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Ristorante Paoli takes you back to the Renaissance with its lovely interior and delicious food.
Alexa's expert tip: Bring friends and family here who you want to impress? The scenery is gorgeous.