Florence is the fulcrum of artistic, cultural and even culinary heritage.
The Florentine gastronomic tradition has, in fact, long history to be savored until the last bite.
And so, after a visit to the Uffizi Gallery and a walk through the Florentine streets, you can discover the famous typical Florentine flavors.
But hunger is no joke!
Here are some of the typical dishes of the Florentine tradition that you need to try.
Schiacciata
Schiacciata dates back to ancient Egypt and originally had a round shape.
The recipe underwent many modifications, such as the addition of yeast.
This led to the creation of what we know today as Tuscan schiacciata.
Soft, delicious and topped with typical Tuscan cold cuts or grilled vegetables. In Florence, the “stiaccia’a” is the undisputed queen of street food!
Florentine sweet schiacciata
The Florentine schiacciata differs from the Tuscan one for its sweet dough.
It is a typical sweet of the Carnival period, even if the Florentines cannot resist its goodness even during the rest of the year. The seasons in which it is mostly found are autumn and winter.
Generally it is covered with powdered sugar to create the shape of the Florentine lily and it is cut in the center to fill it with a layer of custard or Chantilly cream.
Ribollita
The most famous soup of Florence is undoubtedly ribollita.
As it can be well understood, the name given to this soup derives from the type of preparation, which is double cooking.
It is a vegetarian and environmentally friendly recipe in which the main ingredients are black cabbage, savoy cabbage, cannellini beans, potatoes, carrots and onion.
Do not forget stale bread to be dipped in the soup.
Zuccotto
The zuccotto is a typical Florentine sweet. It was originally called the Elmo di Caterina (de’ Medici).
Its form is a hemisphere that represents a gift made to Caterina de’ Medici by one of the architects of the Florentine family.
But what is it?
It is a sponge cake soaked in alchermes liqueur and filled with ricotta cheese, candied fruit and almonds.
It is considered one of the first semifreddos in history and evergreen on the tables of Italians.
Fagioli all’uccelletto
Florence is a land of poets, artists, excellent wines and ancient flavors… like those found in some of the oldest traditional dishes such as fagioli all’uccelletto.
About the origin of the name, there are two schools of thought. According to Pellegrino Artrusi, the name derives from the fact that these ingredients were typically Tuscan and useful to cook the uccelletto (another ancient Italian recipe).
Others argue, instead, that uccelletto was the meat to which beans were accompanied.
It is a genuine and vegetarian dish made of beans, sauce, sage and some spices of one’s choice.
In its simplicity, it encloses a very important concept: it is possible to eat well and with taste even with simple healthy ingredients.
What to eat as an alternative in Florence: 5 suggestions
If in addition to traditional dishes, you want to taste new flavors here are some proposals.
Vegetarian Carbonara
Low in calories and ideal for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.
It is also suggested for those who want to change and enjoy something new and genuine.
We are talking about the black spaghetti with vegetable carbonara proposed by the vegetarian restaurant La Pépinière.
Surely Roman grandmothers will be hurt in their pride, but it is really worth tasting this vegetarian variant of carbonara!
Cappellacci with ricotta and herbs
Pasta stuffed with ricotta and herbs on celery splash and parmesan crumble. An all-Italian dish but with an unusual flavor.
It’s a perfect marriage, where simple and genuine elements create a truly unique explosion of flavors. At ORA, an organic and vegetarian restaurant, you can enjoy this tasty first course.
Potato and ginger tortelloni
A genuine and environmentally friendly dish that appeals to everyone and satisfies the palates of vegans.
You can enjoy it at Brac, a bookstore dedicated to contemporary arts whose style is reflected in the dishes served.
The philosophy of this bookshop-restaurant is to feed on knowledge and new flavors. Two worlds that live together since 2009 and represent the two passions of the owners Sacha and Melisa.
Chickpea pies
The trend of 2020-2021 is green food and how can we not mention the chickpea pies with zucchini and sage!
This is a second course proposed by the vegetarian restaurant and biomarket La Raccolta.
It is vegan and gluten-free and the main ingredients are zucchini, chickpeas, basil and EVO oil.
Salted caramel shortbread
Let’s move on to dessert.
This is salted caramel shortbread with azuki jam (a bean with depurative properties), matcha tea and fior di latte ice cream.
It is synonymous with originality and innovation, where tradition meets creativity.
Bakery, restaurant or delicatessen? Whatever department you choose, at Il Santo Bevitore you will always be satisfied.
Eating out in Florence: the raw materials
How important are raw materials in the kitchen?
As much as the skills of the creative mind that creates the dish.
At ORA we try to offer a place to eat and drink, but also an experience that is new and gives a new value to healthy food.
Tradition blends with innovation to give a smile to our customers, inside a cozy and comfortable place near the center of Florence.
Eating out in Florence Italy: spending the right amount of money
We can encapsulate our philosophy with a simple phrase: “Take it, easy“.
At ORA we offer a healthy and light solution, for those who want to have lunch or dinner out. Not the usual pasta or the usual burger.
Our goal is to serve fresh and genuine alternative dishes at a cost that is affordable for everyone.
Why?
We are driven by respect for the environment, and therefore also for people and animals. We are convinced that it is possible to eat and drink well while protecting the planet and respecting the principles in which we firmly believe.
Where to find us in Florence downtown
After this roundup of traditional and alternative flavors, what’s left to do?
Simple, book a table with us to discover the most delicious proposals, from appetizer to dessert! After so much advice, few doubts remain, or maybe none at all. We are in Via S. Zanobi, 126R, at the corner of Via delle Ruote, a few steps from the center, but secluded enough. Because to fully enjoy every moment, you need the right atmosphere.
