Florence, the heart of Tuscany, welcomes you with the aroma of freshly baked bread and the hum of cheerful voices spilling from trattorias. For years, my husband and I dreamed of visiting this magical city where art, history, and most importantly, food come together in perfect harmony. 

The romance of our journey began long before we reached our destination. It unfolded on the train, where endless stretches of vineyards and olive groves painted the horizon. Once in Florence, we stepped into a true haven for food lovers. Every meal told a story, every bite imbued with rich culinary tradition.  

From savouring iconic sandwiches that have become viral sensations to learning how to make pasta, Florence offered a unique delight at every turn. Here are just a few highlights from my unforgettable journey. 

All-Antico Vinaio 

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A few weeks before our trip, we came across countless recommendations for All-Antico Vinaio, a sandwich shop celebrated for its epic creations. Naturally, we made it our first stop.  

Biting into the Schiacciata bread, a traditional Tuscan flatbread beloved for its olive oil-infused crust and versatility in sandwiches, was a revelation. Its crunchy crust gave way to a tender, airy centre, perfectly layered with creamy pecorino and salty prosciutto. The flavours were as bold and vibrant as the bustling atmosphere outside.   

Pro tip: Visit early in the morning for a smaller line, or prepare to savour your sandwich while winding through nearby streets, soaking up Florence’s energy. 

Buchette del Vino

Strolling through Florence’s historic streets, we stumbled upon a charming piece of history brought back to life. Tiny wine windows, or buchette del vino, once used during the 17th century to safely serve wine during the plague, have made a delightful comeback.  

Through one of these small arched openings, I ordered a glass of Chianti. Standing beneath the warm glow of a Tuscan sunset while sipping wine from a window was, quite simply, enchanting. 

Pro tip: Look for plaques marking these windows, particularly in the Oltrarno neighbourhood. They’re a rare and delightful gem. 

The Golden View Firenze 

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This elegant riverside restaurant came highly recommended, and it didn’t just live up to the praise—it surpassed it. The setting took our breath away from the moment we walked in: Golden View Firenze. Gazing out at the sparkling Arno River while a violinist’s melody drifted from a passing gondola felt surreal. 

Our meal began with a platter of delicately sliced prosciutto, its silky texture and complex flavours impossible to describe fully. We shared Florence’s crown jewel for our main course, the Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This massive T-bone steak, grilled to perfection, delivered a smoky crust that encased an impossibly tender centre. We savoured every bite, knowing it was one of those meals we’d still talk about years later. 

Here’s a tip: Request a waterfront view and trust the chef’s recommendations. Everything we ordered was chosen based on their suggestions, and it was all absolutely incredible! 

Gelaterias

The gelato in Florence surpassed every expectation—it wasn’t just a treat; it became a cherished daily ritual. Acting on a local tip, we sought out artisanal gelaterias, carefully avoiding the neon-bright displays in favour of those showcasing muted, natural tones.  

Each visit felt like an adventure, with every shop offering an ever-changing selection of seasonal creations alongside classics like pistachio, lemon, and my obsession, Buontalenti—a rich, creamy flavour named after Bernardo Buontalenti, the Florentine architect and chef credited with inventing gelato in the 16th century.  

Tasting as many options as possible was a delightful challenge and an unforgettable joy. 

Where to go: Look for gelaterias labelled “artigianale,” which means the gelato is freshly made on-site with natural ingredients and no preservatives or artificial colouring. 

Traditional Italian cooking class

Nothing beats our Tuscan cooking class for a hands-on experience of Florence’s culinary culture. Gathered in an intimate kitchen-turned-classroom with a small group of fellow travellers, we donned aprons, poured ourselves glasses of prosecco, and set to work. The process of turning flour, egg, and water into delicate strands of spaghetti felt almost meditative. Folding and shaping ravioli filled with ricotta, then layering tiramisu, was a lesson in craftsmanship (and fun). 

Beyond the laughter and flour-covered hands, it gave us a newfound appreciation for the simplicity and perfection of Italian cuisine. By the end, we sat down to a meal we had proudly prepared ourselves. It was an experience we’d be reminiscing about for years. 

Pro tip: Don’t forget to jot down the recipes during class—it’s the best souvenir you’ll take home! 

My experience with Railbookers 

The rail company made it possible for us to fully savour Florence. They streamlined every aspect of the trip, arranging train tickets, choosing the perfect boutique hotel, and reserving the cooking class, a highlight of our experience. Our home base, the Palazzo Castri, was centrally located and charming, providing a serene retreat after days filled with indulgence. Every detail was carefully considered to make the trip seamless and memorable. 

If you’re looking to eat through Florence while leaving the logistics to the experts, this trip made it clear that the culinary adventure was all the richer for being stress-free. For us, it was the perfect way to experience the flavours of Tuscany to the fullest. Florence stole our hearts and satisfied every craving we never realized we had. 

Plan your culinary escape 

Want to experience it for yourself? When you book with CAA and Railbookers, you’ll get access to experts who will work together to ensure your trip is fully tailored to your aspirations and work with you to create the perfect itinerary. Plus, with your CAA Membership, you can save $100 and get an enhanced benefit on select itineraries.