Florence, Italy. The capital city of the Tuscan region, and one of the most influential cities in Italian history. As one of the wealthiest cities of medieval Europe and the birthplace of the Renaissance, it has often been called “the Athens of the Middle Ages.” It is arguably one of the most charming cities in all of Italy, rich with art, history, architecture, and food.
Florence is home to the brilliant works of Da Vinci and Michelangelo, and the rustic cobblestone streets lining the gorgeous river. Yes, it is a city, but it has that small-town feel that is different from the metropolitan chaos of Rome. With so many hidden treasures, travelling to Florence will feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.
But if you’re exploring the beauty that is Florence, you are bound to get tired from the hours of sightseeing and walking around the architecturally intricate buildings. Naturally, you are going to be starved from hours of visiting museums, gardens, and art galleries.
So, why not slow things down a bit and take a tour that will satisfy your stomach and your soul? Pizza is an integral part of Italian gastronomy. Although true Italian pizza was born in Napoli, Florentines have adopted this original way of creating delicious, thin crust pizza in wood-fired ovens.
But with so many touristy spots claiming to have the best pizza in the city, how do you know which ones are actually the most authentic? We’ve saved you the trouble!
Read more:Top European Destinations for TEFL Teachers
Guide to the Best Spots:
L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele
Located in the heart of Florence opposite the central market in San Lorenzo, L’antica Pizzeria is a spot loved by tourists and locals alike. If you’re a fan of Julia Roberts movies, you might recognize this spot from the movie Eat Pray Love.
Michele Condurro has been a forefather of Neapolitan pizza making since the 1870s, and the Condurro family has carried on his tradition of the art of pizza. Since then, today’s owners have kept the authentic Neapolitan Pizza by keeping only their original “Marinara” and “Margherita” varieties.
Made with nothing but natural, fresh ingredients, it’s no wonder Da Michele has been a top spot in Florence for so many years. This iconic spot has expanded its stores to Rome, Barcelona, Tokyo, Milan, Londra, and Fukoka, so people from all over can experience the deliciousness that is Da Michele.
Tamerò Pizzeria
Born in 2012 at the site of a historical body shop in Florence, this unique pizza spot serves up refined dishes that encompass flavours from the past. This pizzeria emphasizes the use of wholesome and antique flours to create their classic and creative pizzas.
We know we’re in Florence, but as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and this pizza dough is left to rise for over 24 hours to create the most refined and digestible crust.
Grabbing a slice from their wood-fired oven will be sure to satisfy your hunger after a long day of sightseeing. Tamerò also has great veggie options including eggplant and mozzarella. We recommend trying their Tartufata- buffalo mozzarella, truffle sauce, and prosciutto.
Check out their menu: https://www.tamerofirenze.com/men-pizzeria
Berbere
Located in San Frediano, this restaurant was created in 2010 with the goal of serving delectable artisanal pizza, made with clean, organic ingredients. What began as a small business started by two brothers from Calabria has grown into a Florence staple.
Their pizza is made with sourdough that is rested for at least 24 hours, and the high quality and crispiness of their pizza crust really shows it. Soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, their pizza menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
These brothers don’t mess around, which is why this spot must be included on your pizza-eating extravaganza. From classics like marinara to their Mediterranean-inspired Babaganoush pizza, Berberè is one of the best in the city.
Don Fefè- Pizza and Grill
Not far from the Porta Romana, Don Fefè is renowned for its excellent pizza. Aside from their phenomenal Neopolitan-style pizza, this spot also serves up delicious seafood. If you’re looking for a break from the multiple slices of pizzas you’ve been eating, we definitely recommend the mixed seafood fritti and the tuna tartare.
The chef’s at Don Fefè do a wonderful job at creating a menu combining ingredients from both Campania and Tuscany. If you’re a pizza fanatic like us, you’ll definitely love this spot!
I’Pizzacchiere
The pizza makers (pizzaiolo) at I’Pizzacchiere take their craft very seriously. To create their Neapolitan-style pizzas, they give the dough 72 hours to rise. Located in San Niccolò, this spot was founded by Alfredo and his wife, Natascia.
Not only is I’Pizzacchiere a place to eat one of the most qualitative pizzas in town, but it is also a restaurant to feel the comfort of an original slice (or two) of pizza.
This place is a must-visit on your journey to find the best pizzas in Florence. With a menu featuring over 45 variations of pizza, you are bound to find something right up your alley.
We love that this spot serves up Italian classics like Margherita and buffalo mozzarella. But they also serve gourmet creations such as the Honeymoon- black truffle, pecorino cheese, finished with a drizzle of orange blossom honey.
Whichever option you go for, you really can’t go wrong. Every slice is a delightful bite of crispy, cheesy deliciousness.
Pizzeria Giovanni Santarpia
Giovanni Santarpia, master of Neapolitan pizza, has brought his bold flavours to Florence to create an exciting array of pizzas and Italian dishes. With an array of veggie and vegan options, this spot is sure to have something for all diets.
This location is away from the busy city centre and upon entering you will be greeted by the friendly staff eager to serve you. The restaurant serves up more than just pizza, but for our purposes, a slice will do.
Take a bite into one of their slices and you are sure to be transported right back to Naples, where the Neapolitan slice originated from. Santarpia stresses the importance of high-quality ingredients, which really shines through in all of his dishes.
Pizzeria Da Gherardo
Considered one of the best pizzas in Florence, Pizzeria Da Gherardo is located in San Frediano, just a few steps over from Piazza del Carmine. Don’t be sceptical by the smallness of this spot. Their pizza packs a powerful punch of flavour.
This spot serves up drool-worthy Neapolitan, fresh ricotta, Margherita, and speciality pizzas that are out of this world. With an attentive waitstaff and delicious meals at an affordable price, this restaurant is a must-visit on your pizza tour.
The pizza is perfectly crispy, fresh, and flavourful, and it is definitely worth the visit. You’ll want to keep this hidden gem a secret so you can have it all to yourself!
The post Pizza Tour Around Florence: Our Guide to the Best Spots appeared first on The TEFL Academy Blog.
