Santa Croce’s Top 5 Food & Drink Spots: Where to Eat Like a Local
Alright, so you’re headed to Santa Croce in Florence, that really stunning district known for its leather markets and, oh yes, the final resting spot of some pretty well-known characters, right? Well, of course you’ll want to explore all the sights, that is for sure, but honestly, the food is just as much of a draw. Forget those totally touristy spots; it’s almost about discovering those genuinely awesome places where Florentines actually hang out and eat. This is where you discover the food that is amazing. You will discover tasty and genuine. This list, so it gives you the lowdown on the five best places around Santa Croce to grab a bite or a drink, places where you get that authentic Florentine experience.
1. Trattoria Sabatino: A Taste of Old Florence
First off, that is Trattoria Sabatino, it’s really like stepping back in time. You’ll see, actually. This place, too it’s been dishing out seriously classic Florentine food since, well, practically forever (since the 1950s, if you want the actual date), in a way, it’s got zero fancy frills. Like, you definitely aren’t coming here for a modern, new age, trendy experience; rather, you’re coming for dishes made like someone’s *nonna* is in the kitchen. Very simply cooked, great tasting and totally cheap eats are waiting for you to arrive.
Their ribollita, is that hearty bread and vegetable soup, actually, it’s just the thing on a cooler day – filling, tasty, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. And their bistecca alla fiorentina, that perfectly thick, very charred, flavorful steak? Arguably, it’s a must, arguably a really true taste of Florence. Don’t expect fancy presentation, so you know, but what you do get is pure, tasty comfort food that’s kind of very, very friendly on your wallet.
Read our full review: Trattoria Sabatino Florence Review and Details
2. Semel Street Food: Lampredotto Like a Local
Speaking of Florentine eats, that Semel Street Food is an absolute must-try for any visitor. In a way it is, but let’s just say it, too it’s known for something a little bit different: lampredotto. Don’t turn your nose up at this street food snack, actually; if you would like a taste of genuine Florence, you absolutely need this. What is it, so you ask? It’s the fourth stomach of a cow, slow-cooked and served in a crusty bread roll. Yeah, in some respects it sounds weird, right, so, but trust us – when it’s cooked right, it’s truly heavenly.
Semel offers other filling choices, and they’re quite delightful and more-ish. But if you want a true florentine experience then, trust me, this should be it. If you still are on the fence. It’s worth stepping just outside your bubble to see. I’d like your choice, of course. And a glass of wine alongside that sandwich? Now that is, that is the way you do lunch the Florentine way.
Read our full review: Semel Street Food Florence Review and Details
3. La Giostra: Upscale Dining with a Royal Touch
Okay, is that looking for something a bit fancier? This one could be more you. La Giostra, that’s it, just a little bit off the beaten path, really does bring that experience that’s totally a bit different. In a way, and here is a bit of trivia, that it is owned by a Habsburg prince, yet La Giostra brings the sparkle to your dinner. It brings out elegance with dim lighting, it does bring out attentive service and does, actually, make it all rather special.
Their truffle pasta is rather heavenly, that is for sure, as is their seriously soft and great tasting steak. Portions, so, they’re quite generous, and expect a little welcome glass of prosecco and appetizers to kick things off – makes you feel like royalty, that’s the aim. Very admittedly, it is not your everyday dining spot (pricing, that!), in the same way but for a fantastic evening out, just maybe for a birthday, arguably, it’s unforgettable.
Read our full review: La Giostra Florence Review and Details
4. Il Pizzaiuolo: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza in Florence
Fancying a good pizza? Absolutely you do. Alright, it’s not a Florentine specialty as such, but honestly, you simply can’t visit Italy and not have pizza, basically. Il Pizzaiuolo, yet it’s that place near Santa Croce that pizza lovers seriously rave about. The reason? Apparently, their pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven in the Neapolitan style, that’s got the perfect blistered crust and really flavorful sauce. The taste sensation explodes into life with every more-ish and incredible slice. That should be experienced with delight!
From classic margherita to maybe some spicy diavola, arguably, there is one for everybody. Very basically, that can get rather busy, especially on weekends, too it’s wise to book ahead. When is the perfect time? You know the perfect answer…it’s now! Still, take-out’s arguably is always an option if you are very keen to eat pizza in your accommodation.
Read our full review: Il Pizzaiuolo Florence Review and Details
5. Mad Souls & Spirits: Cocktails with a Florentine Twist
To round off our eating and drinking adventure is a little bar, actually, this bar isn’t that for eating as such but for drinking, is that Mad Souls & Spirits is a must. Mad Souls, so it brings mixology right into Florence’s culinary scene, very basically. Now is that cool or is that cool?
This cool cocktail spot just brings a brilliant twist, it has just those great tasting options. I’m not just speaking about normal beers but, maybe those mixes that you just want to try and try again. I just do like that cocktail menu and their talented mixologists really aren’t scared to experiment, in the same way. Looking for a perfect evening drink. Just maybe to start an adventure or to finish. It can be totally fun here!
Read our full review: Mad Souls & Spirits Florence Review and Details
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