Dinners in Florence

A city renowned for its history and art, Florence draws visitors from around the world with its stunning beauty.

But there's another aspect of this enchanting Italian gem that demands equal attention: its culinary prowess.

Doing the Italian stereotype no harm, Florence is a foodie haven, with some of the best pizza and pasta – and local Tuscan dishes – that the nation has to offer.

While you can always hop from restaurant to restaurant and enjoy a dish here and there, for the full culinary experience, a locally-led dinner in Florence is the way to go.

Here's all you need to know about dinners, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Florence.

What are the best dinner expriences in Florence?

When you're looking for organized dinners in Florence, you have a wide variety of options. Let's take a closer look at the best ones:

Dinner and wine tasting in the Chianti vineyards

Venturing out of the city toward the rolling hills of Chianti, this dinner experience welcomes you to explore a local winery and sample exquisite wines from this world-famous region.

You'll be welcomed to a wine tasting by a sommelier who will explain the history, production process and variety of flavors in each bottle. The evening then continues with a delicious dinner prepared by a private chef, accompanied by the estate's wines.

Hard Rock Cafe set menu dinner

If you're looking for a more casual dinner option, the Hard Rock Cafe is a great choice. With its classic American burgers, salads and shakes, this iconic restaurant located in Piazza della Repubblica combines live music with fascinating memorabilia and great food to boot.

Are there any combos available with dinners in Florence?

Yes, there are a number of combo tours and experiences that combine dinner with other activities in Florence. The most popular options are explained below.

Tuscan cooking class with dinner

A more hands-on option, this experience allows you to learn the ropes of Tuscan cuisine in a private cooking class.

After stocking up on fresh ingredients from the local market, you and your group will prepare a traditional multi-course meal (including dishes like truffle risotto, meatloaf and zucchini millefoglie) with guidance from an experienced chef, of course.

Once dinner is ready, you'll sit down at a cozy table to enjoy your creations with matching wines.

Pizza dinner plus opera arias concert

Promising a romantic evening, this combo tour starts with a classic Neapolitan dinner in the historic city center (usually in the Oltrarno district).

Afterward, you'll make your way to the Santa Monaca Church for an Italian opera concert, where professional singers and orchestra will perform some of the most famous operatic masterpieces.

Tuscan dinner plus Three Tenors concert

Another romantic choice, this combination ticket starts with a delicious Tuscan dinner at a local trattoria around the Piazza della Signoria. After your 3-course menu, you will walk independently to the Santo Stefano al Ponte Church where your evening entertainment awaits.

Florence: Guided walking tour with fiorentina steak dinner

A great option for first-time visitors who want to explore the city on foot, this combo tour starts with a walking tour of Florence, where you'll learn all about its history, the Medici family and the city's main landmarks, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery.

After your tour ends, you'll head to a traditional Tuscan restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious and thick fiorentina steak – a staple meal of the region.

Which places will I visit on a combo dinner in Florence?

Every combo tour is slightly different, but most of them include visits to some of Florence's main attractions.

Tuscan wineries

If you choose a tour that includes wine tasting, it will likely take you to one of the Tuscan wineries located near Florence – usually those in the Chianti region. During this stop, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the local wines and sample some of them with a selection of appetizers.

Local trattorias

Many dinner experiences include a stop at a local trattoria. Depending on what's on the menu, you can expect to try traditional Tuscan dishes, such as fresh homemade pasta, fiorentina steak, pappardelle with wild boar and various kinds of cheese.

Florence's historical center

On walking and dinner combo tours of Florence, you'll get to explore the city's historical center under the tutelage of a local, knowledgeable guide. This will include stops at some of the city's main attractions, such as the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Pote Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.

Hard Rock Cafe

Some dinner tours are focused around the Hard Rock Cafe. While the chain exists all over the world, here, you'll have a chance to eat both American and Italian dishes, depending on your taste. The live music and old-school memorabilia make it a unique dinner experience.

What are the prices of dinners in Florence?

The price of a dinner in Florence can vary depending on the type of tour you choose, but they generally start at around €25.

The cheapest Florence dinner is at the Hard Rock Cafe, which costs around €25.

Dinner and opera show combinations usually cost around €60 to €70, while wine-tasting tours with dinner are a little more expensive, between €75 and €130 per person.

Guided walking tours cost about €120 each including dinner, while cooking classes tend to range from €70 to €75 for group sessions and €150 for private sessions.

What is included?

Every dinner in Florence typically includes the cost of the meal and accompanying drinks. Some tours also include visits to tourist attractions around town (especially on walking tours) or tickets for opera shows.

Other extras may include transportation from your accommodation to the restaurant or the winery, or a bottle of the featured wine. Some tours may also include extras such as complimentary coffee, drinks and/or dessert.

Some dinner experiences also come with a local guide, which can be really helpful for getting to know the flavors of the city.

Every tour is different, so it's always best to check what exactly is included in each tour before booking.

Where do they start?

There is no universal starting point for dinner experiences in Florence, since they are all different.

Most dinners typically require you to go to the restaurant or cooking school yourself – however, these are typically located in central areas like the Piazza della Signoria.

Some walking tours may require you to meet at a central location (such as Eataly), while winery dinner excursions usually will pick you up from your hotel.

What is the typical duration of a dinner in Florence

Dinners in Florence generally last from two to four hours, depending on the experience.

Walking tours usually take about three hours in total (with dinner taking up around one and a half of those hours). Cooking classes are longer, lasting between two and four hours, while out-of-town winery visits can last up to five hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some dinner tours in Florence are wheelchair-accessible, while others are not.

Walking tours and Hard Rock Cafe dinners are both suitable for wheelchair users. Tours that are not wheelchair accessible include Chianti winery visits, some cooking classes (due to taking place in people's homes) and concerts.

If accessibility is not stated on the tour website, it is best to contact the provider directly prior to booking to see if they can make arrangements.

When is the best time for a dinner experience in Florence?

When planning your food-filled trip to Florence, it's best to consider visiting in the autumn (September to November). The weather is typically mild and comfortable, perfect for outdoor dining. This is also the time for truffle season, grape harvests for wine, and olive picking. You can experience the freshest olive oil and many dishes with truffles.

What other gastronomic experiences can you enjoy in Florence?

• Food tours in Florence
• Cheese tastings in Florence
• Truffle tours in Florence
• Olive oil tastings in Florence

Travel tips

• Florence is in the heart of Tuscany, one of Italy's top wine regions. Try a glass (or a bottle) of Chianti.
• Particularly in high tourist season, popular restaurants can get quite busy. It's a good idea to make a reservation to ensure you get a table.
• Service charge is typically included in the bill at Italian restaurants. While it's not necessary to tip, it is appreciated if you've had good service. Usually, a few extra euros are enough.
• In Tuscan cuisine, bread is traditionally unsalted. Don't be surprised if it tastes a bit different from what you're used to.