Must-try Dishes
Panino con Porchetta - Porchetta Sandwich (savory sandwich) - Sliced roasted pork seasoned with herbs, served in a crusty roll. Locals grab this filling treat from street vendors for a quick lunch on the go.
Ribollita - Tuscan Bread Soup (hearty soup) - A thick stew made with bread, beans, and seasonal vegetables, simmered until rich and creamy. Typically enjoyed as a comforting dinner, it’s a staple found in many trattorias during colder months.
Trippa alla Fiorentina - Florentine Tripe Stew (traditional stew) - Soft tripe cooked in a tomato sauce with vegetables and herbs, served piping hot. This unique dish is usually enjoyed for lunch, especially among locals who savor its authentic flavors at neighborhood eateries.
Schiacciata - Sourdough Flatbread (simple bread) - A crispy, flavorful flatbread stuffed with various fillings like prosciutto and cheese. Purchased at local bakeries for a quick breakfast or snack, it offers a great start to the day.
Pici Cacio e Pepe - Pici Pasta with Cheese and Pepper (classic pasta) - Hand-rolled pasta dressed simply in pecorino cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Often served as a final course during special family dinners, it highlights the beauty of regional ingredients.
Fried Olives - Olive Ascolane (stuffed olives) - These green olives are stuffed with a blend of meats, breaded, and fried until golden. Commonly found at wine bars as a shared plate while enjoying a late afternoon aperitivo with friends.
Frittata di Pasta - Pasta Frittata (pasta omelet) - A creative mix of leftover pasta and eggs, pan-fried to crispy perfection. Rich in history, this dish is a practical way to use up leftovers and is often served at brunch, showcasing the local custom of reducing food waste.
Desserts & Drinks
Caffè - Caffè (espresso) - Bold, rich espresso served in a small cup, often enjoyed as a quick pick-me-up. You’ll see locals standing at the bar, sipping their caffè while chatting, but be careful not to say “latte” here; it just means milk!
Schiacciata dolce - Schiacciata (sweet flatbread) - A sweet, soft flatbread typically made with olive oil and sprinkled with sugar, often enjoyed warm. It's a popular treat during the harvest season, especially around the grape harvest in September, and pairs perfectly with a glass of wine.
Aperol Spritz - Aperol Spritz (aperitif cocktail) - A refreshing mix of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, typically served over ice with an orange slice. Locals love to enjoy it as an early evening drink during aperitivo, when bars are filled with laughter and chatter.
Gelato - Gelato (Italian ice cream) - Silky smooth and intensely flavored, this frozen treat is made with milk and less air than regular ice cream. Best enjoyed in one of the many gelaterias during the warm afternoons, but don’t miss out on stracciatella, a local favorite!
Cantucci - Cantucci (almond biscuits) - Crunchy, twice-baked almond cookies typically dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine. They're a must-have during celebrations like Christmas and are often shared among family at the end of a meal, pairing perfectly with laughter and stories.
8 out of 10. »