11 Best Food Tours of Florence You Can’t Miss in 2023

Are you looking for the best food tours of Florence, Italy? Look no further! You have landed on the ultimate guide to choosing the top food tours in Florence. From tasting traditional Tuscan dishes to discovering the local hidden gems, you will be sure to find the perfect food tour for you.

⏰ Don’t have time to read the whole article?
The Oltrarno at Sunset is the best food tour in Florence because it offers an authentic tour of the local hotspots. And you will get to visit one of the famous Florence wine windows!
⭐ Also, there are over 500 raving reviews, so you can’t go wrong.

Florence is a foodie’s paradise! Avoid the tourist traps and enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine on a unique and memorable food tour. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a fun and delicious way to explore the city, a food tour in Florence is a must-do activity.

Continue reading, there are still so many incredible and unique food tours for you to choose from.

Best Food Tours of Florence 2023

Quick Tip on how to choose the best food tours of Florence: Everyone is different in what they are looking for in the best food tour of Florence, which is why I highlight some of the unique qualities of each tour.

You can quickly scan the bullet points, and if you find one you like, read on to see what else you can expect from the tour. Let’s get started!

🏆 Best Night Tour

1. Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.8 out of 5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• Explores the local neighborhood of Oltrarno
• Best food and wine combo tour
• 8+ different foods to try & 4 drinks
• Drink wine from Florence’s famous wine windows
• Maximum of 12 travelers

Escape the crowds and eat your way through Oltrarno, a local neighborhood in Florence. If you are looking to see a less touristy side of Florence, this food and wine tour is perfect for you.

The Oltrarno neighborhood is a hidden gem home to Florence’s artisans, with many great eateries, boutique shops, and enotecas (wine bars).

If you are just as interested in trying different Italian wines along with the food, this Oltrarno at Sunset Florence is the best food & wine tour combination. And it is definitely a popular one with over 500 five star reviews.

“Definitely book the tour, it was a great way to start our first day in Florence and see great local neighborhoods off the tourist beaten path, Lorenzo was great, made the whole tour.”
-Ryan (read more reviews)

On your Florence culinary tour, you will taste 8+ traditional Tuscan foods, 4 drinks, and visit 5 historic eateries in Oltrarno, including one of the famous Florence wine windows. 

And if you are a meat eater, enjoy a mouth-watering Florentine steak, one of Florence’s most popular dishes. 

Also, during the tour, your expert guide will share with you the cultural and social significance of food in Florentine society. And how it evolved from humble beginnings.  

✅ Check rates and availability for the Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour here

🏆 Best to Meet Local Artisans

2. Florence Sunset Food Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• 14 food and drink samples at 5 different tasting locations
• Get to meet local artisans
• An intimate group of just 12 people or fewer
• Visit eateries in the less touristy Santo Spirito district in Oltrarno
• Negroni cocktail and wine tasting

Explore a less visited area in Florence, the Santo Spirito district in Oltrarno, and discover the hidden gems on your Florence Sunset Food Tour. It is the perfect way to end your day, with drinks, delicious food, and stunning Florentine views.

“Amazing stops and great company. Our expectations where exceeded and learned a lot about local culture and food.”
– Michael H. (read more reviews)

What makes this one of the best food tours of Florence is you will have the opportunity to meet many of the talented local artisans and get an up-close perspective on how some of Florence’s most delicious food is made.

On this tour, you will get to enjoy Tuscan delicacies like truffles, sip on Italian wine, visit a family-owned restaurant for more delicious tastings, and finish your meal as the locals do with vin santo (dessert wine) and biscotti. 

✅ Check rates and availability for the Florence Sunset Food Tour here

🏆 Best Off the Beaten Path Tour

3. Walking Food Tour of Florence with Tastings

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 to 3.5 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• Visit off-the-beaten-path locations outside of the city center
• Explore three unique districts in Florence (medieval city center, Oltrarno district, and Sant’Ambrogio Market)
• Includes food and wine tastings
• Vegetarian options are available
• Maximum of 15 travelers

Eat and drink like a local as you explore the city on this Walking Food Tour that showcases the authentic flavors of three distinct neighborhoods in Florence.

“A fantastic way to taste and explore a part of Florence! The entire experience was perfect. The food on this tour was just wonderful, and our guide was interesting and fun. Highly recommend this!”
– Tara M. (read more reviews)

Your personal guide will take you off the beaten path out of the city center to eateries and markets in less touristy areas. Prepare your taste buds for ancient specialties, including truffles and lampredotto, exquisite wines, and many delicious bites.

You will get to taste a little bit of everything from Tuscan cuisine, to the elegant and artistic Oltrarno district, and a local’s favorite, the Sant’Ambrogio market.

✅ Check rates and availability for the Walking Food Tour in Florence here

🏆 Best Small Group Tour

4. Small-Group Florence Food Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours| ✅ BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• Stop at an Italian coffee bar, deli, local winery, and San Lorenzo Central Market
• Maximum of 12 people
• Food and wine tasting included
• “Non-touristy” tour of Florence food
• Best small group tour

You will not go home hungry on this Small Group Food Walking Tour. This tour has something for every foodie! You will sample delicious regional specialties including coffee, breads, cheeses, olive oil, Tuscan wines, and yummy gelato.

“Thank you Guido for our amazing street food walking tour! We loved it! Food, wines, cheeses, pastry, gelato, everything!”
(read more reviews).

On your Florence food walking tour, you will start your tour at an Italian coffee bar where you will learn about the local roasting process and taste two types of coffee.

After your coffee pick me up, your professional guide will take you to a local deli that was founded in 1885. At the deli, you will get the opportunity to try the unique flavors of their famous Panino tartufato, a truffle pâté sandwich made with truffles.

You will also visit a local wine shop, gelateria, and the San Lorenzo Central Market to explore the bustling shopping center and taste fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

✅ Check rates and availability Small-Group Florence Food Walking Tour here

🏆 Best Food Tour & Cooking Class

5. Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• Shop Florence’s bustling central market for ingredients with expert chefs
• Learn how to make homemade pasta by hand, bruschetta, and tiramisu
• Two glasses of Chianti wine with lunch
• Vegetarian cooking classes can also be catered if specified at booking
• Wheelchair accessible
• Small-group class limited to 25 people

Plan a memorable experience with a Cooking Class & Market Tour! Stroll the famous San Lorenzo Central Market with expert chefs as you select fresh and local ingredients for your meal.

“Tomassi was a great host. Our family of 5 enjoyed the market tour, cooking and most of all enjoying the delicious food we all made together. It was a very fun and interactive experience. Highly recommend!”

– Annie K. (read more reviews)

Then get to work by creating a three course lunch of Tuscan staples, including bruschetta, homemade pasta with two sauces, and tiramisu. Wash down your scrumptious meal with two glasses of Chianti wine with lunch.

This experience is so much more than a food tour! You will learn how to make this meal with no fancy equipment, so will be able to take these authentic recipes and tips home with you.

Tip: If planning your food tour on a Sunday or a holiday, the Florence Central Market is closed. The market visit will be replaced by a special introduction and extra tastings at the cooking class school.

✅ Check rates and availability for The Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence here

🏆 Best Private Tour

6. The 10 Tastings of Florence With Locals: Private Food Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• 10 food & drinks tastings
• Multiple food stops and highlights of the city
• Vegetarian alternatives
• Private tour: only you & your local guide

For a more personalized and intimate food tour of Florence, you can book the 10 Tastings of Florence With Locals. This is a private food tour that is only for you and your group of friends and family.

Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path restaurants and eateries that you may not have found on your own with this guided food tour of Florence, Italy.

“Andrea was a wonderful tour guide! We were introduced to many local food specialties that we would have not discovered on our own. Having a private tour made this an extra special experience. Highly recommend this tour!”
– Roz M. (read more reviews)

What makes this one of the best food tours in Florence is that you get to visit multiple food stops including the famous Sant’ Ambrogio Market, a hidden original wine cellar, a 1920s bakery, and many more.

This tour has it all from authentic Italian espresso, regional delicacies like Tuscan street food, and artisan gelato from one of the oldest gelaterias in town. And bonus, along the way, your local guide will share stories and the history of Florence, Italy.

✅ Check rates and availability for The 10 Tastings of Florence With Locals: Private Food Tour here

🏆 Best Tour for Traditional Food

7. Florence Food Tour Do Eat Better Experience

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• Taste multiple traditional Tuscan dishes
• The guide gives you lots of suggestions and advice for places to eat for the rest of your time in Florence.
• Intimate experience with a small group size of 12 people
• A vegetarian option is available

Immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Florence, Italy! If you want to try all of the Florentine classic dishes, like pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, potatoes tortelli, traditional focaccia, and gelato, this food tour of Florence is the one for you.

On this food tour of Florence, you’ll learn about the city’s traditional dishes, their origins, and how they are made from your expert guide. You’ll also gain lots of suggestions and advice for places to eat for the rest of your time in Florence.

“Excellent guide who was very passionate about Florence and great food. We had a variety of food and the wine was delicious, too. We got excellent recommendations for restaurants.”
– Laura K. (read more reviews)

A great tip would be to book this reservation on your first night in Florence, so you can take advantage of the restaurants and eateries your guide recommends.

✅ Check rates and availability for the Florence Food Tour here

 

8. Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours| ✅ BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• A hands-on pizza & gelato class with a professional chef
• Taste a variety of pizza and gelato flavors
• Wine tasting included
• Maximum of 25 travelers in class

What’s a visit to Italy without trying some Italian pizza and gelato? In this Florence Cooking Class, you will have the opportunity to get hands-on with your food and create your own delicious pizza and gelato. There will be a variety of pizzas and flavors of gelato for you to taste test.

“Loved learning new tips on how to make pizza dough! And enjoyed learning the origin of gelato – cannot wait to try making these at my home! It was an unforgettable experience that my family will cherish!”
-Katie F. (read more reviews)

Learn expert tips from a professional chef on traditional Italian culinary methods, including the secrets to the perfect pizza dough and the authentic way to make homemade gelato.

A hands on cooking class is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours and really immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.

✅ Check rates and availability for Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza here

9. The Secret Food Tour Florence

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• Delicious secret dish!
• Small intimate groups (10 people max)
• Variety of food and stops
• Visit the local Sant’Ambrogio Market

Another best food tour in Florence on the list is the highly rated and award-winning Secret Food Tour of Florence. What makes it a secret? They offer a fun secret dish that is only revealed on the tour.

On your Florence food walking tour, you can expect to enjoy local Italian foods and wines, listen to interesting stories about Florence’s food culture and history, and visit off-the-beaten-path eateries and the local markets.

The Secret Food Tour tastings include a variety of Tuscan cheeses, meats and hams, Florentine pizza, “schiacciata”, lampredotto, the legendary street food of Florence, regional Tuscan pasta and soups, gelato from an authentic artisanal shop, and of course, the secret dish!

“Paolo was a terrific guide. This tour was easy to locate and so much fun to do. We visited several amazing restaurants and the market to meet the purveyors of local delicacies. Come hungry because you are going to eat eat eat!”
– Joy C. (read more reviews)

✅ Check rates and availability for The Secret Food Tour Florence here

🏆 Best for Families

10. Florence Street Food Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• A good option for families with children and teenagers.
• Vegetarian options can be accommodated
• Great value for the money
• Shorter tour compared to others on this list

This Florence Street Food Tour is the perfect option for you if you don’t have a lot of extra time and looking for a quality budget-friendly tour.

“Wonderful experience. The guide was very accommodating to my young children. Delicious food.”
-GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews)

Packed in this 2.5-hour food tour you’ll learn about the history and culture of Florence as you taste many of the local snacks and best traditional dishes. And visit lively the market

You will absolutely get your money’s worth with the number of food tastings included in this tour. Some of the foods you’ll have the chance to try include fresh homemade pasta, schiacciata with balsamic vinegar, cantuccini, traditional pappa al pomodoro, and many more.

✅ Check rates and availability on the Florence Street Food Tour here

🏆 Best if You Don’t Have A lot of Extra Time

11. Gastronomic Florence Food Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 to 2.5 hours | BOOK NOW

What Makes This Tour Unique:

• 5 food stops including a wine Tasting
• Skip-the-line at All’Antico Vinaio sandwich shop
• Duration 2 – 2.5 hours
• Great value for the money

For a memorable and tasty experience in Florence, immerse yourself in an authentic Florentine food and wine tour.

On this gastronomic walking tour of Florence food, you will taste Tuscan specialties to yummy Florentine gelato, all washed down with local wine, while you take in the sights of the historic Florence neighborhoods.

What makes this tour unique and different from the rest is that you will get to skip-the-line at the famous All’Antico Vinaio sandwich shop for a tasty Schiacciata. One of the best sandwiches you will have in Florence and there’s always a long line to prove it.

Great experience and delicious food! Our guide led us through hidden corners of the city to discover the authentic Florence. We had a great time and tasted good wine and a lot of yummy food. The highlight of the tour was the stop at the famous sandwich shop: there were 2 long lines and we could skip both to grab our sciacciata! Thanks!!
-GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews)

This food tour of Florence is a great value for the price and is also one of the shorter tours on this list. So it is great for travelers who don’t have a lot of spare time to spend on tours.

✅ Check rates and availability for the gastronomic walking tour of Florence food here

Florence Food Guide & FAQ

What Food is Florence Most Famous For

Florence is widely known is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and it is one of the world’s most important gastronomic centers. Florence is most famous for its hearty and flavorful Tuscan cuisine, which is characterized by simple yet delicious ingredients, such as fresh herbs, olive oil, bread, and meats.

Some of the foods that are a must try in Florence are bistecca Alla fiorentina, pappa al pomodora, ribollita, cantuccini, gelato, truffles, and lampredotto.

Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (Florentine-Style Steak)

Among the most iconic dishes of Florence is the bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick, juicy T-bone steak cooked over a wood fire. If you are looking to sink your teeth into a mouthwatering Florentine style steak, you can try it on the Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour.

Cantuccini

Florence is also popular for its sweet treats, such as the cantuccini. On the Florence Sunset Food Tour you can taste the famous almond biscuit and enjoy it with a glass of Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine from Tuscany.

Florentine Gelato

Did you know Florence is the birthplace of gelato? Learn how to make your own frozen and creamy treat at the Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza tour.

Lampredotto

Sample the authentic Tuscan dish lampredotto, a sandwich made with the stomach of a cow, which is stewed in broth and served in a bun with a spicy green sauce, on the off the beaten path Walking Food Tour in Florence.

Truffles

Truffles are a type of edible mushroom that grows in the Tuscan countryside and is often used to flavor dishes such as pasta and risotto.

On the Small-Group Florence Food Walking Tour try the famous Panino tartufato, a truffle pâté sandwich made with truffles from a local deli that was founded in 1885.

Pappa al Pomodoro

Try the classic pappa al pomodora on the Florence Food Tour Do Eat Better Experience. Pappa al pomodora is a traditional Tuscan soup that transforms stale bread, tomatoes, garlic, and basil to a comforting and delicious meal.

Are Food Tours in Italy Worth it

A food tour in Italy is absolutely worth it! It was one of the highlights of our trip to Italy. Food tours can be an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience for any food lover.

Italy is known for its delicious cuisine, and food tours offer a unique opportunity to discover the local culture and traditions through its food.

Also, food tours allow you to get a local perspective and provide access to authentic Italian restaurants, markets, and food producers, which are not always easy to find on your own.

What Are the Best Food Tours in Florence

The top best three food tours in Florence are:

• ⭐Oltrarno at Sunset: Florence Food & Wine Tour (8+ different foods to try & 4 drinks, including a stop at Florence’s famous wine windows)
• ⭐Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence (Learn how to make a three course Italian meal including pasta by hand).
• ⭐Small Group Food Walking Tour (Stop at an Italian coffee bar, deli, local winery, and San Lorenzo Central Market)

What are the Best Private Food Tours in Florence

The best private tour is the 10 Tastings of Florence With Locals. The food tour includes multiple food stops at local hotspots and highlights of the city.

Which Experiences are Best for Food Tours in Florence

Florence offers a large variety of incredible food tours! When it comes to discovering the best food tours in Florence, there are several experiences that are particularly worth considering.

One of the most popular options is a tour of the city’s local markets, such as the Mercato Centrale or Sant’Ambrogio Market, where you can browse the stalls and sample a variety of Italian delicacies.

Another great experience is a food and wine tour, where you can learn about the various wines of the region and how to pair them with traditional Tuscan dishes.

Lastly, for those interested in cooking, a cooking class with a local chef can be a great way to learn about the techniques and ingredients that go into Italian cuisine.

Are There Any Florence Food Tours by Night

Ending your day with a food tour in Florence is a wonderful idea! The best Florence food tour at night is Oltrarno at Sunset or the Florence Sunset Food Tour. Other tours that offer a night tour

• Florence Food Tour Do Eat Better Experience
• Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza
• 10 Tastings of Florence With Locals
• Small Group Food Walking Tour
• Walking Food Tour in Florence

Best Food Tours for Vegetarians

These are the tours that offer vegetarian options. Make sure to notify the tour company in advance.

• 10 Tastings of Florence With Locals
• Walking Food Tour in Florence
• Florence Food Tour Do Eat Better Experience
• Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence
• Florence Street Food Tour

Is Florence Easy to Walk Around

Florence is easy to get around and the ideal destination for those who love to explore on foot. The city’s historic center is relatively small, and many of its main attractions are located within walking distance of each other.

A food walking tour around Florence allows visitors to take in the city’s beautiful architecture, charming streets, and vibrant atmosphere. While some of the streets in Florence can be steep or uneven, the city is generally considered easy to navigate by foot.

If you do not want to do a lot of walking on your food tour of Florence, then I would suggest selecting the Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence, which is also wheelchair accessible. Or the Florence Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Gelato and Pizza tour.

In Conclusion: Best Food Tours of Florence, Italy

A food tour in Florence is the best way to discover the culinary hidden gems and learn about the city’s rich history and culture. From trying new dishes to meeting local artisans, a food tour is a fun and unique experience that should be at the top of any food lover’s Florence itinerary.