FLORENCE, ITALY Food Tour!

A full day spent eating and visiting the historical sites of Florence, Italy. We took a 30 min high-speed train from Bologna. If you're wondering, "Is a day trip to Florence is worth it?" Yes it is!
I highly recommend making reservations for the historic sites and churches far in advance. Many sites and museums only sell a certain number of tickets per day. However, food is abundant and you will most certainly enjoy the flavors the Tuscan region has to offer.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro

0:54 DITTA ARTIGIANALE -
Located in a historic building, this coffee shop is well worth the higher prices, compared to old school Italian cafés. I ordered a V60 brew for 2, with their Colombian roast. If your ordering to-go, ask them to split it in two cups. Otherwise you'll get one big cup. If you're someone who enjoys a pastry for breakfast, I highly recommend stopping here!

2:28 ACCADEMIA GALLERY - https://g.co/kgs/kLTG8S
This gallery was constructed specifically to house Michael Angelo's Statue of David. This visit will only take about 45 minutes.

3:56 UFFIZI GALLERY - A grand museum housing some of the most prolific paintings and sculptures of the Renaissance era. This visit could take about 3 hours.

4:20 MERCATO DI SANT'AMBROGIO - https://g.co/kgs/R1EL2y
You'll find more locals than tourists here. A vast outdoor/indoor market where you can get almost anything. The free flowing nature of the food stalls inside blew me away. And the outdoor portion is just as impressive with rows of fruit and vegetable stands, vintage clothing, sandwich/cured meat kiosks, and more. Plan your visit accordingly, this market closes daily by 2pm.

4:46 TRATTORIA DA ROCCO -
A family owned and operated trattoria in the center of Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio. Rocco, the patriarch of this restaurant can be seen still running the show and serving his exquisite caramelized pears. This market gets very busy so it will be loud and you should expect to wait for a table. Pro tip: Grab a glass of wine from the bar across the way in the meantime.

9:18 BACCO NUDO (ENOTECA E VINI SFUSI) - https://g.co/kgs/Unb3Ee
A welcomed pause from the eating and sightseeing of Florence. Tucked on a quiet lane, you'll find Francesco serving wines ranging from simple table wine to complex, aged varietals. This space is to-go, so you can purchase a cup and enjoy it as you roam leisurely through the streets.

10:06 LA NICCHIETTA IN CALAMARUZZA - https://g.co/kgs/m4STNm
A must visit for an authentic sandwich in Firenze. The famous Schiacciata bread is the perfect vessel for the outstanding fillings Michele (Mi-ke-le) has curated for his customers. I ordered the #6 buffalo mozzarella and fresh tomatoes & #14 - cured and marinated pork back fat.

14:12 BUCHETTA DEL VINO - https://g.co/kgs/PZ2UxF
This wine window is centuries older than the restaurant that currently operates it (Ristorante Pietrabianca by Fishmood). And was happy to find this one with no line, so I was able to enjoy the full experience of ringing the bell and waiting for someone to respond. If you Google "Buchetta del vino", you'll find blogs with info on where you can find these hidden gems.

15:21 MERCATO CENTRALE - https://g.co/kgs/fPrRCx Also known as San Lorenzo Market, a multi-level market ideal for anyone seeking a food and wine experience. Ground floor: fruit, vegetable, meats, fish, and bread sellers. 1st floor: Mercato Centrale hosts delis, restaurants, and a large two-sided bar in the center.

15:50 BAR IL MERCATO - https://g.co/kgs/uPwjmt
The vast bar in Mercato Centrale where beer is served on one side and cocktails/wines on the other. Hang out here as long as you like while enjoying a soccer match.

17:44 Restaurant La Bistecca
For info and reservations +393291998025.
A delicacy not to be missed. They offer two cuts of the steak of Tuscan Chianina (Kia-nina) beef. I ordered the ribeye, rare. Important note, unlike many old school steakhouses in Florence, this restaurant will cook the steak to your liking if you desire it more done. The sitdown table service restaurant is located on the balcony level of the Mercato Centrale.


21:42 MY SUGAR GELATO ARTIGINALE - https://g.co/kgs/4y7pLr
As a former pastry chef and cake shop owner, I understand the time and dedication one must put into developing a specific skill set in the world of pastry. Alberto and Julia Bati, the duo behind this frozen treat shop, have mastered the art of Gelato. Delicate and genuine by the expertise of Alberto with wonderful flavor pairings conjured up by the artistic imagination of Julia. Together they have created an unforgettable experience that you must taste for yourself.