Things To Do
Bar Strafico
Every day in Italy starts off with an espresso and a pastry. This happens to be the town of Panzano's spot to get both. The owner is incredibly kind and welcoming. Be sure to get a croissant stuffed with her homemade jam. Great for lunch and cocktails too!
Enoteca Baldi
Our favorite restaurant in town! You can't go wrong here. We love it so much.
Ristorante Oltre Il Giardino
This hidden jewel sits in the hills of Panzano, under a wisteria‑draped terrace with a view you’d swear was lifted from a postcard. For food, you're spoiled for choice with handmade pasta, wild‑boar ragù, sizzling steaks, or hearty rib‑stews. Each bite is packed with the kind of flavor that makes you close your eyes and savor. And with the wine flowing, the breeze on the terrace, and the hills rolling beyond, there’s a good chance you’ll be wondering which will haunt you longer: the last bite or the view.
Antica Macelleria Cecchini
Dario Cecchini isn’t just a butcher, he’s a legend in Tuscany. You might’ve caught him on Netflix's Chef’s Table, charming the camera with his love for meat and unapologetic personality. But the real magic is at his restaurants in Panzano. Long tables, glasses of Chianti, and plates of perfectly cooked cuts that feel like they were made just for you. Eating there is a whole experience, a mix of great food, big laughs, and Dario’s infectious energy.
Ristorante Valle
Ristorante Valle is the kind of place you stumble upon and instantly feel at home. Cozy, unpretentious, with staff who make you feel like family. The pasta is handmade and the flavors are pure Tuscany. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you slow to rise from the table, searching for just one more reason to stay a little longer.
Il Vescovino Ristorante
The entire experience at Il Vescovino feels like you're dining with the sweetest Tuscan Italian family. You'll feel so taken care of. The patio is an exquisite experience on a nice day, the view is killer and pictures don’t do it justice. It's a must!
Bulli & Balene - Spritz e Cicchetti
We stumbled upon this spritz bar in Florence on our very first night in the city, and instantly fell in love. Bulli & Balene has all of our musts: a lively square buzzing with energy, a menu packed with heavy-hitters, and a vibe that feels so effortlessly cool. The spritzes hit just right, the bites are tasty, and sitting there watching the city hum around you is next-level. A perfect taste of Florence.
Gustapizza
What can I say? Pizza tastes best in Italy. Incredible crust, fresh toppings, and even a simple Margherita might just be the best pizza you’ve ever had. Who knew you’d find Neapolitan pizza this good in the heart of Tuscany? The place is tiny and always buzzing, so grab a spot at the bar, order a pie (or three) and enjoy.
Le Volpi e l'Uva
A cozy little wine bar tucked away near the Ponte Vecchio. The vibe is exactly what you want it to be. You can always grab a stool at the bar, but we think the best seat is outside. Order a glass (or two) of something interesting, or ask the server for their favorite pour. Pair it with a few of their simple, delicious bites, and you have the perfect place to "waste" an afternoon.
Vivoli
Affogato is a classic Italian dessert made by pouring a shot of espresso over a scoop of gelato. Vivoli is one of Florence’s oldest gelaterias, and their affogato is the stuff of legend. Grab a cup, stand outside, and NEVER mix the gelato with the espresso. Instead, take a spoonful that’s part liquid, part creamy, part melty. It’s gotten more famous in recent years, but it still feels refreshingly unfussy. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up...or honestly, any moment you need a hit of pure joy.
Vivaldi
When looking for gelato in Italy, there are a few rules you have to follow. You don’t want vibrant, neon colors. You don’t want giant, overflowing mounds piled high in the window. What you want are silver, covered canisters tucked behind the counter. A sign the gelato’s protected and freshly made. This place checks every box. It’s small, warm, and proudly local, serving gelato that’s rich, smooth, and full of real flavor. Grab a cup or a cone of any flavor that calls to you and wander the streets of Florence the right way.
La Giostra
If you’re going to splurge on one dinner in Florence, make it La Giostra. The food is rich and comforting, the kind you linger over: pear and pecorino ravioli, perfectly cooked meats, pastas that are probably cooked from someone's nonna in the back. It’s not the cheapest spot, but it is one of those meals you remember. Go hungry, order the classics, and just enjoy the whole experience. It’s Florence at its most charming: romantic, loud, delicious, and totally worth it.