Florence Local Food Tour in Santo Spirito

Florence Food Tour Description

• Small-group walking tour

• Two wonderful tasting stops with Tuscan wine included

• A traditional dinner with Florentine steak and ribollita

• Florentine biscotti and more wine for dessert

• A passionate, English-speaking foodie guide

• Maximum of 14 people

Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio

Your Florence local food tour starts in Piazza della Signoria, which has been the center of art and political life in the city since the 14th century. You’ll meet your local guide here, and they’ll share stories of the piazza’s history and the importance of food in Florentine culture before you set off to taste the city’s culinary delights for yourself.

To get to the Santi Spirito district, you’ll cross the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge. Built in the 13th century, it was once packed with merchant shops such as butchers, fishmongers and tanners. However, the Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand I, disliked the smell and banned all businesses except jewelers back in 1593.

Tuscan antipasti and aperitivo

On your first stop of the night, try out some aperitivo favorites. From the piazza, you'll walk to a street lined by panino shops, specializing in delicious local meats and cheeses. At an authentic local spot, try out some Tuscan cuisine such as bruschetta al pomodoro, ribollita, prosciutto, salame, and a glass of wine.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge

Ponte Vecchio means “old bridge” in Italian, and it's appropriately named. Merchant shops have lined this famed bridge since the 13th century. Originally, the shops included fishmongers, butchers, and tanners, however these particular goods caused such a stench in the area that Ferdinand I proclaimed in 1593 that only jewelers were allowed to sell on the bridge. It's the perfect bridge to cross from central Florence to the neighborhood of Santo Spirito.

A wine cellar older than the Renaissance

Wine lovers will truly appreciate the next stop on this Florence food tour. Your guide will lead you to a historic wine shop (or enoteca) that is said to date back to the 13th century! You’ll sample some unforgettable local wines, unusually paired with olive oil and balsamic vinegar produced by the family. It’s an absolute gem that has thrived for centuries in Florence, and our visit will feel like a step back in time.

Ribollita and Florentine steak dinner

Ready for your main course? You’ll follow your guide to an authentic local tavern for a sit-down dinner, starting with a hearty Tuscan soup, ribollita. But don't fill up too fast. The real star of the night is the local delicacy bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak).

Florence is famous for this rare cut of meat that many will swear is the best steak in the world. Florentine steaks are cooked to perfection—tender and red in the middle. It’s nirvana for meat lovers!

Wine for dessert? Yes please!

You can't end a food tour without a great dessert, but what might surprise you is that it won't be a gelato. Instead, you'll enjoy cantucci and vin santo from our favorite place in the city.

Cantucci is a more specific word than biscotti, which is the Italian word for cookies. You'll be surprised at how their flavor is elevated when dipped in vin santo or “holy wine.” These cookies are made by a wonderful nonna (grandmother) who has been baking them for over 60 years! It's the perfect way to end your evening food tour in Florence.