Florence Foodie Guide: Best Restaurants near Bus Stops

You can't visit Florence without eating. A lot. Here is how to plan your bus route around your stomach, maximizing flavor and minimizing walking.

Stop: Stazione / Mercato Centrale (Stop 1)

Hop off here and walk 5 minutes to the Mercato Centrale.

• Ground Floor: Traditional butchers, fishmongers, and spice stalls. This is where locals shop. Look fordried porcini mushrooms to take home.
• Top Floor: A massive artisanal food court. Try the truffle pasta at Il Tartufo or a fresh pizza. It's open late!

Stop: Porta Romana (Line A - Stop 6)

This is strictly local territory. Walk through the giant city gate to find Trippaio di Porta Romana, a legendary food truck.

• The Order: Lampredotto (tripe sandwich) with "salsa verde" (green sauce). It's a Florentine rite of passage. If you're not brave enough for tripe, ask for bollito (boiled beef).

Stop: Santa Croce (Stop 13/14)

The streets around Piazza Santa Croce are gelato heaven.

• Vivoli: One of the oldest gelaterias, famous for not using cones (cups only!) to preserve the flavor.
• All'Antico Vinaio: Famous for massive schiacciata sandwiches. The line is long, but it moves fast.
• Sit-down Dinner: Try Club Culinario Toscano da Osvaldo for authentic, slow-food certified dishes.

Stop: Fiesole (Line B)

After seeing the ruins, enjoy a "Bistecca alla Fiorentina" (T-bone steak) at a tavern with a view.

• La Reggia degli Etruschi: High-end, incredible view.
• Trattoria Cave di Maiano: A short taxi ride from Fiesole square, famous for its terrace.

Wine Windows (Buchette del Vino)

Keep an eye out for small arched windows on the facades of palaces. Some, like Babae in Oltrarno (near Stop 6 or 7), have been reopened to serve glasses of wine directly on the street!