Best Street Food in Florence, Italy

by Ryan | Feb 14, 2023 | Florence, Italy

Discover the Best Street Food in Florence: Trippa, Lampredotto & Where to Get Them

Florence, Italy is known for its street food culture centered around slow-cooked meats, food stalls, and no-frills panini counters. Trippa and lampredotto—two offal-based dishes with deep Florentine roots—are especially popular, and locals line up at longstanding kiosks to get them.

We spent September and October in Florence sampling street food across different neighborhoods. This guide lists the top spots to try trippa, lampredotto, and other street food staples, plus tips for planning a self-guided Walking Tour of Best Places to Get Street Food in Florence.

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Trippa alla Fiorentina in Florence, Italy

Trippa alla Fiorentina

Trippa alla Fiorentina is prepared by cutting cooked tripe into strips and adding it to a sautéed onion. In addition to onions, some recipes also call for chopped carrots, parsley, celery, and a clove of garlic. Finally, salt, pepper, and peeled tomatoes are added and cooked over low heat until the water from the tripe and tomatoes has evaporated.

It is served hot and sprinkled with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

Lampredotto

Lampredotto is a popular street food item in Florence. It is the cow’s stomach that is slowly cooked and served on a bun.

Some street stands offer spicy and non-spicy versions. We opted for spicy and recommend it since that protein can be bland without added flavors.

Best Places to Get Street Food in Florence

There are several street food stands in Centro Storico, but not all of Florence’s best street food is found at the food stands or on a food truck. Some of the best places are in Mercato Centrale.

Bambi Trippa e Lampredotto in Florence, Italy

Bambi Trippa e Lampredotto

Address: Via dell’Ariento Mercato Centrale, Piano Terra, 50123, Florence Italy

Bambi Trippa e Lampredotto, located on the ground floor of the Central Market (Mercato Centrale Firenze), is a must-visit for street food enthusiasts in Florence. Here, you can indulge in the authentic flavors of Trippa alla Fiorentina and Lampredotto.

The aroma of sizzling onions and garlic will greet you as you approach this bustling street food stand. The skilled chefs expertly prepare the Trippa alla Fiorentina by adding cooked tripe to a sautéed onion base, along with chopped carrots, parsley, celery, and tomatoes. Slowly simmered in a savory broth, the tripe becomes tender and flavorful. The combination of aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables gives this traditional dish a truly authentic taste.

Next to the Trippa alla Fiorentina, Bambi Trippa e Lampredotto also offers their signature Lampredotto sandwich. The cow’s stomach is slow-cooked until it reaches a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Served on a soft bun, it is accompanied by various toppings and sauces that enhance its natural flavors.

Da Nerbone in Florence, Italy

Da Nerbone

Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123, Florence Italy

Da Nerbone, located in the vibrant Mercato Centrale, is a gem among Florence’s street food scene. Renowned for its delicious panini, this eatery offers a truly authentic taste of local cuisine.

As you approach Da Nerbone, your senses will be enchanted by the aroma of sizzling prosciutto, melting mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes. The skilled chefs at this bustling street food stand meticulously prepare each panino, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you opt for the classic combination of prosciutto, mozzarella, and tomato, or venture into more adventurous choices like salami or cheese, you can be sure that every bite will transport you to food heaven.

Fuor di Porta Florence, Italy

Fuor di Porta

Address: Via Pisana 29/R Porta San Frediano, 50143, Florence Italy

Fuor di Porta is a hidden gem nestled outside the city walls of Florence. This charming street food stand may be off the beaten path, but it is well worth the journey for food lovers seeking an authentic taste of Florence.

As you make your way to Fuor di Porta, the tantalizing aroma of freshly grilled meats and vegetables will guide you. The skilled chefs here take pride in their traditional Tuscan cuisine, crafting mouthwatering panini with locally sourced ingredients. From succulent bistecca alla Fiorentina to fragrant porchetta, each sandwich at Fuor di Porta is a work of art that showcases the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Florence.

Tripperia Pollini in Florence, Italy

Tripperia Pollini Lampredotto

Address: Via dei Macci, 126, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Tripperia Pollini Lampredotto is a must-visit street food stand in Florence for adventurous food enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the city, this eatery is famous for its unique and traditional dish – lampredotto.

As you approach Tripperia Pollini Lampredotto, you’ll be greeted by the enticing aroma of slow-cooked tripe simmering in a flavorful broth. The friendly staff will guide you through their menu, offering variations of this beloved Florentine delicacy. Whether you choose to have your lampredotto served on a crusty roll or as a stew with hearty bread, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

I'Trippaio di Firenze in Florence, Italy

I’ Trippaio di Firenze

Address: Via Vincenzo Gioberti, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy

I’ Trippaio di Firenze is an iconic street food stand in Florence that has been serving up delicious tripe dishes for decades. Located near the bustling Mercato Centrale, this is a must-visit spot for foodies looking to indulge in a quintessential Florentine street food experience.

One of the signature dishes at I’ Trippaio di Firenze is the lampredotto sandwich. The tender and flavorful tripe is stewed in a fragrant broth before being placed on a freshly baked bun. This sandwich is a true delight for the senses, topped with a generous drizzle of salsa verde and a sprinkle of salt.

Trippaio del Porcellino

Address: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, ang, Via di Capaccio, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

If you’re looking for authentic street food in Florence, don’t miss out on Trippaio del Porcellino. This food truck is located near Porcellino Market. Trippaio del Porcellino is famous for its lampredotto, which many Florentines consider to be the best lampredotto in the city. The tripe butchers have been in business for over 100 years, making it a must-visit spot for anyone who wants to try out the original Florentine street food.

All’Antico Vinaio

Address: Via dei Neri, 65r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Antico Vinaio is a popular sandwich shop in Santa Croce known for its extremely large and delicious paninis. It is considered one of the city’s best street food places. Despite the long line stretching outside the door, customers flock to Antico Vinaio, which offers an authentic taste of Florence’s street food culture.

L’Antico Trippaio

Address: Piazza de Cimatori, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

When it comes to street food in Florence, one cannot miss out on trying the famous L’Antico Trippaio. This authentic Tuscan food truck is situated near Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce, and Piazza della Repubblica. Here, you can enjoy trippa or lampredotto in the traditional Florentine way while standing or seated at a table outside. It’s a must-visit spot for foodies who want to indulge in the local cuisine and experience the vibrant street food culture of Florence.

Da’ Vinattieri

Address: Via Santa Margherita, 4/6r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

One of the best places to try pappa al pomodoro is Da’ Vinattieri. It also offers some of the best schiacciata (Tuscan bread) in town.

Walking Tour of Best Places to Get Street Food in Florence

If you want to take a walking tour of some of the locations on our list of Best Places to Get Street Food in Florence, we suggest the following:

 

Visiting all five locations on foot will take time, but you will be rewarded with many interesting sights between bites of authentic street food.

Map of Best Places to Get Street Food in Florence

Our suggested Walking Tour starts at the Santa Maria Novella train station, visits all five places on our list, and ends back at the train station.

Food Tours in Florence

Want to learn about local Florence food with a guide? Book a highly-rated food tour!

FAQs About Street Food in Florence

What is the name of a typical kind of street food in Florence?

One popular type of street food in Florence is called “panino con lampredotto.” The lampredotto sandwich is made with tripe (the fourth stomach of the cow) that has been boiled in broth and served on a crusty roll with salsa verde or other condiments. It may not sound like the most appetizing thing in the world, but it’s a local specialty that many Florentines swear by – and it’s not that bad! If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try!

What Is Florence, Italy’s Iconic Street Food Lampredotto?

Lampredotto is a popular street food in Florence, Italy, made from abomasum, the fourth and final stomach of a cow. The stomach is boiled with herbs and tomato sauce until it becomes tender and is then sliced thinly and served as a sandwich on a soft roll. It is often accompanied by salsa verde (green sauce) or other condiments. Lampredotto has been a staple of Florentine cuisine for centuries and is considered an iconic dish of the region. If you’re visiting Florence for the first time, trying lampredotto from one of the city’s many street vendors is a must-try culinary experience!

What food must you eat in Florence?

If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Tuscany, try the pappa al pomodoro. This soup is made with bread and tomatoes, and it’s a popular street food in Florence. You can find it at various food stands throughout the city.

For something sweet, try gelato from one of the many gelaterias around town – some popular flavors include pistachio, stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate chips), and nocciola (hazelnut).

Can you eat on the street in Florence?

It is generally not allowed to eat on the street in Florence, as it is considered improper and disrespectful to the city’s cultural heritage. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as during certain festivals or events where street food is permitted. Additionally, there are designated areas where it is acceptable to eat outside, such as in parks or public squares. It is always best to check local regulations and etiquette before eating on the street in Florence or any other city.

What food is Florence most famous for?

Florence, Italy is famous for its delicious cuisine, including several iconic traditional dishes. One of the most famous is bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick T-bone steak cooked over an open flame and seasoned with olive oil and salt. Another popular dish is ribollita, a hearty vegetable soup made with bread, cannellini beans, and leafy greens such as kale or spinach. Florence is also known for its pasta dishes, such as pappardelle al cinghiale (wide noodles with wild boar ragu) and gnocchi di patate al tartufo (potato dumplings with truffle sauce). Finally, no trip to Florence would be complete without sampling some gelato – the city has some of the best gelaterias in Italy!

Ryan

Ryan

Author

I graduated from Murray State University in 2000 with psychology and criminal justice degrees. I received my law degree, with a concentration in litigation and dispute resolution, from Boston University School of Law in 2003.

For nearly two decades, I represented contractors and subcontractors in construction defect disputes involving commercial and residential buildings.

In 2022, my lifelong passion for travel, food & wine, architecture, and photography overtook my ambition to be a litigation attorney. So, my wife, Jen, and I sold our home in Austin, Texas, and set out to explore the world with our French Bulldog, Gus!