Eating well doesn’t have to lead to negative bank statements. Whether you are a student, travelling on a budget or looking for a good spot for a reasonably priced business lunch, here are our some of our favourite under € 15 list of lunch spots in Florence.
Osteria I Buongustai
Hidden in the heart of Florence, close to piazza della Signoria, Osteria Buongustai is a vibrant hub of Tuscan food. Pasta, risotto, gnocchi, tortelli and tripe are served daily by the owners, Lucia and Laura, at very modest prices.
Via dei Cerchi 15R
055/291304
Trattoria Mario
Tucked away in a corner of piazza del Mercato Centrale, Mario’s is a bustling, popular venue with a jovial and informal atmosphere. The service is quick and the food is better. There’s nothing quite like Mario’s charred, medium-rare Florentine steak served with a glass of red wine to get your blood flowing. Spending more than 15 euros here would be a singular achievement.
Via Rosina 2R 055 218550, trattoria-mario.com
ph. IGer @verymarygray
La Prosciutteria
Located near piazza Santa Croce, the concept of La Prosciutteria is simple: fill a bread board with cheese and sliced meats and serve it with red wine. But La Prosciutteria has a way of slicing the prosciutto crudo so that it has a melting thinness, selecting the best cheeses and achieving that right truffle spread texture. The atmosphere is familiar and it’s cheap, very cheap.
Via dei Neri 54R
055 2654472, laprosciutteria.com
Ballerini
If you thought it was just a cioccolateria (chocolate shop), think again. Hidden in the back, Ballerini has a ‘secret’ pizza oven where they make delicious pizza on schiacciata (focaccia) crust. My personal favorite is the schiacciata with speck and gorgonzola that you can buy for just 1.60 a slice. Otherwise enjoy a salad or a plate of pasta for under 5 euro!
Borgo Ognissanti 132, cioccolateriaballerini.it 055 215094
Chicco di Caffé
Just a minute away from piazza Santo Spirito, this bijou of a restaurant is a necessary destination. Try the mouthwatering seared octopus, their homemade traditional pastas or side dishes for just under 10 euro. Another plus is the complimentary unlimited wine and water refill.
Via della Chiesa 16 055 2654354
ph. via oscugnizzo.net
O’Scugnizzo
In the Oltrarno’s borgo San Frediano, Pizzeria O’Scugnizzo defines itself as a corner of Naples in central Florence and no one has contested the claim to this day. The pizza is, without a doubt, one of the best in Florence. A bite of their pizza is a heavenly union of fresh mozzarella, sweet and fresh tomato and soft, fragrant crust. You can eat here for less than 10 euro.
Via dell’Orto 25R
055 2286471, oscugnizzo.net
Trippaio Albergucci Mario
For a culinary trip into a cow’s stomach, try Trippaio Albergucci Mario, legend amongst tripe connoisseurs. He’s been there for time immemorial and has mastered the art of making a tripe sandwich to perfection. Try Florentine specialty, lampredotto, the fourth stomach of the cow, or the boiled meats with salsa verde (a herby green sauce).
Piazzale di Porta Romana
Zoe
Situated slightly out of the center near Porta San Niccolò with outdoor seating a stone’s throw from the river Arno, Zoe is great for a light lunch. They have a large selection of salads, grilled goat cheese with sautéed vegetables and other light options. The vibe is trendy-business lunch. You can easily spend less than 15 euro here.
Via de’ Renai, 13R 055 243111, zoebar.it
ph. via pescheriasanpietro.it
Pescheria San Pietro
Located near Santa Maria Novella train station, Pescheria San Pietro’s business lunch is sure to make any deal successful. You will be served two deliciously fresh fish courses for only 14.50 euro, which includes a glass of wine, water and coffee. Try the tuna steak or the homemade pasta with calamari.
Via Alamanni 7R 055 2382749, pescheriasanpietro.it