7 Best Restaurants in Santa Maria Novella, Florence

Since opening its doors in 1869, this trattoria has been serving top-notch, unpretentious food to Florentines who like their bistecca very large and, of course, very rare, as that's the only way to eat it. The tartino di carciofi (artichoke tart) and the pollo al burro (chicken with butter) are signature dishes.

On a romantic medieval side street in the heart of the centro storico, this small restaurant has two menus—one with Tuscan classics that reflect both the whims of the chef and what's in season, and the other that's focused on truffles, either white or black, again based on the season. On the first menu, look for creative salads and pasta, meat, and taglieri (mixed meat and cheese plates) that are often served with jams made from Chianti, vin santo, or balsamic vinegar. On the second menu, each of the antipasti, primi, and secondi has a fresh-shaved truffle finish. The long wine list has many offerings by the glass, and the bread and desserts are made in-house. This is also a great place to drop in for a glass of wine and perch on outdoor benches to watch the world go by.

Hidden in a piazzetta just down the street from the Ponte Vecchio, this colorful eatery has a variety of sandwiches (both hot and cold, most of which are served on five-grain bread), crostini, salads, and various tartares. Vegetarian and vegan options abound, but the kitchen also has a way with Italian cured meats. The cocktail list is impressive and includes a lengthy list of variations on the Spritz, served here in Mason jars.

The Antinori family started selling wine from their palace's basement in the 15th century, and, 600 years later, this buca (hole) is a lively, subterranean spot filled with Florentine aristocrats chowing down on what might be the best—and the most expensive—bistecca alla fiorentina (flavorful, lightly seasoned beef) in town. The classic Tuscan menu has the usual suspects: crostini di cavolo nero (black cabbage on toasted garlic bread), along with ribollita (vegetable, bean, and bread soup) and pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup).

After a morning of shopping on Via Tornabuoni, stop for lunch in this 15th-century palazzo, a place to see and be seen as well as to dine. The panache of the clientele is matched by that of the food, which is served with olive oil and vegetables from the family farm.

Near Santa Maria Novella is La Spada. Walk in and inhale the fragrant aromas of meats cooking in the wood-burning oven. You can either eat in or take it away.

Down the street from the church of Santa Maria Novella, this gaily decorated spot, festooned with plants and portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, has an ever-changing menu and stellar service. The list of Tuscan standards is shaken up with alternatives such as stracciatella with shrimp and cherry tomatoes and truffles, when in season. If you want to eat alfresco, request a table outside when booking—and remember to save room for dessert.