4 Best Restaurants in Santa Maria Novella, Florence

The cheese collection at Baroni may be the most comprehensive in Florence. They also have high-quality truffle products, vinegars, and other delicacies.

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.

At this classy Florentine institution dating from 1885, try one of the minitruffle panini and swish it down with a glass of prosecco.