Is there anything more romantic than a first date at an Italian restaurant? Perhaps it’s the perfect opportunity to get to know your new love interest better, while at the same time showing off your knowledge of culture.
Now it’s probably not something you think about when you fall head over heels for someone, but trust us on this one – whether you’re friends, colleagues or partners, going on a first date in a foreign city can be challenging.
And don’t worry: we’re not talking about “romantic” restaurants that serve only appetizers and leave you feeling more awkward by the end of the night. We mean real Italian restaurants where you can spend quality time with your new friend while enjoying delicious local dishes.
After all, what could be more romantic than good food?
1. La Ménagère
La Ménagère is one of Florence’s most traditional and authentic Italian restaurants. The place offers a romantic experience with its warm and elegant interior. The menu is full of classic dishes such as lasagna, Bolognese meat sauce, fish and seafood, and other traditional pasta. It’s one of the best places you can visit in Florence, especially if you want to try typical Italian food. La Ménagère is rather expensive, so keep that in mind when planning your first date. Here you will find a popular restaurant in the city center of Florence. It’s a two-story traditional Italian restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine and a perfect place to visit if you want to try typical Italian food. There are many items on the menu such as lasagna, octopus, and Bolognese meat sauce.
Good to know: The lasagna is a must-try if you visit this restaurant, as it’s one of their most popular dishes. You can also try their delicious wine!
2. Regina Bistecca
Regina Bistecca is a classic Florentine steakhouse, where you can enjoy the best cuts of meat. The place is full of Italian charm, but you can also enjoy a more casual experience if you prefer. It’s one of the best places you can visit when you want to try the best steak in Florence. The menu also features other Italian dishes, such as risotto, tortellini, and antipasti. The place is a bit pricey, but it’s definitely worth the money if you like steak.
If you want to eat the best steak in Florence, then you have to visit Regina Bistecca.
3. Essenziale
If you want to eat something different when visiting Florence, then you have to visit Essenziale restaurant. This place serves unique and creative dishes combining Italian and Asian flavors, such as mushroom risotto with prawn and spices. The menu is not large, but it’s varied and the dishes are delicious. It’s a bit more expensive, but we recommend it if you want something different. Essenziale it’s a trendy and stylish Italian restaurant in Florence. This is a place to enjoy a fusion of Asian and Italian flavors.
4. Vini E Vecchi Sapori
This restaurant is perfect if you like wine and food. Vini E Vecchi Sapori is a wine bar where you can enjoy a more casual experience. The menu features different kinds of bruschetta, pasta, and other delicious Italian dishes. The place is incredibly charming and has a very relaxed vibe to it. It’s a bit expensive, but we recommend it as the perfect place to visit if you want to try wine and Italian food. If you want to try a wine and Italian food, then you should visit Vini E Vecchi Sapori.
5. Osteria dell’Enoteca
Osteria dell’Enoteca is one of the most famous places in Florence. It’s a very authentic and classic Italian restaurant where you can enjoy traditional dishes and wine. The Florentine steak is a must-try, as well as the homemade pasta and the many different types of cheeses, so it’s a perfect place to visit if you want to try real Italian food. If you want to try Italian food, you should visit Osteria dell’Enoteca.
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6. Il Santo Bevitore
You can’t start a day any better than by visiting a winery, so you can’t find a better place than the Santo Bevitore Winery. This winery sits in the heart of Florence and was established back in the 16th century. The Santo Bevitore certainly doesn’t lack charm. You can enjoy a day out at this winery, accompanied by a delicious meal of course. The Santo Bevitore is particularly special as it houses the 13th-century church of the same name. This church is one of the oldest buildings in Florence and contains frescoes dating back to the 16th century.
Tip: You can visit the church to admire its beauty before heading to the winery for a wine.
7. Cantinetta Antinori
Owned by the same family that owns the Santo Bevitore winery, the Cantinetta Antinori offers the perfect mix of luxury, history, and great food. Cantinetta Antinori is a small restaurant located in Florence’s beautiful city center. If you love Italian food, then this is the perfect place for a romantic first date in Florence. The menu is filled with delicious dishes and the restaurant even offers wine tasting.
You can choose a bottle of wine to accompany your meal and order a tasting plate to try a few different wines.
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8. Trattoria Cibrèo
Are you a fan of Italian food? Then you simply can’t go wrong with a visit to Trattoria Cibrèo. This restaurant has been serving delicious Italian food since 1951. Trattoria Cibrèo is one of the most famous restaurants in Florence and is visited by locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is small and stylish and the service is excellent. Cibrèo offers a variety of delicious Italian dishes, including pasta and meat and fish dishes.
You can choose from a selection of main courses and desserts.
9. Borgo San Jacopo
Borgo San Jacopo is an award-winning restaurant that offers modern Italian food in a beautiful setting. Borgo San Jacopo is located in Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood, which is known for being one of the most beautiful areas of the city. If you want to impress someone, Borgo San Jacopo is the perfect restaurant. It’s one of the best restaurants in Florence and is patronized by many famous people. You can visit Borgo San Jacopo for lunch or dinner and choose from a selection of delicious Italian dishes.
Good to know: The menu changes with the seasons, and you can expect to find a variety of fresh ingredients on offer.
10. Zeb
Zeb is an Italian restaurant situated in the heart of Florence. This restaurant serves a traditional Italian menu and offers a modern twist on the dishes served. Zeb is the perfect restaurant for a date if you’re looking for something different. The food is authentic, tasty, and delicious. You can expect to find delicious food and other Italian dishes on the menu. The restaurant is very stylish and the seating is very comfortable.
It’s the ideal place to enjoy a delicious meal.
11. Gurdulù Gastronomia
Gurdulù is a stylish restaurant that serves traditional Tuscan cuisine and offers a menu brimming with delicious Tuscan dishes. You can order a selection of dishes, or you can even share a main to try various foods. Gurdulù is the perfect restaurant for a date.
The restaurant is very cozy and the service is excellent.
12. Mimesi
Mimesi is a stylish restaurant serving delicious Italian food with a stunning view. Mimesi is located in the beautiful San Lorenzo neighborhood, close to the city center and the river. If you want to go on a date that is both stylish and memorable, Mimesi is the perfect restaurant. The food served at Mimesi is Italian and Mediterranean-inspired and features fresh ingredients.
The restaurant is stylish and the food is delicious.
13. Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino
If you’re looking for a place that offers delicious food alongside a great view, then Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino is the perfect place to go on a date. The restaurant serves Italian cuisine and is located on the banks of the river. Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino is a very stylish restaurant and also offers a menu full of Italian dishes, including pasta and meat and fish dishes.
You can choose from a selection of main courses and desserts.
14. Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura
Gucci Garden is the place where delicious food and fashion enthusiasts can unite in an elegant building, painted in vibrant olive green and adorned with golden chandeliers. Within the complex, there is its bright star-a dining room.
If you want luxury and opulence, this is the perfect place.
15. Il Guscio
The first thing to consider is the time of day. Lunch and dinner are great choices if you want to keep it casual and relaxed.
Serving the restaurant has short waiting times, which means you can save precious time.
16. Mercato Centrale
If you want to enjoy food and culture, head over to Mercato Centrale. The food market is located in the center of Florence and it is an excellent place to start your date. You can also take your date on a guided food tour in Florence if you prefer.
You get to see the city while enjoying delicious food and drinks while learning about the history of Florence.
17. Trattoria Da Ruggero
If you want to go to a fancy place, Trattoria Da Ruggero is the best choice. It’s a traditional trattoria, and the food is amazing. It’s perfect because it’s fancy but also not super casual.
Tip: It’s also really close to the Duomo, so you can walk over there.
18. Trattoria Sergio Gozzi
If you’re looking for a classic Italian restaurant, Sergio Gozzi on Via Delle Rucche is the perfect place to go. It’s a classic restaurant and they have a romantic atmosphere. They have an excellent menu with all the Italian classics, and the prices are pretty reasonable. You can also order a classic Italian dessert and finish your night on a sweet note.
19. Trattoria Sabatino
If you’re looking for a tasty meal and want to try something different, Trattoria Sabatino has great food, including the traditional Tuscan dish, cinghiale. While cinghiale is excellent, almost everything on the menu is delicious. Prices are moderate, but not exaggerated. In this place, you can have a wonderful evening and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time.
20. Gunè San Frediano
If you’re looking for something a little different, San Frediano has excellent Italian food that is a bit different from standard Italian food. It’s a bit fancier, so if you like going to a fancier restaurant but don’t want to get dressed up, this is the perfect place.
It’s still elegant, but it’s not as stuffy. It’s a great place to go if you want a memorable day or night.
I hope you enjoyed this guide, and a very important suggestion is to download from here the Framey app for great experiences in every place of the world!
