Da Simone Florence Review: Hearty Tuscan Tradition in a Cozy Locale

If you’re wandering through the Oltrarno and catch the scent of something rich, earthy, and unmistakably Florentine, you might just be near Da Simone. This isn’t a sleek trattoria or a polished enoteca. It’s a street food stand. Locals know it well, and I quickly understood why.

Da Simone is a deeply rooted part of the neighborhood, built on decades of tradition and everyday routines. The stand is best known for Florence’s most iconic foods: the panino con lampredotto, made from slow-cooked cow stomach. Not something I ever thought I’d order, let alone enjoy, but here I was, about to take my first bite and honestly, it surprised me in the best way.

Location and Ambiance

Da Simone is located just off a main street. When I arrived, a small crowd had already gathered, chatting and sipping wine while waiting for their sandwiches. The stand itself has a few high tables scattered outside and a tent that provides shade. I grabbed a spot outside, elbow to elbow with both curious visitors and local regulars.

There’s no formal seating, and I didn’t see any inside dining area, but that was part of the charm. The street became the dining room, the soundscape a blend of gossip, laughter, and clinking wine glasses. Watching Simone interact with guests (always with a joke or football banter) made it feel like I was dropping into a local ritual.

Menu and Signature Dishes

The focus at Da Simone is offal, a category that might intimidate some, but here it’s a source of pride. The star is clearly the lampredotto panino, and that’s what I ordered. But they also serve crostino con poppa (udder), crostino con lingua (tongue), and trippa alla fiorentina, all traditional dishes that hold a special place in Tuscan cuisine.

As I waited, I watched Simone prepare the sandwiches. The lampredotto had been simmering in a fragrant broth, tender and glossy with herbs. He pulled a portion from the pot, chopped it on the board, and added a spoonful of bright green salsa verde. The sandwich was built right in front of me, the bread soaked in the broth before serving. It was humble, messy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredient Quality and Presentation

This isn’t fancy food, but it’s real food. The ingredients felt fresh and carefully prepared. The bread was crusty outside and soft inside, perfect for soaking up juices without falling apart. The lampredotto was tender and flavorful, not overly spiced, but deeply savory from the long simmer.

Presentation is minimal, sandwiches wrapped in paper and handed over the counter but there’s something beautiful in its simplicity. It’s the kind of food that speaks for itself and doesn’t need dressing up.

Service and Guest Experience

Simone runs the place like a local tavern without walls. He chats with nearly everyone, and it’s obvious most of his guests are regulars. There’s a playful energy in the air, lots of laughter and heated conversations about soccer. Service isn’t fast in the usual sense, but it’s intentional. You don’t come here for efficiency. You come to slow down, talk, and eat something that’s been prepared with care.

As a first-timer, I didn’t feel out of place. Simone answered my questions with patience and humor. It felt like being welcomed into something intimate and local, even as a visitor.

Pricing and Value

Most sandwiches range from €4 to €6, and you can add a small glass of house wine for a couple more euros. It’s one of the most affordable meals I had in Florence, and definitely one of the most memorable. The portions are fair and filling especially if you’re pairing with wine and standing in the sun, soaking in the vibe.

Why Choose Da Simone?

There are plenty of great places to eat in Florence, but few offer this kind of local immersion. Da Simone isn’t trying to be anything more than what it is: a place for people to eat, talk, and connect over food that’s been part of the city for generations.

If you’re a curious eater or want to try something truly traditional, this is a must. If you love sandwiches, offal, or just want to be around Florentines doing what they do best, eating well and talking loud, you’ll love it here.

Final Tips and Recommendations

Try the lampredotto first, it’s the house specialty for a reason. Ask for it with salsa verde and spicy sauce. If you’re squeamish about offal, the trippa or lingua sandwiches might be gentler introductions. Visit before noon if you want to beat the small rush or catch Simone in a chatty mood.

There’s no need to reserve, but it’s best to go with a bit of time to spare or as part of a relaxed schedule on a Florence food tour. Lean into the experience, stand outside, chat with your neighbor, and enjoy one of Florence’s most authentic bites.

FAQs

Do they take reservations or is it strictly walk-in?
It’s walk-in only. Just show up and get in line.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free adaptations available?
Not really. The focus is on traditional meat-based sandwiches.

Is there outdoor seating or only indoor?
Only outdoor, a few tall tables under a tent.

Can you dine solo, with family, or is it better for groups?
Totally fine for solo visits or small groups. It’s casual and social.

Do they offer takeaway for dishes or wine?
Yes, sandwiches are served to-go. You can enjoy them on the street or nearby benches.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). 10 Florence foods you have to try. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/florence-food/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Florence food tours. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/florence/

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Da Simone la buticche del lampredotto. Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d4054050-Reviews-Da_Simone_la_buticche_del_lampredotto-Florence_Tuscany.html

Eating Europe. (n.d.). 10 foods you have to try in Tuscany. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/tuscany-food/