One thing that astounds me every time I touch down in Florence is the city’s fantastic array of seafood restaurants, something the Tuscan capital isn’t typically known for.
Florence is primarily associated with meat-heavy dishes like Florentine steak and pappardelle al ragu, but Florentines know a thing or two about quality oceanic fare. In fact, the city has plenty of bistros that wouldn’t be out of place among Italy’s southern seafood restaurants.
When I was crafting my Florence food tours, I visited a slew of great seafood eateries to really showcase the scene here to my fish-loving customers, and these are the ones that have left a lasting impression on me.
Marina Di Santospirito
Photo credit: Marina Di Santospirito
Marina Di Santospirito is an excellent seafood spot south of the Arno River, nestled in the beating heart of Oltrarno. I initially came here thanks to a recommendation from a local friend, and it has since become a must-visit every time I return to the city.
With its cool-toned concrete walls and old stone floors, the dining room here feels almost cave-like. The retro wall ornaments, hanging lights, and leather seating give the restaurant a touch of home, and the hospitable staff amplifies the inviting atmosphere inside.
Though I’ve yet to find a dish here that I didn’t enjoy, the cuttlefish with tagliolini has been my favorite for quite some time now. Colored with black cuttlefish ink, this steaming plate of pasta arrived at my table in minutes, and it tasted even more delectable than it looked.
Between the firm, al dente pasta and tender cuttlefish, the textures of this dish were superb. What was even more were the flavors: a blend of milky tones from the fish, a hint of mintiness from the sage, and a gorgeous lemon zest that added a lightness to each bite.
Marina Di Santospirito (€€€) – Via Maffia, 1/C, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Monday to Friday, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and closed every Sunday
Fuor D’Acqua
Photo credit: Fuor D’Acqua
If you prefer to tuck into some tasty seafood in a more upscale setting, I’m confident Fuor D’Acqua will be to your liking. Located south of the Arno River and around the corner of Porta di San Frediano, Fuor D’Acqua is widely regarded as one of the finest Florence seafood restaurants.
Though it’s undisputably a high-end establishment, the decor is rather simple and oozes classic Italian charm. Think sleek ivory-colored seating and chic copper finishes lying alongside red brick archways. The secret’s been out about Fuor D’Acqua for a long time, so reservations are a must.
I’ve dined here numerous times, and if I’m with a friend, I usually choose the tasting menu. On each occasion, the multi-course meal has been sublime from start to finish. That being said, the risotto and king prawns have been my highlights, and I couldn’t pick between the two!
The prawns were presented with creamy homemade mayonnaise and fruity pink peppercorns, which brought out their buttery flavors. A nourishing serving of savory risotto soon followed, which was topped with a generous helping of fresh seafood.
Chewy, briny clams, and mild mussels accompanied the risotto, adding an incredibly rich yet balanced depth of flavor to the mouthwatering dish.
Fuor D’Acqua (€€€€) – Via Pisana, 37r, 50143 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Monday to Saturday, 8:00 pm to 2:00 am, and closed every Sunday
Burro & Acciughe
Photo credit: Burro & Acciughe
Burro & Acciughe is a bustling eatery whipping up delightful seafood dishes in San Frediano. I came across this place by chance a few years back when I was visiting the Brancacci Chapel nearby, and I couldn’t help but feel like I’d been missing out all this time.
The interior is elegant and refined, yet the team here always ensures the ambiance stays relaxed and unpretentious. Though it looks compact from the outside, Burro & Acciughe is quite spacious inside, with high ceilings, large windows, and a mix of rustic and contemporary furnishings.
I’m a huge fan of their appetizers, and I’ve kicked off my meal with their marinated anchovies since my first visit. The last time I was here, I paired them with fried cod for my main course, and this might just be my favorite combination to date.
Marinated in a flavorful blend of pungent garlic, herbaceous olive oil, and tart vinegar, the anchovies were an explosion of tastes. They came alongside a handful of crunchy and sweet Tropea red onions, an Italian specialty.
Although much milder in taste, the fried fish that followed was equally as delicious. Their beautifully lightweight batter, spicy Sichuan pepper mayonnaise, and earthy artichokes elevated every bite of delicate cod.
Burro & Acciughe (€€) – Via dell’Orto, 35/R, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Friday, 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Cantinetta delle Terme
Photo credit: Cantinetta delle Terme
Just steps from the lively Piazza della Signoria is Cantinetta delle Terme, a top-tier seafood restaurant in Florence. I come here a lot, so much so that I even picked up takeouts from here, as it’s one of the few places that can provide quality seafood in their to-go orders.
Naturally, the food is even more exceptional if you enjoy it in-house in their small but slick dining area. Cozy and charming, the decor consists of a clutch of wooden tables surrounded by shelves of Italian wines and a brick-covered ceiling.
A few months ago, I stopped by for a quick lunch and decided to sample the seared salmon. I swung by just as they were opening, which meant the service was even faster than usual. In no time, the waitress arrived with a perfectly pink fillet of salmon teamed with a warm yellow sauce.
I loved how crispy the outside of the salmon was, yet the inside was soft and slightly juicy. The flavors were even more mouthwatering, with the richness of the fish complementing the tangy citrus-infused sauce.
Cantinetta delle Terme (€€) – Via delle Terme, 14R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Monday, 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and closed every Sunday
Ristorante Murales Bistrò
Photo credit: Ristorante Murales Bistrò
Those of you who find yourselves strolling through the Santa Croce area have to check out Ristorante Murales Bistrò for your seafood fix. I came by here at midday for a late brunch and during the evening, and the food was nothing short of fantastic both times.
The decor is super quirky and eclectic, and I was struck by the murals of cartoon characters that adorned the walls and how they somehow worked with the modern, low-key furniture. What makes this place even better is the staff, who are always knowledgeable and courteous.
I dropped in to grab something to eat and get some respite from the Tuscan heat the last time I was here, and the paccheri with octopus piqued my interest. It sounded divine in its own right, and when it came out with a serving of fresh burrata, I knew I’d made the right decision.
This dish was all about soft and gentle flavors, as the octopus was a little salty and countered the sweetness of the burrata. Not only that, but the moist texture of the octopus and silky pasta was exquisite.
Ristorante Murales Bistrò (€€€) – Via Ghibellina, 141/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every day, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Conclusion
When you’ve had your fill of steakhouses and traditional Tuscan trattorias, take your pick from this assortment of the top Florence seafood restaurants. The city may not be close to the sea, but wherever the chefs are sourcing their catch, they’re doing a great job of it!
- Mon-Sat
- 3.5 Hours
- Small Group
