The Other Side of Florence Food Tour

The Other Side of Florence Food Tour

Experience Florence the way locals do, sampling the best Tuscan cuisine beloved by the people who live here.

Thousands of 5 star reviews
Featured on National Geographic, Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Virgin

Taste your way through Oltrarno, where locals dine.

Ages

4+

Duration

3 hours

Departs

Mon-Sat 9:45 am, 10:15 am

Highlights

Savor the best ‘Cantucci‘, local biscotti, and pair them with an espresso or cappuccino 🍪☕

Taste authentic Tuscan dishes while learning their rich history.

Try one of the city’s most iconic street foods, the ultimate example of nose-to-tail cooking!

Explore Florence’s authentic wine windows and sample Tuscan wines 🍷🪟

Get a true taste of the Oltrarno neighborhood with your local guide.

Enjoy genuine gelato and learn how to spot the “fake” stuff 🍨

Tour Description

Join us for a relaxed and authentic experience away from the crowds of the Duomo area.

Stroll through the historic streets of Florence’s Oltrarno on this 3-hour food and wine tour. Discover Tuscan street food and hearty traditional dishes, taste wine from a historic fiaschetteria, stop at a deli for cheese and cured meats, and finish with artisanal gelato while meeting the families who have served locals for generations.

Dietary Information

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

Why Eat with Us?

  • Expert Local Guides: Fun, knowledgeable, and English-fluent Florence locals.
  • Florence’s Hidden Gems: Enjoy exclusive access to local favorites where you’re treated like family.
  • Culinary Diversity: Taste a variety of delicious dishes, and hear the stories behind the food.
  • Cultural Immersion: See Florence through the eyes of a local.
  • Established Expertise: Since 2011, simply the best food tours in Florence!
tripadvisor-eatingeurope-2
"We have done several tours in other cities and this was one of the best. We tasted a variety of dishes and saw parts of Florence we wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise. I highly recommend this tour! "
— Brette J | Tripadvisor
  • Adult (From 18) From €84

  • Adolescent (13-17 years) From €76

  • Child (4-12 years) From €67

Book Now

❤️ This experience gives back.

With every booking, we donate a fresh meal via
World Central Kitchen.

Free cancellation

24 hours in advance for a full refund

Lowest Price Guarantee

Book now and save 15% off additional tours across Europe!

9 countries, 20 cities, 50+ food tours. Book now and receive a special loyalty code to save even more on future adventures.

The Flavors You'll Taste


  • Pecorino cheese
  • Fennel salami
  • Lampredotto sandwich
  • Cantucci (Tuscan biscuits)
  • Pappa al pomodoro or ribollita (bread soup with tomato or vegetables)
  • Wild boar stew
  • Millefoglie
  • Gelato
  • Cappuccino
  • Regional red wines
  • Water

Please note that the items above are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Meeting Point

Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25/r
Florence 50124

Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag next to Gelateria la Carraia 50125 Firenze

What people are saying

Why Eat with Us?

#1 food and drink experience in Florence - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 25,000 Five-Star Reviews!

Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Florence’s food scene.

Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.

Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included

Dining with Purpose

We proudly support World Central Kitchen. Every tour you book helps provide meals to communities in crisis.

Book now and save 15% off additional tours across Europe!

9 countries, 20 cities, 50+ food tours. Book now and receive a special loyalty code to save even more on future adventures.

Premium Drink Package

Get three additional drinks during your tour with our Premium Drink Package for only €16 per person!

Enhance your taste of local life with three additional alcoholic drinks expertly paired with your food tastings. On the Other Side of Florence Tour, the Premium Drink Package includes:

  • A glass of locally produced house wine paired with lampredotto – just as the locals do!
  • Taste the famous combination of biscotti dipped into a glass of Vin Santo.
  • Taste and learn the difference between a traditional Chianti and a Super Tuscan wine.


You can add the Premium Drink Package to your booking during checkout.

Note: this option is only available for ages 18+; Eating Europe reserves the right to substitute a non-alcoholic drink should the guest become inebriated.

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Private tours

Looking for a private food tour? Whether you’re visiting with a group or a local craving a unique day out, we’ve got you covered!

For more details or specific requests, reach out to [email protected] or call +1 917-909-6432.

Meet Your Local Florence Tour Guides

Savour Florence like a local with our expert food tour guides.

Gaia
Gaia
Born in the Tuscan countryside but now I live in Florence.
I like the parts of the cow you usually throw away...tongue, stomach, udder, etc!
Don't miss the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo - grab a beer and a seat on the staircase!
Elisa
Elisa
Born and raised in Umbria, but Florence is where my soul belongs
Name a carb food. Anything. I love it!
💡When I sit on Ponte Santa Trinita and I watch the sun light going down behind Ponte Vecchio I know there is no other place I want to be. Give it a try
Francesco
Francesco
Born and raised in Florence
My favorite dish is ossobuco
Don't eat the neon colored mountains of gelato, get the real stuff!
Lisa
Lisa
Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia but I have called Florence home since 2006
Difficult because I really do like everything - if I had to name one thing I would say roast lamb and vegetables
Enjoy an aperitivo on a rooftop terrace and admire the view.
Chiara
Chiara
Tuscan countryside girl, but Florence always has been in my heart and now I can call it home.
Schiacciata is my obsession! The salty one filled with mortadella or the sweet one "alla fiorentina"... yummy, with cream!
Relax yourself wandering around the historical gardens of Florence, true open-air museums.
Sara
Sara
Proudly born and raised in the Valdarno hills.
I love ricciarelli al cioccolato and almond paste in general. But I have to go with my mum's lasagna - that touches a very soft spot in my heart.
Try the Bargello: the oldest public building in Florence in which you can also find Giotto's first portrait of Dante Alighieri.
Beatrice
Beatrice
Born in Florence but now I live in Pistoia
Can't go wrong with pizza and ice cream
Don’t plan too much - wander through the tiny alleys full of magic!
Eva
Eva
Born in Siberia, nowadays a happy dweller of Oltrarno in Florence
No pizza and pasta, but meat and vegetables. Wine and Gelato lover!
Slow down, take a glass of wine and just enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of Florence!
Antonella
Antonella
Born in Naples, but my heart was stolen by Florence.
I love pizza and cantucci biscotti
Don't miss all the flea markets and street vendors scattered around the city. You will find anything from food to antique objects and clothes!
Sara
Sara
Born in Florence, and raised in a quiet town just 10 kilometres from the city
I could live eating just cheese, pizza and pappa al pomodoro (don't tell this to my nutritionist!)
Don't miss the details of the reflection of old Florentine buildings on the river Arno
Caterina
Caterina
Born in Florence and have lived in a Chianti countryside olive oil farm since I was 12 years old.
I like traditional Tuscan food like what my mother raised me with: simple and genuine! Quality and sustainability are the most important values for me and usually those values equate to the most delicious food ;)
Don't miss the beautiful art we have! One of my favorite places is the Church of San Miniato, a medieval Romanesque church located on the hill overlooking Florence, a couple of minutes from Michelangelo Terrace.
Omar
Omar
Born and raised in Florence... but half Egyptian!
Favorite food is Pizza
Look out for the street art, which is all over the city
Esther
Esther
Born and raised in Utrecht, Holland. Have been calling Florence home since 2017 and here to stay!
Anything baked really, sweet or savoury. As long as it contains dough or pastry, I’m your girl!
Explore the artisan shops in the Oltrarno area or in the Santa Croce area. And don’t plan too much! Allow yourself to wander and explore.
Martina
Martina
Born and raised on the hills of Florence, I live in the pristine Chainti countryside
Deep fried Porcini mushrooms, bluechese and artisanal dark chocolate are my soft spot, possibly paired with a glass of wine - or two!
Enjoy the golden hour and breathtaking view sipping a chilled drink on the terrace bar of Forte Belvedere

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tour Information

Is a food tour in Florence worth it?

Absolutely! There’s no better way to experience the beautiful city of Florence and its culture than a food tour with a local guide.

What food is Florence famous for?

Florence’s culinary scene is a delicious mix of Tuscan tradition and Italian flavors. You can’t leave without trying bistecca alla fiorentina (the legendary Florentine T-bone steak), ribollita (a hearty Tuscan vegetable and bread soup), and crostini toscani (toasted bread with savory liver pâté). Pasta lovers will adore pappardelle al cinghiale (wide noodles with rich wild boar ragu), and of course, no visit is complete without indulging in cantucci e vin santo, the local almond biscuits served with sweet dessert wine.

What’s included in the price of the food tour?

All food and drinks, as well as your professional local guide are included in the price you pay for the tour. No hidden charges or upsells here.

How long are the tours?

Our Florence tours range in length from 2.5 to 5 hours.

What neighborhoods or areas do the tours cover?

Each tour’s area can be found listed as its “location”. You might explore Oltrano, the city center, or San Lorenzo!

What is the group size?

Our tours have maximum capacities of between 8-12 guests. This ensures that our small groups are able to move unobtrusively through the neighborhoods we explore, respecting our surroundings and the locals that live in Florence.

I’m traveling alone. Do you offer single tickets?

We love welcoming solo travelers! All of our tours are open to individual guests.

Food and Drink

What kind of food will we taste?

You will taste a variety of Tuscan and Italian specialties, exploring Florence’s rich culinary history from hearty pastas to local wines and cheeses. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Are drinks included?

Yes. All tours include drinks, and they’re always included in the price you pay.

Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

For full details, guests should always refer to the specific tour page, as limitations may vary.

Are portions enough for a meal?

Yes. On each of our Florence tours, you are guaranteed to eat at least the equivalent of a full meal.

Can I buy food or souvenirs at the stops?

Of course! If you would like to purchase something at one of the stops we make, you are welcome to do so yourself, or if you need assistance, you can ask your helpful guide.

Booking and Payment

How do I book?

Visit eatingeurope.com and click on the orange “Book Now” button: it’s simple as that! You will be able to choose your tour, date, time and number of guests before booking.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept major debit & credit card payments, iDEAL and Bancontact.

Are there discounts for children, students, or groups?

We offer discounts on tickets for adolescents and children, but unfortunately do not offer discounts on group bookings.

What is Eating Europe’s cancellation policy?

Small group tours can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before tour departure. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure. For full details, please see our cancelation policy page.

Accessibility & Safety

Are private tours suitable for all ages, including children or seniors?

We are committed to providing a great experience for all of our guests, so if you require a private tour to be suitable for children or seniors, please get in touch and we can create a bespoke experience for you.

Are the tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?

Please note that some of our tours involve areas with limited accessibility and are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. For assistance and alternative option, please contact us. We’re dedicated to providing a great experience for all our guests!

What should I wear?

There is no dress code on our tours, however it’s recommended to wear a good pair of shoes (these are walking tours, after all!) and be prepared for the elements, even though most of our stops are indoors.

Are tourists welcome in Florence?

Yes, absolutely. There’s an Italian concept from the Renaissance, sprezzatura, which means a kind of effortless grace. It’s a feeling of beauty without trying too hard, and we believe every visitor should experience it in Florence.

You’ll find that spirit of sprezzatura from locals when you connect with the city respectfully. It’s found when you support the artisan workshops in the Oltrarno district, don’t touch the produce at the Sant’Ambrogio market, and take a quiet moment to appreciate art away from the main crowds. This is the authentic Florence experience.

It’s this connection we create on our Eating Europe tours. We step away from the crowds and take you to the places locals truly love, introducing you to the people behind the food and the stories that make this city one of a kind.

Tour Experience & Expectations

Will the guide speak my language?

Our guides are all fluent in English, and of course speak Italian as well. For requests for tours in other languages, please contact us.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes! You are welcome to take photos and videos of the food and scenery throughout your tour. If you would explicitly like to get photos of fellow guests or your guide, we kindly ask that you get their permission first.

Do I need to tip the guide?

Tips for our lovely guides are not required, but they are appreciated!

Will we visit the same places as other tours?

No. While some tours may have one or two stops which other groups visit (can’t help it if they’re popular!), Eating Europe are proud that the majority of stops on every Florence tour are restaurants and vendors who work exclusively with us.

Do you offer private or custom tours?

We do! Please see the “Book a Private Tour” option or contact us, and we can arrange a private or custom Florence tour to suit your specific needs.

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