You’ve heard of the Renaissance city’s countless top-class restaurants and cafes, but the delightful food markets don’t get nearly as much coverage. Thanks to Florence’s setting among the sun-drenched Tuscan hills, fresh produce hits the marketplace stalls year-round, and you can go and experience it yourself.
Being in Italy for years, I’ve gotten used to popping in and out of the markets in the morning, so I tend to do the same when traveling around the country to cities like Florence.
On my travels, I found so many great marketplaces that I knew I had to include in my small group Florence food tours. I came across a significant number that I knew some of you would love, so I’ve decided to write up this article to give you some insight into the best markets in the city.
Out of all the Florence food markets, none are quite as famous as Mercato Centrale, one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the city. Somewhat of a landmark in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, Mercato Centrale is one of two permanent indoor markets in Florence.
It’s an architectural marvel designed by Giuseppe Mengoni. The traditional ground floor completely contrasts with the contemporary first floor. The bottom is mainly for meat and cheese, while the top boasts flowers, fruits, hot food, gelato, and the Medici cooking school.
Even though I spend most of my time in the bustling food court on the first floor, I love strolling past the family-run stalls downstairs each time I visit. Upstairs is an extensive line-up of eateries, including pizzerias and American BBQ joints, but La Schiacciata Firenze is usually my first pick.
This bright, colorful stall is home to some mouthwatering schiacciata. On its own, this bread is deliciously lightweight and chewy. However, I’m especially partial to their Roma sandwich, packed with delicate prosciutto, milky burrata, honey-tasting figs, and crunchy, peppery arugula.
Mercato Centrale – Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every day from 9:00 am to 12:00 am
Another Mengoni-designed masterpiece is Sant’Ambrogio Market in Santa Croce. I’ve always found this market to have a more local vibe than Mercato Centrale, but it shares a similar 19th-century architectural design and lively atmosphere as its larger counterpart.
Since the 1870s, the vendors here have provided locals with premium meats, fish, cheeses, fruit, and vegetables. When I visited, I quickly learned that this was more than a hotspot for picking up fresh groceries, as everything from homeware to handmade trinkets was up for grabs.
Ambling past the dozens of multi-generational stands and watching the acclaimed butchers and cheesemongers at work is reason enough to visit. Still, you need to make time to sample some local specialties on offer, and Da Rocco, a tiny in-market trattoria, is a great place to do just that.
Communal-style dining is what Da Rocco is all about, and I joined a table of other food fanatics eager to try a hearty serving of trippa alla Fiorentina. The tripe was soft but slightly chewy, and its mild flavors complemented the sweet tomatoes, zingy onion, and touch of chili.
Mercato Sant’Ambrogio – Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, closed Sunday
Unlike some other markets in Tuscany, Il Mercatale only operates once a month. On the first Saturday of most months, upwards of a hundred local producers descend on the Piazza della Repubblica, showcasing some of the finest olive oils, Chianti wines, fresh pasta, and truffles available.
Il Mercatale is located on the site of the former Mercato Vecchio, which thrived during the 19th century. Although now only a monthly fixture, Il Mercatale is as popular as ever. With its old-school stands and range of must-try Tuscan products, I felt like I’d gone back in time when I visited.
It’s not typically a spot for hot food and snacks if that’s what you’re in the market for, but it’s a treasure trove of local delights. If you’re hoping to take some quintessentially Tuscan favorites home and your visit falls on the first Saturday of the month, Il Mercatale is a must.
I stocked up on honey, wine, and cheese, but the pecorino I picked up seemed to disappear in no time! The cheese’s bright, grassy notes and firm yet creamy texture became more pronounced with each bite. It paired beautifully with the vanilla-like acacia honey I also purchased.
Il Mercatale – Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy – Open the first Saturday of every month from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (closed in January, July, and August)
In the heart of the historic center is Mercato del Porcellino, a buzzing Italian bazaar that once housed a plethora of luxury retailers. Many visitors come here to see the iconic Fontana del Porcellino, Florence’s famous wild boar statue, but trust me, it’s worth staying for the delectable food.
Leather goods are the biggest draw for shoppers, and there are endless rows of handbags, wallets, and clothing alongside the culinary offerings. While it’s technically an outdoor market, it’s pretty much entirely covered, just in case a quick downpour happens.
In terms of the must-visit eateries at Mercato del Porcellino, I can’t recommend the foodie stands like Venchi Chocolate and Gelato and Trippaio del Porcellino enough. The former is a hotspot for sweet treats, while the latter focuses on savory alternatives.
Trippaio del Porcellino is my all-time favorite here, and their classic lampredotto paninis hit the spot every time. Very few places in Florence serve up lampredotto this incredible, so prepare to join the lengthy queues to get your hands on one!
With the beefy taste of the succulent meat, which is from a cow’s fourth stomach, and the crusty bread, this lampredotto had a lovely balance of flavors and textures. The bread was fluffy but firm enough to withstand the moistness of the meat and the spicy, herby sauce.
Mercato del Porcellino – Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 5 R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every day from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
A hub for bargain hunters, culture buffs, and epicurean travelers, Le Cascine is a weekly market in its namesake park, Parco delle Cascine, in western Florence. Every Tuesday, this expansive market welcomes hundreds of customers looking for tasty fare and quality products.
Despite its well-known status, Le Cascine is relaxed and low-key. When I arrived, I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but I spent several hours walking between the remarkably varied stalls. There are over one kilometer’s worth of stands, so I was glad I had plenty of time to spare.
I’m not sure there’s anything you can’t purchase at Le Cascine, as I spotted vast collections of clothes, furniture, and kitchenware among the numerous local food merchants. A friend of mine joined me, and we decided to secure some porchetta and bread for a picnic in the nearby grassy area.
Though not quite as tasty as when prepared by a vendor, we used the tangy, airy ciabatta to make sandwiches with the porchetta.
The bread’s subtle flavors perfectly accompanied the salty, juicy pork, which was doused in buttery garlic and woodsy rosemary. Topped with its signature crispy skin, this tender meat made for a satisfying lunchtime snack.
Le Cascine – Parco delle Cascine, Piazzale delle Cascine, 50144 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Tuesday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
With everything from butchers and bakeries to street food vendors, Florence’s food markets offer some of the tastiest and freshest fare in the city.
Each spot I’ve mentioned on this list has its own character; you’ve just got to choose what you’re after, from traditional farmer’s markets to modern alternatives that even serve daily aperitivos.
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