When budgeting for a trip to Florence, amidst the accommodation and travel costs, you’ll likely be considering how much to set aside for your food budget. After all, the Tuscan capital is the birthplace of gelato and Florentine steak, so knowing the prices of these bites will help you plan for your budget.
Much like most Italian cities, I’ve found that food prices vary immensely in Florence. Budget travelers who stick to more backpacker-friendly spots may find much more affordable trattorias than those venturing to restaurants near the likes of Ponte Vecchio or the Duomo.
However, having crafted numerous Florence food tours, I’ve gotten to grips with the average prices of meals in the Renaissance city. From casual bakeries to three-course dinners, I’ve detailed everything you need to know below.
Breakfast in Florence is easily one of the more budget-friendly meals, and I’ve rarely spent more than €3 (~$3.20) or €4 (~$4.30) on it. Although plenty of restaurants serve sizable breakfasts, most Florentines stick to a simple combination of coffee and a pastry.
Whenever I fancy something light, I usually swing by one of my trusted cafes and grab a soft and buttery brioche for less than €2 (~$2.10). When I opt for a cappuccino, it typically costs about €1.40 (~$1.50), while the price of an espresso is €1 (~$1.10) on average.
If you’re anything like me, now and again, you’ll have a hankering for something a little more hearty, such as a stack of pancakes or a veggie-packed omelet. When the mood strikes me, I usually head to one of my go-to spots for the best brunches in Florence.
These are noticeably more expensive, costing two or three times the price of a classic Italian breakfast. However, you get much more food, so they’re usually reasonably priced. For an international-style breakfast, you should expect to pay around €10 (~$10.70) or €15 (~$16.00).
The average breakfast cost in Florence is between €4 (~$4.30) and €8 (~$8.60).
Though not quite as inexpensive as a standard Florentine breakfast, the average meal cost in Florence for lunch is still affordable compared to other cities in Europe. If you’re happy to pick up some street food or casual grub, it can come in at less than €10 (~$10.70) per person.
My favorite lunchtime delight is meat and cheese-filled schiacciata farce. This sandwich is made from focaccia-style bread and generally costs around €7 (~$7.50) from a local deli. Lampredotto, a cow’s stomach lining, is also a popular panini filling and usually goes for €6 (~$6.40).
Another midday staple is pizza al taglio, which costs about €2 (~$2.10) or €3 ($3.20) a slice. Alternatively, a whole pizza or traditional pasta dish in a trattoria costs around €10 (~$10.70) for lunch. More often than not, I finish this up with a cup or cone of gelato for about €2.50 (~$2.70).
These prices reflect the average prices in a typical establishment or food stand frequented by locals. Should you spot these snacks or dishes on a menu in the city center or along the banks of the Arno River, they may cost significantly more, sometimes doubling in total.
Dinner in Florence can be cheap and cheerful or incredibly lavish, but average prices tend to hover at around €15 (~$16.20) for a main course at a mid-range restaurant. The neighborhood you choose can impact the cost, and averages vary in different parts of the city.
A three-course meal in Santa Croce, a rather local neighborhood, can be under €30 (~$32.00). Adding on a glass of wine will cost another €3 (~$3.20), though this can be less if you go for the house wine. This can be substantially higher in a more touristic corner of the city.
If I had a relatively tight budget, I’d move out from the center. Whenever I ventured out of the busier hotspots, I regularly found pizza or pasta for about €10 (~$10.70) or €12 (~$12.80). Street food isn’t so common in the evening, so this is your best option for an economical dinner.
Prices can skyrocket at upmarket eateries. The average meal cost in Florence at such venues is upwards of €100 (~$107). Nonetheless, for me, it has often totaled up to much more depending on the bottle of wine I chose or where the restaurant was situated.
Enjoying some aperitivos with a gorgeous Tuscany sunset as your backdrop is the perfect way to spend an evening. These alcoholic beverages help to stimulate your appetite and, as such, are almost always accompanied by some snacking plates.
After years of running my Florence food and wine tour here, I’ve become familiar with the average prices of aperitivos in the city. The term itself refers to refreshing drinks like an Aperol Spritz, but these days, beer, wine, and other cocktails can all be considered aperitivos.
In many of the best wine bars in Florence or locally-loved haunts, an aperitivo will set you back between €5 (~$5.30) and €9 (~$9.60). Trendy, tourist-centered bars may charge more than €12 (~$12.80) per drink.
These prices include servings of various nibbles, including crostini, olives, and nuts. On a few occasions, I’ve found aperitivo spots with buffets included. For the most part, these buffets consist of everything from tasty cured meats and Italian cheeses to bite-sized sandwiches.
The average grocery store price for wine is €5 (~$5.30) or €0.90 (~$1) for a local beer. For budget-conscious travelers, this is a great alternative and can help you keep costs low while still indulging in Italian favorites.
The average cost of an apertivo and drinks in Florence is between €5 (~$5.30) and €9 (~$9.60).
If you’ve been wondering about the average meal cost in Florence, Italy, I hope this guide has given you an insight into how far your euros can go here.
You might prefer to stick to street food, or perhaps you’re eager to check out the city’s high-end eateries. Either way, understanding the average price of a meal in Florence can help you put together a budget for all your exciting foodie experiences.
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