Ask any Jewish traveler, and they’ll likely tell you that finding kosher food can be rather challenging around Europe. Fortunately, there are a handful of kosher restaurants in Florence, as Jews have had a centuries-long relationship with the Renaissance city.
It wasn’t until I started running my food tours in Florence that I learned a little more about the city’s kosher food spots. Whether you’re looking for Jewish-friendly eateries or are keen on sampling some Israeli food, I highly recommend checking out some of these delightful restaurants.
Get ready for a Middle Eastern-inspired culinary adventure in these superb kosher restaurants in Florence.
Photo credit: Ruth’s Kosher Jewish Restaurant
Ruth’s in the Sant’Ambrogio district is easily one of Florence’s most beloved establishments for kosher wine and fare. It’s located steps from one of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, the Great Synagogue, and the city’s Chief Rabbi ensures that Ruth’s adheres to the kashrut regulations.
A few years back, I stumbled upon this fascinating place while marveling at this very synagogue and decided to stop by for a quick bite to eat. Walking inside, I thought the restaurant was super homely and understated, with dozens of photos covering the walls and simple wooden decor.
I’ve long been a fan of shakshuka, so I made up my mind almost instantly when I spotted it on the menu. Though some of the Italian offerings tempted me just a little, the sight of the tomato and egg-filled skillets coming from the kitchen with the steam evaporating from them looked too good to resist.
The eggs were perfectly poached, and the rich yolk mixed with the zesty tomato sauce to form an indulgent combination of flavors. An assortment of peppers and onions added an extra touch of sweetness, while the paprika and cumin gave it a subtle kick.
Ruth’s Kosher Jewish Restaurant (€€) – Accanto alla Sinagoga di Firenze, Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 2a, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Sunday to Thursday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm, every Friday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, and every Saturday from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Photo credit: Ba Ghetto
Ba Ghetto in Sant’Ambrogio is a kosher eatery that’s become somewhat of an institution in the city. I’d heard of its Venice and Milan branches but only recently discovered its Florence location. Like its counterparts, it follows strict protocols to retain kosher status and also offers Shabbat meals.
Both the indoor and outdoor dining areas struck me as sleek and sophisticated, yet they had a mix of design styles. The striped wallpaper seemed almost French-inspired, while the wall hangings were quintessentially Italian, a delightful mix to soak up with a meal.
Despite the plethora of busy tables, the wait staff were courteous and efficient and were happy to run through the menu with me. As usual, I was torn between the local and Israeli dishes, but I eventually opted for the carbonara, which used goose meat as a substitute for pork.
This was my first time trying a carbonara like this, yet my curiosity paid off. As the goose was smoked, it had robust, savory flavors like guanciale, yet the consistency was beef-like. It came with fresh spaghetti and a tasty sauce of tangy kosher pecorino and buttery egg yolk.
Ba Ghetto (€€) – Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 5r, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Sunday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm and every Saturday from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Photo credit: New Bridge Pizza Club
New Bridge Pizza Club is a buzzing spot on the western edge of Santa Croce. It’s not entirely kosher, but its menu has plenty of kosher options to satisfy your cravings, and a Jewish-observant takes on many of its standard dishes.
When I arrived for the first time, I couldn’t secure a seat inside the contemporary and monochrome dining area because it was so busy, but I was quite happy to dine Al Fresco style. While I was disappointed at first, the lovely server who greeted me at the door assured me they’d find me a great seat regardless.
Complete with ambient fairy lights and colorful seating, the terrace they brought me to was a lovely place for a spot of lunch or even a romantic date with your other half. Unfortunately, I was dining alone, so I didn’t get to share the moment with someone else, but the standard of kosher food really made up for it.
Their menu mainly consisted of typical Florentine pizzas and pasta, but I was mostly drawn to their pizza sandwiches, which you don’t see that often unless you go looking for them. There was a range of different flavor combinations available, but I went for the tomato, pesto, and rocket-filled version in the end.
Every component was delicious, but the airy yet crispy dough was the star. That’s not to say that the other elements weren’t excellent because they absolutely were. The sweet yet acidic tomato sauce, herby pesto, and sharp rocket were the perfect accompaniments for the dough.
New Bridge Pizza Club (€€) – Via dell’ Oriuolo, 26r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:00 pm to 10:30 pm, closed every Sunday
Looking for something different? Florence boasts a range of other kosher options including stores and markets, with a surprisingly wide variety.
Macelleria Falsettini is a butcher specializing in kosher meats in Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, while Polleria Giovannino, close to the Great Synagogue, also carries kosher meats and products.
Tuscany may not have as many Jewish-centered haunts as some other cities in Europe, yet the standard of kosher restaurants in Florence is exceptional.
Florence’s small but long-standing Jewish community is responsible for providing locals and visitors alike with some mouthwatering dishes in their kosher-adherent eateries.
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