The Uffizi is located in the heart of Florence, so if you wander in any direction you’re bound to find something delicious to eat or drink. There’s an abundance of restaurants near the Uffizi Gallery, and now that you know exactly what’s inside thanks to our handy Uffizi Gallery guide, we’re here to help you pick the best places to beat those hunger pangs!
Take a food tour
Tuscan food culture is a wonder in itself and if you’re in the area for a few days, you might want to consider a guided food tour. This one includes a chance to try the legendary Schiacciata sandwich from All’Antico Vinaio.
While you’ll never go hungry in Florence, the wealth of restaurant options can also be overwhelming. Here’s a look at some of the best restaurants near the Uffizi Gallery.
1. Best spot for coffee and breakfast
📍I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti
⏱️ 3 minutes from the Uffizi
A day at the Uffizi is full on, both mentally and physically – so it’s best to start things with a full stomach. I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti is a popular café and deli located in the San Frediano district of Florence, and is known for high-quality ingredients, homemade baked goods, and traditional Tuscan cuisine.
It’s particularly popular for breakfast – offering a range of pastries, sandwiches, eggs, and perhaps most importantly, great coffee. The menu changes seasonally – but the porchetta sandwich comes highly recommended.
I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti is particularly popular with locals and visitors looking for a reasonably priced, authentic dining experience away from the main tourist areas. The café also has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it one of the best restaurants near the Uffizi Gallery for an authentic Tuscan breakfast and lunch.
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2. Best spot for a snack
📍Café in the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery’s popularity is undeniable (which is one reason it’s wise to buy tickets in advance).
Considering the lines to get in, you won’t be eager to exit the gallery prematurely, even when struck by the worst pangs of hunger. Luckily, The Uffizi’s “Caffè delle Arti” offers a variety of food and drinks including sandwiches, salads, pasta, pastries, coffee, and tea, and a selection of local Tuscan wines.
Situated on the top floor of the gallery, it also boasts a beautiful terrace with stunning views of Florence – making it the perfect spot to take a break during your trip to the Uffizi.
3. Best restaurant for an authentic Italian meal
📍Trattoria Sostanza
⏱️ 12 minutes walk from the Uffizi Gallery
If you’re looking for a traditional Italian restaurant near the Uffizi Gallery, you won’t regret a trip to the Trattoria Sostanza. This family-owned restaurant has been serving traditional Tuscan cuisine for over 150 years. Their star dish is chicken cooked in butter, and the menu also features steaks, artichoke pies and handmade pasta, along with an extensive wine list.
This cosy and rustic restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance.
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4. Best for vegans
📍Konnubio
⏱️ 5 minutes walk from the Uffizi Gallery
For the herbivores amongst us, Konnubio is a great option for a meal to remember. This Michelin starred spot offers a wide selection of plant based dishes (including a tasting menu!) made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. They also serve meat and fish, and reviewers say that the chefs are happy to swap ingredients to make dishes vegan – making this one of the best choices for vegan friendly restaurants near the Uffizi Gallery.
With exceptional food, stylish decor, and a warm atmosphere, this is an unsurprisingly popular restaurant – so consider making a reservation in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
5. Best restaurant for a romantic meal
📍Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827
⏱️ 4 minutes walk from the Uffizi Gallery
Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827 is a historic restaurant in the heart of Florence, which has been serving traditional Tuscan cuisine for over 200 years. Take your loved one. The restaurant will light a new spark between you with its romantic ambiance, elegant décor, dim lighting, and candlelit tables.
Some of the signature dishes include the bistecca alla fiorentina (steak, Florentine style), homemade pasta, and fresh seafood. The extensive wine list features both local and international wines. While a little pricey, this is a great restaurant for a blow out meal to remember. When in Rome… er… Florence.
6. Best restaurant for a family-friendly meal
📍Trattoria ZaZa
⏱️ 12 minutes walk from the Uffizi Gallery
Trattoria ZaZa is a popular family-friendly restaurant with a lively atmosphere and welcoming staff. They offer a wide variety of traditional Tuscan dishes, along with some international options.
If you’ve got little ones in tow there is a children’s menu on offer, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options available – so this place should please the whole clan. The prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is bustling, although it’s definitely one to make a reservation at because lines can sometimes be long!
Best spots for a picnic
If you’d prefer to sit outside with a spread instead of searching for a restaurant near the Uffizi Gallery, a great supermarket to visit is Esselunga, located on Via de’ Martelli, just a 5-minute walk from the Uffizi Gallery. Esselunga is a large Italian supermarket chain that has everything you need – from bread and cheeses to desserts and wines.
As for a picnic spot, one great option is the Boboli Gardens, which is about a 20 minutes on foot walk from the Uffizi. This gorgeous park boasts beautiful views of Florence, and there are plenty of benches and picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy your lunch.
A slightly closer option is the Piazza Santa Croce, which is about a 10-minute walk away from the gallery. This large piazza is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, but there are also plenty of open spaces where you can sit and enjoy a picnic, with the gorgeous Santa Croce Church as your backdrop.
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is one of the world’s greatest museums and a mecca for history buffs and fans of Renaissance art. It’s a highlight of any trip to Florence, offering a window into one of the golden ages of creativity.
Now that your stomach is satisfied, find out how to make the most of your visit in this handy guide to the gallery.
