Dining Alone in Florence - Why You Shouldn't be Afraid of Dining Solo!

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By Grace Roberts

September 27, 2024

If you’re off on a solo trip to Florence, you might be wondering exactly what (and where!) you should eat.

panino pastry coffee and soft drink on cafe bar tableEnjoy a tasty lunch by yourself in one of Florence's many cafes and watch the world go by

From restaurant ideas to etiquette reminders, let’s run through everything you’ll want to think about when dining alone in Florence.

Everything you could want to know about dining alone in Florence

When you’re visiting Florence for the first time, eating great food will probably be at the top of your priority list.

Whether you’re interested in learning about traditional customs or simply finding the best eats, I’ve got you covered.


dining alone in florence antipasti plate for one with meats cheese and crostiniYou won't struggle to find great food as a solo diner, with many restaurants offering the chance to try different antipasti at once


I’ll even offer a few top tips that’ll get you truly comfortable with solo dining to make your trip a blast.

On this page we'll be covering:


How to be confident and enjoy dining alone Florence or anywhere

When you’re eating alone in Florence, you might feel slightly uncomfortable to start with.

But most people in Florence won’t even glance at you as they’re so busy enjoying their own meal!

If you’re worried about standing out as a solo traveler, these top tips should get you through any meal without a care in the world.

Before I get started: dining alone in Florence is totally normal.

Many people work in the city center and will grab breakfast and lunch locally, by themselves.

So try not to worry about it!

Grab a seat at the bar or a café-style table

Florence is well-known for its breakfast bars, and lots of people tend to grab a quick croissant with a coffee at local bars.


cafe rivoire cappucino at the barGrabbing a coffee at the bar is a long-standing Italian tradition so you won't be unusual doing this for yourself


Café-style tables or bar seats are usually more suitable for solo diners as you won’t be occupying more than your fair share of space.

This way, you can take your time and savor your food.

Change the way you look at things

Instead of attaching negative connotations to what you’re doing, change your mindset and appreciate your rich, cultural surroundings.

Trust me, it’ll make you want to dine alone way more often.

Be careful with timing

If you don’t want to be surrounded by groups of friends while you’re alone, try dining off-peak.

This way, you won’t be rushed along or feel you are stared down for a table.

Bring entertainment

There’s nothing wrong with just savoring your food, but having a journal, book, or a newspaper can make you feel less alone.

It’s all about indulging in your food, your me-time and putting some self-care on the menu.

Why not use your alone time to learn more about Florence?

This fun book gives you lots of suggestions for different things to do in Florence, and makes for an excellent reference point during your travels!

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Try joining Facebook Groups for company

Although not everyone will feel comfortable with this, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be the only solo traveler on your trip.

While Florence is quite a safe city, there are several Facebook groups you can join for free if you need some company.

Equally, you can check out Backpackr, MeetUp, or EatWith if you’re looking to make new friends!


Join a food tour

If you want some company in a more informal environment, joining a group food tour is an excellent way to experience Florence's cuisine.

We have tried many different tours and it's hard to go wrong to be honest, but here are our favorites:


Ready to plan your trip?

Florentine dining customs

Florentines have a few dining customs that you’ll probably want to know about before you sit down for a meal.

For a start, lots of locals dine alone and it’s certainly not considered unusual to do so.

For this reason, lots of restaurants have shared tables and no reservation system (like Trattoria Mario, for example).

So, it’s basically designed to bring people together when they solo travel.

One of the most common ones is grabbing a quick breakfast at the bar (or bakery!).

Most Florentines will order a croissant and a quick caffè from a bartender before moving along for the day.

If you’re looking for ideas, Gilli is a great place to stop for traditional pastries and top-notch coffee.


cafe gilli cake displayGilli is one of my favorite cafe stops in Florence, with a huge range of delicious treats to choose from


There’s also a ton of love for food markets in Florence.

Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio and Mercato Centrale are probably the most well-known markets in Florence.

They sell fresh fruits and veggies, pizza, grab-and-go food, and everything in between.

The beauty of the markets is that it’s all sold at individual stalls and you won’t stand out if you’re alone!


deli market stall with various meats and cheesesGetting a selection of fresh produce at market stalls is a fun way to get some great food without sitting in a restaurant


Oh, and if you definitely want to get a space with no reservation, it’s always worth dining early, most locals push their dinners to 8:00 or 9:00 PM.


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Getting food on the go in Florence

Florence street food is amazing, and the most popular item to grab is lampredotto.

It’s a local delicacy that combines a panino with cow stomach, salsa verde, parsley, and celery.

The tripe might not sound appealing, but it’s slow-cooked until it has the texture of super-tender roast beef.

You should check out Trippaio del Porcellino for a truly excellent lampredotto near Piazza della Signoria.


trippa del porcellino stall and queueThis stall is a Florentine classic - lampredotto isn't for everyone but it's worth trying at least once!


You can also check out Sergio Pollini Lampredotto or Da’Vinattieri (though queues can be long!).

If you’re not feeling lampredotto, you can grab quick-service panini, mini pizzas from bakeries, or even a scoop of gelato.


scoop of gelato being put in a paper cupGelato is a reliable snack anytime of day or night!


The one thing you do need to think about is exactly where you’re eating whatever your having.

Back in 2018, Florence brought in a law that banned people from eating in public areas around the historic center.

It’s part of an effort to reduce congestion around Florence’s narrow streets as they’re usually packed with snacking tourists.

This only applies between 12:00-3:00 PM and 6:00-10:00 PM.

If you don’t abide by these rules, you could face a hefty fine.


Check out our top tips for making the most of your time in Florence:

Where to get food in Florence as a solo traveler

Not sure where to get your food? Well, let me help you out.


display with panini stacked upPanini are all over Florence but the quality can vary considerably


For starters, I recommend avoiding the uber-popular panini spots.

Antico Vinaio has incredibly long lines as it’s insta-famous.

You’ll wait in long lines and get a panini that tastes the same as anything else you can get in the city!

Semel is a great place to visit for a quick panino or crostini, and there are small tables or takeaway options if you’re in a rush.

SandwiChic and Panini Toscani are also excellent options that aren’t as crowded.

For a more relaxed lunch, why not head to Lo Schiacciavino?

It serves schiacciata (a stuffed pizza bread), which is one of Tuscany’s most famous bakery treats.

It’s on the small side with tiny tables, but you can easily spend an afternoon here with a glass of wine or beer.


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Traditional Florentine cuisine and solo travelers

While you’ll find pasta and thin-crust pizza in Florence, this Tuscan spot has its own regional recipes you’ll want to check out.

Bread in Tuscany doesn’t generally contain salt, and the region is all about extra virgin olive oil and excellent wines.

If you’re wondering what “typical” dishes you should try, focus on these:

  • Crostini neri (chicken liver pate)
  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina (beef steak Florentine-style)
  • Trippa & Lampredotto (tender tripe and the famous lampredotto I talked about earlier!)
  • Schiacciata Fiorentina (Florentine sweet cake served during Carnival)
  • Fagioli all'uccelletto (white beans with tomato sauce and sage)

Where to eat as a solo traveler for traditional Florentine food

Although you can grab traditional Florence food all over the city, these spots are unlikely to disappoint.

  • Le Volpi e L’Uva: This wine bar serves amazing meat and cheese platters and crostone (Italian, crusty toast). There’s plenty of bar seating which should make you feel tucked away and secure as a solo eater.


dining alone in florence bar seating at le volpi e l'uvaI have had many a meal here at the bar, which feels far more relaxed than sitting at a table in a busy restaurant


  • Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori: This place is on the smaller side, but it serves delightful Tuscan dishes. Because it’s small (it seats around 20), it’s not odd to be alone! It serves a great rib-eye and the service is incredibly friendly.
  • Cibrèo Caffè: If you’re in Florence for excellent pasta and steak, this is the place to be. You don’t have to have a huge steak, you can choose from smaller dishes or grab anchovies in parsley sauce! There are several nice tables inside and outside and it’s open between 9:00 AM and midnight for those late-night munchies. This should also give you the freedom to dine whenever it’s convenient for you.


cibreo steak dishYou can still enjoy some fantastic Florentine steak if you're dining alone in Florence


  • Fuoco Matto: This restaurant is a fabulous all-rounder and serves everything from steaks and pastas to crispy pizzas. There are several smaller tables on offer along with solo seating areas. So, you won’t feel conscious about sitting alone in a large room. Plus, it’s super popular with Florentines on their lunch breaks (many of whom will also be out on their own!).


Other spots to eat in Florence for solo travelers

If the options I’ve already mentioned haven’t tickled your taste buds, these are a few other spots you can try!

There are several options to choose from, and it’s super rare that anyone will decline to seat you or make you feel awkward as a solo traveler.

  • Mercato Centrale: There are lots of different eateries to choose from here, with communal seating in the middle for everyone. If you need ideas, try cheese from Baroni or get pizza by the slice from L’Antico Forno.


mercato centrale dining area full of peopleThe communal dining area of Mercato Centrale makes it super easy to find a spot as a solo diner


  • Floret: This is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy bite around the Duomo. It serves brunch and salads, but the highlight is the juice bar. It’s the place to be for lighter options or something to cleanse your palate between the heavier dishes you’re trying.
  • Atomic Falafel: For casual Middle Eastern food, you can’t beat this spot near the Accademia. There are several veggie options and you get incredible views of the Arno. You get the food fast and the prices are reasonable if you’re on a budget. By the way, the hummus and pita is a MUST.·       
  • Drogheria: If you’re hanging around Santa Croce, stop by Drogheria for a burger. The vibe is rustic-chic and there’s plenty of bar seating for solo travelers. Try the grilled meat Mugello or wild boar burger if you fancy something different.

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