Introduction
When I first arrived in Florence, I was met with an abundance of cafes and shops. Overwhelmed by my options, and not knowing where to start, I mistakenly became a regular at the cafes closest to me, thinking I was getting the real Florence experience. It was far from it. In this article, I’ll tell you about Florence’s hidden gems, including authentic restaurants and small businesses, to elevate your Italian experience.
Edoardo il Gelato Biologico
Upon booking a nighttime tour, along with learning the history of Florence, I was introduced to Edoardo il Gelato Biologico, an ice cream shop stationed right behind the Duomo, where you can find all the locals lining up. On the particular night I went, a marathon had just concluded and the small shop was flooded with runners. They all spoke Italian, which my guide ensured was hard evidence of it being a place known well among locals, in comparison to other ice cream parlors circling the duomo. Their ice creams were unique and full of flavor! The red wine sorbet was a favorite of my mom’s, and their salted pistachio and hazelnut flavors blew me out of the park! Their usage of whole, healthy ingredients is only another point in their favor, and kept me coming back well into my time in Florence, and right until the end.
Ristorante Storico Sabatini
Jet-lagged and exhausted from my flight from California to Florence, my father and I were looking for a quick bite before hitting the hay. Our hotel happened to be in close proximity to a restaurant called Sabatini, where we ended up visiting. When I say I have never had a better truffle pasta, I mean it, because Sabatini has a way of making each and every dish of theirs delectable. Their rotating menu offers the opportunity to try new plates, even if you’re eagerly awaiting your favorite meal to come back on the menu. The atmosphere is luxurious, with friendly staff who remember you even after a single visit. I found myself returning for those simple heartwarming interactions. The restaurant isn’t in any of the main plazas either, making it a quiet, out of the way experience, perfect if you’re overwhelmed from the typical bustle of the city.
Street Doing Vintage
Located a few streets over from the renowned David Museum, Street Doing Vintage will transport you into a world of vintage Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and so much more! While the store ranges on the pricer side, their scarfs can be quite affordable, with vivid designs and unique features. Its well organized displays keep it easy for customers to browse, and the owners are always looking to crack jokes with the crowd. I found this to be the best vintage shop of the bunch I visited in Florence, enticing me to return to find new treasures I might have missed in my previous visits. While the store might look small upon entering, do not miss the sly hall leading to the back room where there’s clothes and jewelry galore! In addition, I can confirm they have an equal amount of men and women clothing, making it a great choice for any individual!
Libreria Salimbeni
Located a stones throw away from the famous Vivoli, Libreria Salimbeni stands in all its significance! What I fancy about this independently run bookshop, is their enormous selection of antique and vintage books! The first time I visited, I browsed for three hours in pure delight. Their books date back hundreds of years, and create a sense of wonderment to look at. My most recent purchase from there, a book from the 1800s, stands in magnificence on my bookshelf, in astonishingly good condition. Even if you don’t read, I encourage you to visit, and look at a piece of history in a place where there is so much of it!
Takeaway
While you might be enticed into the closer, more convenient businesses, perhaps near your apartment or school, I implore you to venture out! This is how I discovered my most impressive finds. Supporting independent businesses and restaurants is vastly important in a place where foot traffic is mainly targeted on touristy stores. Enjoy exploring!
Blog by Alexandra Margaritis
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