When most people think of Italy, one of the first things that comes to mind is the food. Pizza and pasta are Italian staples that have been adopted all over the world. Italian food, however, encompasses much more than these two foods and is different all around the country.
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is largely known for its meats. These include fresh meats like steak and veal, but also a wide variety of cured meats like prosciutto, salami and pancetta. The Florentine diet also typically includes plenty of beans and regional cheeses.
If you’re coming to Florence, feel free to indulge in all the pizza, pasta, and gelato you can handle. But, also make sure to try some local cuisines.
The best place to do that is at the largest and most famous Florentine market: Il Mercato Centrale. Il Mercato Centrale is the city hub for local vendors to sell their products. It’s a must do to experience fresh foods produced in Florence and all around Tuscany.
The market is divided into two main sections: the top floor and the bottom floor. Each offers very distinct but equally quality foods!
The bottom floor of the market is where individual products are sold, including but not limited to meats, cheeses, wine, oil, seafood and bread. Vendors often specialize in a specific product, but some sell a variety of goods. Some vendors choose to sell only food they have made themselves, while others partner with outside farms, bakeries, etc. Regardless of the seller, all food at Il Mercato Centrale is guaranteed to be of incredibly fresh quality and of Tuscan origin.
When you enter the central market, you can immediately smell the Tuscan foods, from freshly baked bread to aged cheeses. As you wander through the market, you'll find yourself entering different sections of food. The seafood vendors are located in the northeast corner of the market, meat and cheeses in the west and fruits and vegetables sprinkled throughout. While the market is pretty easy to navigate, don't hesitate to ask a local if you get lost.
If you’re staying in Florence for a while and have somewhere to cook, picking up fresh meat or fish and vegetables here is a fantastic idea. You can make a creation of your own, Tuscan style! Or, if you’re looking for something less hands on, why not make a picnic style lunch? Pick up any meats, cheeses, breads or fruits that you like and head out to your favorite Florentine picnic spot.
Recommendation: It’s a bit of a hike from Il Mercato Centrale, but think about taking your picnic up to Piazzale Michelangelo. This hilltop piazza offers the best views of Florence, and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic of fresh foods. It'll take you about 30 minutes and a small uphill climb to get there, but it's worth it!
The top floor of Il Mercato Centrale is home to dozens of restaurants, and they aren’t all Italian. Here, you can experience many types of food, from Chinese dumplings to a vegan burger to a lampredotto sandwich (a Florentine classic).
In fact, a lampredotto is probably the easiest to find at Il Mercato Centrale. Go upstairs and get in line at the aptly named Il Lampredotto, a sandwich shop run by Florence native Lorenzo Nigro. Nigro’s menu includes a variety of sandwiches with Italian meats and cheeses, but the Lampredotto is by far the most popular. The sandwich is tripe, or beef belly, and salsa verde on a fresh roll. You’ll definitely get a little messy, but it’s well worth it!
If you're looking for something on the healthier side, or if you're a vegetarian or vegan, there's an option at Il Mercato Centrale for you too! Stop by the vegan restaurant on the top floor for a selection of delicious veggie burgers, salads and smoothies.
The top floor of the market is just as lively as below. Locals on their lunch break buzz around, getting food from their favorite restaurants and meeting to chat with their friends. While the market is a gathering place for locals, tourists can also feel right at home while experiencing local culture.
Restaurants vary from sandwich shops, to cafe's to Asian dumpling vendors. No matter what you're in the mood for, you'll be able to find something here!
The market building is located in the northern central part of Florence, a very short walk from most centrally located hotels. It was designed to be a central market in the 19th century by architect Giuseppe Mengoni. Il Mercato Centrale’s top floor has actually been renovated recently, in 2014. The floor now has a contemporary feel and features about 10 more restaurants and even a cooking school.
Il Mercato Centrale is the best place to get a taste of Tuscany. Whether you're in Florence for a day or a month, you must check out the amazing local produce and foods you can find at the market. Pick up some olive oil, balsamic vinegar or fruit preserve to take home with you or give as a gift. A visit to Il Mercato Centrale will be a truly memorable experience!
Comments