10 Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Florence for Food Lovers
Whether you prefer pizzerias, cozy cafes, or upscale dining, here's your ultimate guide to family-friendly dining options in Florence.
Where to eat in Florence with kids?
Florence, Italy, offers more than just the allure of its historic attractions; it's also a gastronomic paradise that leaves you daydreaming about its cuisine. You might come for the Duomo, but you'll find yourself returning for the delectable truffle ravioli and mouthwatering Florentine steak. And for kids, what's not to love about creamy pasta, pizza, and an abundance of gelato every day?
With a plethora of dining options in Florence, it can be a challenge to choose the best ones for families with kids. Dining out with a toddler can be demanding, and having extra space and high-quality food can make a significant difference when catering to a larger group.
Fortunately, we've done the legwork and sampled a few exceptional gems that are worth sharing for your next family vacation in Florence. These carefully curated restaurants offer child-friendly experiences that will elevate your family holiday in Italy, one delightful bite at a time.
Here are our favorite pics for best restaurants in Florence to dine at with your kids.
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What time do you eat dinner in Florence?
Now, let's delve into the dining hours in Florence before sharing this epic list. Being Italy's former capital and a hot tourist destination, you'll notice that many restaurants and cafes here have extended hours compared to smaller Italian cities. However, it's important to note that many restaurants strictly adhere to set opening hours for lunch and dinner. In Italy, labor laws typically limit employees to an average 37-hour workweek, influencing these hours. Additionally, the traditional afternoon "riposo" results in shops, restaurants, and cafes taking a break.
Here's what you can generally expect regarding lunch and dinner opening times in Florence.
Dinner: 7:00 PM
Lunch Noon
TIP: Be aware that some restaurant booking sites allow you to book as early as 11:30 AM for lunch. However, sometimes the applications are not fully synced with the restaurant hours. One time I made an 11:30 AM lunch reservation in Flornece to only show up to a waiter that explained that the restaurant did not open until noon. Live and learn.
10 best family places to eat in Florence
Restaurant Locations!
01 | CANTO DEL RAMERINO
Just a stone's throw from Basilica Santa Croce, Canto del Ramerino is a delightful escape from the typical tourist trap eateries you'll encounter in Santa Croce Square. To begin with, the olive-green walls and rustic interior create a perfect ambiance for savoring an authentic Florentine meal.
WHY PARENTS WILL LOVE IT:
Indulge in prompt and welcoming service, and spacious indoor and outdoor seating in a tranquil, off-street setting in the heart of Florence, away from the bustling crowds. Plus, you’ll find a safe playspace for kids at Borgo Allegri Garden, a mere 2-minute stroll down the road from the restaurant. Perfect for families looking to dine near a place for kids to run around.
CANTO DEL RAMERINO MENU MUSTS:
Beef steak, truffle ravioli, gnocchi.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY:
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
LOCATION: Via di S. Giuseppe, 38, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
READ MORE: Canto Del Ramerino: Top Tuscan Cuisine Near Santa Croce, Florence
02 | BERBERE PIZZERIA
Light and crunchy on the outside, yet soft in the middle. Berberè pizzerias are all over Italy, so if you are in Florence, you might as well try their excellent sourdough crust pizza. The loved pizzerias use organic fresh ingredients that turn every bite of the eight-piece pizzas into a symphony.
WHY PARENTS WILL LOVE IT: Indulge in bloat-free pizza! That's right, the sourdough crust is gentle on your stomach and aids digestion. Plus, the restaurant slices each pizza into 8 perfect pieces for you. With two convenient Florence locations offering ample indoor seating and easy takeout options, your pizza experience is a delight.
BERBERE PIZZERIA MENU MUSTS: Margerhitta, Nduja and Burrata and the Hoax.
LOCATIONS:
Berberè Santa Croce, Via dei Benci, 7, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Berberè San Frediano, Piazza dei Nerli, 1, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY:
03 | LA BUCHETTA FOOD & WINE RESTAURANT
Savor the must-try Florentine-style steak at La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant, conveniently situated just around the corner from the Vecchio Bridge. Experience top-notch service in the heart of Florence over a menu that serves all of the must-eat things.
WHY PARENTS WILL LOVE IT: The servers welcome families, provide prompt service, and take the time to describe the menu to newcomers. The location is in the center of Florence and the interior is warm and cozy. The bathroom is also fairly spacious in case there are diaper-changing needs.
LA BUCHETTA FOOD & WINE RESTAURANT MENU MUST’S: Indulge in a Florentine steak and gnocchi so exquisite, even Leonardo Da Vinci would have savored every bite.
LOCATION: Via dei Benci, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
TIPS: Make reservations far in advance as this is a top-rated restaurant in Florence.
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY:
READ MORE: La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant: Epic Meal Nailed
04 | RISTORANTE SANTA ELISABETTA
Experience the epitome of luxury dining within the historic Byzantine tower of Pagliazza. Once a medieval women's prison, now a prestigious Michelin 2-star restaurant with an Italian-inspired menu, Ristorante Santa Elisabetta offers an intimate atmosphere, with only 7 tables for guests to savor pure cuisine. Nestled in the tower of Pagliazza, food enthusiasts can enjoy exquisite fine dining in Florence, within a rounded room adjacent to the charming Brunelleschi Hotel.
WHY PARENTS WILL LOVE IT: I recommend this restaurant for children aged 10 and above. Parents will appreciate the cozy, intimate setting and the undivided attention from the staff. Additionally, it provides a wonderful educational opportunity to teach kids about traditional table manners and introduce them to new and unusual foods.
RISTORANTE SANTA ELISABETTA MENU: Select from a 5, 7, or 9-course menu, and for non-meat eaters, there's typically a seafood-only option available as well.
TIP: Reservations required and recommended to make far in advance.
LOCATION: Piazza Sant'Elisabetta, 3, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
READ MORE: Ristorante Santa Elisabetta: Uncover Alluring Cuisine
05 | CAFFE CANTO ALLA MELA
Located on one of the longest roads in Florence, Caffè Canto Alla Mela is a friendly cafe serving anything from sandwiches to Italian expresso, pastries and even fresh jams, sauces and preserves. You will find mostly locals here for their morning espresso or to grab a bite for lunch.
WHY PARENTS WILL LOVE IT: The cafe opens at 6:45 am, making it ideal for early risers, and it's tucked away from the touristy areas. You can relish a peaceful morning experience here without the usual tourist crowds.
CAFFE CANTO ALLA MELA MENU MUST: Indulge in espresso, cappuccino, pistachio croissants, and mini finger-sized ham sandwiches.
LOCATION: Via Ghibellina, 20R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
TIP: Grab breakfast in the morning here and walk your way to the gardens of Piazza d’Azeglio and then stop by the oldest market in Florence, Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY:
06 | VINAINO FIORENZA
Treat yourself to Florence's finest flatbread sandwiches at Vinaino Fiorenza, a charming hole-in-the-wall eatery situated right next to Piazza della Signoria, a must-see historical landmark. Enjoy mouth-watering Florence street food at its best.
WHY PARENTS WILL LOVE IT: Ideal for a quick, high-quality meal on the go, whether it's lunch or dinner. This spot is particularly convenient for families with toddlers who frequently dine on the move. Alternatively, if you simply want to savor a traditional Italian flatbread sandwich, this is the place to be.
VINAINO FIORENZA MENU MUSTS: Forenza, Porcellina, & Giotto sandwich.
LOCATION: Via Vacchereccia, 13r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY:
07 | MERCATO CENTRALE FIRENZE
A hidden gem among Florence's visitors is one of Europe's premier food halls, which, in my view, surpasses even Time Out Market Lisbon. Let me elaborate on why. Central Market features a diverse array of food vendors, enhancing everyday dishes to a level of excellence. Its welcoming ambiance feels more like home than a tourist attraction tailored solely for tourists.
WHY PARENTS WILL LOVE IT: This bustling, above-ground level venue offers ample seating space. Colorful ribbons dangle overhead, forming an inverted rainbow that infuses the market with a lively, festive atmosphere. Moreover, the diverse food offerings cater to children's tastes, ranging from pizza, dumplings, and exquisitely crafted bruschettas to delectable sweet treats like donuts.
MERCATO CENTRALE MUST EATS: Il Tartufo for the best bruschettas in Florence, La Pizzeria, and the vendor that sells Chinese dumplings.
LOCATION: Tv. da Queimada, 1200-365 Lisboa, Portugal
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY:
San Lorenzo Market
08 |GHIBELLINA FORNO PASTICCERIA BAKERY
Nestled off the usual tourist routes, Ghibellina Forno Pasticceria, a bakery that has been a fixture since 1890, presents one of Florence's most impressive arrays of bread and pastries. This family-owned establishment primarily draws a local clientele. During its operating hours, you'll frequently encounter Florentines savoring espresso, perusing the newspaper, and engaging in conversations with the baristas.
WHY PARENTS WILL LOVE IT: The bakery has a delightful array of animated cookies that can be quite entertaining for the little ones. The coffee is outstanding, and the bakery exudes a no-nonsense, pure taste, making it an excellent choice for families with children.
FORNO BAKERY MUST EATS: Nutella croissant, coffee, and Pane Sciocca, a local crunchy country loaf bread made without salt.
LOCATION: Via Ghibellina, 41r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
09 | ANTICA PASTICCERIA MAIOLI
Just a stone's throw from the Ponte Vecchio and near the magnificent Palazzo Pitti, lies a modest café where visitors can discover exceptional cuisine that satisfies even the most discerning palates. Antica Pasticceria Maioli offers café-style fare with a comforting, homey ambiance, right in the heart of Florence. Visiting during opening hours enhances the enchantment, as fewer patrons allow you to savor the scenery in tranquility while indulging in a delightful pistachio croissant.
WHY PARENTS WILL LOVE IT: Their service is prompt, friendly, and efficient. Whether you're seeking a swift breakfast or lunch, you can be on your way to your next destination. Their menu caters to both local tastes and visitors, offering a range of options from seafood and pasta to delectable pastries, sandwiches and been American Breakfast.
ANTICA PASTICCERIA MAILOI MENU: Piadine and broche.
LOCATION: Via de' Guicciardini, 43R, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
10 | TRATTORIA DA ROCCA
Nestled within the vibrant Sant'Ambrogio market, Trattoria da Rocco is a haven for families seeking straightforward, traditional Florentine fare. Situated in one of Florence's premier food markets, this restaurant provides an array of dining options for those who enjoy exploring and ample room for wandering.
WHY PARENTS WILL LOVE IT:
For families seeking a budget-friendly dining option that won't strain their wallets, the restaurant's affordability is truly appealing. Their menu features a variety of dishes such as lasagne with meat sauce, tomato soup, and roast chicken.
LOCATION: Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY:
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Florence with kids tips
Is Florence worth visiting with kids?
Florence, which served as Italy's capital prior to Rome, holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the Renaissance and the residence of the Medici family. It was a gathering place for renowned virtuoso artists and scientists, including Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo. Families visiting Florence can revel in its rich history, artistic heritage, and the authentic Tuscan atmosphere. In my view, Florence stands as the most breathtaking city in Italy.
What food must you eat in Florence?
Tagliatelle funghi porcini e tartufo, Schiacciata (Italian bread from Tuscany), Bistecca alla Fiorentina (steak), to name a few.
What is the most famous food in Florence?
Undoubtedly, Florence is renowned for its succulent and delectable steak, famously known as Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Beefsteak).
How many days in Florence is enough?
To thoroughly explore the primary sights and tourist attractions in Florence, visitors typically allocate around 3-4 days. Given the close proximity of many top attractions, you can efficiently experience the city's highlights within a relatively short timeframe. Additionally, many visitors opt for day trips to destinations like Pisa, Siena or Bologna.
How do you get around Florence with kids?
Florence boasts a well-connected layout, with certain areas deliberately designed for connectivity during the Medici era to ensure the safety of rulers. When exploring Florence with children, the best mode of transportation is walking. Additionally, numerous tour companies provide opportunities to explore the city through guided bike tours.
Looking for more family travel experiences in Italy? Get my Italy guides here.
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