Although Rome is known as the birthplace of pizza and “Florentine pizza” may not really be a thing, you CAN still find delicious pizza in Florence. Our Florentine local Mary shares five of her favourite pizza places that each put their own special spin on things. Most of them are owned by southern Italians; further down in the boot pizza is much more of a culinary staple.
1. Berberé Craft Pizza & Beer
The name says it all – craft beer and pizza served at the same spot. Could it get any better?! The pizza on offer here is like no other pizza you’ll find in Florence. The crust is crispy, but significantly thicker than Roman-style pizza, and lacking the doughy Naples-style texture. The topping combinations are really original and change according to the season. If you feel overwhelmed with the selection of toppings, remember that you can never go wrong with a classic margherita.
Photo credit: Berberé Pizza
2. Gusta Pizza
Gusta Pizza’s short menu consists of simple, cheap, fluffy and delicious southern-style pizzas (not Roman-style thin crust). Again, it’s a place owned and operated by southern Italians who make a mean margherita, but the Calabrese is another top pick. If you ask really nicely, they’ll make you a photo-worthy heart-shaped pizza.
Photo credit: Dan Rosenthal
3. Il Pizzaiuolo
Tucked down an unassuming street right around the corner from the lively Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, this place mostly attracts a local crowd. Their pizza is no-nonsense and simply divine. Try a classic like Diavolo (spicy salami with mozzarella cheese and olives) or get adventurous with a melt-in-your-mouth burrata pizza. With most pizzerias you don’t necessarily need to call ahead, but with this one you should!
Photo credit: star5112
4. Pizzeria le Carceri
Located in a former prison complex, this pizzeria certainly is one of a kind. It’s almost worth visiting for the environment alone, the tasty pizzas being an added bonus! You could go with a classic margherita or try Mary’s favourite – the Rebibbia (tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage and stracchino cheese). On beautiful summer evenings, try to score a table outside.
Photo credit: Le Carceri
5. Mercato Centrale
Last but not least, you can find some amazing pizza at the Mercato Centrale. Downstairs there’s a buzzing marketplace with vendors offering fresh regional produce, cheese, meat and much more, while upstairs there are various dining options and a snazzy wine bar. The upstairs section is open every day until midnight.
For more local recommendations read:
What locals like to do in Florence
Where locals like to eat in Florence
Where locals like to party in Florence
Special tip:
For a more authentic Florence experience, get the Like A Local mobile app