Taste the simple luxuries that locals love, and get private wine tasting to boot!
Ages
4+
Duration
3 hours
Departs
Mon-Sat 10:00 am
Highlights
Eat your way across the San Lorenzo market, meeting the families who keep Tuscan culinary traditions alive.
Taste the best delicacies like truffle olive oil, truffle cheese and aged balsamic vinegar 🤌
Sample multiple delicious Tuscan wines with your food 🍷
Unearth the Medici Family legacy, learning about their profound influence ⚜️
Stop in for a chance to mingle with locals at the market’s “Bar del Mercato”, where the community comes together.
Indulge in real gelato at an artisan gelateria that boasts creative flavors like farm honey and homemade yogurt 🍦
Tour Description
Our Florence Market Food Tour takes you on a culinary journey at the San Lorenzo Market, the heart of Tuscan food traditions. Here you’ll enjoy tasty local cheeses, mouthwatering cured meats, fresh olive oil, a proper Italian coffee, traditional Lampredotto sandwich, aged balsamic vinegar and much more.
Once we’ve eaten our way through the market, we’ll pop over to one of Florence’s oldest wine shops for a private wine tasting and food pairing. End the tour just like a true Italian would finish their meal: with sweetness! After learning how to enjoy your drinks like an Italian, savor an authentic gelato and learn how to differentiate it from the fake stuff!
Our guide was amazing. Knowledgeable and approachable. She had wonderful relationships with the vendors in the market which made us feel like special guests. Great fun!!!
Marilynn D | Tripadvisor
Experience this one-of-a-kind Florence market food tour, where tradition and taste come together. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
Dietary Information
Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.
Why Eat with Us?
Expert Local Guides: Fun, knowledgeable, and English-fluent Florence locals.
Florence’s Hidden Gems: Enjoy exclusive access to local favorites where you’re treated like family.
Culinary Diversity: Taste a variety of delicious dishes, and hear the stories behind the food.
Cultural Immersion: See Florence through the eyes of a local.
Established Expertise: Since 2011, simply the best food tours in Florence!
"Our guide was amazing. Knowledgeable and approachable. She had wonderful relationships with the vendors in the market which made us feel like special guests. Great fun!!!
"
Please note that the items above are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Meeting Point
Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini
Florence 50123
Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag near the rounded bench.
What Makes San Lorenzo Special
San Lorenzo is Florence’s historic market district, home to the famous Mercato Centrale — the city’s most iconic food market — and the magnificent Basilica di San Lorenzo, once the parish church of the powerful Medici family. For centuries, this bustling area has been where Florentines come to shop, eat, and gather, and its streets still pulse with the energy of daily market life.
Food is at the very heart of San Lorenzo. Inside the 19th-century iron-and-glass market hall, generations of vendors sell fresh produce, cured meats, aged cheeses, truffle products, and Tuscan specialties — many from the same family-run stalls that have served locals for decades. Street-side, you’ll find lampredotto carts dishing out Florence’s beloved tripe sandwiches and bakeries turning out fresh schiacciata. The neighborhood’s wine bars pour local Chianti and Brunello alongside tastings of aged balsamic vinegar and truffle olive oil, offering visitors a chance to taste the simple luxuries that define Tuscan cuisine. With the Medici legacy as its backdrop and the market as its beating heart, San Lorenzo is where Florence’s culinary traditions come alive.
What people are saying
5.0
★★★★★
Hidden gem!! I can’t say enough about this tour. Our guide Martina, was AMAZING! We ended up having a private tour because we were the only ones that booked (you don’t know what you’re missing). We got to taste so many different types of foods and wines and meet amazing gentle and welcoming family business owners. Just a great tour with a really great company!! Thank you!
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Bill
25 Oct 2024
Best tour to experience local food and culture Our guide Eli took us to a variety of places giving us detailed descriptions beforehand which enhanced our experience. Her great relationships with all the vendors and shop owners gave the tour a real connection to the local culture and food scene. All the food and wine/beverages tasted amazing! Eli was a lot of fun and so glad we booked this tour.
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Anna H
17 Oct 2024
Must do activity! This was the first time we have ever done a food tour and it was absolutely fun! Francesco was our fantastic guide! He was funny, knowledgable as he answered our questions, friendly and incredibly patient. When my dad was not feeling well, he made sure he was okay and never rushed us. The pace of the tour was easy and light. It was a great way to experience Florence by eating your way through it! While savoring the delicious dishes, you get to learn the history and rich culture behind the food and the family that produces it. We can’t wait to book another tour with Eating Europe again and hope that our future guide will be as awesome as Francesco!
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Leslie L
14 Oct 2024
Florence Italy walking food tour. Lisa our tour guide was so knowledgeable about the culture the food the various regions. Lisa was so accommodating and was such a pleasure to have guide us. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves food and wants to learn about the culture and history associated with the various wine, cheese, meats and food we sampled.
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Ted B
02 Oct 2024
My guide was Caterina a local and her passion for her culture really made this experience amazing. Not only is she from the area but she also is a lover of food and wine. She explained the history of the food we ate and the differences in the wine. You can tell when I guide is just trying to get through it but she was there to not only guide us but make our experience enjoyable. I’ve been on a lot of these and while they are good this tour stood out as my favorite I’ve been on.
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Adam
15 Feb 2026
Fun and filling Had a great time on this food tour. Eli was fun and informative. I would definitely recommend this tour as it gives ya sample of what makes Florence amazing.
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Aileen A
09 Feb 2026
Just do it! Elisa was the best guide! So knowledgeable and friendly. You can tell that she loves her job and she’s so great with all of the shop owners. Definitely recommend doing a tour with her.
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d2lou
09 Feb 2026
Food and drink of Florence Our guide (Kiara if I'm spelling it right) was knowledgeable friendly and created a great experience for us. We will absolutely recommend this tour to anyone traveling to Italy
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Chris E
09 Feb 2026
This tour was AMAZING we were fed so much food and wine and Alice our guide was just fantastic. Super knowledgeable on food, wine and culture. Our group got on so well we all went for more drinks after, I would 100% recommend.
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Kitty Newman
08 Feb 2026
Central Market Food Tour The stops were all conveniently timed and close together. At each stop, the food and drink was delicious. And our guide, Kiara, was the absolute best in introducing us to Florence and its food!
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Chris H
02 Feb 2026
This tour with Sara D has been amazing. We booked a private tour in Florence to celebrate my 21st birthday and I will be coming back. We have gone to 6 places with a variety of food and drink at every place - all of it has been amazing! Being able to tour the residential side of Florence with an English speaking guide made a big difference and Sara was very knowledgeable and able to answer all of our questions , tell us stories about the locations, the people and the history of Florence. 10/10 would recommend again! Another bonus is the fact that groups are small (max 12) so conversation is personable and feels so genuine
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Emily Berson
24 Jan 2026
A truly wonderful and fun experience. We were a small and intimate group with our guide, Elisa (Eli). She was absolutely outstanding and so much fun! You can tell how passionate she is about Florence and supporting local businesses. The tour itself was so unique and very well paced! We were very lucky to have such a local experience and trying the quintessential dishes of Tuscan/Florentine cuisine. We especially were very lucky to have tried beautiful wine from a very lovely and passionate wine producer. Thank you to Marco for his generosity and kindness! As well as the restaurants we got to visit, absolutely delicious and did not disappoint! Great recommendations thanks to Eli! Overall I am so grateful that I got to join this tour, and would highly recommend especially if you’re traveling solo like myself. I look forward to more experiences like this in the future. Grazie Mille Eating Europe team and Eli!
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Alex
12 Jan 2026
Why Eat with Us?
#1 food and drink experience in Florence - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 25,000 Five-Star Reviews!
Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Florence’s food scene.
Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.
Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included
Dining with Purpose
We proudly support World Central Kitchen. Every tour you book helps provide meals to communities in crisis.
Our Florence food tours are led by people who've spent their lives eating, cooking, and shopping in this city. Local guides who know every stall by name, wine lovers who can talk Chianti for hours, and home cooks who learned from their nonnas. They skip the tourist traps and take you where Florentines actually gather — because the best way to understand this city isn't in a gallery, it's around a table.
Gaia
Born in the Tuscan countryside but now I live in Florence.
I like the parts of the cow you usually throw away...tongue, stomach, udder, etc!
Don't miss the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo - grab a beer and a seat on the staircase!
Elisa
Born and raised in Umbria, but Florence is where my soul belongs
Name a carb food. Anything. I love it!
💡When I sit on Ponte Santa Trinita and I watch the sun light going down behind Ponte Vecchio I know there is no other place I want to be. Give it a try
Francesco
Born and raised in Florence
My favorite dish is ossobuco
Don't eat the neon colored mountains of gelato, get the real stuff!
Lisa
Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia but I have called Florence home since 2006
Difficult because I really do like everything - if I had to name one thing I would say roast lamb and vegetables
Enjoy an aperitivo on a rooftop terrace and admire the view.
Chiara
Tuscan countryside girl, but Florence always has been in my heart and now I can call it home.
Schiacciata is my obsession! The salty one filled with mortadella or the sweet one "alla fiorentina"... yummy, with cream!
Relax yourself wandering around the historical gardens of Florence, true open-air museums.
Sara
Proudly born and raised in the Valdarno hills.
I love ricciarelli al cioccolato and almond paste in general. But I have to go with my mum's lasagna - that touches a very soft spot in my heart.
Try the Bargello: the oldest public building in Florence in which you can also find Giotto's first portrait of Dante Alighieri.
Beatrice
Born in Florence but now I live in Pistoia
Can't go wrong with pizza and ice cream
Don’t plan too much - wander through the tiny alleys full of magic!
Eva
Born in Siberia, nowadays a happy dweller of Oltrarno in Florence
No pizza and pasta, but meat and vegetables. Wine and Gelato lover!
Slow down, take a glass of wine and just enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of Florence!
Antonella
Born in Naples, but my heart was stolen by Florence.
I love pizza and cantucci biscotti
Don't miss all the flea markets and street vendors scattered around the city. You will find anything from food to antique objects and clothes!
Sara
Born in Florence, and raised in a quiet town just 10 kilometres from the city
I could live eating just cheese, pizza and pappa al pomodoro (don't tell this to my nutritionist!)
Don't miss the details of the reflection of old Florentine buildings on the river Arno
Caterina
Born in Florence and have lived in a Chianti countryside olive oil farm since I was 12 years old.
I like traditional Tuscan food like what my mother raised me with: simple and genuine! Quality and sustainability are the most important values for me and usually those values equate to the most delicious food ;)
Don't miss the beautiful art we have! One of my favorite places is the Church of San Miniato, a medieval Romanesque church located on the hill overlooking Florence, a couple of minutes from Michelangelo Terrace.
Omar
Born and raised in Florence... but half Egyptian!
Favorite food is Pizza
Look out for the street art, which is all over the city
Esther
Born and raised in Utrecht, Holland. Have been calling Florence home since 2017 and here to stay!
Anything baked really, sweet or savoury. As long as it contains dough or pastry, I’m your girl!
Explore the artisan shops in the Oltrarno area or in the Santa Croce area. And don’t plan too much! Allow yourself to wander and explore.
Martina
Born and raised on the hills of Florence, I live in the pristine Chainti countryside
Deep fried Porcini mushrooms, bluechese and artisanal dark chocolate are my soft spot, possibly paired with a glass of wine - or two!
Enjoy the golden hour and breathtaking view sipping a chilled drink on the terrace bar of Forte Belvedere
Frequently Asked Questions
General Tour Information
Is a food tour in Florence worth it?
Absolutely! There’s no better way to experience the beautiful city of Florence and its culture than a food tour with a local guide.
What food is Florence famous for?
Florence’s culinary scene is a delicious mix of Tuscan tradition and Italian flavors. You can’t leave without trying bistecca alla fiorentina (the legendary Florentine T-bone steak), ribollita (a hearty Tuscan vegetable and bread soup), and crostini toscani (toasted bread with savory liver pâté). Pasta lovers will adore pappardelle al cinghiale (wide noodles with rich wild boar ragu), and of course, no visit is complete without indulging in cantucci e vin santo, the local almond biscuits served with sweet dessert wine.
What’s included in the price of the food tour?
All food and drinks, as well as your professional local guide are included in the price you pay for the tour. No hidden charges or upsells here.
How long are the tours?
Our Florence tours range in length from 2.5 to 5 hours.
What neighborhoods or areas do the tours cover?
Each tour’s area can be found listed as its “location”. You might explore Oltrano, the city center, or San Lorenzo!
What is the group size?
Our tours have maximum capacities of between 8-12 guests. This ensures that our small groups are able to move unobtrusively through the neighborhoods we explore, respecting our surroundings and the locals that live in Florence.
I’m traveling alone. Do you offer single tickets?
We love welcoming solo travelers! All of our tours are open to individual guests.
Food and Drink
What kind of food will we taste?
You will taste a variety of Tuscan and Italian specialties, exploring Florence’s rich culinary history from hearty pastas to local wines and cheeses. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Are drinks included?
Yes. All tours include drinks, and they’re always included in the price you pay.
Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?
Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.
For full details, guests should always refer to the specific tour page, as limitations may vary.
Are portions enough for a meal?
Yes. On each of our Florence tours, you are guaranteed to eat at least the equivalent of a full meal.
Can I buy food or souvenirs at the stops?
Of course! If you would like to purchase something at one of the stops we make, you are welcome to do so yourself, or if you need assistance, you can ask your helpful guide.
Booking and Payment
How do I book?
Visit eatingeurope.com and click on the orange “Book Now” button: it’s simple as that! You will be able to choose your tour, date, time and number of guests before booking.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept major debit & credit card payments, iDEAL and Bancontact.
Are there discounts for children, students, or groups?
We offer discounts on tickets for adolescents and children, but unfortunately do not offer discounts on group bookings.
What is Eating Europe’s cancellation policy?
Small group tours can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before tour departure. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure. For full details, please see our cancelation policy page.
Accessibility & Safety
Are private tours suitable for all ages, including children or seniors?
We are committed to providing a great experience for all of our guests, so if you require a private tour to be suitable for children or seniors, please get in touch and we can create a bespoke experience for you.
Are the tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?
Please note that some of our tours involve areas with limited accessibility and are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. For assistance and alternative option, please contact us. We’re dedicated to providing a great experience for all our guests!
What should I wear?
There is no dress code on our tours, however it’s recommended to wear a good pair of shoes (these are walking tours, after all!) and be prepared for the elements, even though most of our stops are indoors.
Are tourists welcome in Florence?
Yes, absolutely. There’s an Italian concept from the Renaissance, sprezzatura, which means a kind of effortless grace. It’s a feeling of beauty without trying too hard, and we believe every visitor should experience it in Florence.
You’ll find that spirit of sprezzatura from locals when you connect with the city respectfully. It’s found when you support the artisan workshops in the Oltrarno district, don’t touch the produce at the Sant’Ambrogio market, and take a quiet moment to appreciate art away from the main crowds. This is the authentic Florence experience.
It’s this connection we create on our Eating Europe tours. We step away from the crowds and take you to the places locals truly love, introducing you to the people behind the food and the stories that make this city one of a kind.
Tour Experience & Expectations
Will the guide speak my language?
Our guides are all fluent in English, and of course speak Italian as well. For requests for tours in other languages, please contact us.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes! You are welcome to take photos and videos of the food and scenery throughout your tour. If you would explicitly like to get photos of fellow guests or your guide, we kindly ask that you get their permission first.
Do I need to tip the guide?
Tips for our lovely guides are not required, but they are appreciated!
Will we visit the same places as other tours?
No. While some tours may have one or two stops which other groups visit (can’t help it if they’re popular!), Eating Europe are proud that the majority of stops on every Florence tour are restaurants and vendors who work exclusively with us.
Do you offer private or custom tours?
We do! Please see the “Book a Private Tour” option or contact us, and we can arrange a private or custom Florence tour to suit your specific needs.
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A tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure.
Private Tours
A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure
Gift Cards, Travel Vouchers & Flexi-Pass™
Gift cards, travel vouchers and Flexi-Pass™ are non-refundable.
LATE ARRIVALS AND NO SHOWS
Due to extremely strict time slots for entry into attractions and for food preparation, both in-person & virtual/online, we recommend you show up 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the tour or experience. Our group tours begin & depart precisely at the scheduled tour or experience start time. If you show up late or cannot find the meeting point, for any reason, refund requests are not honored per policy. If you are having a hard time arriving on time we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can do everything in our power to assist you with arriving at the meeting point at the scheduled time or reschedule to the next available tour.
CANCELLATION DUE TO PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES OR ILLNESS
Inside of 24 hours, your spot on the tour has been reserved exclusively for you. Since we are unable to fill your spot if you’re unable to attend for any reason (including transportation or illness), we do not offer refunds after that time. Please plan ahead so that you are able to join us and don’t miss out!
DISCOUNT CODES
Discount codes are valid for new bookings only. They are not eligible for pre-existing bookings and can not be applied retrospectively.
AMENDMENT POLICY
We would be happy to assist you with rescheduling your tour, free of charge, with any requests made more than 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of the tour. We reserve the right to charge an amendment fee should you request to reschedule within 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of your tour . Once again, this is subject to availability and price changes. In general, we only charge you for any additional costs that we incur such as tickets. We have no intention of profiting from disruptions to your vacation and will work with providers and suppliers to get this cost reduced to a minimum.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
From time to time, the terms of this policy may change at the Company’s discretion.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, you can contact us using the information below:
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