If you’re looking for a beautiful place near Florence where you can enjoy traditional Tuscan food with an incredible view, Fiesole is an excellent choice. This Best Food in Fiesole guide will help you discover some of the local flavors you should try while exploring this charming hilltop town. Just a short trip from Florence, Fiesole combines Etruscan and Roman history, peaceful streets, beautiful countryside, and classic Tuscan cuisine.
Whether you visit Fiesole for a few hours or spend a whole day there, this Best Food in Fiesole guide will give you some ideas about what to eat and where to look for authentic local flavors.
Start with a Tuscan Breakfast, in our Best Food in Fiesole
First of all, begin your visit with a simple Italian breakfast.
Stop at a local café and order an espresso or cappuccino with a cornetto. Unlike a large American breakfast, Italians usually keep breakfast simple, and enjoying coffee at the bar is part of everyday life.
In Fiesole, this is even better because you can take your time before exploring the archaeological area and the historic center.
For something more traditional, look for a pastry filled with apricot jam, cream, or chocolate.
Try Crostini Toscani
Next, it’s time for one of the classics of Tuscan cuisine: Crostini Toscani.
These small pieces of toasted Tuscan bread are traditionally covered with a rich chicken-liver pâté. The flavor is strong and rustic, but it’s a dish that has been part of Tuscan cooking for generations.
Order them as an appetizer before your main course and enjoy them with a glass of local wine.
This Best Food in Fiesole guide wouldn’t be complete without this traditional Tuscan starter.
Enjoy Ribollita
After that, try Ribollita, one of the most famous soups in Tuscany.
Made with bread, beans, black cabbage, vegetables, and olive oil, Ribollita is a simple dish with a long history. The name means “reboiled,” because the soup was traditionally reheated and eaten again the following day.
It’s particularly enjoyable during the cooler months, but if you find it on the menu, it’s worth trying at any time of year.
Don’t Miss Pappardelle with Wild Boar
If you love pasta, look for Pappardelle al Cinghiale.
These wide ribbons of fresh pasta are served with a rich wild-boar ragù. The sauce is slow-cooked and full of flavor, making this one of the most satisfying dishes you can order in Tuscany.
Because Fiesole is surrounded by the Tuscan countryside, dishes featuring wild game fit perfectly with the local culinary tradition.
Pair it with a glass of Tuscan red wine and you have a classic Tuscan meal.
Taste Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Of course, meat lovers shouldn’t leave the area without trying Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
This famous Tuscan steak is thick, traditionally cut from Chianina beef, grilled over a hot fire, and served relatively rare.
It is not a small steak! In traditional restaurants, it is normally ordered by weight and shared between two or more people.
If you’re visiting Fiesole with friends or family, ordering one to share can be a fantastic dining experience.
Enjoy Tuscan Pecorino and Local Products
Besides the main dishes, don’t forget about the incredible local products.
Try Pecorino Toscano, an Italian sheep’s milk cheese that can be enjoyed alone or with Tuscan bread, honey, or local preserves.
You can also look for locally produced extra virgin olive oil, cured meats, and seasonal vegetables.
These simple ingredients are a big part of what makes Tuscan cuisine so special.
Finish with Cantucci and Vin Santo
Finally, save some room for dessert.
One of the most traditional combinations in Tuscany is Cantucci with Vin Santo.
Cantucci are crunchy almond biscuits that are traditionally dipped into the sweet dessert wine. The combination is simple, but it’s a wonderful way to finish a Tuscan meal.
If you’re having lunch or dinner in Fiesole, don’t be surprised if the waiter offers this classic pairing.
Enjoy the View While You Eat
One of the biggest advantages of eating in Fiesole is the scenery.
The town sits high above Florence, and several restaurants and cafés have beautiful views over the city and the surrounding Tuscan hills.
After your meal, walk to Piazza Mino da Fiesole, visit the Roman Theatre and Archaeological Area, and continue toward the San Francesco viewpoint.
On a clear day, you can see Florence spread out below you, with the Duomo standing proudly in the distance.
Explore Fiesole from Florence, in our Best Food in Fiesole guide
Fiesole is also an easy addition to a trip to Florence. You don’t need a car to visit—you can reach the town by public transportation from Florence and spend several hours exploring its historic center and countryside.
If you’re planning to visit Florence and Fiesole, you can also discover walking tours and other experiences through Best Free Tour.
Useful websites for planning your visit:
Final Thoughts, of Best Food in Fiesole
This Best Food in Fiesole guide shows why a visit to this hilltop town can be about much more than history and spectacular views. From crostini and Ribollita to wild-boar pasta, Fiorentina steak, Pecorino, and Cantucci with Vin Santo, the food reflects the simple and generous character of Tuscany.
So, when you’re in Florence, take a little trip up the hill to Fiesole. Enjoy the archaeological sites, admire the view, sit down at a local restaurant, and discover the flavors of Tuscany.
Sometimes, the best way to experience the countryside around Florence is one plate at a time.