The best pizzerias in Florence
When it comes to pizza, everyone has their preference. There are those who prefer Roman-style pizza, with a thin and crispy crust; those who prefer the Neapolitan-style pizza, more doughy and risen; and those that prefer the pizza al taglio, or “by the slice”. But whether you prefer one to the other, whether classic or with a twist, know this – not all pizzas are created equal. In fact, pizza-making is taken very seriously in Italy. And since we only want you to taste the best, here is our selection of the best pizzas in Florence.
Da Zero
Lungarno Ferrucci, 9r
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Captained by three friends from Cilento – Da Zero is the 7th pizzeria of its kind in Italy. Its forte lies in the supply chain – all their ingredients come from small producers and top-quality breeders who always respect traditions and the environment. Translation? Delicious pizza made with fresh local ingredients. From the tomatoes to the flour, from the mozzarella to the extra virgin olive oil, you can really taste the difference here. At DaZero you’ll find oven-baked and fried Neapolitan-style pizza with the perfect balance between ingredients (and a wow selection of pizzas from Cilento, too). We recommend you taste the Marinara Cilentana with tomatoes, Menaica anchovies, olives, capers, garlic, oregano and basil…perfection.
Santarpia
Via Senese, 171
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Santarpia is a Neapolitan pizzeria at the gates of Florence, the latest creation of Giovanni Santarpia, the master pizzaiolo who brought the flavours of Campania to Tuscany. The menu offers classic and innovative pizzas, from the traditional Margherita to gluten-free options. A must-try is the fried pizza, available in the classic version or in the variant with lampredotto and green sauce. The menu changes constantly according to the seasonal availability of products so always expect something new. Not sure what to order? The Panuozzo with peeled tomatoes, guanciale, eggplant, Casolare provola and chilli flakes is a great alternative too!
Giotto Pizzeria Bistrot
Via Francesco Veracini, 22/a
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Marco Manzi is a young pizza chef from the island of Ischia who’s known in Florence for the quality of his pizza. His Giotto restaurant is a bit off-the-beaten path in Novoli, but the pizzeria is well known in town. At this bistrot and pizzeria you’ll find a menu with Neapolitan cuisine and a special focus on pizzas. You’ll find classic options that range from the Marinara to Salsiccia and friarielli but also gourmet pizzas with a higher price tag. One we really enjoyed is the pizza Bronte made with fiordilatte di Agerola, Parmigiano Reggiano, pistachio pesto, mortadella, buffalo ricotta cream, lemon flakes, Bronte pistachio grains and extra virgin olive oil. The fried antipasti also deserve a taste, just like the homemade desserts.
Le Follie di Romualdo
Via San Niccolo, 39/r
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Romualdo Rizzuti is an institution in the pizza world and a true ambassador of Neapolitan style pizza. He started off at a young age working at his family restaurant on the Salerno coast and then moved to Florence. Once he concluded his experience at Mercato Centrale’s pizzeria Sud, he went onto another endeavour and opened his restaurant Le Follie di Romualdo, where you can taste traditional Neapolitan pizzas, with a special focus on red pizzas. In fact, his tomato sauce is renowned for its unique taste. On the menu there are 10 signature pizzas which are a mix between tradition and the search of new flavours. A special note should go to the excellent fried pizza, both for the frying technique and for the ingredients used.
The pizza of Ciccio Vitiello @ Mercato Centrale
Piazza del Mercato Centrale
mercatocentrale.com
Francesco Vitiello – known to everyone as “Ciccio” – got his hands stuck into the dough when he was just 9 years old. His boundless passion has always been obvious to everyone: every pizza is the result of the meticulous care he takes over the blends of flours, and of a never-ending quest for the best raw materials. His ingredients must fulfil precise criteria: the highest quality and the utmost respect for tradition. The secret to improving, Ciccio says, is curiosity: never stop learning and discovering. Through his pizza, he tells the story of his roots and his profound connection to his homeland. Tradition forms the basis of his work, from which he creates something new. When you try a pizza from Ciccio Vitiello, you immediately feel at home: the palate smiles in satisfaction as the authentic taste of simplicity sings triumphant.
Berberè
Piazza de’ Nerli, 1
Via dei Benci, 7
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Berberè has pizzerias in Rome, Milan, Bologna, Turin, Castel Maggiore and even London. So it’s only fair that Florence has not one but two Berbere locations! Launched by brothers Salvatore and Matteo Aloe, their success has been sky high thanks to their delicious pizza – crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside – made with living sourdough and delicious seasonal ingredients. We absolutely recommend ordering the Prosciutto di Parma pizza with a white base made with Parma ham, burrata, rocket, fiordilatte mozzarella and orange infused oil. Another favorite is the Gorgonzola pizza with a white base topped with lightly smoked prosciutto from the Alps, radicchio, fiordilatte mozzarella and honey. Each pizza is already served cut into eight slices, so order different options to share!
Pizzeria del Caffè Italiano
Via Isola delle Stinche, 11/13r
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Just next door to the historic Osteria del Caffe Italiano you’ll find this pizzeria known for serving just three different types of pizza: the Margherita, the Napoli and the Marinara. You’d think that with all the new pizzerias popping up in Florence, a place serving just three options couldn’t be at the top of the list. Unless, of course, those three pizzas were that good. And let us tell you one thing: they are. The secret is obviously the top quality ingredients used to create the dough, the long leavening and the toppings. So, which one to try? The one that we love the most is the Marinara, but as we said before: when it comes to pizza, everyone has their preference.
Fratelli Cuore
Piazza della Stazione
Fratellicuore.com
If you’re about to hop on a train at the Santa Maria Novella Station, make sure to arrive a bit in advance as there’s a place you absolutely need to try: Fratelli Cuore. The pizza at this eatery is prepared with natural leavening techniques and organic ingredients. You can choose from 16 different types of gourmet and Neapolitan pizzas, including fried pizzas and lactose-free pizzas. If not everyone is up for pizza, they also have a great selection of pastas, hamburgers and meat. Another upside is that Fratelli Cuore is open 24/7, so it doesn’t matter what time it is, they’re always open!
INSPIRATION
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Does anyone — anyone– doe the crust Roman style pizza in Florence?