A small restaurant hidden behind the Piazza del Carmine, the decor is very simple, the few ornaments predominantly being memorabilia of Florentine Historical Soccer, the city’s 16th century ancestor to soccer. But don’t be fooled by the casual aesthetic and lack of dining tourists – the food is superb. The menu includes several particularly scrumptious traditional Florentine dishes – even the cervello fritto (fried brain), which is very little-known these days – and the meat is consistently of high quality.

Fried bread, thankfully a somewhat universal concept, goes by different names depending on which Italian region you’re in-and, in fact, even from city to city. Florence’s name for little puffy spheres of fried dough is coccoli, which are served as an antipasto at many trattorie (or as a complimentary snack at wine bars during aperitivo, if you’re lucky). They typically are served on a board with prosciutto and stracchino cheese for topping, dipping, or even making into tiny little spherical sandwiches.

One of the most fun places for Tuscan food without a doubt is I’Brindellone (a true no-frills experience), Piazza Piattellina (piazza carmine) – I adore this place for the rustic atmosphere and hearty food, think fried coccoli (dough), truffle pasta, fried artichokes, traditional platters such as ribollita, ravioli and pappa al pomodoro and of course steak. It’s always full of locals. Call for reservations +39 055 217879.

If you’re staying on the other side of the Arno river or don’t mind a walk, I Brindellone (Piazza Piattellina 10) is an excellent choice for bistecca alla fiorentina. I Brindellone is a favorite of local families for its large portions and friendly atmosphere. Along with bistecca, I Brindellone serves up other Florentine dishes like the traditional bread soup ribollita, pasta with rabbit ragu, and tripe.

I’ Brindellone: My friend Pearl recently came back from Florence and raved about this place, so I knew I had to check it out. Patrick and I ordered a gigantic 2.5lb Florentine steak and a plate of their pasta with fresh black truffles – two of their most popular menu items. Normally we would not order a steak that large in portion, but that was the only size they offered that day.

Brindellone is a really authentic neighborhood trattoria catering primarily to residents in the San Frediano neighborhood. Characterized by their love for the Fiorentina soccer team, this is the best restaurant in Florence to eat bistecca fiorentina if you love sports. The owners are happy to chat you up about soccer but don’t mention any other team than Fiorentina.

Super cheap trattorias aren’t really my thing for la bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) and most other spots we had already been (Club Culinario we love you) or already booked (Ruggero, you broke our hearts) or were just OK (I.e .like Brindellone, which I don’t think is all too great in terms of food quality, but the ambiance is cute).

I’ Brindellone sits firmly in the camp of traditional Florentine osterie, with a no-nonsense interior and a menu that sticks to regional basics. It’s particularly well-known for its bistecca alla fiorentina, which is among the better versions I’ve had in town. The steak arrives simply: seared, seasoned with salt, and nothing else.

Returning to I’Brindellone was in the back of my mind for a number of years. I first visited this restaurant 5 or 6 years ago on the recommendation of a friend whose family is also full of butchers. He said THIS is the place to try the traditional steak of Florence (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) and he wasn’t wrong.

For those seeking the ultimate fiorentina experience, I’ Brindellone beckons from the heart of Oltrarno. I went for the first time this summer and it’s since become one of my favourite spots. Away from the tourist hustle, this gem exudes a quieter charm, making it a favourite among locals.

I’Brindellone in Florence draws a loyal crowd of locals with its traditional Tuscan menu and quick service. The welcoming atmosphere and fair prices make it a favorite neighborhood spot, so it can fill up quickly. It’s a comfortable place to enjoy authentic flavors without a lot of fuss.

Walking west from Piazza Santo Spirito you come to Cappella Brancacci, where the 15th-century Renaissance frescoes are breathtaking. A few metres more brings you to I’Brindellone. It’s a very traditional trattoria with no airs or graces, and loved by all in the neighbourhood.

This is a no frills, hole-in-the-wall spot that is a local favorite for their casual vibe and excellent cooking. Simple, genuine, traditional and located in the Oltrarno district, I’Brindellone has fantastic Florentine steak and Peposo, a slow-cooked beef stew.

If you want to try a new place I have been trying to go…get a reservation early for I’Brindellone!. Every time I go to Florence they are booked up. From what I have heard, it is a very good local place that has delicious pastas and bistecca alla Fiorentina.

If during your tours you end up in Oltrarno, you can head to I’Brindellone in Piazza Piattellina to try one of the best steaks in Florence. Here too, meat rules. After all, we are in Florence, and the local cuisine is based on dishes for carnivores.

Piazza Piattellina, 10, 50124, Firenze, ItaliaOpen: 12:30pm to 2:30pm; 7:30pm to 11:00pm. This hidden gem is a great spot to grab lunch or dinner. It is a small restaurant, so we recommend going early and/or making a reservation!

Named after a unique Easter Florentine tradition (not to miss) this restaurant is the place where to enjoy the cucina povera in a lively convivial room strewn with sports memorabilia.

Tucked away from the busy historic center, there's this local Florentine spot. It's not swarming with tourists, just locals and workers on break.