
Trattoria Mario
A historic, family-run trattoria since 1953, serving authentic Tuscan classics with a focus on perfectly grilled steaks and comforting pasta dishes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Trattoria Mario

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, family-run trattoria since 1953, serving authentic Tuscan classics with a focus on perfectly grilled steaks and comforting pasta dishes.
"Truly amazing service by Mario’s familia! They were so sweet and friendly and the steak here was soft."
Book Ahead or Expect a Wait
Reservations are highly recommended, as this popular spot often has queues due to its no-reservation policy.
Try Daily Specials
Ask about traditional Tuscan specialties like ribollita or bollito misto, as the menu changes daily.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Tuscan
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+39 055 218550
Address
Via Rosina, 2r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Experience the iconic Florentine steak, chargrilled to perfection with a perfectly seared crust and a tender, rare interior.

Authentic Tuscan Family Recipe
Savor traditional Tuscan dishes crafted by a family with over three generations of culinary history, offering a true taste of Italy.

Convivial, Cozy Atmosphere
Dine in a close-knit, bustling trattoria that exudes genuine Florentine hospitality, making every meal feel like a family gathering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead or Expect a Wait
Reservations are highly recommended, as this popular spot often has queues due to its no-reservation policy.
Try Daily Specials
Ask about traditional Tuscan specialties like ribollita or bollito misto, as the menu changes daily.
Visit for Lunch
For a less crowded experience, consider visiting during lunch hours; it's more relaxed than the dinner rush.
Steak is Cooked Rare
Enjoy the Bistecca alla Fiorentina cooked to a perfect medium-rare; it's not typically prepared to order.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead or Expect a Wait
Reservations are highly recommended, as this popular spot often has queues due to its no-reservation policy.
Try Daily Specials
Ask about traditional Tuscan specialties like ribollita or bollito misto, as the menu changes daily.
Visit for Lunch
For a less crowded experience, consider visiting during lunch hours; it's more relaxed than the dinner rush.
Steak is Cooked Rare
Enjoy the Bistecca alla Fiorentina cooked to a perfect medium-rare; it's not typically prepared to order.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Trattoria Mario is celebrated for its authentic, generations-old Tuscan cuisine, particularly its legendary Bistecca alla Fiorentina and hearty pasta dishes. Diners appreciate the convivial, family-run atmosphere that transports them to the heart of Florence. While the speed of service and the close seating can be intense for some, most find the experience and the delicious, well-priced food to be well worth the visit.
"Incredible hole-in-the-wall with authentic food and experience. We had the bolognese and Florentine steak. The pasta sauce was incredible - such a rich flavor. The steak was perfectly seasoned, if a bit on the rare side. We were lucky to get in for lunch without a reservation. It's not a big place, and the waiter said they are always full. We would definitely come back the next time we're here."
Jay Wilson
"Warning!!!
Do not go here!!
Very sad that I chose this as my first pasta meal I had in Italy.
Came here due to all the good reviews and talks about how this is a very authentic place
Was extremely pumped to try
Ordered Florentine steak and marinara pasta ….soon greatly disappointed
Two other people next to us also ordered the steak
One of which we struck up a conversation with because he saw us picking at our steak and told us he was also very underwhelmed with the food
The other group next to us didn’t even bother to finish
Marinara Pasta 2/5
Nothing special, pasta noodles way too soft and very underwhelming. Definitely had way better pasta. We were recommended by the person sitting next to us to go to Trattoria Sabatino instead. Glad we went for dinner! Way better!
Florentine steak
55euro/kg and minimum purchase of 600grams. Expensive compared to other places. Nothing else to say besides…. 🤢 bad. Might be rated at the top of one the worst steaks I have ever eaten. I had 1/3 of my steak and stopped wasting my stomach on bad food."
kai wang
"The food is good but I had better fiorentina. Service is good and quick like they are ready to send you out for next customer. It’s not a place you sit down and enjoy meal. It’s more like you sit and have a quick meal in my opinion"
Vivienne HU
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and often long queues. It's best to call ahead.
The restaurant is famous for its Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak) and traditional Tuscan pastas and soups like Ribollita.
While the restaurant is renowned for its meat dishes, they often offer vegetarian pasta options and vegetable sides.
For a potentially less crowded experience, consider visiting during lunch hours. Dinner can be quite busy.
It is considered a mid-range restaurant, offering good value for authentic Florentine cuisine.
The atmosphere is described as convivial, cozy, and bustling, with close seating that fosters a true trattoria experience.
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Locals flock to this narrow, family-run trattoria to feast on Tuscan favorites served at simple tables under a wooden ceiling dating from 1536. Genuine Florentine hospitality prevails—you'll be seated wherever there's room, which often means with strangers—and, yes, there's a bit of extra oil in most dishes, which imparts calories as well as taste, but aren't you on vacation?. Worth the caloric splurge is riso al ragù (rice with ground beef and tomatoes).
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Spurn touristy restaurants touting bistecca alla Fiorentina in the crowded streets around the Duomo for the real deal at this family-run trattoria, an icon among San Lorenzo market workers since 1953. Florence's feisty T-bone steak for two is chargrilled just one way: seared outside and pink inside, with a sacrosanct strip of bloody blue. In the finest trattoria tradition, Monday cooks up Florentine tripe, Thursday is rabbit and Friday, salted cod.
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Cramped it may be, but rustic Da Mario, located at the back of the mercato centrale, serves up a menu of consistently reliable Florentine classics to a mix of stall workers, business folk and tourists, and it’s always packed. The choice changes daily, but look out for earthy zuppa di fagioli e cavolo nero and peppato, a kind of beef stew laced with black pepper.
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In the heart of Florence, nestled near the bustling San Lorenzo market, lies Trattoria Mario – a quintessential Florentine dining establishment that has garnered a well-deserved reputation for its unwavering dedication to preserving the city's rich culinary heritage. Clearly distinguished from other similarly named eateries, Trattoria Mario stands out as a beacon of authenticity, offering a traditional trattoria experience that serves up "good food all around at the right price.". For those with limited time in Florence, Trattoria Mario is an absolute must-visit, underscored by its status as a go-to destination for immersing oneself in the city's culinary traditions.
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The square behind the food market, the Mercato Centrale, is lined with scores of restaurants and pizzerias, most of which are best avoided. But do look out for the tiny entrance of legendary Trattoria da Mario, a friendly family-run affair that has been serving excellent, well-priced Tuscan food for 60 years. Only open at lunch and often drawing queues as they don't take reservations, it has a menu that changes daily, featuring the classic ribollita vegetable soup and a hearty bollito misto, boiled beef and tongue with a zingy parsley sauce.
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Mario’s is almost as much a part of Florence’s cultural heritage as David and the Duomo. Hidden away just out of sight of the Mercato Centrale (another foodie heaven well worth the visit) Mario’s doesn’t look like much from the outside; its windows and door plastered in review snippets, black and white photo clippings and a generous helping of Fiorentina FC memorabilia. But ask any Florentine where you can find the best steak in the city (excluding establishments owned by friends or family) and chances are they’ll point you here.
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Open since 1953, still family-run for about four generations, the trattoria is framed in a sixteenth century building, the current Palazzo Alessandri, inside which you can breathe in the strong smell of Tuscan products, strictly fresh (bought at the Central Market every morning). As per tradition, here you can not fail to taste the excellent ribollita, the Florentine steak, peposo or lampredotto. Always open for lunch except Sunday, and also for dinner on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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Tucked away next to the lively San Lorenzo Market, Trattoria Mario is a charming culinary retreat bustling with the genuine spirit of Florence. Since opening its doors in 1953, this family-operated gem has been a beacon of traditional Florentine cooking, serving dishes steeped in history and flavor. The restaurant's walls, adorned with photographs and memorabilia, tell a story of its rich heritage, inviting diners into a world where each meal is a celebration of the past.
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It takes a brave soul to tackle dining at Trattoria Mario, but for those up for the challenge of sharing a communal table with locals, you’ll get one of the best meals of your stay in Florence. I can’t even tell you what’s on the menu, as it changes daily, but you can expect classics like beef stew and the ever-popular Bistecca alla Fiorentina. The service is blunt and there’s not much room for lingering, but there’s a reason this restaurant is always packed.
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There seems to be some kind of correlation between Florence’s time-honored restaurants and the best steak, as Trattoria Mario has been around since the 1950s and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Regularly packed with a mix of locals and tourists, Trattoria Mario is near Riccardi Medici Palace and was where I tried one of my first-ever Florentine steaks. As you can probably infer from this article, it left a pretty lasting impression on me.
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Located near the Mercato Centrale, recognizable by the line at the entrance. A classic tavern counter, purple memorabilia (the "home team"), and a rich and sincere kitchen with all the classics of tradition, including well-prepared ribollita, maccheroncini with ragu, tripe Florentine, boiled lampredotto served with green sauce, and Florentine steak. The meal starts with cold cuts and crostini and ends with Prato biscuits soaked in Vin Santo.
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Trattoria Mario – Spartan, noisy, and rough around the edges, this trattoria behind the San Lorenzo market shines in a piazza of tourist traps. Opened by Romeo, Amelia, and their son Mario in 1953, it perfectly represents the Florence that refuses to give into mass tourism. Under oak wood ceilings that date back to the mid-1500s, you’ll sit elbow-to-elbow on small wooden stools and enjoy a smattering of local dishes.
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An institution since 1953, Trattoria Mario is a modern classic with a Bistecca Fiorentina worthy of Cosimo Medici himself. Due to its proximity to the Mercato Centrale, we were always careful to arrive at Mario shortly after noon, knowing full well that the communal seating would quickly fill up with locals and tourists alike. Trattoria Mario is in the middle of everything, though somehow keeps its local charm.
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Ambiente familiare e spartano, con pochi tavoli comuni dove mangiare la fiorentina cotta alla brace con carne di chianina o marchigiana, in costata o in filetto uno accanto all’altro, nella trattoria più famosa di Firenze. All’atmosfera della vecchia osteria dal tono rustico contribuisce il cartello che dice “ vietato chiedere la Fiorentina cotta bene”. Da Mario la tradizione e il gusto si rispettano.
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Located in the heart of Florence’s San Lorenzo market, Trattoria Mario is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This traditional trattoria has been serving up delicious Tuscan cuisine for over 60 years, and it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular. The menu changes daily, but you can always expect to find classic dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragù and beef stew with polenta.
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Next in the list of restaurants offering the best pasta in Florence is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, Trattoria Mario serves up traditional Tuscan dishes in a bustling, no-frills setting. Their pasta dishes, particularly the pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar), are hearty and flavorful, offering a true taste of Tuscan cuisine. You definitely don´t want to miss this spot.
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This is a busy family-owned restaurant that's known for its wonderful atmosphere, attracting regular customers due to changing their menu on a weekly basis. As a result, the kitchen always guarantees the freshest seasonal and Italian ingredients available. Included within the seasonal dishes are timeless Italian classics, such as a meaty Ragù and Ribollita - a Tuscan soup.
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This is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike and if you plan on heading here, make sure to grab a reservation a day or two in advance. Trattoria Mario is located in Santo Spirito and offers Tuscan soul food–which means lots of hearty pasta dishes with plenty of meat. I recommend the tortellini filled with delicious ragu and one of the soup options.
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This trattoria is located in the center of Florence and it is literally stormed by locals and tourists at lunch and dinner. Prices are slightly lower than average (but only slightly) and the place is famous especially for the traditional Tuscan dishes prepared in a workmanlike manner and served as per tradition. Address: Via Rosina, 2r
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Simple trattoria in business since 1953, where you can experience a true genuine Italian lunch with all that it entails. Trattoria Mario has an easy-going mood, with nothing pretentious: the menu is written on a slate, and the waiters speak very little English. Most importantly, the food is incredible and this is all that matters!
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If you’re dining out in Florence, try it at some of these good old trattorie: Casalinga, Alla Vecchia Bettola, Trattoria Mario or Trattoria Armando, just to name a few favourites. Traditional sides are roast potatoes, sautéed spinach or silverbeet and white cannellini beans – and plenty of Tuscan bread to mop up the juices.
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You’ll taste the love in every bite at family-owned Trattoria Mario (Via Rosina 2R). Trattoria Mario changes their menu weekly, guaranteeing the freshest local, seasonal ingredients. Eating seasonally is the Italian way, so that’s why Trattoria Mario is the first on our list of the best Italian restaurant in Florence.
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A legendary trattoria dating back to the early Fifties near the central market. They serve up generous portions of pasta, stews, grilled meats and litres of beans. There is a secret dining room downstairs called La Cantina, favoured by locals who enjoy the cooler cellar temperature and the clandestine atmosphere.
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Located behind the Mercato Centrale, Trattoria Mario is a favorite lunch spot for locals and tourists alike. You’ll sit where they tell you to, with whomever they tell you to, and you’ll probably like it. The wait is long so a table for four will be filled with whatever combination of strangers is ready to eat.
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Trattoria Mario is located in Florence’s historic San Lorenzo district across the Central Market. While the menu changes daily, the restaurant always serves Florentine steaks, ragu, and their famous bread soup. Trattoria Mario is open for lunch every day except Sunday and for dinner on Thursdays and Fridays.
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With the increase in tourism in Florence, the typical trattorias of the past are in danger of disappearing. Fortunately, many Florentine innkeepers do not compromise and continue running some activities “as they used to be”. One such place is the famous Trattoria Mario in Piazza del Mercato Centrale.
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A Florentine classic, Trattoria Mario is a family-run trattoria in the center of Florence. This small restaurant is a favorite among locals, and the line waiting for a table is often out the door. They just recently started taking reservations and are only available for dinner service on Fridays.
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Via Rosina 2r Angle of Piazza del Mercato Centrale 50123, Firenze, Italia Tel: 055 218550 Website. First of all, don't bother trying to phone for a reservation because they only assign places when you're at the door. This is where you eat the best Tuscan food in the centre of town.
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The local’s number one darling, Trattoria Mario (Via Rosina), is also nearby if you feel like some family-style Tuscan fare like ribollita (kitchen sink veg, bean and bread) soup or potato-filled tortelli. Everyone knows Mario and Gozzi, so be prepared for lines and food-paparazzi travelers.
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Via Rosina 2r (angolo Piazza del Mercato Centrale) 50123, Firenze, Italiawww.trattoriamario.comOpen: 12:00pm to 3:30pm (Closed Sunday). This family-owned restaurant opened in 1953, serving the famous Florentine Steak. They are only open for lunch and unfortunately do not take reservations.
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One such classic is Trattoria Mario, located near the Mercato Centrale. This family-run eatery has been serving traditional Tuscan dishes since 1953. Expect a lively atmosphere and hearty plates of ribollita, a classic Tuscan soup, and their famous Florentine steak, cooked to perfection.
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In the San Lorenzo area, the best pappa al pomodoro in town is still served by Trattoria Mario,” said staffer and Italy local Fabrizio. “But you’ll have to eat it for lunch and pay in cash, as this very authentic, old-style place is closed in the evening and does not accept credit cards.
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Opened in 1953, Trattoria Mario is an institution loved by locals and tourists. Located near the Central Market, this trattoria is known for its abundant and flavorful dishes. The menu changes daily, offering traditional dishes such as ribollita, trippa alla fiorentina, and lampredotto.
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Located near the Mercato Centrale, Trattoria Mario is a family-run establishment famous for its home-style cooking. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its hearty Tuscan dishes. The place is small and gets crowded quickly, so be prepared to wait or share a table.
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Savor a delightful Tuscan dinner at a traditional trattoria like Trattoria Mario or Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori. Cap off the evening with a creamy gelato from Gelateria dei Neri, enjoying it amidst the timeless atmosphere of Piazza della Signoria.
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If you are planning on a great sit-down lunch, be prepared to sit and enjoy Trattoria Mario. It's the perfect amount of local flair and tourist favorites. You'll find any kind of pasta that you could ever want and a divine wine list to go with it.
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Trattoria da Mario: This bustling, lunch-only, cash-only, no-reservations spot behind the Mercato Centrale is so Florentine. Loud, crowded, busy, jovial and no-nonsense. The dishes change daily and are written on a chalkboard on the wall.
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Trattoria Mario (via Rosina)—you will likely want to make reservations for this crowded place. If you’re looking for a different place to try Bistecca alla Fiorentina, this restaurant serves up a good one. Reasonably priced, too.
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Brian and Maria Gabriela’s favorite version is served at Trattoria Mario. “You’d better pretend to support the Fiorentina football club and order the ribollita (it’s the real deal and always available),” warns Brian.
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Another famous name amongst Florence’s traditional Tuscan restaurants. Found near San Lorenzo market, it features a vivacious, casual atmosphere and a prohibition on well-done steaks. CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN FLORENCE
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Via Rosina 2r (corner of Piazza del Mercato Centrale) Ph. +39 055 – 218550. Come here for a no frills, yet delicious meal. Open only for lunch, expect a wait out the door, but a wait that will be worth it!
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Trattoria Mario (lunch. Only open for dinner Thu-Fri) This is a small, casual place with a limited menu that changes daily to guarantee freshness and avoid waste.
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This family-friendly trattoria may not look much from the outside, but Trattoria Mario serves traditional Tuscan dishes packed with flavor.
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