There are some things you need to know when you’re in Italy. Like where to get the leather goods that are renowned as the best the country has to offer. Or where to go for the best aperitivo, and not just after work. And of course, where to get the best pie (as in pizza). Our on-the-ground correspondent reveals the three greatest places to get a slice.
Pizzagnolo
Overview
Pizzagnolo is the best spot for pizza in Florence if you like to keep it authentic and simple. Similar to many Florentine pizza joints, Pizzagnolo serves up a traditional Neapolitan pizza. After 20 years in business, Pizzagnolo has earned its exalted spot on the Florence pizza scene thanks to its use of Tuscan grains and fresh ingredients. And the dough is prepared in-house every day. You can practically taste the “family-owned.”
The Speciality
The signature pizza dish here, named after the restaurant, combines purple potato cream, confit cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, gorgonzola, salted lemon, and parmesan cheese chips. Don’t miss it.
Information
Address: Via dell’Agnolo, 107 Rosso, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Hours: Open every day. Lunch 12:00-2:30 pm; dinner 6:30-11:00 pm
Phone: +39 055 248 0200
Giovanni Santarpia
Overview
Named after the owner and chef, the pizza here is made with a love and passion you can only experience in Italy. What makes Giovanni’s pie the best pizza in Florence is his dedication to using ingredients that are in season and of the highest quality. Plus, he has been doing this since age 14. His pizzeria has won mass acclaim, especially from Red Shrimp. He deserves it.
The Speciality
This menu changes with the seasons, and you’re best off defaulting to the experts to guide your tastebuds. Accordingly, for a pie with ingredients that you’ll likely only find in Italy, you’ll want to consult your server.
Information
Address: Via Senese, 155r, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 7.15 pm to 11.00 pm
Phone: +39 055 933 8245
Il Pizzaiuolo
Overview
This pizzeria promises the smells and tastes of Naples, which, in pizza terms, is exactly what you should be looking for. Additionally, ingredients here are chosen by quality and with respect to the origins of the pizzas. This means that a lot of them are going straight from Campania to the wood-fired oven, and into your eager mouth. Moreover, on the website, you can also see their dedicated process of preparation: dough, drafting, and cooking.
The Speciality
You can’t go wrong with what the owner calls “The Real Neapolitan Pizza.” If prosciutto or artichokes aren’t your thing, order according to your taste and prepare to have your mind blown.
Information
Address: via dei Macci, 113r, 50122 Firenze – FI
Hours: Closed Sunday, Lunch 12:30 – 15:00, Dinner 19:00 – 24:00
Phone: +39 055 241171
