The Florence Central Market, also known as Mercato Centrale di Firenze, is a two-floor market located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood of Florence, Italy. It is one of the largest and most popular markets in the city, and is a great place to find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other local delicacies.
The market was originally built in 1874, and has been renovated several times over the years. The most recent renovation, which was completed in 2014, transformed the market into a modern food hall with stalls selling a variety of regional and international cuisine.
In addition to food, Florence Central Market also has a number of other vendors selling souvenirs, leather goods, and other items. The market is open from Monday to Saturday, and is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Here are some fun things to do at the Florence Central Market:
- Sample local produce: The market is a great place to find fresh, seasonal produce from the surrounding region. You can find everything from fruits and vegetables to meats and cheeses. I picked up a variety of dried porcini mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and pastas.
- Try traditional Tuscan cuisine: There are a number of stalls selling traditional Tuscan cuisine, such as lampredotto (a tripe stew) and schiacciata (a flatbread).
- Do some souvenir shopping: There are a number of vendors selling souvenirs, such as leather goods, ceramics, and jewelry.
- People-watch: The market is a great place to people-watch and experience the local culture.
Here are some of the best stalls to visit at the Florence Central Market:
- Bambi Trippa e Lampredotto or Il Bollito e lo Stracotto di Giacomo Trapani: These restaurants specializes in lampredotto, a traditional Tuscan dish made with tripe.
- Enoteca Salumeria: Fun little restaurant that serves a variety of cheeses and cured meats.
- Il Tartufo: This stall sells delicious truffle pastas, Caprese salads, Bruschetta and risottos.
- Ará è Sicilia: This stall sells traditional Sicilian street food, such as arancini, cannoli, granite, and other delicious snacks.
- Veg & Veg: A Vegan restaurant famous for their creative burgers.
- Da Nerbone: This restaurant serves traditional Tuscan cuisine, along with great pasta and sandwiches. There’s always a line, but it’s worth the wait!
The market is a great place to find a quick and affordable meal, or to sample some of the local cuisine. We really enjoyed the bar area upstairs, where we enjoyed a delicious twist on the famous Aperol Spritz.
If you’re looking for a unique and authentic experience in Florence, the Mercato Centrale Firenze is a great place to visit! Be sure to come HUNGRY!
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