Florence isn’t Naples, but the city center is home to excellent pizzerias and restaurants serving wood-fired pizza alongside traditional Tuscan dishes — ideal for travelers who want variety without leaving the historic core.
Neapolitan-Style vs. Tuscan-Style Pizza
Most pizza served in central Florence follows the Neapolitan tradition: a soft, airy crust with a raised, slightly charred edge (cornicione), baked in a wood-fired oven at very high temperatures for around 60-90 seconds. Key characteristics to look for:
- Soft, pliable center, eaten with a knife and fork in Italy
- Simple, high-quality toppings — San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte or buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil
- Wood-fired baking, which gives the characteristic leopard-spotted crust
What to Order If You’re Visiting Florence
- Margherita — tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil (the benchmark for pizza quality)
- Marinara — tomato, garlic, oregano, olive oil (no cheese, naturally dairy-free)
- Gluten-free pizza — increasingly available in central restaurants using certified GF flour
Where to Find Good Pizza Near the Duomo and San Lorenzo
Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici, in Florence’s historic center close to San Lorenzo Market and the Duomo, offers wood-fired pizza alongside classic Tuscan dishes, making it a convenient choice for groups where some want pizza and others want pasta or bistecca alla fiorentina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florentine pizza the same as Neapolitan pizza?
Most pizza in Florence’s center follows the Neapolitan method — a soft, wood-fired crust — though individual restaurants may adapt thickness or toppings to local taste.
Can I get gluten-free pizza in Florence’s city center?
Yes, gluten-free pizza is widely available in central Florence, usually made with certified GF flour dough and prepared to avoid cross-contamination.
Is it normal to eat pizza with a fork and knife in Italy?
Yes — in most Italian restaurants, including in Florence, pizza is eaten with cutlery rather than by hand, especially in sit-down restaurants.
