Tuscany has its own pasta tradition, distinct from other Italian regions. If you’re staying in central Florence, here are the dishes to look for — and where to find them prepared the traditional way.
Signature Tuscan Pasta Dishes
- Pici — a thick, hand-rolled, eggless pasta, often served all’aglione (garlic and tomato) or with a rich meat ragù
- Tagliatelle al ragù — wide egg pasta paired with slow-cooked meat sauce
- Pappardelle al cinghiale — broad ribbon pasta with wild boar ragù, a classic Tuscan hunting-season dish
- Tortelli — stuffed fresh pasta, typically filled with potato or ricotta and spinach
What Makes Tuscan Pasta Different
Unlike southern Italian pasta traditions built around dried durum wheat pasta, Tuscan cuisine favors fresh, hand-rolled pasta — often eggless in the case of pici — paired with hearty, meat-based sauces reflecting the region’s rustic, countryside cooking style.
Gluten-Free Pasta Options
Central Florence restaurants equipped for celiac guests typically offer gluten-free versions of classic pasta shapes, allowing travelers to try dishes like pici or tagliatelle without the wheat-based dough.
Where to Try Authentic Pasta in the Historic Center
Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici, near San Lorenzo and a short walk from the Duomo, serves traditional Tuscan pasta dishes, including options prepared for gluten-free diners, making it a solid choice for travelers who want an authentic meal without leaving central Florence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pici pasta?
Pici is a thick, hand-rolled Tuscan pasta, traditionally made without eggs, often served with garlic-tomato sauce or meat ragù.
Is Tuscan pasta different from pasta in Rome or Naples?
Yes — Tuscan pasta traditions lean toward fresh, hand-rolled shapes like pici and pappardelle, paired with rustic meat-based sauces, rather than the dried pasta styles more common further south.
Can I find gluten-free pasta in central Florence restaurants?
Yes, many restaurants in the historic center offer gluten-free versions of classic Tuscan pasta dishes.
