Recently, I had the good fortune to go on a food tour compliments of The Tour Guy that was run through Eating Europe. We met our guide, Kiara, near the Medici Chapels in the historic San Lorenzo neighborhood. This area is well known to me, as it’s where one of my favorite restaurants is located, as well as the Mercato San Lorenzo (also known as Mercato Centrale) where I do quite a bit of my grocery shopping.
The group was small—just me and another American couple accompanied by their two teenage boys. I was excited because a small group is perfect for asking questions but I prefer a group rather than going solo, since I’m a chatty person who loves to meet people.
Kiara created an inviting and fun vibe for the group. As she guided us through our culinary adventure, she interjected tidbits about Florence’s history or the food we were eating in a way that encouraged a laid-back, convivial atmosphere. We were all active participants with plenty of opportunity to chat with her and each others—she was incredibly knowledgeable about Florence and its history.
One of the reasons I recommend guides when traveling is for exactly that type of personal experience. Yes, one can do their research, read guidebooks, watch shows, etc., but nothing is quite a special as having an expert guide you around their city—giving their recommendations and highlighting their favorite parts. A talented guide, which Kiara was, will also pick up on cues from the group in order to tailor the experiences to their needs. A great guidebook, a talented blogger, or watching Stanley Tucci doesn’t create a personalized memory like that for you.
Starting with cantucci and vin Santo from Il Cantuccio di San Lorenzo, we devoured Florence one bite at a time. After nibbling on those delicious twice-baked cookies, we headed over to Mercato Centrale to see the vendors and taste their wares. The tour was a mix of food history and culinary culture. We learned about the market, the vendors, the traditions of the Florentine people, and so much more.
At Marco’s Salumi e Formaggi, we sampled various meats and cheese learning about their production and how they complement Florence’s unsalted bread (there are several stories as to why this is but my favorite involves a rivalry between Pisa and Florence). From fennel sausage to sweet prosciutto to aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, we nibbled away.
Our makeshift tagliere was followed by a trip to taste various olive oils and balsamic vinegars—heaven—and then to sip Prosecco—more heaven. Our stomachs already full, we then went on to sample Florentine’s favorite offal—lampredotto. This fourth stomach of the cow (because the first three just won’t do) is generally served with a verdant salsa verde or a spicy chili oil on a crusty roll. The flavor is quite subtle. Although I’m generally not a fan of offal, I find lampredotto to be more delicate and not as assertive as other organ meat.
At the panino stand we also had a fried meatball with the green sauce and a tomato salad. Mamma mia!
Already feeling quite full, I thanked the gods that I had worn expandable pants when Kiara said it was now time to pick up our lunch (we had ordered from a choice of primi foods—lasagne, eggplant Parmigiano, or panzanella when we first entered the market). We went nearby to a wine shop where the sommelier in charge led us through a tasting of various wines indigenous to the Chianti region.
Full and happy, we left the wine shop only to find that our guide had one last tasting for us—gelato. Kiara told us what to look for when selecting a gelateria (small batches, natural colors, preferably in small tins) and we each got to choose our two favorite flavors.
The food tour intermingled bits of the city’s past, food history, and culture with delicious morsels of Florence’s finest cuisine. We received top quality food and wine, an expert guide, and a good time for a reasonable price. In all, I consider it quite a value. My tour was sponsored by The Tour Guy who partnered with Eating Europe to offer this specific tour. Although that specific tour is not offered through The Tour Guy right now, they have many other options to choose from, including one at San Lorenzo Market and one at a more local market (Sant’Ambrogrio)—I’ve listed links below. I’ve also taken their “Florence Evening Food Tour” in the past and it was amazing.
I strongly recommend you take a cooking class and/or food tour when in Florence. Happy travels and buon appetito! Amy
N.b. Kiara’s name is formally spelled as Chiara but she told us that she spelled it Kiara for work to avoid confusion with other Chiara’s.
The Tour Guy Florence food tours I recommend and my affiliate links for them:
Florence Evening Food Tour with Florentine Steak and Tuscan Wine (Indulge in 14 authentic tastings across 5 local restaurants for the ultimate Florentine food journey): https://tidd.ly/4l6YIQo
Sant’Ambrogio Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local Chef in Florence (Discover Tuscan street food, prepare a 3-course meal with tagliatelle and tiramisù and try 2 wines) https://tidd.ly/44WIDIc
Authentic Tuscan Cooking Class in Florence with San Lorenzo Market (Create delicious pasta, tiramisu, and more with market-fresh ingredients and an expert local chef) https://tidd.ly/4ooHAsj
Pizza and Gelato Making Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine in Florence (Create the authentic food of Italy with an expert pizzaiolo chef, homemade lunch, and wine) https://tidd.ly/45keTUx
Florence Day Trip to Tuscany: Siena, San Gimignano & Winery Lunch (Relax on this Tuscan day trip with a 3-course lunch and 6 wine tastings) https://tidd.ly/3U4OxRk
Chianti Vineyards 3-Course Dinner with Transportation from Florence (Escape to Tuscany for an evening of wine tastings, savoring 4 exquisite wines and local cuisine) https://tidd.ly/4odeXhH
Chianti Wineries Tour with Food and Wine Tasting (See two luxurious wine estates, taste local wine, and sample delicious produce on this half day tour) https://tidd.ly/3HeTunB
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