To Market: Mercato Centrale

Florence has been a center of art and wealth in Italy for generations. It is also quite the foodie mecca with everything from humble street food to elegant dishes made for golden platters. The Mercato Centrale is a place where you can find foods and culinary items from across the region all in one location.

The Mercato Centrale is part traditional Italian farmer’s market and part dining mecca. Constructed between 1870 and 1874 when Florence was still the capital of Italy it is a combination of classical and modern architecture featuring glass and metal construction. The building of the market was part of a larger project to improve the historic city center and revive the San Lorenzo neighborhood.

The two-level indoor market features traditional vendors on the first level. Butchers, fishmongers, fruit and vegetable stands, and many small specialty shops serve the local citizens and restaurateurs.  Many of these stands are owned by third and fourth generation artisans who have a true passion for their products and are happy to chat with visitors with a love for food.

The second level was remodeled in 2014 and now houses stalls serving prepared food and drinks. Ogle to the Italian specialties on the first level (ground floor) and then head upstairs and see how artisans have turned these goodies into delicious meals. Think of this as the ultimate Italian food court. Pick your meal at one of the stalls, pay at the counter and head to a table. If you are part of a group, I recommend having one person save space because this place can get crazy with tables going fast. Staff will come around and take drink orders or head over to the bar and place your order. Enjoy your meal and the people watching – you can actually watch the staff preparing many of the items available so consider it a meal with a culinary show.

Mercato Centrale is a great place to go for foodie mementos and if you have a kitchen while you are in town definitely head to the market to shop like a Florentine. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff about taking items home. Most of them are quite knowledgeable about the rules for taking food into foreign countries and are happy to help you find a tasty treat to carry back with you.

    This spot usually has a long line, but the pizza is well worth the wait. Serving Neapolitan style pie made in a wood-burning oven you will love the charred crust and perfectly melted fresh mozz.

    This one might not be for everyone, but if you are a little adventurous you shouldn’t pass this one up. Lampredotto is a traditional sandwich found only in Florence and made of tripe and a little on the spicy side.

    What trip to Italy would be complete without a little gelato? And of course some chocolate. All of the products are made with the highest quality ingredients and passion that you can taste.

Hours: Monday – Saturday 7am to 2pm the ground level; 7 days a week 8am to midnight upper level

Address:  Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy