San Lorenzo Food Market, Florence

San Lorenzo Food Market, or ‘Mercato Centrale’, is a double-story indoor market, that’s as much about food experience as it is about food shopping.

Once the main general food market for the Florentines, the original friendly chaos has given way to tidier and more tourist-friendly stalls. The recently refurbished upper level has informal eateries and shops where you can grab some typical florentine fare, a glass of wine or a quick slice of pizza.

Homegrown Florentines, attached to the old ways, argue that the newly refurbished market has lost its traditional character. But visitors flock to it. It’s a tastefully redesigned space overflowing with colour, and all manner of authentic, fresh food.

Downstairs you still have the food market where you can find all sorts of food and delicacies including salumi, meat, pasta, and other tasty treats. It’s open in the morning (7am to 2pm Mon-Fri, and 7am – 5pm Saturday. It’s closed on Saturday during the Summer months).

The real innovation is upstairs. The huge open plan space has been redecorated and is shared by a range of bars, bakers and restaurant. All around you’ve got communal tables that anyone can use as long as they’ve bought something from one of many stalls. This floor is open from 10am to midnight.

What’s on the menu at San Lorenzo Food Market?

Freshly baked bread, confectionery, fried food; you name it, it’s here. There’s fish, cheese, chocolate and ice cream, fresh pasta, luxury wines, simple focaccia and sandwiches. All shops are run by artisanal traders who share a passion for their craft.

If it’s breakfast you’re after, there are pastries and cappuccino. You can also grab a snack or a proper meal at one of the restaurants. There’s wine tasting too, and speciality local dishes like lampredotto. Just so you know before you try it; this is boiled cow’s stomach, usually seasoned with green sauce. Try it in a panino from the portable stall just outside the market building.

Need some ideas for your trip to Florence? Check out some great things to do in Florence and how to spend the perfect Florentine day!

Best Experience for Foodies in San Lorenzo Market! => Learn to find the freshest ingredients with a local food expert and then pick up some tips and tricks to prepare your own 4-course meal with a local chef, before tucking into it!

By Rufus46 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

What can you expect:

This is a big open plan place with seating for 500. It’s loud and lively, and increasingly trendy. There’s also a cooking school, a small library devoted to recipe books and a EatItaly retail space. Public toilets are on the first floor, and there’s underground parking, which is expensive.

Good prices, especially the freshly made sandwiches from the vendors on the ground floor, great variety and quality. If you’re on a budget, you’ll definitely find something here. Find more suggestions for travelling in Florence on a budget.

=> Discover the real Florence with these Great Walking Tours of Florence!