My 5 top eats in Florence, Italy

This past J-Term, I had the privilege to travel to Florence, Italy, through the Department of English. The 21 days I lived in Florence were filled with pasta, pizza, bread, wine and olive oil. I kept a record of my favorite restaurants and the must-get dishes I enjoyed.

Acqua Al 2

Starting off with my all-time favorite. Acqua Al 2 was only a two-minute walk from my apartment in Florence, so I had to check it out. The small restaurant was filled with plates designed and signed by international actors and musicians who have been to the restaurant. So cool.

But what the restaurant is most known for is their blueberry filet, which they invented back in 1978. I'll admit, at first, I was hesitant to try blueberry steak. But as soon as I did, I had absolutely no regrets. The flavors blended perfectly — the sweetness of the blueberry sauce and the tenderness of the steak were a perfect pair.

Another famous dish from this restaurant is their pear pasta (I guess they enjoy combining fruit with their traditional Italian plates). Again, the pear paired perfectly with the cheesy filling in the ravioli, and the sweet balsamic glaze was the absolute perfect touch.

Every time I left this restaurant, I was full and satisfied, and I can’t recommend it more.

Trattoria 4 Leoni

Trattoria 4 Leoni is a typical Tuscan restaurant in Florence. The restaurant has a rustic yet contemporary feel and a seasonally changing menu.

Immediately, when I saw pear-stuffed pasta in a sauce of taleggio cheese and asparagus, I knew I needed to try it.

I asked the waiter about it, and he said it was their most famous dish — I was sold (don’t worry, this is my last pear dish). I’m not lying when I say that I licked the plate to get every last drop of the taleggio cheese and pear. I almost got two of them because one plate was not enough. If you were to come here, I would recommend getting more than one course to fill you up.

Cantina Barbagianni

When I say this is the teeniest restaurant I have ever been to, I mean it. First, I have to applaud our waitress, who was an absolute gem. The restaurant is so cozy yet classy, and their food is beyond spectacular.

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We started with the slow-cooked artichoke with stracciatella mousse, spiced wine reduction and herb breadcrumbs. If you love artichokes, you need this. Italians know how to do artichokes, so if you ever see it on the menu, get it! This was the perfect way to start the meal. The artichokes were tender and submerged in this sweet sauce that complemented them perfectly.

For my main course, I ordered the tagliolini with lemon, anchovy sauce and parsley breadcrumbs. Lemon pasta is one of my all-time favorites, and this place knows how to make a good lemon pasta. The dish was a perfect balance of sour and savory, thanks to the anchovy sauce. It was also topped with cherry tomatoes that added the perfect amount of sweetness. All around, this place is a bang for your buck.

Ristorante Cacio E Pepe

Cacio E Pepe pizzeria restaurant is located just a few steps from the cathedral. They specialize in typical Tuscan cuisine of fresh pasta — dishes based on fresh truffles and sliced filet steak and fish.

Now, looking back, I should have tried the cacio e pepe, because duh. But as soon as I tried the gnocchi submerged in a sweet red sauce with fresh burrata, there was no turning back. The gnocchi was pillowy soft and literally melted in my mouth. The red sauce perfectly complemented it and reminded me of the classic Gigi Hadid vodka sauce we all know and love.

The waiters also love study abroad students and even gave us a card for a free bottle of wine on our next visit, which we obviously used. It’s a great establishment with even better food and people.

Gusta Pizza

I couldn’t forget about Italian pizza. This also might be a hot take, but a New York pizza totally compares to an Italian one. But, I digress.

Gusta Pizza was recommended to me by almost everyone who has been to Florence. This place is simple: It serves pizza and calzones. You can see the chefs making the pizza right at the front of the restaurant. I will also note, they do make heart-shaped pizzas!

I got the buffalina, which came with cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil and olive oil. I’m not ashamed to admit that I ate the whole pizza. The pizza does not come sliced, and you have to cut individual pieces with your fork and knife, which I was not used to. The thin and crispy crust was my favorite part. The ingredients were fresh and high-quality, and the tomatoes especially burst with flavor.

If you want an authentic Italian pizza when visiting Florence, look no further than Gusta Pizza.

My time in Florence was very rewarding, and I learned so much about Italian cuisine and culture. I recommend traveling abroad to any and all Miami students. You won’t regret it, and neither will your taste buds.

craverhj@miamioh.edu