We know that most people who travel to Florence are here to get their fill of pasta and pizza and bistecca alla fiorentina–and we don’t blame you. But for us locals, meat and potatoes every night is a bit exhausting (not to mention a bit tough on the stomach). As much as we love Italian food, we also appreciate dim sum, ramen, sushi, saj, and savory breakfast every once in a while. Florence may not be the most cosmopolitan–you may not find the diversity (and perhaps quality) of foods you would in a big city–but it’s still got some great options for non-Italian food if you know where to look. 

Starting with the era of the Medicis, the city has long been a center of cross-cultural exchange, championing diversity in art, architecture, and food. In the 20th century, the city also welcomed a wave of immigrants and now counts the third-highest number of foreign-born residents in Italy. Many of these immigrants established communities and networks to preserve their traditions, consequentially shaping and diversifying the food choices of the city. Notably, Florence has some of the best Chinese food in the continent, as nextdoor Prato is home to the third-largest Chinese diaspora in Europe. 

Here are some of our favorite non-Italian restaurants in Florence that are perfect for your morning off from sugar or night off from pappardelle al cinghiale.  

MEXICAN / LATIN

Tosco Tacos – It’s no small feat to open a taqueria in Florence’s centro…but Florentine Tommaso Fontanella was up for the challenge. In early 2025, after months of pop ups, he opened a brick and mortar right off piazza Sant’Ambrogio that dishes out a tight menu of tacos (for €5 – €6) and natural wines. The flavors here certainly aren’t lacking, thanks to the (actually spiced) hot sauces courtesy of the trio behind the counter, who will be more than happy to chat with you about their favorites (and make you a couple extra after you’ve downed your first order). 

Raices Latin Food – Raices is like a tour of Latin America—with excellent versions of burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and plates that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere in Italy. Pair a bubbly Jarritos with a few saucy quesabirria tacos or an icy margherita with some spicy chilaquiles to immediately be transported out of the Renaissance city. Their two center locations often have karaoke nights.

SWEDISH

Wild Buns Bakery – If the name isn’t enough to pique your interest, the trays of beautifully shaped buns in this artisanal Scandinavian bakery certainly will. It may technically be in San Frediano, but the big windows and clean design make it feel straight out of Stockholm. The buns change flavor based on the season, but they always have cardamom and you should always order it. The great coffee comes from Mokaflor, a local torrefazione, and they usually offer one or two savory options, including a ham and cheese toastie. 

AUSTRALIAN/AMERICAN

Melaleuca – One of Italy’s rarest finds is savory brunch. Luckily for us, Melaleuca, set right off the Arno in Santa Croce, does an incredible job. This bright, airy cafe is owned by an Australian / Italian-American couple–Chloè and Marco–who add their own flair to the modern design and menu: although the offerings change by season, you can always find avocado smash on homemade sourdough bread, a full-English-style breakfast plate, and pastries for those who aren’t big fans of the Italian stuff. Their coffee (which yes, you can get iced), homemade bacon, and cinnamon rolls alone warrant a trip.

Rivarno – This adorable, sage-green-colored cafe serves a pretty international repertoire of breakfast/lunch plates with lots of vegan options. They have two locations, but we prefer their spot on Lungarno. They have a row of tables outside in the cutest little alley; it’s always shaded, so it’s a great choice if you want to sit outdoors in the summer. 

Base V – Opened by one of our very own co-founders at Italy Segreta, you can always find someone in our office with a coffee, pastry, or bowl from Base V. We might be groupies, but it’s also just that good. With three locations in Florence (and one in Milan), this mainly to-go cafe offers juices (go for the “Healthy Dude”), smoothies, avo toast and salads, and you’d be mistaken to not try the incredible (somehow vegan and gluten free) chocolate peanut butter cookies.   

JAPANESE

En Cucina Casalinga – This Japanese restaurant doesn’t have sushi, sashimi, or ramen, but trust us, you’re not going to miss that. En, translating to “meeting”, is the passion project of four friends: with only five tables and a kitchen running the length of the place, the establishment serves stuzzichini, street food plates, fritti, and rice bowls. The miso soup, which is set in front of every diner as they sit down, is kinda perfect. We recommend going for their incredibly affordable version of “omakase”–chef-curated small dishes–for either lunch or dinner. They’ve just opened a new spot, En2, a few doors down, and although you’re on the edge of the Sant’Ambrogio market, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported out of Florence. 

Il Cuore – From Tokyo, Chef Minato Takayama puts the heart of his eclectic city into the restaurant right by Porta Romana, serving a tight menu of veggie small plates, rice bowls, sashimi, chirashi, and temaki-zushi. Try the tasting menu or order a la carte. 

OKO Giappo Mama’s Kitchen – OKO comes from Kyoko and Momoko–both Japanese, mothers, and Italian by adoption–who opened the spot to cook like they would for their families. This mainly to-go restaurant on Via Pisana offers the best bento boxes in Florence, as well as inari, miso, koji, and other fermented foods. The duo source local ingredients for their food and are just absolutely lovely. 

Diorama – In San Frediano, Diorama is one of Florence’s best craft beer bars, and, somewhat randomly, they serve ramen (including one with lampredotto) and gyoza, alongside a few Italian options. 

Bentoro – This upscale Japanese restaurant was recently opened by husband-and-wife-duo Roberto and Sachiko Sapia with a tight menu of sushi and some warm dishes (like a delicious wagyu). They really know how to cut the fish for sashimi and nigiri. Ask about the specials. 

Moi Omakase – It’s worth trekking to Prato to dine at this one-man-show, Omakase-style restaurant. The small, pristine establishment has counter-style seats and just one seating a day. Most of the fish is local from the Tuscan coast, and Chef Francesco Preite changes the menu based on the catches that day. To drink, choose from a selection of natural wines. Dessert is deeply Pratese: the famous pesca di prato from Mondo always. 

CHINESE

Ba Shi fu – Ba Shi fu in Santa Maria Novella is a top spot for Sichuan food for Florence. The extensive menu features all the classics, and we can gladly share that the menu and spice levels are not westernized: our favorites include the spicy eggplant and cumin lamb. Whether you’re dining in or taking out, family-style ordering is the way to go.

Bashifu Hotpot – This new spot on Via San Gallo is where Florence meets Sichuan spice, with neon lights, lanterns, and steaming pots, plus a DIY sauce and topping bar of our dreams. There’s plenty of options for the first-timers (get the manzo fresco or rotolini d’agnello in an earthy mushroom broth) and those who like it hot and bold (get the liver or brain in the fiery broth). Perfect for a cozy, communal dinner that’s refreshingly not-Florentine.

Vino e ravioli – This no-frills spot just outside Porta al Prato serves a menu as simple as its name: seven types of dumplings* (seven pieces for €3-4.5) and wine (€1 a glass), as well as great arrosticini (grilled meat skewers). It’s incredibly cheap and incredibly delicious. *The Italian word for “dumplings” is, quite unoriginally, “ravioli”. 

Impressione Chongqing – Tucked on Via Sant’Antonino in San Lorenzo, this classic Sichuan establishment has a little bit of everything: stir-fried meats, dry pot vegetables, and plenty of offal options. The place is relatively well-known, but the wait usually isn’t too long.

Il Gusto di Xinge – At the newly opened Il Gusto di Xinge, you can find dim sum, thoughtful cocktails, and an incredible female chef in a fun, designy space. From Hebei in North-Eastern China, Chef Xinge Liu has a background in high fashion, a skill set that clearly contributes well to plating and restaurant design.

Element Firenze – This is where to go for legit Hong Kong-style dim sum in Florence. With one location out by Peretola airport and another in Prato, Element’s got everything from bao and soup dumplings to rice rolls, congee, and Cantonese specialties; the kitchen is helmed by Hong Kong-born and raised chef Kin Cheung.

KOREAN

Hallasan – This is any meat lover’s dream and, honestly, the quality gives many Florentine steaks a run for their money. Your selected cuts get barbecued for you and, according to your waiter’s orders, are accompanied by flaky salt, ginger, marinated onions, and wasabi. Refillable banchan with various types of kimchi are also standouts, as is the bibimbap and cold noodles. It’s required to order at least one portion of Korean barbecue, but that’s what you’re here for anyway! Hallasan would also make a fantastic choice for a special occasion dinner.

Gangnam – Hallasan’s more casual neighbor, this small restaurant serves great, easygoing Korean food in Florence. You’ve barely sat down when a whole spread of spicy, fermented banchan are set down in front of you. Follow with bibimbap, tteokbokki, or Korean barbecue. It’s fun to go with a group. 

MIDDLE EASTERN

Lo Saj Libanese – This to-go sajeria has a menu of typical Lebanese dishes, as well as a store selling Lebanese food products, called Mounè. Owner and operator Cynthia, a young Lebanese mother of two, hopes that her place can share her culture and traditions with those in Florence. The exquisite saj–Lebanese wraps–can be filled with goodies like labneh and vegetables, halloumi, zaatar and cheese, or kofta and are cooked right there on the grill. You can take them to go or sit at one of the few tables inside. 

Re d’Egitto – Kebab seems to be the late-night food of choice for Italians, and Florentines are no exception. There are lots of kebab shops in Florence, but there’s only one whose quality rivals those of more cosmopolitan cities. No-frills Re d’Egitto lets you build your own wrap, and they have lots of cooked and raw vegetables and sauces on offer. (Particularly great is the choice of caramelized onions or fried onions.) Plus, it’s open till 5:30 AM on the weekends. 

Tehran – A stone’s throw from Piazza Signoria, this cozy Persian restaurant is bursting with flavors that can be hard to find here in Florence. Luckily, it’s the kind of place where sharing is caring, because you’re going to want a bite of everything. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but some of our favorite can’t-misses are the Kashk Bademjan, Kuku Sabzi, Celo Torsh, and Tadik. You’re best to make a reservation. 

MISCELLANEOUS

Ciblèo – Part of the Cibrèo family, this 16-seat restaurant right off the Sant’Ambrogio market serves what they call “Tuscan Oriental Cuisine”. You can expect dishes like a tortellini in brodo / gyoza mashup, or a bavarian cream with caramel and soy sauce. The upscale restaurant offers both a la carte and tasting menus for lunch and dinner, as well as a great wine and sake list.