A historic restaurant serving Tuscan specialities

Talk of the town: Wondering why there are old newspapers on the wall? It’s because food was once served on the papers, so when diners were done they’d pin them up.

Popular plate: Don’t miss the ribollita, a Tuscan soup made with bread and vegetables and served with wild boar.

Officially Florence’s oldest restaurant, Buca Lapi was opened in the cellar of Palazzo Antinori in 1880 - and it’s been open ever since. It’s renowned for serving authentic regional cuisine, from succulent Florentine steaks to homemade pasta dishes, as well as fine Italian wines in a wonderfully welcoming, intimate and romantic setting.

Although the food can be expensive, there are always cheaper options available and the quality more than justifies the price tag. Try to reserve a table in the first room, by the kitchen, so you can watch the chefs prepare your meal.