The delectable food of Florence is no secret: the pasta, the pizza, the steak. When you come to this amazing city, obviously you’ll want to try all you can! But when you live here for months on end, you might crave food you grew up with—those old, familiar comforts. There’s no shame in that! To ease your transition into this new, wonderful city, here are the top five American-style eateries in Florence, for your guilty pleasure.

The “Coffee To Go” window at Ditta Artigianale on Via dei Neri

Number 5: Ditta Artigianale

The first item on our list is a cafe that walks the line between American and Italian. Ditta provides all the hallmarks of a classic Florentine cafe while also catering to trendier American tastes, such as iced coffee (a rarity in Florence!). Their six locations across the city offer a variety of different tastes and mealtimes. For example, their location on Via Dei Neri holds wonderful breakfast options (including their delicious American pancakes), while their Piazza Ferrucci menu includes aperitivo items such as chips and guac, sweet potato fries, and Mexican street corn. Overall, Ditta is a wonderfully accessible location to help Americans assimilate into the Florentine food scene.

Base V Juicery on Via dei Neri

Number 4: Base V Juicery

Ever crave a green juice? Go crazy for avocado toast? For those with a taste for health foods, Base V Juicery might be your new go-to. They, of course, have a vast selection of juices and smoothies, as well as plant-based meals to cater to our delicate American sensibilities. They even have healthy desserts, such as their sweet potato brownies! With three locations in the city of Florence, you’ll never be too far from Base V’s delicious and nutritious selection.

A partial view of Tijuana Mexican restaurant on Via Ghibellina

Number 3: Tijuana

Good Mexican food is very hard to come by in Italy, but Tijuana is as close to the states’ quality as you can find! They have two Florence locations, one in San Giovanni and another in Santa Maria Novella (my personal favorite is the San Giovanni—you can’t beat those curved brick ceilings!). Tijuana has a wide selection of classic Mexican dishes, including Vegan and Vegetarian varieties. All of the decor in the restaurant was hand-picked and shipped from Mexico, so authenticity is prioritized!

Number 2: OY-pho/fastfood

Don’t let the title of “fast food” fool you; this place is pure quality! OY offers pho, ramen, dumplings, and more at bargain prices. Traditionally, Italian restaurants prioritize the dining experience over efficiency, which is lovely, but OY’s speedy service is a breath of fresh air for an American on the go. The restaurant is located near the Santa Maria Novella train station, so OY’s warm, delicious food is the perfect meal after a long journey.

Number 1: 1950 American Diner

Placing any other restaurant at number one would be downright disrespectful. With their cushy red booths, checkered floors, and neon lighting, 1950 American Diner is exactly what it says on the tin. Their burgers, of course, are to die for (I’m particularly partial to the Bacon Cheeseburger), and they serve the best onion rings I’ve ever had—in or outside the states. Beyond that, their menu offers plenty, including sandwiches, Mexican-style plates, and extravagant desserts and milkshakes. Located practically in the heart of Florence, this diner will have you nostalgic not only for the bygone era of the ’50s but for your stateside home.

Written by: Jackie, Fall 2024 Florence student, from Belmont University