Experts' Choice Award Mercato Centrale
What the experts agree on
Florence's iconic 1874 iron-and-glass market hall bursts with regional Italian foods and produce in a lively, sensory-rich atmosphere. It's chaotic and aromatic, but essential for foodies hunting authentic Tuscan ingredients and affordable local
“This lively, sprawling street market is an obligatory stop for anyone in search of cheap and cheerful fashion accessories and gifts.”
– Travel + Leisure
Fodor's "Some of the food at this huge, two-story market hall is remarkably exotic." Full review
Lonely Planet "Housed in a 19th-century iron-and-glass structure, Florence's oldest and largest food market is noisy, smelly and full of wonderful fresh produce to cook and eat." Full review
Fodor's "The two interiors are similar in design and effect. San Lorenzo, however, has a grid of dark, inlaid marble lines on the floor, which considerably heightens the dramatic effect. " Full review
Afar Magazine "Tuscany is an area with a deep connection to its land—the crops that grow here, from fruit and vegetables to olives and wine grapes, are central to Tuscan food." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "At this lively market in San Lorenzo, the range of gustatory delights—the best Italian regional foods—is nothing short of eye-popping." Full review
i
Choose from fresh mozzarella made in-house, fried fish and seafood, hamburgers, fresh truffles (best on thin buttery taglierini pasta), traditional lampredotto (cow’s intestines), fabulous pizza, sushi, fresh pasta, barbecued meats, and a fantastic range of cheeses.
U.S. News & World Report6.0
"Located in an iron-and-glass building designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni in 1874, the Mercato Centrale Firenze is a great place to browse and stock up on tasty Italian foods" Full review
National Geographic "Even if you're not in the market for, say, tripe or pig ears, the imposing central market in Piazza del Mercato Centrale (Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.)—obscured by the San Lorenzo..."
Rough Guide "Head to Mercato Centrale, Florence’s bustling food market where locals have been shopping since 1874"
Rough Guide "If you're in search of a unique gastronomic experience - head to Mercato Centrale, Florence's central market. Here you can not only buy fresh produce, regional specialities and..."
Lonely Planet "The streets of the San Lorenzo neighborhood, where you'll find the historic leather market and the covered Mercato Centrale, are typically some of the busiest in Florence"
