As you wander the storied streets of Florence, past grand palazzi and elegant boutiques, you may find yourself drawn not by Renaissance architecture — but by an irresistible aroma wafting from a humble street cart. This is the scent of trippa and lampredotto, two pillars of Tuscan street food, steeped in tradition, simplicity, and soul.
A taste of history
Florence has always known how to elevate the essential. Rooted in the tradition of ‘cucina povera’ (poor cuisine), both trippa and lampredotto are masterclasses in making the most of every ingredient. These dishes, made from different parts of beef stomach, were once the food of the working class — yet today, they are celebrated symbols of Florentine identity.
Trippa alla fiorentina is typically stewed in a rich tomato sauce with onions, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, until it becomes tender and full of flavor. It’s served on a plate or tucked into a roll, often sprinkled with Parmigiano and enjoyed standing at a trippaio cart in the open air — just as Florentines have done for generations.
Lampredotto, on the other hand, is the most beloved of all Florentine street foods. Named after the lamprey eel it vaguely resembles in appearance, lampredotto is the fourth and final stomach of the cow. It’s slow-cooked in a seasoned broth until meltingly soft, then sliced and served in a crusty bun, topped with ‘salsa verde’ and, for those who dare, a little spicy red sauce. For an extra authentic touch, the top half of the bun is often dipped in the savory broth — bagnato, as locals say.
Where to find it
The best places to savor these Florentine treasures are the city’s historic trippai — street food vendors who have preserved this culinary heritage for decades. Some of the most famous stands include those in Piazza de’ Cimatori, Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, and near Porcellino Market, where tradition lives on with every bite.
You’ll find both tourists and locals gathered around, bonding over a shared love of these earthy, flavorful dishes that speak volumes about Florence’s past and present.
More than street food, a cultural experience
Trippa and lampredotto are not merely meals — they are a living, breathing part of the city’s rhythm. They tell a story of ingenuity, resilience, and deep respect for ingredients. They are the kind of food that doesn’t need refinement, because its power lies in authenticity.
In a city that has shaped the world’s greatest artists and thinkers, even its street food is crafted with care, heritage, and heart.
At Antica Torre Tornabuoni, we invite our guests to discover Florence in all its dimensions — not just through its monuments and masterpieces, but through its flavors. We’re always delighted to guide our guests toward the best trippai in town, for a genuine taste of Florentine life that no guidebook can replicate.
Whether you’re enjoying the view from our panoramic terrace or exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, know that Florence’s culinary soul is never far — it may just be wrapped in paper, dripping with sauce, and served with a smile.
Hungry for more local secrets? Follow our blog as we continue to celebrate the flavors, stories, and traditions that make Florence truly unforgettable.