New digital guide maps 37 independent food and drink spots in Florence

A new English-language digital guide is offering a different perspective on Florence’s food scene, focusing on independently selected cafés, restaurants, wine bars and gelato shops rather than the city’s best-known attractions. Florence Hidden Gems, released this week, was written by Ilana Vernovsky, a Chicago-born master’s student who has been living in Florence since returning to the city in 2025.

The publication lists 37 venues across eight categories, from breakfast cafés and brunch spots to pizza, aperitivo and dinner destinations. Instead of aiming to provide a comprehensive guide to Florence, it presents a personal selection based on places the author came to know while studying and living in the city.

The project reflects a growing demand for English-language resources designed for international students, expatriates and longer-term visitors looking to explore neighbourhood businesses beyond the city’s main tourist routes. Many of the featured venues are small independent businesses spread across different parts of Florence rather than concentrated around its most visited landmarks.

The guide was presented during a launch event held on 1 July at B-Roof, the rooftop restaurant of the Grand Hotel Baglioni, attended by members of Florence’s international community and local food professionals.

Florence Hidden Gems is published by The Tasty Guide, the English-language branch of the Italian food publication Il Forchettiere, which focuses on Italian food and culture for an international audience.

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