Seafood restaurants in Florence for an authentic taste of the sea
Gourmet spots and historic addresses for fresh coastal flavours
Look beyond traditional Florentine cuisine and dive into the city’s seafood scene. In Florence, gourmet addresses and historic institutions bring back coastal flavours even on winter evenings, evoking summer spots where you enjoyed memorable fritto misto. Without heading to the Versilia coast, you can tuck into rich spaghetti allo scoglio, fresh tuna or salmon tartare, or gratinée scallops paired with a chilled glass of white wine.
From trendy and casual spots to elegant dining rooms and raw bars, here is our pick of the best seafood restaurants in Florence for an authentic taste of the sea.
Fuor d’Acqua
Via Pisana, 27/r
Steps from Porta San Frediano, Fuor d’acqua is one of the most established names for seafood in the heart of Florence. Opened in 2000 in a former carriage house, the room retains classic Tuscan architectural details and offers an alternative to the city’s meat-heavy tradition. Fresh catch arrives daily from the port of Viareggio, expertly prepared and served in a warm yet refined setting. Expect rockfish, mantis shrimp and langoustines across generous dishes, including the raw and cooked starters and the paccheri alla trabaccolara, best paired with a bottle from the well-stocked cellar.
Da Settimo
Via del Barco, 21
For a reliable coastal meal in town, Da Settimo is a classic choice. Founded in 1975, this historic restaurant receives fresh daily catch every morning. The kitchen focuses on traditional Mediterranean cooking, turning prime fish into tartares, crisp fried platters and Catalan-style shellfish. A special nod goes to the multi-course antipasto, served in the traditional style of classic Viareggio seafood houses.
Il Vecchio e il Mare
Via Vincenzo Gioberti, 61n
Tucked away in the Nove Botteghe courtyard along Via Gioberti, Il Vecchio e il Mare brings vibrant coastal flavours to Florence. Pasquale and his father Gaetano focus entirely on fresh fish, with pasta dishes taking centre stage: paccheri with swordfish, fresh tagliatelle with prawns and porcini mushrooms, or spaghetti with sardines. Every dish reflects the daily and seasonal market catch.
Acquapazza
Via Cosimo Ridolfi, 4r
Sophisticated and elegant, Acquapazza is one of Florence’s most refined seafood destinations. Chef Filippo Germasi delivers straightforward cooking with meticulous care: house-made bread and pasta, seasonal vegetables and carefully sourced fish presented with flair. Don’t miss the signature crudo platter, featuring the freshest catch from Mediterranean waters.
La Cucina di Pescepane
Via Giosuè Carducci, 13r
La cucina di Pescepane set down roots in Sant’Ambrogio after years running its recognisable sea-green food trucks across Florence, bringing along its tasty seafood street food. The concept keeps things casual, flexible and social: guests tick off their own order sheets from a focused menu cooked to order. Highlights include crisp fried seafood and flavourful fish burgers.
Il Cestello Ristoclub
Piazza di Cestello
Set on Piazza di Cestello in the heart of Florence, Il Cestello Ristoclub brought a fresh dining concept to the city. The venue houses an in-house fishmonger counter where guests can choose their favourite catch to take home or have the kitchen prepare it on the spot. Alongside the restaurant, Il Cestello features a late-night lounge area ideal for an aperitivo or an after-dinner drink.
Vivo – dal mare alla padella
Largo Pietro Annigoni, 9A/B
Vivo – Dal mare alla padella does exactly what its name suggests. Inspired by French bistros, the Manno family has worked in the fish trade since 1904. Daily catch heads straight from morning auctions to the kitchen in Largo Pietro Annigoni near Piazza Sant’Ambrogio. Each menu includes a tracking code so diners can check the origin of their meal. Freshness, traceability and simple recipes define the menu, with abundant raw platters among the favourites.
Burro e Acciughe
Via dell’Orto, 35/R
In the narrow streets of San Frediano, Burro e Acciughe makes anchovies its signature dish. Sourced from the Cantabrian Sea, they are cleaned and preserved in oil in-house, then served on warm bread with French butter or fried with sage. Anchovies also appear across pasta dishes, alongside octopus lampredotto with green sauce, crisp fritto misto, fresh daily fish, and stewed salt cod with potatoes.
Calino
Piazza delle Cure, 3/a
Straight from Scandicci, Tommaso Cintolesi arrived in Piazza delle Cure a few years ago with his Trattoria Calino, a restaurant that feels like home, where the star is so-called ‘pesce povero‘, the foundation of several traditional recipes. Here, you can enjoy scabbardfish, red mullet and mackerel, but the menu changes daily, handwritten on the blackboard according to the catch available directly from the Tuscan coast. Every dish showcases the chef’s flair, making even the simplest plate appealing to both eye and palate. A homely setting, a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and an excellent dinner make Calino one of the top recommendations for seafood lovers in the city.
