As every other student who studies abroad, I constantly reminisce on the memories I have from my time in Florence, Italy. The entire semester was spent traveling to other towns and countries, visiting museums, and of course eating the best food I’ve ever had. Although all these aspects are what create such a memorable experience, doing these activities definitely puts a dent in every student’s budget. Florence remains one of the top study abroad destinations for students both at UT and many other universities. While bouncing around from class to museums to the Piazza Michaelangelo, students also look to find local and inexpensive places that offer the best food for reasonable prices. The following places hold a special place in my heart (and my stomach), and I can promise no one will regret dropping just a few euros for the amazing food.
- All’Antico Vinaio
Located on Via dei Neri, this sandwich shop is one of the most well-known in the city. It was started by the Mazzanti family in 1991, and has become a go-to for locals and visitors alike (“Taste the World”). All of the sandwiches include ingredients that are local to Tuscany, guaranteeing freshness every time. My favorite, “La Favolosa”, is one of their most famous items. This oversized panini includes artichoke spread, pecorino cheese, eggplant, and salami. Because I lived only a street away from All’Antico Vinaio, it became my favorite stop on my way home from class or on the way to a museum tour. Located behind the famous Uffici Gallery and not far from the Duomo, it is one of Florence’s most popular and most liked panini shops. All paninis are well portioned and around just €5.
Picture Credit: Jennah Hebert
Source: http://tastetheworld.vista03.net/firenze-allantico-vinaio
2. Salumeria Verdi-Pino’s Sandwiches
I first heard about Pino’s before I even arrived in Florence. Many friends told me it was one of those places I had to try, and would inevitably fall in love with. It is usually flooded with study abroad students as Pino, the owner, makes you feel like family every time you walk in the door. Although his sandwiches are everyone’s favorite, the menu also includes pasta and a plethora of fried Italian food. Located on Via Guiseppe Verdi, it is very close the Santa Croce square and walking distance to the Duomo. Most importantly, this is an affordable stop for every student. Every meal ranges from €5-€10.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/pinossandwiches/about/?ref=page_internal
3. La Manegerie
This stop was also one of my favorites while studying in Florence. Tucked away on one of the side streets, La Menagerie is an equivalent to Tampa’s Oxford Exchange. Once a store that sold vintage home décor, this trendy café opened just a few years ago that now includes gourmet coffee, food, décor, and beautiful flowers (“New and Noteworthy Restaurants in Florence”). Most restaurants and cafés scorn students for taking up precious space to study for extended periods of time, partly because eating and drinking is considered an experience in Italy. If you weren’t there to eat a full course meal with many friends, then you’d better leave. Contrary to this cultural attitude, La Menagerie provides an environment that is perfect for students. The friendly staff welcomed our business as we wandered in there after class to do homework and socialize, just as we would do at a Starbucks here in the U.S. Despite the Americanized social attitudes of this café, the food and drinks are pure Italian. You wouldn’t spend more than €10 on coffee and a pastry or a salad. La Menagerie allows a local Italian experience on a traveling student’s budget.
Picture Credit: Jennah Hebert
Source: http://www.lamenagere.it/bistrot/ ; http://girlinflorence.com/2015/06/25/new-noteworthy-restaurants-in-florence/
4. Gusta Pizza
Although you can get pizza almost anywhere in Italy, it is best to go to a local place where they know how to put fresh and local ingredients to their best use. Additionally, you shouldn’t be paying more than €10 on a pizza, and it should definitely be worth your money. Gusta Pizza is another favorite in Florence that is loved by both locals and students. At a budget-friendly price, they hand make their dough and cook it in a wood-fired stone oven (“Gusta Pizza”). With only a selection of five different kinds of pizza, they are able to perfect each one. Gusta Pizza is located on the other side of the river, but worth the walk every time.
Picture Credit: Jennah Hebert
Sources: http://allafiorentina.com/florence/gusta-pizza/#.WmkuPa2ZOSM
5. Paninoteca Firenze: The Oil Shoppe
As much as I loved all the Italian food while abroad, sometimes I missed the simple American dishes that were hard to find. The Oil Shoppe was originally an oil and wine store until 2001, and then became a restaurant devoted to serving American dishes with Italian food products. Everything is made with local ingredients. Salads, bowls, smoothies, and burgers are just a few of the items that us study abroad students missed. However, they still incorporate homemade Italian sauces and concepts in their food. The staff also place an importance on the freshness of the ingredients, and strive to make American dishes a healthier choice. As another hub for study abroad students and locals, The Oil Shoppe is a cheap option to get your fill of Americanized food while visiting in Florence. Expect to spend €10 or less here.
Allie Spurrier 