Playing a starring role in the city’s markets – especially Mercato Centrale and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio – and specialist delis, street food in Florence is the direct descendant of working-class cuisine, which makes it truly authentic.

It’s no accident that in February Florence inaugurates Taste, the Pitti Immagine fair devoted to culinary excellence; it’s a key event for connoisseurs, who have the opportunity to sample the very best of Italian food and wine, attend masterclasses, presentations and gatherings, as well as enjoying the parties and other events happening all over the city thanks to Fuori di Taste.

PANINI AND SCHIACCIATA
The panino is one of Florence’s top street food cults. Gourmet versions can be found at specialist panino boutiques Semel, in the Sant’Ambrogio neighbourhood, and Ino, a stone’s throw from the Uffizi; or try the legendary truffle panini at Procacci 1885 in elegant Via de’ Tornabuoni.

Naturally, they should all be accompanied by a nice glass of red, and the same goes for schiacciata, which is equally delicious crisp, soft, just with olive oil or filled. The most popular include those from All’Antico Vinaio, which has three shops in Florence, and Budellino, a trattoria that also serves hot dishes.

LAMPREDOTTO
Prepared in steamy food trucks dotted around the city centre, lampredotto has to be the king of street food in Florence. Beef tripe is served in a bread roll, slathered in its cooking sauce. Tradition demands seasoning with salt, pepper and a zingy green sauce, but it’s up to you. Historic purveyors include Il Trippaio del Porcellino, Tripperia Pollini and, in Oltrarno, I’Trippaio di San Frediano.

ICE-CREAM
Not many people know this, but modern gelato was born right here in Florence. More unexpectedly still, its inventor was an architect, Bernardo Buontalenti, and the occasion was a banquet at the Medici court. So in this city gelato reigns supreme; unmissable addresses include Vivoli – the oldest of all –, Badiani, Gelateria della Passera and La Carraia.