Child-Friendly Restaurants in Florence
Eating out in Florence with children is generally relaxed and easy. Italian culture is genuinely welcoming toward families with young children, and most restaurants in the city are accustomed to accommodating them.
That said, not every restaurant in the tourist centre is equally suited to families. Knowing what to look for and which neighbourhoods to prioritise makes a significant difference.
Child-friendly restaurants in Florence
A child-friendly restaurant in Florence is not one that has a dedicated children’s menu with chicken nuggets. It is one where children are made to feel welcome, where the pace is relaxed, where noise levels are tolerated, and where the food is simple enough for younger palates.
Trattorias and pizzerias are the most family-compatible options. They tend to be informal, noisy, and priced reasonably. Fine dining restaurants in Florence are generally not suitable for families with young children.
Look for restaurants that have outdoor seating. Eating outside gives children more freedom to move without disturbing other diners, and the atmosphere is more forgiving.
What to look for
Check whether the restaurant has highchairs before you commit. Most trattorias have at least two. If you are travelling with a child under 2, call ahead and confirm.
Look at the table layout. Narrow rooms with closely packed tables are difficult to navigate with a pushchair and leave no space for children to move. Opt for restaurants with more open floor plans or garden spaces.
Ask whether the kitchen can prepare simple dishes for children. In almost every Italian trattoria, a plain pasta with butter, a margherita pizza, or a grilled chicken breast are dishes that any kitchen can make even if they are not on the menu. Staff generally do this without complaint.
Avoid restaurants that seat you at long shared benches with strangers if you have young children who tend to disturb neighbours.
Neighbourhoods with the most choice
The Oltrarno neighbourhood, south of the Arno river, has the highest concentration of genuine neighbourhood trattorias in Florence. The streets around Santo Spirito and Via dei Serragli are lined with affordable and informal places that see local families as often as tourists.
San Lorenzo, just north of the Duomo, has a strong mix of pizzerias and trattorie along Via Sant’Antonino and Via Rosina. The covered Mercato Centrale upstairs food hall is an excellent option for families who want flexibility, as each adult can choose a different stall while children eat pizza or pasta.
Santa Croce has a wide selection around Via dei Neri and Piazza dei Ciompi. It can be touristy along the main routes, but the parallel streets offer much better value.
The neighbourhood around Santa Maria Novella station has many options, but the density of tourist-trap restaurants is higher. Choose carefully and check reviews before sitting down.
Suitable pizzerias and trattorias
Trattoria Mario on Via Rosina, near the Mercato Centrale, is one of the most famous family-style restaurants in Florence. It is open for lunch only, Monday to Saturday. Diners share tables. A full meal costs around 12 to 15 euros per person. It is noisy, busy, and children feel completely at home.
Pizzeria Il Latini on Via dei Palchetti is large and communal. Tables are shared and the atmosphere is lively. Pizza ranges from 9 to 14 euros. It fills up quickly, so arrive before 19:30 or expect a wait.
Buca Mario on Piazza Ottaviani is one of Florence’s oldest restaurants, dating back to 1886. It has a family-friendly atmosphere and serves traditional Florentine dishes. Expect to pay 60 to 80 euros for two adults and two children for a full dinner.
Trattoria Sostanza on Via del Porcellana is legendary for its butter pasta and T-bone steak. It is casual and welcoming. A full dinner for four costs around 70 to 90 euros.
Average prices for a family dinner
A pizza evening for two adults and two children, including soft drinks and a starter, costs approximately 50 to 65 euros at a mid-range pizzeria.
A trattoria dinner for the same group, with pasta, a main course, and house wine for adults, typically runs between 65 and 85 euros.
A quick meal at the Mercato Centrale upstairs hall costs around 35 to 45 euros for four, with each person choosing their own dish from different vendors.
Avoid tourist-menu restaurants near the Uffizi and the Duomo. These offer poor quality at high prices. Walk one or two streets away from the main attractions and the quality improves significantly.
Where to stay
Charlotte is a family-friendly guesthouse in Florence, and the team are always happy to recommend their favourite local restaurants for families. You get honest, practical suggestions based on the ages of your children and where you are in the city.
