Florence: Evening Food Tour with Steak & Tuscan Wine Tastings

Summary

Evening strolls, Florentine steak and wine pairings in Oltrarno

You’ll wander Florence’s lively streets at dusk with a local guide, tasting everything from peppery meats on Via dei Neri to rare Florentine steak paired with Tuscan wine in Oltrarno. Expect laughter over mispronounced Italian and stories behind every bite—including artisan gelato to end your night sweetly. It’s less about checking boxes and more about feeling part of Florence for an evening.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not leaving until you try the real bistecca,” our guide Marco grinned as we squeezed past a Vespa parked half on the curb. We’d just started the Florence evening food tour in Piazza della Signoria—still buzzing even after sunset, with a violinist echoing off the old stones. I caught a whiff of truffle oil from somewhere nearby, or maybe it was just my imagination running wild. Marco pointed out the fake David (I mean, it’s still impressive) before leading us toward a tiny wine window—Buchetta del vino. He handed me a glass through the little opening and explained how Michelangelo might’ve done the same centuries ago. I probably looked like a tourist but honestly didn’t care.

Via dei Neri was next—honestly, I could live there for the sandwiches alone. We crammed into this panino shop where locals were already halfway through their aperitivo. The meats were peppery and sharper than I expected; Marco said that’s typical here, “more spezziato.” I tried to say it back and he laughed—my accent is hopeless. We sampled pappa al pomodoro (I’m still craving that thick tomato bread soup) and some sort of paté that surprised me with how earthy it tasted. The main keyword here is Florence evening food tour, but what sticks is how everyone seemed to know each other or at least acted like they did.

Ponte Vecchio glowed gold in the lamplight as we crossed to Oltrarno—the air cooler by the river but still carrying hints of roasted meat from somewhere ahead. Dinner was in this trattoria that felt like someone’s living room: mismatched chairs, loud chatter, plates clattering. They brought out Florentine steak—rare, thick-cut—and potatoes so crispy you could hear them crunch when someone bit down nearby. The wine pairing made everything taste rounder somehow (I don’t know if that makes sense). Gelato came last—a scoop of pistachio so creamy I almost forgot to take a photo before eating it.

By the time we ended at Piazza Santo Spirito, my feet hurt but in that good way you get after wandering all night. Marco gave us more tips for tomorrow—where to find coffee without being overcharged, which bakeries open early. I left feeling full (obviously), but also kind of connected to Florence in this small way. Sometimes food tours feel staged; this one just felt like hanging out with friends who actually live here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence evening food and wine tour

• Begin at Piazza della Signoria
• Visit Buchetta del vino for snack
• Stop at Via dei Neri for aperitivo
• Cross Ponte Vecchio to Oltrarno
• Enjoy wine and handmade raviolo
• Savor Florentine steak dinner
• Have artisan gelato treat
• End at Piazza Santo Spirito

Top questions

How long does the Florence evening food tour last?

The tour typically lasts several hours during the evening, including multiple stops for tastings and dinner.

Is dinner included on this Florence food tour?

Yes, a sit-down dinner featuring Florentine steak and sides is included as part of the experience.

Are drinks or wine tastings part of the tour?

Yes, several wine tastings are included along with other local beverages throughout the evening.

Does this Florence food tour include gelato?

Yes, you'll finish with artisan gelato from an authentic gelateria.

Where does the Florence evening food tour start?

The tour begins at Piazza della Signoria in central Florence.

How many people are on each group?

The group size is small and intimate—no more than 12 participants per tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at the starting point near Piazza della Signoria.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

You should advise specific dietary requirements when booking; some allergies may not be accommodated due to venue limitations.

What’s included

Your evening includes 14 tastings across five delicious stops: snacks from a historic wine window, aperitivo with local meats and cheeses on Via dei Neri, handmade raviolo paired with Tuscan wine, a sit-down dinner featuring rare Florentine steak with roasted potatoes and more local wine in Oltrarno, plus artisan gelato to finish—all led by an English-speaking foodie guide in a small group setting.