Spring in Florence: Perfect Picnics & the Best Local Eats

As the Tuscan countryside awakens in spring, what better way to enjoy the season than with a delightful outdoor picnic? Florence offers a wealth of charming markets and exceptional delicatessens brimming with quality, fresh produce to create a truly authentic and delicious lunch that tells the story of the city's rich gastronomic tradition. Here are some of the best spots to gather your picnic treasures.

Iconic Markets for Freshness & Local Flavors

 

• San Lorenzo Market: One of Florence's oldest and most famous markets, located in the heart of the historic center.

  • Covered Section: A haven for fresh ingredients, offering a wide selection of butchers, delicatessens (featuring typical Tuscan cured meats like finocchiona and Cinta Senese salami), cheese shops (with local pecorino and caciocavallo), olive oils, preserves, honey, artisanal pasta, and excellent Tuscan wines. Don't hesitate to ask for a taste before you buy! Experience Florence's Vibrant Markets & Learn to Cook Like a Local! Join a MaMa Florence Market Tour & Cooking Class.
  • Perfect for: A comprehensive selection of fresh, genuine ingredients to create a classic Florentine picnic.

• Sant'Ambrogio Market: A historic market in the Oltrarno district, loved by locals for its authentic and less touristy atmosphere.

  • Covered Section: Discover stalls overflowing with seasonal local fruits and vegetables (from beefsteak tomatoes to asparagus), plus excellent delicatessens and butchers selling Tuscan specialties like finocchiona, porchetta, and salami. You'll also find fresh and aged cheeses (including pecorino and ricotta), artisanal bread, high-quality olive oil, honey, and homemade sauces.
  • Perfect for: A truly traditional and flavorful picnic with a strong local touch.

Gourmet Delicatessens for Exquisite Treats

 

• Pegna: A historic Florentine institution since 1860, offering a refined selection of high-quality Italian gastronomy. Expect a curated range of Italian cured meats (like Parma ham and wild boar salami), Tuscan and Italian cheeses, artisanal pasta, honey, homemade preserves, and fine Italian wines. They also offer ready-made delicacies for a luxurious no-fuss picnic. The elegant atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it a special experience.

  • Perfect for: A sophisticated and gourmet picnic experience with unique and high-quality flavors.

• Eataly Florence: A vast temple dedicated to Italian food excellence, featuring a huge selection of cured meats, cheeses from across Italy (including Tuscan specialties), fresh and dried pasta, olive oils, honey, and a wide array of Italian wines. They also have a great selection of ready-made meals and organic products, perfect for a convenient and high-quality picnic.

  • Perfect for: A wide variety of high-quality regional Italian specialties and convenient ready-to-eat options for a diverse picnic.

• C.BIO: Located in the Sant'Ambrogio area, this delicatessen focuses on the best of Florentine gastronomic tradition with a commitment to local and fresh products. Find a wonderful selection of fresh and aged cheeses, fine cured meats (like Cinta Senese prosciutto and finocchiona), fresh homemade pasta, high-quality olive oil, artisanal jams, and delicious ready-made Florentine dishes like liver crostini.

  • Perfect for: A refined and authentic picnic showcasing the best fresh, genuine, and quality ingredients of the Florentine tradition.

Want to Learn More?

To truly immerse yourself in the art of Tuscan cuisine, consider a class or tour at MaMa Florence Cooking School. You'll learn to prepare traditional Florentine dishes using the same fresh, local ingredients you can find in these wonderful markets!

So, as the weather warms and the flowers bloom, embrace the joy of a Tuscan picnic. Explore these fantastic locations, gather your favorite treats, and find a picturesque spot in the countryside for a truly unforgettable spring experience!