Trattoria Ruggero is just outside the city’s walls beyond Porta Romana. So while it might be a little bit of a walk (it’s roughly 20 minutes from the Ponte Vecchio), it’s worth checking out this rustic Tuscan restaurant where locals have been loudly clinking glasses of wine and shouting over each other for over 40 years. The handwritten menus can be slightly hard to read, so let us be of assistance: start with some classic earthy Tuscan liver pate, tack on an order of carrattiera spicy tomato pasta, and follow it all up with the arista, a huge plate of slow-roasted pork loin with seasonal vegetables.

For an authentic, family-run trattoria serving textbook versions of traditional Florentine dishes, this small, wood-pannelled trattoria south of Porta Romana is one of the best choices. Usually full of locals (it’s far enough from the city centre to deter all but the most dedicated tourists), Da Ruggero specialises in classics such as ribollita (bread-based vegetable and bean soup), ossobuco and garlic and rosemary-spiked arista, or roast pork. In spring there will be risotto with asparagus maybe.

Family-run Ruggero is a bit of a hike from the centre of town, but in my mind, it is the best traditional trattoria in Florence, so worth the effort. You can expect textbook versions of Florentine classics from ribollita (a hearty bean-and-bread-based vegetable soup) to arista al forno (rosemary and garlic-spiked roast loin of pork), and an authentic, friendly atmosphere.

It may look modest, but Da Ruggero serves some of the best traditional food in town. The menu is stocked with perfectly prepared Florentine classics with the odd seasonal variation. The hand-written menu offers the likes of liver-topped crostini and platters of Tuscan salami, hearty soups like the bread- and cabbage-based ribollita, pasta with truffles or porcini mushrooms (depending on the season), and grilled salsicce (spicy sausages) with white beans.

Trattoria Ruggero — Quite off the radar but a true local favorite, the decor stuck in the 70’s, the menu handwritten, the food solid, filling, simple, Tuscan. We keep going back for the nostalgic feel of a Sunday lunch di altri tempi (of other times) and for the pork arista, thick, hot, juicy, roasted and greasy to the right point… makes the hike worthwhile.

If you don’t mind a 25-30 minute walk from Ponte Vecchio, I highly recommend lunch or dinner at Traditional Tuscan and family run “Da Ruggero” on Via Senese 89/r. Here you’ll find local Italian staples like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, ossobuco, pollo fritto, and delicious pasta dishes (I love the pici) Open Thurs-Mon 12:30-2:30pm, 7:30-10pm.

Founded in 1974, Trattoria da Ruggero is a hidden gem outside the tourist center. The menu offers a selection of authentic Tuscan dishes, such as wild boar stew, pappardelle with hare sauce, and fagioli all’uccelletto. The atmosphere is family-friendly and welcoming, with attentive and friendly service.

Trattoria Ruggero – One of my most memorable meals in Florence. It’s a bit out of the way – you’ll need to take a taxi or be ready for a long walk from the center – but it’s worth it. This true Tuscan restaurant feels warm and cozy, with a hearty menu full of classic dishes.

Trattoria da Ruggero Renowned for their chicken liver crostini but I quite enjoy their red sauce spaghetti (alla carratiera) and meat & potato type offerings. Can’t go wrong with the entire menu imo. Maybe anything seafood I’d avoid.

Address: Porta Romana, Via Senese, 89/R (click for Google maps). Neighbourhood: Oltrarno. Super good traditional trattoria tucked away in Via Senese, with a changing menu.

Outside the center, this trattoria has been a “classic” for Florentines for over 50 years. Spaghetti alla carrettiera and roast pork loin, if one is undecided.