A famous rustic trattoria at Piazza del Mercato Centrale 26R, with brick walls, long wooden tables, and a menu built around Florentine classics including bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and homemade pasta. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Trattoria Za Za is a well-known rustic trattoria on Piazza del Mercato Centrale, the square outside Florence's historic central market in the San Lorenzo district. The dining room is a classic Florentine trattoria interior — brick walls, terracotta floors, long wooden tables, and a convivial, slightly noisy atmosphere that suits the hearty food. The menu centres on Florentine cooking: bistecca alla fiorentina (grilled Chianina T-bone, charged per 100 grams and sized for two), ribollita (the bread and vegetable soup cooked twice), pappa al pomodoro (thick tomato and bread soup), and a range of homemade pastas. Truffle carbonara and gamberi (prawn) pasta are popular departures from the purely Florentine canon. The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious, with the restaurant equally popular among local office workers at lunch and tourists at dinner. Phone: +39 055 215411.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon-Sun 11AM-11PM |
| Reservations | Recommended for dinner |
| Address | Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy |
Signature dishes
- Bistecca alla fiorentina
- Ribollita
- Pappa al pomodoro
- Homemade pasta with walnut sauce
Good to know
- Known for
- Bistecca alla fiorentina and Florentine soup classics
Weather through the year in Italy
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Italy.
Location
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
43.7754, 11.2523 View on map
Highlights
- Classic Florentine trattoria interior — brick walls, terracotta floors, long wooden tables
- Bistecca alla fiorentina (Chianina T-bone grilled over charcoal, priced by 100g, ideal for sharing)
- Ribollita and pappa al pomodoro — the two defining Florentine soup dishes executed traditionally
- Homemade pasta options including walnut sauce and truffle carbonara
- Open every day for both lunch and dinner — practical for flexible schedules
Tips for visiting
- The bistecca is sized for two people — order one steak between a pair as a shared main
- Arrive before 12:30PM for lunch or before 7:30PM for dinner to avoid the longest waits
- The outdoor terrace on the piazza is pleasant in spring and autumn — request it when booking
When to visit
Lunch on a weekday is the most practical experience with shorter waits. Dinner at the weekend is lively but busy; reservations strongly advised.
Accessibility
The trattoria entrance is at street level. The interior has some steps between dining levels; contact the restaurant in advance if mobility is a concern.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation at Za Za?
Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially from Thursday through Saturday. Lunch is generally more flexible. Call +39 055 215411.
What is the price range?
A meal including bistecca, wine, and dessert typically costs EUR 30-70 (~$33-76) per person. The bistecca is charged by weight — around EUR 5-7 (~$5-8) per 100g.
Is Za Za vegetarian-friendly?
The menu includes soups, pasta, and vegetable sides that work for vegetarians, though the focus is firmly on meat and traditional Florentine dishes.