Florence is a city that practically screams for food lovers. Its streets are lined with trattorias, markets, and cafes that serve up the soul of Tuscany. But beyond just eating in Florence, you can dive into it through immersive experiences like small-group wine safaris in Chianti or hands-on Tuscan cooking classes that turn visitors into chefs. Whether you’re craving a rich glass of Chianti, a lively pasta-making session, or an operatic night, Florence offers options that go well beyond just the plate.
For those who want a taste of Tuscany’s legendary food and wine, options like the Tuscany Wine Tasting Safaris and From Florence: Wine Tasting and Dinner in Chianti Vineyards provide scenic, small-group adventures. Meanwhile, foodies who prefer cooking can choose from a variety of classes, including hands-on pasta making and authentic Tuscan dishes. For a musical twist, you can enjoy a pizza dinner with opera or a ‘Three Tenors’ concert after your meal.
Below, we’ve rounded up the top 15 dining experiences, each offering a unique taste of Florence and Tuscany. From intimate cooking classes to vineyard tours, these options balance authentic flavor, engaging activities, and memorable atmospheres.
1. SMALL GROUP Tuscany Wine Tasting Safaris with Lunch / Dinner
At number 1, this small-group Tuscany wine safari is a standout for its combination of scenic drives, personalized service, and in-depth tastings. Departing from Florence, it takes you through Chianti in a 4WD vehicle, offering intimate insights into the region’s famous reds. You’ll visit one or two historic wineries, where expert guides walk you through the wine-making process and help you sample regional varieties. The tour includes a gourmet Tuscan meal—featuring farm-fresh ingredients paired with local wines—making it perfect for wine connoisseurs or those eager to explore Tuscany’s landscape and flavors in one go. The panoramic views and photo opportunities along the way elevate the experience. With a 4.9/5 rating from 320 reviews, this tour delivers a memorable day for wine lovers seeking an authentic, relaxed adventure.
Bottom Line: For a personalized, scenic, and delicious introduction to Chianti, this safari is hard to beat.
2. Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner in Florence
Number 2 on our list is the Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner, a great choice for foodies who want to get hands-on in Florence’s culinary scene. Set inside a historic palace in the city center, this class guides you through creating a four-course meal with an expert instructor. You’ll learn to make pasta, chicken stew, and tiramisu—classic Tuscan dishes that you’ll enjoy for dinner, paired with local wine. The class lasts about four hours, and with over 730 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it’s a popular and well-loved experience. Many guests appreciate the personal attention and the recipe booklet to recreate dishes at home.
Bottom Line: This class offers a perfect mix of learning, authentic food, and a convivial atmosphere—ideal for those who want a true taste of Tuscany in Florence.
3. The Cooking Lab – Authentic Food Experience
A small but mighty favorite, The Cooking Lab earned a perfect 5-star rating from 104 reviews. Here, you’ll meet a Florentine chef in his home and learn how to make pasta and other Italian classics from scratch. The class focuses on simplicity and tradition—making pasta like fettuccine, gnocchi, or ravioli, plus antipasti and tiramisu, all under the guidance of a passionate local. After cooking, you sit down to enjoy your homemade meal with wine, making it a warm, intimate experience. Guests rave about Luca’s knowledge and his welcoming attitude, often noting they leave feeling confident to cook Italian dishes back home.
Bottom Line: For a genuine, home-cooked Italian experience that emphasizes skill-building, this tour is fantastic.
4. Florence: Pasta-Making Class with Dinner, Wine and… SING!
Number 4 is definitely the most lively—Pasta-making with singing in Florence combines cooking, fun, and music. This 3-hour session invites you to make fresh pasta from scratch with a local chef, then enjoy your creation with sauce and wine. But what sets it apart is the sing-along contest—think of it as a pasta party with karaoke, complete with wine prizes! Perfect for travelers who want to laugh, dance, and connect over Italian food. The reviews highlight the joyful atmosphere and the delicious pasta.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a playful, social dining experience that mixes music and food, this tour delivers a memorable night.
5. From Florence: Wine Tasting and Dinner in Chianti Vineyards
For about six and a half hours, this Chianti wine and dinner tour combines vineyard visits, regional cuisine, and scenic landscapes. You’ll explore two wineries, learn about Chianti production from experts, and sample the estate’s best wines alongside regional delicacies. The tour takes you through rolling hills and vineyards, with plenty of photo opportunities. Many reviewers mention the quality of the wine and the authenticity of the farm-fresh meal. It’s a great choice for those wanting a comprehensive wine experience paired with a hearty Tuscan dinner.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine enthusiasts who want a relaxed, full-day immersion in Chianti’s flavors.
6. Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner
Number 6 is a change of pace—a lively spot for American-style food and music. The Hard Rock Cafe Florence offers a set menu, vibrant atmosphere, and the chance to pick up unique merchandise. Perfect if you’re craving familiar comfort food after a day of sightseeing, or if you want a relaxed, fun environment. Reviews are consistently positive, emphasizing friendly service and generous portions. It’s ideal for families, groups, or anyone wanting a break from traditional Tuscan fare.
Bottom Line: For a casual, energetic dining experience with great music and American classics, this spot hits the mark.
7. Florence: Pizza Dinner and Opera Arias Concert
Number 7 combines two quintessential Italian experiences—pizza and opera. After a relaxed pizza dinner in a local restaurant, you’ll move to a historic Florentine church for a live opera concert, singing arias from classics like La Bohème and La Traviata. The 2.5-hour evening is a charming mix of flavors and culture, ideal for those who want to enjoy Florence’s artistic side with good food. The reviews appreciate the lively atmosphere and the high-quality performances.
Bottom Line: This experience suits travelers seeking a lively cultural night that combines culinary delight with musical artistry.
8. Florence: Siena & San Gimignano with Dinner in a Boutique Winery
Number 8 offers a full-day adventure through Tuscany’s highlights. Visiting Siena and San Gimignano, the tour includes free time for exploring, plus a gourmet dinner in a boutique winery. You’ll walk Siena’s medieval streets, see the Piazza del Campo, and enjoy a scenic drive through the hills. Later, a local family hosts you for a memorable meal featuring their own wine and olive oil. Many guests praise the intimate atmosphere and the stunning views.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience with a relaxed pace.
9. 4-Courses Dinner Interactive Cooking Lesson In Florence
This interactive 4-course dinner is ideal for food lovers who want to learn authentic Italian cooking skills. Under the guidance of Chef Gustavo, you’ll prepare an appetizer, pasta (including potato gnocchi or egg pasta), a meat dish like Hunter’s chicken, and panna cotta. The class lasts about three hours, and you’ll sit down to enjoy your meal with local wine. Many reviews praise the chef’s friendly approach and the quality of the recipes. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy practical, hands-on experiences and want to bring a piece of Italy home.
Bottom Line: For an engaging, culinary day that ends with a delicious meal, this class is a winner.
10. Heart of Florence: Dinner and Three Tenors Concert Ticket
At number 10, this dinner and concert combines a classic Tuscan meal in Piazza della Signoria with a stirring Three Tenors-style performance. The 3.5-hour evening is perfect for those seeking a cultural highlight after a day of sightseeing. You’ll enjoy an authentic Tuscan dinner, then move to a historic venue for an iconic concert of opera arias and romantic songs. Many reviewers highlight the quality of the performances and the lively atmosphere.
Bottom Line: An elegant, immersive cultural experience ideal for music lovers and those wanting a traditional Florentine night out.
11. Florence: Chianti Vineyards Tour with Wine Tasting & Dinner
Number 11 offers another chance to explore Chianti’s wines with this full-day vineyard and dinner tour. You’ll visit some of the region’s renowned wineries, sample their best wines, and then sit down to a Tuscan dinner featuring local ingredients. The tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts who want to combine learning with great food. The scenic drive through rolling hills adds to the experience, making it more than just a tasting.
Bottom Line: For a comprehensive wine and dine experience in Chianti, this tour provides a well-rounded day.
12. Florence: Tuscan Cooking Course with Dinner
This Tuscan cooking course offers a deep dive into regional cuisine. Over four hours, you’ll create a 4-course meal under the guidance of a local chef, focusing on traditional techniques and ingredients. After cooking, everyone sits down to enjoy the dishes with Tuscan wine. Many reviews mention the personalized attention and the joy of learning authentic recipes. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a culinary skill they can replicate at home.
Bottom Line: If you want to learn how to cook real Tuscan dishes, this class is a practical and rewarding experience.
13. Afternoon in Siena and Chianti Wine Tour with Dinner from Florence
This afternoon tour is perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire to experience Tuscany’s highlights. You’ll visit Siena for a walk through its medieval streets, then head to Chianti for a wine tasting and farm-to-table dinner. The focus on scenic views, historic sites, and regional wine makes this a well-rounded option for a quick but immersive experience.
Bottom Line: A convenient choice for a taste of Tuscany’s culture, cuisine, and countryside in one afternoon.
14. Dinner and Concert with “Three Tenors”: A Real Italian Experience
Similar to our number 10, this dinner and concert experience offers a full evening of Italian flavor. Starting with a delicious three-course meal in a traditional restaurant, you then head to Santo Stefano al Ponte church for a stirring live performance of opera arias. It’s an excellent way to combine culinary delights with cultural entertainment, especially for those who want a sophisticated night out. The reviews note good food and a memorable show.
Bottom Line: Perfect for music lovers who want a refined, classic Italian night in Florence.
15. From Florence: Siena and Chianti Day Trip with Dinner
Finally, this full-day trip offers a leisurely exploration of Siena and Chianti. You’ll visit Siena’s Gothic cathedral and Torre del Mangia, then enjoy a relaxed dinner in a Chianti winery. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a balance of sightseeing and culinary indulgence, with all transportation taken care of. The reviews praise the guide’s storytelling and the fellowship of the winery dinner.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded day for those who want a taste of Tuscany’s culture, scenery, and food without rushing.
How to Choose Your Perfect Florence Dining Experience
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your budget, time constraints, and what you love most—whether that’s wine, cooking, or music. If you’re eager to learn authentic Tuscan recipes, cooking classes like the one at The Cooking Lab or the 4-course interactive lesson fit well. For wine lovers, small-group safaris and vineyard tours offer scenic, intimate tastings. For those who want a lively cultural night, the opera dinner or Three Tenors concert are ideal. Budget travelers might prefer pizza and singing or a more casual meal in Florence.
Booking early is always wise, especially in high season, to secure spots at popular classes and tours. Consider your interests—whether it’s wine, food, or music—and pick experiences that match your pace and curiosity.
Florence serves up more than just stunning art and architecture; its vibrant culinary scene offers a wealth of memorable experiences. From intimate cooking lessons to scenic vineyard excursions, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a serious foodie or just looking for a fun cultural evening, exploring these top dining experiences promises a deeper connection to Florence’s rich flavors. Pick what suits your style, book ahead, and enjoy every bite of your trip.
