Restaurant
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Florence's three-Michelin-star dining room, opened in 1972 by Giorgio Pinchiorri and Annie Féolde, famous for its formal service and extraordinary wine cellar.
Trattoria Zà Zà
A large, busy trattoria facing the Mercato Centrale since 1977, popular for Tuscan pasta, bistecca and its tables on the market square.
At a glance
- Type
- Tuscan trattoria
- Area
- San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- trattoriazaza.it
Good to know
- Open daily
- Outdoor tables on the piazza
- Online booking
Why we recommend it
Trattoria Zà Zà has been feeding the San Lorenzo market district since 7 April 1977, when Stefano Bondi opened a single room on Piazza del Mercato Centrale. There had been a tavern on the site in the 19th century, and over the years the restaurant expanded into the neighbouring spaces until it covered around 1,300 square metres. Despite its size it keeps the feel of a classic Florentine trattoria, with a series of rustic dining rooms rather than one large hall.
The menu covers the Tuscan favourites that most visitors hope to try. Popular choices include pappardelle with wild boar sauce, gnocchi with gorgonzola and truffle, ribollita and other soups in the cooler months, and the bistecca alla fiorentina, sold by weight and served rare. There are also grilled and roast meats, salads and simple vegetable side dishes, plus classic desserts. It is a practical place for groups with different tastes.
Zà Zà is open every day for lunch and dinner and is very popular, so queues often form outside at peak times. Book through the reservations page on the official website or by phone, especially for dinner and if you want an outside table. Prices are moderate for the centre, though the steak and wine can push the bill up. Service is quick and efficient, as you would expect in such a busy room.
It works well for families, groups and first-time visitors who want a reliable Tuscan meal near the station. Florentines may say it is geared towards visitors, but it remains an enjoyable, lively place to eat, especially on a warm evening on the square.
The restaurant faces the Mercato Centrale, so it is easy to combine with a morning at the market or an afternoon visit to the Medici Chapels and San Lorenzo. Santa Maria Novella station is about five minutes' walk away and the Duomo about eight minutes. The surrounding streets are filled with the leather stalls of the San Lorenzo market by day. If you prefer a quieter meal, aim for an early lunch or an early dinner, before the busiest sittings. The daily specials are worth asking about.
Trattoria Zà Zà FAQs
When did Trattoria Zà Zà open?
On 7 April 1977, founded by Stefano Bondi.
Is Zà Zà open every day?
Yes, it is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Do I need a reservation?
It is recommended, as queues form outside at busy times; book online or by phone.
What should I order?
Tuscan classics such as pappardelle with wild boar, ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina.
Can I sit outside?
Yes, there are tables on Piazza del Mercato Centrale; request one when booking.
Is it good for groups and families?
Yes, it is a large restaurant with a broad menu that suits groups.
Where is it?
At Piazza del Mercato Centrale 26r, about five minutes from Santa Maria Novella station.