Chef’s insights food tour: discover Sant’Ambrogio grocery market with an expert local chef

Join a talented local chef born and raised in the heart of the most authentic food market of Florence on an unforgettable food tour among the stalls of Sant'Ambrogio grocery market. Eat your way through the Cradle of the Renaissance and get to know the staples of Tuscan cuisine together with an outstanding starred chef. Prepare to embark on a journey back to the roots of a true Florentine chef who grew up in Sant’Ambrogio district, who will unveil to you all the secrets of a thousand-year culinary tradition.

Meet with your special chef guide in the heart of Florence and start the adventure with an espresso! Get ready to walk together with the chef through the doors of Sant’Ambrogio food market: the Florentine sacred temple of fresh and genuine products since 1873. Let the scents and colors of the freshest fruit and vegetables inspire you, as you watch the locals browsing among the farmers’ stalls for their grocery shopping. Explore every corner of the inside of the market and follow the chef to the best stands.

Start from the salami shop and have a taste of the most renowned Tuscan cold cuts. From the classic prosciutto to salame and finocchiona, tickle your appetite with a tasty salami plate.

Keep exploring the depths of the market and stop at the cheese stall for your second tasting. Try some of the most famous local formaggi as you discover the incredible art of cheese making.

Now time to get serious: take your seat and have a taste of some of the true pillars of Tuscan cuisine, directly from the counter of the delicatessen. From pappa al pomodoro to brasato and francesina, try the dishes of the day while sipping a strong house wine. Take your time to enjoy the rich flavors of local tradition, made with simple and modest ingredients, as you relax before the second part of the tour.

You will then head out of the market and, after a short walk in the Sant’Ambrogio lively district, you will reach a small wine shop where you’ll taste two of the best local wines. Tuscany is, in fact, famous worldwide for its high-quality wines and you will get the chance to taste a glass of red and a glass of white wine, paired with a couple of bruschettas, or crostoni, as the locals say. Raise your glasses and make a toast! Enjoy the chill atmosphere of the enoteca and sip slowly your wines, to better appreciate each and every shade of flavor.

Time for the last stop! Nothing better than ending your tour with the most loved dessert of the world: Italian gelato. Cono or coppetta, choose your favorite flavors from one of the best ice cream shops in town. Let its colorful display charm you: you can dare to be bold and try some of its most uncommon flavors or stick to the classics, either way you will get why every excuse will do for Italian people to eat a gelato all year round, even in wintertime!