- Drink your coffee at the cafe. Do NOT take it to go. They’ll charge you extra and it’s normal to sit and enjoy it or stand at the counter and sip your espresso. You don’t like plain espresso? Try a cappuccino. Macchiato. Not a latte – that’s a cup of milk. :) Note - iced coffee is not a thing…your best option is to ask if they have ‘shakeratos’.

- Aperol Spritz is an aperitivo drink. Drink wine with dinner.

- Check out the local markets. Some have food, some have leather, bring cash and try to barter the prices when you can.

- Gelato should not be stacked in the tins, that’s a giveaway that it’s a touristy spot.

- Please try to speak Italian. Learn a few phrases. It goes a long way.

- Check the hours!! If it’s a legit local spot, they most likely close in the middle of the day for a break. Typical Italians eat dinner at 7PM or 8PM.

- Looking to make reservations? Some spots may take them! - Try using their what’s app number and text it or email them. Otherwise, stop by earlier in the day, put your name in for that night.

Al Antico Vinaio: Look for the line to find this popular sandwich shop. Choose your meats and cheeses and take your sandwich out to sit with the crowds on the benches or curb. Wait in the line. Worth it and moves fast: allanticovinaio.com.

Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori -- Located on the short street north of the horse and rider statue on Piazza della Signori is a small restaurant where the food is so good, it is hard to get a reservation for dinner. +39 055 293045.

Il Santo Vino -- the coolest little local wine shop a bit off the beaten path. We would always walk here and pick up a cheap bottle, fill it ourselves, and bring it back to refill. Great spot to pick up some bottles and bring to the top of the Piazalle Michaelangelo or a park.

Panificio Brunori – At the traffic light on via dell’Oriuolo, turn north onto Borgo Pinti. There is no sign on the front of this busy bakery located on the right side of the street and about five business from the corner. My favorite place for a quick lunch of a variety of single toppings (roasted bell peppers, eggplant, porcini mushrooms, green and black olives, etc.) on schiacciata mini pizzas. Great place for a made-to-order sandwich, too.Carry out or eat at the small counter.

Ristorante Il Barroccio // Via della Vigna Vecchia, 31, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy // came here middle of the day for a FABULOUS risotto and glass of wine near the hustle and bustle of florence. We loved this hidden gem between the touristy Duomo spots.

Ditta Artiginale -- one of my favs. It’s basically an American cafe in Italy, but if you’re looking for an iced coffee or an iced latte, it’s worth a stop. I love their breakfast, too!

Piazalle michaelangelo – our Aperitivo dinner is up this way, but this is my favorite spot in all of Florence. It’s a hike to get up there, but worth it. Pick up some wine, snacks or pizza and bring it to the top with you as a reward and sit to watch the sunset. It gets busy, but you just sit on the steps and look over the city.

Gusta Pizza - a famous Florence spot -- nothing crazy, but cheap good za and spritz! Fun spot to check out and grab a pizza to go.

Babae -- cool cafe and restaurant - especially for our vegetarian friends. But it's one of the main wine windows. Worth a stop!

Mercato Centrale – Fun to stop in with a group, buy some local produce or meats, and hang out upstairs in the food hall for some snacks or drinks. Top floor is a food hall, while the bottom is a farmers market.

Osteria Santo Spirito -- A favorite with locals, the Zuppa di Cozze con Pane Agliato, or mussels with garlic bread that serves a large table family-style and the Gnocchi Gratinati, drenched in truffle oil and baked with gorgonzola are the most popular dish on the menu. You can order a smaller portion of most dishes for half price. osteriasantospirito.it , +39 055 238 2383

Brac -- A great vegetarian spot near the Museo Gallileo. I always get the salad, bread and pasta choice plate. While sometimes I have been able to sit at the counter without a reservation, I highly recommend that you make a reservation for lunch or dinner. www.libreriabrac.net., info@libreriabrac.net, +39 055 0944877.

The Westin Excelsior Hotel – Located on the Arno River, and they offer an aperitivo special where you pay something like $30 Euro and then it includes a drink and unlimited food, plus the views from the top are a bonus to the aperitivo experience. http://www.westinflorence.com/ .

Osteria Centopoveri - great little local gem for dinner! We went here with a group of 6 and it was so good.

Trattoria la Casalinga -- Food served here is typical Florentine family kitchen fare – from roasted meats, potatoes and peas to ravioli with butter and sage. May be the best tiramisu in Florence. Reservations recommended. trattorialacasalinga.it, +39 055 218624

Pizzeria Baffetto -- go early, no reservations and just grab a table right when they're open: http://www.pizzeriabaffetto.it/ . It’s my friend’s Aunt's favorite pizza spot (who lives in Rome) and it was the traditional thin crust and we sat next to them making them all night long. It was a favorite of mine for sure.

Forno Campo de’ Fiori dal 1880 – I never made it here, but been on my list FOREVER and Stanley Tucci LOVED it. Focaccia, pizza, sandwiches, maritozzi, even some spritz!

Must eat -- Maritozzi - they're known for these, and the perfect combo with. your espresso in the morning!

Bar San Callisto for maritozzi

Try the fried artichokes! Recommended to us: Giggetto Al Portico d’Ottavia

Campo de' Fiori Market -- not convenient, but supposed to be awesome for local foods//produce

Activity – Walking around the Trevi Fountain or Colosseum at night with some gelato.

Pizzeria da franco – Loved this spot! When here multiple times. Honestly, my favorite was the margherita with a bottle of coca cola. It gets busy! So go early or be ready to wait a little. They have nice long tables for a group, though.

Bar Emilia – Hidden gem to hang out and enjoy a croissant and cappuccino. Go early vs later.

Hotel Syrene in Capri - Looking for a lunch spot on Capri? We popped in here accidentally and it was a great little hotel lunch. I loved the eggplant parm from the app menu.

Lo Scologio -- if you're renting a boat, ask your driver if they can make you a res here. Tucci has been here and it was one of the coolest meals, ever. It’s basically on it’s own little island, so not easy to get to.