The Best Ethnic Restaurants in Florence: storied institutions and cutting-edge kitchens

Florence has long been a crossroads of cultures. Beyond bistecca and ribollita, the city now offers a full world-map of flavors from historic ethnic restaurants that introduced Florentines to new cuisines decades ago to avant-garde kitchens that remix traditions with local Tuscan produce.

Here’s a curated, source-backed guide to the best ethnic restaurants in Florence, organized by style and vibe, with practical pointers to help you book smart and eat superbly.

Long-time favorites – storied institutions

Haveli (Indian, Centro Storico)
If you’re craving a classic North-Indian menu, tandoori, biryani, curries, Haveli is a reference point. The restaurant describes itself as Florence’s longest-running Indian restaurant, today led by chef Jyoti Singh; it’s a reliable bet for a full, spice-layered dinner near the center. Check the site for reservations and specials.

Tijuana (Mexican, two addresses)
A colorful mainstay with “Mexican Kitchen since 2002” proudly stamped on the masthead, Tijuana brings tacos, fajitas, guacamole and margaritas to two lively rooms (Santa Croce and Via il Prato). It’s a festive pick for groups and one of the city’s earliest dedicated Mexican kitchens.

Momoyama (Japanese, Santo Spirito)
Typical Japanese mood: kaiten sushi, yakiniku/BBQ upstairs and sleek dining throughout. Momoyama remains one of Florence’s most recognizable Japanese addresses. Book ahead for this experience.

Ruth’s Kosher (Jewish–Mediterranean, Sant’Ambrogio)
Next to the Great Synagogue, Ruth’s is the city’s historic kosher table, serving chalaví (dairy) and vegetarian dishes, think shakshuka, couscous, salads and kosher wines, in a community-hub setting. It’s especially convenient if you’re touring the Jewish Museum nearby.

Lalibela (Eritrean–Ethiopian, San Lorenzo)
For injera with wot and tibs in the heart of Florence, Lalibela has long introduced diners to the horn of Africa’s spices and stews. The address on Via Faenza 87 is easy to fold into a Mercato Centrale day. (Check opening times on their social pages.)

Contemporary standouts and cutting-edge kitchens

Fulin – Luxury Chinese Experience (Gavinana)
High-touch service, elegant plating and a Cantonese-leaning menu define Fulin, one of Florence’s most polished Chinese dining rooms. Expect a curated wine list and dishes that go beyond the “greatest hits.” Reservations recommended.

Koto Ramen (Japanese ramen bar, Sant’Ambrogio)
A Florence original for serious ramen, shoyu, miso and creative bowls (the truffle ramen is a local talking point), Koto anchors the city’s noodle scene and keeps hours that suit both lunch and late dinner. The official site lists menu and booking.

Dim Sum Restaurant (Chinese/Asian fusion, Santa Croce)
Handmade dumplings, noodles and a tea room just off the Lungarno make Dim Sum a stylish stop for small plates or a full dinner. There’s also a takeaway outpost on Via dei Neri, handy between museums.

The Fusion Bar & Restaurant (Nikkei, near Ponte Vecchio)
Inside the Gallery Hotel Art, Fusion pairs craft cocktails with Nikkei bites, Japanese technique meeting Peruvian flavors, in one of the center’s sleekest rooms. Ideal for an aperitivo that drifts into dinner.

Sevi (Peruvian / Nikkei inflections, San Jacopino)
A rising star bringing contemporary Peruvian to Florence, ceviches, causas and pan-Asian touches, in a fine-dining format. Sevi launched in 2022 and has since drawn acclaim for elevating South American flavors in Italy. Book ahead.

Gangnam (Korean, Via Guelfa)
BBQ, stews and classic panchan in a casual room not far from the station. Gangnam is a solid pick when you’re craving gochujang heat and a table-grill vibe.

How to plan an “around-the-world” day in Florence

• Lunch near Santa Croce: Start with Koto Ramen for a restorative bowl or slide into Dim Sum for dumplings and tea. Both are walkable from the Uffizi.
• Afternoon snack: If you’re museum-hopping toward Sant’Ambrogio, Ruth’s is a calm, kosher break.
• Aperitivo: Dress up your evening with cocktails and sushi-tapas at The Fusion Bar & Restaurant near Ponte Vecchio.
• Dinner: Choose your craving, Fulin for elevated Chinese, Sevi for Peruvian fine dining, or Tijuana for a lively Mexican night with friends.

Practical tips for eat in an Ethnic Restaurants in Florence

• Reserve for peak times. Many of these rooms are small and popular; weekend evenings book out (especially Sevi and Fusion).
• Check kitchens and concepts. Some spots run distinct formats (e.g., Kome with yakiniku upstairs or kaiten at entry; Dim Sum with a separate takeaway). Pick the experience you want when booking.
• Mind location logistics. Fulin sits a short ride from the historic core (Gavinana), while Lalibela is central near San Lorenzo, plan transit accordingly.

Why Florence is great for Ethnic food right now

Local publications have noted a steady growth of international and ethnic restaurants citywide, with Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Jewish options particularly strong, and a fresh wave of Latin American and Korean kitchens joining the mix. In short, it’s never been easier to eat global cuisine in Florence without sacrificing quality or atmosphere.

At-a-glance shortlist for the best restaurants

• Historic & beloved: Haveli (Indian), Tijuana (Mexican), Ruth’s (Kosher).
• Design-forward & refined: Fulin (Chinese fine dining), The Fusion Bar & Restaurant (Nikkei).
• Casual modern: Koto Ramen, Dim Sum, Gangnam.
• New wave Latin: Sevi (Peruvian/Nikkei).

From heritage pioneers that taught the city to love curry, injera and kosher mezze to ambitious newcomers plating Nikkei ceviches or Cantonese tasting menus, Florence now rewards culinary curiosity as much as any Italian classic. Use this guide to match your mood to the right dining room, and don’t forget to book.