Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is an indoor and outdoor food market in Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, in Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood. Its stalls supply local shoppers with meat, fish, cheese, bread, olive oil and seasonal fruit and vegetables, alongside clothing and household goods outside. The smaller scale and everyday shopping feel make it a useful stop for Tuscan ingredients and a market lunch. Look around both sections, then try prepared food such as lampredotto or trippa, or browse the stalls for dried porcini and other goods to take home.
Inside and outside the market
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio stands in Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, east of Florence’s historic center and close to Santa Croce. The market has an indoor hall and outdoor stalls. Inside, food shops sell meat, poultry, fish and cheese, alongside delicatessens and other grocery sellers. Outside, fruit and vegetable stands share space with vendors selling clothes, household goods and flowers.
The market is smaller than Florence’s Mercato Centrale. Its daily-shopping role gives the visit a different focus: you can look over the ingredients residents buy for home cooking, as well as browse for local food to take away. The market has served the neighborhood since the 1870s.
What to eat and take home
Prepared food is part of the market experience. Look for Florentine specialties such as lampredotto, trippa and francesina, a dish of boiled meat cooked again with tomato and onions. Other foods mentioned at the market include coccoli, fried polenta, meatballs, arancini, baked pasta and sweets. Stalls also sell ready-made food to eat there or take away.
For picnic supplies or edible souvenirs, browse the stalls for Tuscan olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta, honey, bread and dried porcini. Seasonal produce changes with the time of year. Vendors may be able to help you choose among their goods; a little time to browse makes it easier to see what is available.
Planning your visit
The market is open Monday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed on Sunday. Arrive in the morning for the best choice of fresh products. It can begin winding down around midday, so leave time to explore before then.
Walk through both the indoor and outdoor sections, then look for prepared food if you plan to eat. Keep your belongings secure in busier areas. The market is a practical stop for food shopping and a casual meal, but the outdoor area also has non-food stalls, so allow time to browse beyond the produce.
FAQ
Where is Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio?
It is at Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti in Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood, near Santa Croce.
When is the market open?
It is open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed on Sunday.
What can you eat at Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio?
Prepared foods include Florentine specialties such as lampredotto, trippa and francesina, as well as coccoli, fried polenta, meatballs and arancini.
What can you buy at the market?
The indoor hall has meat, fish, cheese and grocery stalls. Outdoor stands sell seasonal produce, and you can also find goods such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta and dried porcini.
