Sant’Ambrogio is one of Florence’s most authentic and deeply lived-in neighborhoods — a place where daily life still revolves around food, tradition, and community. Tucked just east of the historic center, this area has long been shaped by artisans, market vendors, and Florentines who come here not to sightsee, but to shop, eat, and linger.

At its heart stands the Chiesa di Sant'Ambrogio, an age-old church whose origins date back to the early Middle Ages. For centuries, it has anchored neighborhood life, witnessing everything from religious processions to the steady rhythm of market days unfolding just outside its doors.

Those doors open onto the vibrant Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, one of the city’s most beloved food markets. Unlike its more famous counterparts, this is where Florentines still do their daily shopping: fruit and vegetable stalls piled high with seasonal produce, butchers proudly displaying Tuscan cuts, fishmongers calling out the day’s catch, and bakeries perfuming the air with fresh schiacciata. 

Sant’Ambrogio is also a neighborhood of craft and continuity. Family-run workshops, wine bars, and small alimentari sit side by side, preserving skills and flavors passed down through generations. It’s here that Florence’s legendary street food truly shines: steaming pans of lampredotto and trippa, simmered slowly and served in crusty rolls, seasoned simply with salsa verde and hot peppers.

And then there’s Cibrèo, more than just a restaurant, it’s an institution — a temple of Florentine cooking that celebrates ingredients, tradition, and soulful simplicity. Its presence has helped define the neighborhood as a destination for those who care deeply about food, without ever turning it into a show.

Sant’Ambrogio is Florence as Florentines know it: layered, flavorful, and alive with everyday rituals.