There are days in Florence when I crave something beyond Tuscan flavors — a distant aroma, a spice that reminds me of a place I’ve never been. That’s how I found those small ethnic restaurants where the world seems to fold around me: in a bowl of Vietnamese soup, a bite of Peruvian ceviche, or in the smile of a restaurateur who brought her warmth all the way from Eritrea.
Every November, the Smile Project ODV hosts its annual charity market inside the beautiful greenhouse of the Giardino dell’Orticultura. The event raises funds for solidarity projects in Eritrea. Thanks to Laura and her tireless volunteers — and the support of fashion brands like Patrizia Pepe, Liu Jo, and Guess — thousands of donated items are sold at exceptional prices to help those living in extreme poverty.
Each year, a charity dinner follows — evenings filled with gratitude, community, and the joy of discovering ethnic cuisine.
I attended my first one about five years ago, and since then, I’ve been on a quiet mission: finding the best ethnic restaurants in Florence.
🍲 What exactly is an ethnic restaurant?
It’s a place that tells a story through its food — offering specialties that go beyond national traditions: Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Greek, Lebanese, Iranian, Japanese, Peruvian… just to name a few.
In Italy, these cuisines have evolved into a form of high culinary art, able to evoke the history and culture of their home countries.
Because that’s the true essence of food: to tell stories about places different from our own — their flavors, rituals, and values — creating something new and unforgettable.
🌶️4 Ethnic Restaurants to Try in Florence
Young and elegant chef Xin Ge Liu brings a modern Chinese fusion that surprises from the first bite. Forget the usual menu — here, dishes are edible artworks: purple crystal ravioli, sparkling bao buns, duck with whisky, all beautifully plated and perfectly balanced. A feast for the eyes and the palate.
2️⃣ India – Fiesole’s Spice Haven
Located in Fiesole, this is Florence’s oldest Indian restaurant, open since 1994 thanks to Edoardo Castorina and the Drogba family. The tandoori-baked meats — chicken, lamb, and pork — are infused with layers of aromatic spices. Every dish radiates the warmth and color of India.
3️⃣ Ararat – Armenian & Georgian Cuisine
In the vibrant Borgo la Croce area, Ararat takes its name from the sacred Armenian mountain.
Here, rich yet light Armenian and Georgian dishes come together in a warm, modern setting with an open kitchen. A taste of the Caucasus in the heart of Florence.
4️⃣ El Inca – Peruvian Restaurant
Colorful, welcoming, and full of life — just like Peru. Fresh ingredients and authentic recipes define this restaurant. Don’t miss their ceviche, Peru’s national dish and a UNESCO ntangible Heritage — refreshing, citrusy, and unforgettable.
🌍 A Dish, a Story, a World
Ethnic cuisine is not just about what we eat — it’s about the stories we taste. Each dish opens a small door to another world, and in Florence, those doors are always open.