Florence is full of eateries that promise an authentic Italian experience, but few have gained as much buzz as Trattoria Zaza. Located just a stone’s throw from the iconic Mercato Centrale, it draws crowds daily. Tourists line up, locals sneak in during lunch breaks, and online reviews are stacked with praise. But does the Trattoria Zaza Menu really live up to its reputation? In this article, we dive deep into its offerings, taste, pricing, and overall experience to find out if this much-loved trattoria is truly worth your time and taste buds.
The Trattoria Zaza Menu offers a well-rounded showcase of traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern, traveler-friendly twist. From rustic pastas and grilled meats to fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes, there’s something here for everyone. The first thing you’ll notice is the extensive selection — the menu doesn’t just stick to one style or course. It flows from antipasti to dolci with an impressive variety that doesn’t overwhelm.
What sets the Trattoria Zaza Menu apart is its commitment to showcasing local ingredients. Seasonal produce, regional cheeses, and hand-rolled pasta make their way into nearly every dish. And while it caters to international guests, it still holds tight to the roots of Italian cooking. Expect bold, earthy flavors in the ribollita, perfectly al dente tagliatelle, and olive oil that tastes like liquid sunshine.
With English descriptions and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, this menu balances authenticity with accessibility — a big win for travelers.
Popular Dishes on the Trattoria Zaza Menu
Trattoria Zaza offers a variety of popular dishes that showcase the flavors of Italy with a modern twist. A standout is the Sweet Pea Falafel, served with marinated tomatoes, tzatziki, and za’atar fries, offering a fresh and flavorful vegetarian option. For pasta lovers, the Linguine with Gulf Shrimp combines shrimp, artichoke, sweet peas, and pecorino in a delightful sauce, while the Radiatore with Spicy Lamb Sausage features a savory blend of lamb sausage, carrots, and thyme. The Pork Scallopini is a tender pork cutlet paired with asparagus and creamy polenta, providing a rich, hearty meal.
The Garganelli with Braised Chicken Thighs combines chicken, peas, mushrooms, and tarragon cream for a comforting dish, and the Rigatoni alla Vodka offers crispy chicken cutlet and creamy vodka sauce. For a cheesy indulgence, try the Baked Mac & Cheese, a blend of mozzarella, fontina, and goat cheese.
Desserts like Tiramisu, made with mascarpone custard and Valrhona chocolate, round out the meal perfectly. Whether it’s fresh pasta, hearty sandwiches, or decadent sweets, Trattoria Zaza’s menu is a celebration of Italian flavors with something for everyone.
Trattoria Zaza Menu
DAILY SPECIALS
All specials include sides and are priced per day
| Day | Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Sweet Pea Falafel | Marinated tomatoes, shrettuce, red onion, tzatziki, za’atar fries, pepperoncini mayo | $20 |
| Tuesday | Linguine | Gulf shrimp, artichoke, sweet peas, pinenut chili crunch, pecorino | $22 |
| Wednesday | Radiatore | Spicy lamb sausage, limas, carrots, butter, lemon, thyme, pecorino | $21 |
| Thursday | Pork Scallopini | Asparagus, spring onion, preserved lemon, basil, creamy polenta | $21 |
| Friday | Garganelli | Braised chicken thighs, sweet pea, spring onion, mushrooms, tarragon cream, pecorino, lemon | $21 |
| Saturday | Rigatoni Alla Vodka | Crispy chicken cutlet, stracciatella, tomato, cream, vodka, chili flake, parsley | $24 |
SNACKS
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rosemary Bread | Pizza bianco, rosemary, olive oil | $3 |
| Marinated Olives | Fennel, thyme, lemon, bay, garlic | $8 |
| Sweet Pea Fritelle | Cucumber, yogurt, mint, chili oil | $11 |
| Creamy Artichoke Dip | Pepperoncini, spinach, rosemary bread | $12 |
| Asparagus & Prosciutto | Fritto batter, lemon, feta ranch | $13 |
| Baked Feta | Arrabbiata, thyme, rosemary bread, evoo | $13 |
PIZZA
Daily slices posted on Instagram and Blue Sky
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| One Hot Slice | $6 |
| 2 Slices | $16 |
| 4 Slices 1 Mouth | $20 |
PASTAS
Add-ons available, GF pasta upon request
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baked Mac & Cheese | Mozzarella, fontina, pecorino, goat cheese & scallions | $15 |
| Penne All’Arrabbiata | Tomato, garlic, chili flake, parsley & pecorino | $15 |
| Fettuccine Alla Panna | Cream, roasted garlic, chili flake, parsley & pecorino | $15 |
| Fettuccine Cacio e Pepe | Black pepper, pecorino, butter & parsley | $15 |
ADD ONS
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Add Protein (chicken, bacon, sausage, pancetta, gulf shrimp*)* | $5 / $7 |
| Add Sweet Pea Falafel | $7 |
| Add Seasonal Vegetables | $5 |
SALADS, SOUP & SANDWICH
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Tortellini | Gulf shrimp, limas, sweet peas, tortellini, creamy lemon mint, pecorino | $21 |
| Strawberry Salad | Chicken, golden beets, radish, strawberry vinaigrette, feta, pistachio | $20 |
| Mixed Greens | Balsamic vinaigrette | $7 |
| Soup of the Day | 6oz Cup / 12oz Bowl / Bowl + greens & rosemary bread (posted online) | $7 / $12 / $16 |
| Fried Mortadella Sandwich | Tarragon dijonaise, pepperoncini, romaine, fontina, focaccia, greens | $20 |
SWEETS
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tiramisu | Mascarpone custard, Valrhona chocolate, espresso, ladyfingers | $13 |
| Strawberry Cassata Cake | Layered sponge cake, whipped ricotta, strawberries, rum | $13 |
| Lemoncello Budino | Lemoncello curd, pistachio crumble, buttermilk | $8 |
Roman Style Pizza al Taglio
17” x 9.5” – 8 Slices
STAPLES
| Pizza | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Three Cheese | Mozzarella, fontina, pecorino, tomato | $28 |
| Pepperoni | Molinari pepperoni, mozzarella, fontina, tomato | $32 |
| Porkalicious | Bacon, ham, sausage, soppressata, drop peppers, tomato | $36 |
| Spicy Swineapple | Bacon, ham, Calabrian chilies, pineapple, charred onion, tomato, chili oil | $34 |
| Sicilian | Kalamata olives, Castelvetrano olives, marinated peppers, capers, goat cheese, garlic ricotta | $32 |
| Tbone | Prosciutto, potato, gorgonzola, rosemary, olive oil | $34 |
LIMITED RUN
Available while supplies last
| Pizza | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Meat of the Day | Rotating daily meat pizza | $34 |
| Veggie of the Day | Rotating daily veggie pizza | $32 |
DIP DIPS
| Dip | 2oz Price | 5oz Price |
|---|---|---|
| Feta Ranch | $2.50 | $4.00 |
| Spicy Marinara | $2.50 | $4.00 |
DRINKS
COLD DRINKS
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Soda | $3 |
| Iced Tea | $3 |
| San Pellegrino Aranciata | $4 |
| San Pellegrino Mineral Water | $4 |
| Bottled Water | $2 |
| Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice | $7 |
| Iced Latte | $6 |
| Domestique Draft Cold Brew | $7 |
| Double Icer (espresso, cream, simple syrup, ice) | $6 |
| Orange Mimosa | $12 |
| Plum, Strawberry, or Pomegranate Mimosa | $13 |
| Booch Buddies Kombucha (seasonal selection) | $8 |
HOT DRINKS
Add Nutella, vanilla, or oat milk to any coffee drink for +$1
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee (Domestique’s Guatemala) | $4 |
| Espresso (Domestique’s Wavelength) | $4 |
| Macchiato / Cappuccino | $5 / $5.5 |
| Latte | $6 / $6.5 |
| Hot Tea | $3 |
Weekend Brunch Menu
10AM – 2PM | Saturday & Sunday
ENTRÉES
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Frittata Plate | Spinach, cauliflower, pickled onions frittata with polenta and mixed fruit | $17 |
| Breakfast Pasta | Bacon, spinach, mushroom, tarragon cream, fried egg, parsley, pecorino | $22 |
| French Toast | Strawberries, maple syrup, honey mascarpone, challah from Continental Bakery | $20 |
| Farm Eggs All’Arrabbiata | Sausage, tomato, chili, garlic, fried eggs, polenta, parsley, pecorino | $21 |
| Biscuits and Gravy | Bacon mushroom gravy, side mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette | $18 |
| Breakfast ‘Za (slice only) | Bacon, sausage, ham, hash browns, scallions, fried egg | $8.5 |
| Spring Tortellini | Chicken, limas, sweet peas, creamy lemon mint, pecorino | $20 |
| Chicken Milanese Sandwich | Crispy chicken, fried egg, tarragon dijonnaise, romaine, balsamic & greens | $20 |
| Smoked Salmon Bagel | Fried egg, cream cheese, fresh fruit, mixed greens | $17 |
| Curbside Mimosa | 1 bottle Prosecco, 12oz fresh-squeezed orange juice | $45 |
ON THE SIDE
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pepperoni & Goat Cheese Scone | $5 (+$3.25 fried egg) |
| Cherry Rosemary Scone | $4 |
| Chocolate Orange Scone | $4 |
| Lemon Pistachio Scone | $4 |
| 7 Spice Honey Walnut Scone | $4 |
| Bacon | $7 |
| Sausage | $7 |
| Polenta | $5 |
| Hash Browns | $6 |
| Fresh Fruit | $5 |
| Mixed Greens | $6 |
HOT DRINKS
Add Nutella, vanilla, salted honey, almond or oat milk +$1
| Drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee | $4 |
| Espresso | $4 |
| Macchiato | $5 |
| Cappuccino | $5.5 |
| Latte | $6 / $6.5 |
| Hot Tea | $3 |
COLD DRINKS
| Drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice | $7 |
| Iced Latte | $6 |
| Domestique Draft Cold Brew | $7 |
| Double Icer (espresso, cream, syrup, ice) | $6 |
| Orange Mimosa | $12 |
| Plum, Strawberry, or Pomegranate Mimosa | $13 |
Large Group Menu
All prices include tax and gratuity (Feeds 5–6 people)
PASTAS
Add-ons listed below
| Dish | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baked Mac & Cheese | Mozzarella, fontina, pecorino, goat cheese, scallions | $56 |
| Penne All’Arrabbiata | Tomato, garlic, chili flake, parsley, pecorino | $56 |
| Fettuccine Alla Panna | Cream, roasted garlic, chili flake, parsley, pecorino | $56 |
Add-Ons (per pasta or salad)
| Add-On | Price |
|---|---|
| Protein (chicken, bacon, sausage) | $20 |
| Premium Protein (pancetta*, shrimp*) | $28* |
| Seasonal Vegetables | $20 |
SALADS
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Greens | Balsamic vinaigrette | $28 |
ROMAN STYLE PIZZA AL TAGLIO
17” x 9.5” | 8 large slices
| Pizza | Toppings | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Three Cheese | Mozzarella, fontina, pecorino, tomato | $28 |
| Pepperoni | Molinari pepperoni, mozzarella, fontina, tomato | $32 |
| Porkalicious | Bacon, ham, sausage, soppressata, drop peppers, tomato | $36 |
| Spicy Swineapple | Bacon, ham, Calabrian chilies, pineapple, charred onion, tomato, chili oil | $34 |
| Sicilian | Kalamata & Castelvetrano olives, marinated peppers, capers, goat cheese, ricotta | $32 |
| TBone | Prosciutto, potato, gorgonzola, rosemary, olive oil | $34 |
| Meat of the Day | Rotating daily meat pizza | $34 |
| Veggie of the Day | Rotating daily veggie pizza | $32 |
Authenticity and Taste
One of the most debated topics among food-loving travelers is whether a place delivers “real” Italian food or a tourist-friendly version of it. So how does the Trattoria Zaza Menu hold up in terms of authenticity? Honestly, it strikes a near-perfect balance.
Every dish carries the DNA of classic Tuscan cooking. The ribollita tastes like something your nonna would serve on a rainy day. The seasoning is subtle, never overpowering — a true sign of authentic Italian cuisine where ingredients shine naturally. The olive oil is fruity, the pasta cooked just right, and the sauces are deeply flavored but never heavy.
The menu also proudly features regional ingredients like cinta senese pork, wild boar, and pecorino toscano, grounding the experience in place. Yet, there’s enough polish and consistency to appeal to international palates.
In short, while the Trattoria Zaza Menu is designed to be approachable, it doesn’t compromise on authenticity. The flavor, preparation, and presentation reflect the soul of Florence.
Ambiance and Service
Of course, a restaurant experience is about more than just the food. The ambiance and service play huge roles, and Trattoria Zaza delivers in both areas. The atmosphere is cozy yet energetic — think warm lighting, rustic wood tables, a buzzing crowd, and an open-air patio that feels like a Tuscan dream. Inside, vintage Italian posters and handwritten chalkboards give the space character without pretension.
Service is friendly and accommodating, especially for non-Italian speakers. Staff are quick to offer recommendations from the Trattoria Zaza Menu, explain dishes, and pair wines. It’s the kind of place where you feel genuinely welcome, not rushed or upsold.
This warm hospitality adds to the sense of value and makes even a quick lunch feel like a special event. Whether you’re dining solo, as a couple, or with a group, the atmosphere complements the food — elevating the Trattoria Zaza Menu from a simple list of dishes to a full, memorable dining experience.
Trattoria Zaza Hours Of Operation
| Day | Opening Hours | Closing Hours | Brunch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 111:00 AM | 9:00 PM | No Brunch |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM | No Brunch |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM | No Brunch |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM | No Brunch |
| Friday | 11:00 AM | 10:00 PM | No Brunch |
| Saturday | 4:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM | 9:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
Is It Worth the Hype?
After thoroughly examining every aspect — from the flavors and pricing to the ambiance and customer feedback — we can confidently say that the Trattoria Zaza Menu is indeed worth the hype. While some places in Florence rely heavily on location to draw in tourists, Trattoria Zaza has earned its reputation through the consistent quality of its food and service.
The menu is a well-curated blend of traditional Tuscan dishes and modern-day favorites, making it appealing to a wide range of diners. The pricing is fair, the portions are generous, and the flavors are true to their roots. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor to Italy, you’ll find something on the Trattoria Zaza Menu that satisfies both your curiosity and your taste buds.
Add in the vibrant atmosphere, the friendly service, and the central location, and you’ve got more than just a place to eat — you’ve got a Florence food experience you’ll remember.
So yes, the Trattoria Zaza Menu isn’t just hype. It’s a flavorful, fulfilling, and authentic taste of Tuscany — served with a side of soul.
Trattoria Zaza Links
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Trattoria Zaza Facebook | |
| Trattoria Zaza Instagram | |
| Website | Trattoria Zaza Official Website |
| Menu | Trattoria Zaza Menu |
FAQ
What are the most popular dishes on the Trattoria Zaza menu?
Trattoria Zaza is known for its diverse range of dishes that cater to various tastes. Some of the most popular options include the Sweet Pea Falafel with marinated tomatoes and tzatziki, the Linguine with Gulf Shrimp, and the rich Pork Scallopini. Pasta lovers rave about the Radiatore with Spicy Lamb Sausage, while the Baked Mac & Cheese is a fan favorite for its gooey, cheesy goodness. For dessert, the Tiramisu is a must-try, made with mascarpone custard and Valrhona chocolate.
Does Trattoria Zaza offer gluten-free options?
Yes, Trattoria Zaza offers gluten-free pasta upon request, ensuring that guests with dietary restrictions can enjoy many of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Gluten-free options are available for both pastas and salads, making it easier for those avoiding gluten to enjoy a full meal.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
Absolutely! Trattoria Zaza features several vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. The Sweet Pea Falafel, a fan favorite, is a great vegetarian choice, as well as the Penne all’Arrabbiata, which is meat-free and packed with flavor. Additionally, you can customize many dishes by requesting vegetable add-ons or substituting plant-based ingredients where available.
Does Trattoria Zaza have a kids’ menu?
While the Trattoria Zaza menu does not specifically have a kids’ menu, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes that are kid-friendly, such as simple pasta options like Fettuccine alla Panna or a classic Margherita Pizza. The staff is always happy to accommodate specific requests to ensure younger diners have a great experience.
What are the hours of operation at Trattoria Zaza?
Trattoria Zaza is open for both lunch and dinner. Their hours typically run from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with a special brunch service available on weekends, from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s always a good idea to check their website for any holiday hour changes.
