Here is a list of Gelaterie (Gelato shops)  where you can taste a very good Italian Gelato (Ice Cream). They have been  recommended by our friends who live in Florence. 

• Gelateria Badiani - Viale dei Mille - Florence
• Vivoli - Santa Croce Quarter
• De' Medici - Fortezza da Basso
• Gelatando -  Lungarno Guicciardini
• Gelateria Veneta - Piazza Beccaria
• Cave di Maiano - S. Domenico
  

- A a list of recommended Pastry shops throughout Florence

• Robiglio - Viale Lavagnini and Via dei Servi
• Dolci e Dolcezze - Piazza Beccaria
• Rivoire - Piazza della Repubblica
• Hemingway - Piazza del Carmine
• Scudieri - Piazza del Duomo
• Bar Cucciolo- Via Cimatori (very good Bomboloni with cream)
  

- A list of recommended Restaurants throughout Florence

• Latini - Via Palchetti 6 - Very good Bistecca alla Fiorentina The worldwide famous restaurant of Florence.  Always crowded during all of the year.  It is advisable 10 minute to arrive before the reservation, in order not to lose the place. The customers sit often in long dinner parties, because the reservation does not pertain a separate table, but only the chance to of to be settled. Advised for who travels alone: the conversation with the neighbors of place is guaranteed.
• Da Natalino (Santa Croce district,  the very best Bistecca alla Fiorentina, expens.)
• Buca Mario - Near Ponte Vecchio
• Buca Lapi - Piazza Ottaviani
• Osteria No. 1 - Piazza Ognissanti
• Trattoria Sostanza (best known as "Il Troia) - Via Porcellana 25
• Cibreo - Via dei Macci
• Le Rampe - Fiesole (Panoramic)
• Ze - Zè - near San Lorenzo Market (good "Bistecca Fiorentina" at moderate price)
• Zocchi - Pratolino (Outside of Florence)
• 4 Leoni - Piazza della Passera, near  Pitti (outdoors tables) 
  

- A a list of recommended Pizza shops (Pizzeria) shops in Florence

• Pizzeria Le Campane - Borgo La Croce
• Pizzeria Il Pizzaiuolo - Via de' Macci
• Pizzeria L'Antica Porta - Via Senese (Porta Romana)  
• Pizzeria Funicolì - Via Del Prato
  
   

- Trippa alla Fiorentina:  Buy a roll filled with the tripe by the stall next to "Ristorante Cibreo" in Via dei Macci  

  - A a list of  Historical cafe-bars

• Paszkowski - Piazza della Repubblica
• Gilli - Piazza della Repubblica
• Giubbe Rosse - Piazza della Repubblica
• Rivoire - Piazza della Signoria (best hot chocolate)
• Caffè Bianchi - Piazza San Felice
• Caffè Giacosa, Via della Spada  

Other interesting addresses for shopping:

• Pineider - Piazza della Signoria and Via Tornabuoni
  (desk sets, exclusive pens and corporate services)
• Poggi- Via Strozzi
  (exclusive china, splendid antique & modern silver,  crystal and glassware)