The dining landscape in Tuscany is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Over the past decade, the region has seen a significant shift from traditional bars to a rise in restaurants and takeaway services. This evolution reflects changing consumer habits and urban dynamics, reshaping the way people dine and socialize in Tuscany’s cities.
This shift is not just about changing tastes; it’s a reflection of deeper economic and social changes. Understanding these trends can provide valuable insights into the future of urban dining and the challenges faced by traditional public establishments.
Tuscany’s Changing Dining Scene
According to a study by the Federazione Italiana Pubblici Esercizi – Confcommercio and reworked by Confcommercio ToscanaTuscany’s capital cities have experienced a notable reduction in the number of public establishments. Pisafor instance, has seen the second-worst decline nationwide after Triestewith a decrease of 114 activities. In contrast, Prato has bucked the trend with an 8.5% growth, adding 67 activities and ranking among the top twenty cities in Italy for positive growth in public establishments.
The most affected establishments are traditional barswhile restaurants have seen an 11.5% increase. Firenzein particular, has witnessed a surge of nearly 145 restaurants over the past decade, while the number of bars has decreased by approximately 119 activities. Takeaway services are also on the rise, with an 11.4% increase. Conversely, gelaterie and pasticcerie have experienced a decline of over 10%.
The Economic Impact on Traditional Establishments
Aldo Cursanopresident of Confcommercio Toscana and vice president of Fipe nazionalehighlights that this transformation is not merely an evolution of consumer habits but a profound redefinition of urban economics. Traditional public establishments are grappling with escalating operational costs, often unsustainable rents, significant local taxation, and dwindling profit margins.
Firenze epitomizes this transformation, where the rise of restaurants and takeaway services contrasts with the decline of bars and other activities historically tied to neighborhood life. The concern is that this shift could lead to a loss of urban balance, quality, and social presence in city centers.
Rome’s Commercial Challenges
Rome is facing a complex situation in its commercial sector. Data from Confesercenti Roma and Laziola Capitale indicate that the city is under pressure due to various factors, including commercial abusivism, skyrocketing rents, and competition from e-commerce.
Commercial abusivism is a visible issue, with approximately 8,000 street vendors operating illegally in the capital. The estimated value of counterfeit goods in 2026 is 2.3 billion eurosrepresenting unfair competition for legitimate businesses that bear the brunt of high rents, utilities, staffing, and administrative costs.
In the past year, around 2,000 street commercial establishments have closed in Rome. The city has over 12,000 vacant commercial spaces, with an additional 8,000 in the rest of Lazio. This trend affects not only the historic center but also semi-central areas and neighborhood streets.
The Pressure on Traditional Commerce
The burden of commercial rents is particularly heavy in the historic center and high-demand areas. In some locations, monthly rent requests can reach 15,000 eurosan amount that is out of reach for many traditional businesses, such as food stores, independent clothing shops, artisan workshops, and service establishments.
E-commerce is another factor altering the commercial landscape. In 2026, approximately 100 million packages were delivered in Rome, accounting for 10% of the estimated 1 billion nationwide. Romans are purchasing almost everything online, from home products and technology to perfumes, food, medication, clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories.
While tourism boosts Rome’s economy, it is insufficient to save traditional commerce. Many high-traffic streets are seeing an increase in quick-consumption offerings, often detached from the lives of residents. Souvenirs, food services, minimarkets, and uniform formats are changing the face of neighborhoods.
Turin’s Crackdown on Short-Term Rentals
Turin is intensifying controls on short-term rentals, issuing an average of 6 fines per day to so-called ‘furbetti’. From to June 2026, 1,185 fines were issued, totaling over 234,000 euros in penalties.
The main irregularities involve the failure to submit quarterly data and the failure to register on the IdS portal, dedicated to the payment of the tourist tax. Nearly 1,181,000 euros in fines have been issued for these violations, with an additional 54,199.95 euros from other infractions.
Among the most affected neighborhoods are those where locals have been displaced to accommodate over 30,000 tourists per night. Bureaucracy and increases in tourist taxes are creating further difficulties for short-term rental managers.
Pierlucio Firraoa city councilor, has requested more effective communication and timely fines to allow citizens to correct any errors without facing multiple fines simultaneously.
