Florence restaurants |
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Eating out in Florence Restaurants & trattorias The food in Florence can be as much of a celebration to the palate as the art is to the eye! Offer yourself the simphony of senses, and begin your typical florentine meal by ordering an antipasto of crostini (grilled bread spread with various savory toppings). Primi piatti (first courses) can tempt you with the Florentine vegetable-and-bread soups such as pappa al pomodoro and ribollita, and in summer a delightful salad called panzanella. The cheerful chefs will never forget to christen all dishes with un 'C' d'olio a C-shaped drizzle of the sumptuous local olive oil. You do not want to miss the amazing tasteful bistecca alla fiorentina as a secondi piatti (second courses) a thick and well seasoned slab of local Chianina beef, grilled over charcoal, served with a contorno of sautéed greens or artichokes, drizzled with more of that fruity olive oil. You thought that was it? The real blessing is yet to come - a generous glass of Vin Santo ('Holy Wine''), a divine ochre-color dessert pairing beautifully with biscotti. You can find good food in any price range, but the best price/quality ratio you will find is actually outside the historical center, of course where normal Italians go to eat. Many of the best restaurants in the city are located in the Santa Croce district, while the worst ratio is in the neighbourhood of Mercato di San Lorenzo, where restaurants are of low quality, charge high prices, or do both. You can find some recommendations to guide you through your choices: Budget $
There are plenty of caffè and pasticcerie which have excellent sandwiches and pizza sold by weight, a great solution for budget dining.
You may opt for a caffè displaying 'Primi' card in the window, because it means you'll find pastas and other dishes at reasonable low prices.
I fratellini - a fiaschitteria (derived from the word for a flask of wine) rows of wine bottles against the back wall, while Armando and Michele Perrino fix your sandwiches and pour glasses of vino. Try cinghiale piccante con caprino (spicy raw wild boar sausage with creamy goat's cheese) or make your personal choice from among 25 stuffing combinations in the menu posted on the door. A reasonable mid-day meal to take with you as you explore Florence. Location: 2 blocks from Piazza della Signoria, off Via Calzaiuoli, Near the Duomo Price: Sandwiches 2.10-2.60 ($2.75-$3.40); wine from 1.30 ($1.70) a glass Da Mario - a osteria opened for lunch, menu on the wall, they sit you with other people, and the waitresses will scold you if you try to take a table all to yourself. Primi include minestra di farro e riso (emmer-and-rice soup) and tortelli di patate al ragù (ravioli stuffed with potato in ragù). The secondi are basic but good go for the Fiorentina steak, priced to be the best deal in the city. Location: at the north corner of Piazza Mercato Centrale, Near San Lorenzo & the Mercato Centrale Prices: Primi 3.10-3.40 ($4.05-$4.40); secondi 4-11 ($5.20-$14) Mid-range $$
Trattoria Anita - a wonderful place located on Via del Parlascio. There are several choices per each course, and the food is very good. Excellent service and wonderful atmosphere filled with both tourists and locals alike. Truly a great find in Florence.
Location Via Perlascio 23 Corner of Via Vinegra, near Piazza della Signoria Price: 15 - 22 ($21-$30) Il Latini - Narcisso Latini opened this in 1950, and now in his mid-90s, he still opens the place himself. The fun is that even with a reservation you'll have to wait as they skillfully fit parties together at the communal tables, and everyone is in a great mood. At 7:30PM at opening time, you will find a crowd outside the restaurant trying to be first. Hundreds of hanging prosciutto (ham hocks) make it difficult for the waiters. The menu kicks off with penne strascicate or pappa al pomodoro. Location Via della Vigna Nuova, Near Piazza Santa Trínita Price: Primi 6 ($7.80); secondi 8-16 ($10-$21); unofficial fixed-priced full meal with limitless wine 30-35 ($39-$46) Palle d'Oro - a family run restaurant from three generations, specializing in traditional Tuscan food, this is the place to try some dishes which, elsewhere, could seriously harm your budget. When entering the restaurant check the menu and search for 'Lo chef consiglia', (the chef recommends) they are guaranteed winners and you can also guarantee that by 9pm they will be gone. Location San Lorenzo District Via S. Antonino Price: 10 - 30 ($14 - $42) Splurge $$$
Enoteca Pinchiorri - is perhaps the most expensive and exclusive winery and restaurant in Florence. Excellent selection of Italian and French wine. Japaneze Chef. Separate bills for the food and for the wine.
Location Via Ghibellina, 87, near Santa CrocePrice over 100 ($140) Il Cibreo - culinary creations a bit out of the ordinary, mostly based on ancient recipes, waiters pull up a chair to explain the list of daily specials. Spectacular food indeed! Location at the San Ambrogio Market, off Via de' Macci, Near Santa Croce Price: Primi 18 ($23); secondi 34 ($44) |
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