Eating in Florence

Being a born again Italian, I love the food best in Florence. Since Florence is my favorite city --off season, of course, their was only one time had we been there during tourists season and I finally understood why people say it has become the city of tourists & too crowded. The luxury of being a seasoned traveler is that you never think for one second that you are still a tourist! Not! Today I will tell you about our favorite places to eat in Florence. Please noticed that I have not mentioned the Enoteca's (wine bars) That will be another post as we love to eat in the Enoteca's too!. Our normal agenda in a trattoria is to go with the house wine.

Lunch

Mario's - via Rosina, 2R
Behind Mercato di San Lorenzo in the Piazza We love this place. Get there early or expect a line. The food is so good especially if you like steak (it's rare). Theresa made us feel so welcome in this fairly local place. Inexpensive.

Da Nebone - inside the San Lorenzo Market
I am not sure which is more fun, trying to figure out how to order, which line to get in then trying to find a seat! We really enjoy this experience! We usually get a sandwich, pasta dish & a glass of wine. Good if you are on the go.

Il Latini - via dei Palchetti, - 6R (off Via del Moro, near the Arno) This is another favorite. We normally go for lunch as there are long touristy lines for dinner. However waiting in line is fun, you are treated to a small glass of wine or desert by one of the owners. They don't usually bother to ask you what you want except for the main course! By then you are full! The wine is decently priced.

Trattoria 4 Leoni via de dé Vellutini 1r P.za della Passera Firenze - Great food on the Otranano area. This little artsy gem was recommended by former clients and it is always on our list. We loved the Gnocci al pesto di rucola & bacala. We were the only tourists in for lunch. I loved it as it was all locals and we felt very comfortable.

I Frattelini via dei Cimatori 38r, +39 055 239 6096. - Two brothers behind a counter top serving about a dozen different panini, crostini & wine. After you purchase you can just stand in the syreet & eat or take it back to your place. This is a great stop and very well known all over the world. Everyone asks about it and it is always a must for us. I love the prostiutto & provolone panini.

Dinner

Trattoria Sostanza (Il Troia) via del Porcellana 25r, no phone. - This is our all time favorite for dinner! They have the best fried chicken. Simple, delicious Florentine cuisine at its best. Low-key, friendly service in a pleasant atmosphere. They are famous for their Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This is always our first stop.

Trattoria Garga via del Moro, 48 - an artsy trattoria with opera blaring in the background. Also a cooking school located by the Pont Veccio, this is Florence's gem. Not a typical looking trattoria nor traditional Florentine cooking - just really good food in a cool place.

Acqua al Due, via dela Vigna Vecchia - An old time favorite, good food & enjoyable waiters. Sometimes it seems a bit rushed here but we always go back. The food is always constant. Best veal & fish!

Osteria Belle Donne - via delle Donne 16r, tel (055) 2382609. Very small, inexpensive local Florentine hangout. Food is just wonderful by the hip young chef.

Paoli via dei Tavolini - a real tourist favorite. Great waiters, good food & nice atmosphere. Very few Italians dine here as it is in the center of everything. We usually take people here on their first visit to Florence.

Il Gatto & La Volpe via ghibellina 151/r - Best Pizza , great salads, simple & inexpensive.