Florence Restaurant Recommendations

Coquinarius

Via delle Oche 15r

Tel: +39.055 2302153

Open: Monday – Saturday, 9AM – midnight, closed August http://www.coquinarius.it/

For a light, quick lunch in the center of town. Crostoni (large bruschetta), salads and seasonal pastas are the stalwarts of this conveniently-located and price-friendly restaurant that is one of the few places in town that is open all day.

Cibreo Teatro del Sale

Via de’ Macci 122r

Tel: +39.055 2341100

Open: Lunch 12:45pm-2:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm-11:15pm, Closed Mondays http://www.edizioniteatrodelsalecibreofirenze.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id =67&Itemid=133

For a casual dinner at one of the most well regarded restaurants in town. Cibreo is part of restauranteur Fabio Picchi’s empire in the Santa Croce neighborhood which also includes a high-end restaurant, café and dinner-theatre. No pasta- soups, seafood and vegetable dishes shine here but make sure to leave plenty of room for the heavenly chocolate mousse.

Il Rifrullo

Via di San Niccolo 55r

Tel: +39.055 2342621

Open: Everyday 8:00am – 1:00am

http://www.ilrifrullo.com/it/index.html

For breakfast, lunch and wine – especially in the summer on their lovely terrace. Il Rifrullo is located in the picturesque San Niccolo neighborhood and is a perfect stop after braving the hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo or San Miniato al Monte. Breakfast is classic Italian cornetti (croissants) and lunch is standard pastas and light and tasty salads.

Trattoria Mario

Via Rosina 2r

Tel: +39.055 218550

Open Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 3:30pm (lunch only)

http://trattoria-mario.com/Site-2013/index.php

For Tuscan classics in a rustic setting. Located next to the San Lorenzo market, Mario takes pride in its traditional offerings- ribollita, bistecca fiorentina and tagliatelle al ragu. For a real Florentine experience.

Caffè degli Artigiani

Via dello Sprone 16/Piazza della Passera

Tel: +39 055 291882

Open: Monday-Saturday 7:00am-7:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday 7:00pm-1:00am

Like Coquinarius- one of the trusty stalwart of all day service (usually a bad sign in Italy). Country house plopped down in the middle of Florence decor and extremely sensible prices make this cute cafe a stone's throw from Palazzo Pitti a favorite with locals. Fresh salads and sandwiches are flanked by a daily menu of Tuscan specialties, like pappa al pomodoro.

La Casalinga

Via de Michelozzi 9r

Tel: +39.055 218624

Open:Lunch 12pm-2:30pm, Dinner 7pm-10pm, Closed Sundays

http://trattoria-mario.com/Site-2013/index.php

Just next to Piazza Santo Spirito, this homey and boisterous trattoria has a varied menu to fit all tastes. We highly recommend the roast chicken and whatever fresh dessert is on the daily menu.

Il Santo Bevitore

Via di Santo Spirito 64r

Tel: +39.055 211264

Open: Lunch Monday-Saturday 12:30pm-2:30pm, Dinner Monday-Sunday 7:30pm-11pm http://www.ilsantobevitore.com/home.htm

Cosy, wine-centric eatery with a menu of traditional-meets-modern Tuscan dishes. Soups are standouts, as are desserts.

Osteria Pepo

Via Rosina 6r

Tel: +39.055 283259

Open: Lunch12:00pm-2:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm-11:00pm

http://www.pepo.it/

Steps from the Accademia Gallery, this neo-rustic restaurant serves Florentine classics like ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, followed by meat direct from the San Lorenzo market.

Il Ristoro dei Perditempo Borgo

San Jacopo 48r

Tel. +39 055 2645569 or +39 3333169265

Open: Everyday 12:00pm-10:30pm

This is ideal for a quick lunch (good selection of cheese and cured meats and first courses such lasagna or the traditional farro soup) food quality is average but the view from the tables right by the window across from the Ponte Vecchio is breathtaking!

Cantinetta Antinori Piazza Antinori

3 Tel. +39 055 292234

Open: Lunch Monday-Friday 12:00pm-2:30pm, Dinner Monday-Friday 7:00pm-10:30pm

Website: http://www.cantinetta-antinori.com/

Cantinetta is frequented by an upper crust Florentine crowd. Exclusive. You can see their recipes online. Try to get a reservation for downstairs seating.

Da Marione

Via della Spada 27/r

Tel. +39 055 214756

Open: Lunch 12:00pm-5:00pm, Dinner 7:00pm-11:00pm

Website: http://www.casatrattoria.com/ristoranti.asp?id=5

Family run, frequented by office people and local on their lunch break and the occasional tourist.

Trattoria da Benvenuto

Via della Mosca 16/R

Tel. +39 055 214833

Open: Lunch 12:00pm-2:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm-10:30pm

Website: http://www.trattoriabenvenuto.it/ita.html

No frills, nice seasonal food. Frequented by office crowd and a few tourists. Good for honest traditional lunch.

Ristorante e Hostaria Centopoveri

Via Palazzuolo, 31r

Tel. +39 055 218846

Open: Lunch 12:00pm-3:00pm, Dinner 7:00pm-11:00pm

Website: http://www.centopoveri.it/

Great food, traditional Florentine specialties but also seafood. Assortment of wines a la carte. Reservation recommended if going in the eve.

Taverna del Bronzino

Via delle Ruote 27/r,

Tel. +39 055 495220

Open: Lunch Monday-Friday 12:30pm-3:00pm, Dinner Monday-Saturday 7:30-12:00am

Website: http://www.tavernadelbronzino.com/index_en.html

It's in the former workshop of Santi di Tito (disciple of painter Agnolo Bronzino) ... the menu is contemporary, totally Tuscan. Umberto, the maitre, knows his food, knows his English, and is simply grand. Stefano, the sommelier, also speaks perfect English, and knows his wines.

Buca Lapi

Via del Trebbio 1r

Tel. +39 055 213768

Open: Monday-Saturday 7:00pm-10:30pm Website: http://www.bucalapi.com/home-eng.htm

Upper-crust and expensive, but well worth it.

Best bistecca alla Fiorentina. Frequented by Florentine aristocrats.

La Giostra

Borgo Pinti 12/r

Tel. +39 055 241341

Open: Lunch Monday-Friday 12:30pm-2:30pm, Dinner Monday-Sunday 7:00pm-11:00pm

Website: http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com/eng-home.php

Borgo San Jacopo

Borgo San Jacopo 52r

Tel. +39 055 281661

Open: Everyday 7:00pm-10:00pm

Website: www.lungarnohotels.com

Mostly fish, thoroughly swank, woman chef, divine wine list: try to book the table where you're perched over the Arno.

La Vecchia Bettola

Viale Vasco Pratolini

Tel. +39 055 224158

Open: Lunch 12:00pm-2:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm-10:30pm, Closed Sundays and Mondays

Thoroughly, vehemently Tuscan. They slice the cured meats with a knife. More low-key but simply divine.

Ristorante Accademia Piazza San Marco

Website: http://www.ristoranteaccademia.it/

Surprisingly, this restaurant on Piazza San Marco is quite good. It’s our choice for a place very close to the Accademia.

Caffè Giacosa

Via della Spada 11

A good cafe inside of Palazzo Strozzi, well situated for meetings before heading to the train station. Owned by the famous Florentine fashion designer Roberto Cavalli.

Caffè Posta

Via Pellicceria 27

Also a good place to meet people in a nice central location.

Osteria di Giovanni

Via del Moro, 22 info@osteriadigiovanni.com

Tel. +39 055 284897

Family run and serves traditional florentine dishes.

Osteria Personale

Borgo San Frediano, 167r

Tel. +39 055 9331341

http://www.io-osteriapersonale.it/

Serves local fusion style food.

All'Antico Vinaio

Via dei Neri 65, 50100 Florence, Italy

Tel: +39 055 2382723

Open: Monday-Saturday 8am-9pm, Sunday 8am-3:30 pm

Casual sandwich shop near the Duomo, however beware of the crazy line.

Il Cantuccio Di San Lorenzo

Via Sant'Antonino, 23, 50123 Florence, Italy

Tel: +39 055 290034 http://eshop.ilcantucciodisanlorenzo.com/store/

Bakery, known for the cantucci.

Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Via dei Magazzini 3r, 50100 Florence, Italy

Tel: +39 055 293045

Small restaurant, best to have a reservation, known for the main dish pastas and the Tiramisu.

La Prosciutteria

Via Dei Neri 54/r, Florence, Italy

Tel: +39 055 2654472

Casual dinner with excellent meats and wine.

Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

Lungarno Acciaiuoli 80r – 50100 Florence

Tel. +39 055 290423

http://www.ilborrotuscanbistro.it/

Il Borro is owned by Ferragamo and is along the Arno River. Beautiful, elegant setting and menu includes salads.

Osteria Cicalone

Via Delle Belle Donne 43

Tel. +39 055215492

The Cicalone has wonderful meals at lunch and dinner. Everything is homemade. They even do sandwiches and a glass of wine. Not very big but very authentic. Prices are good and food is amazing.

La Sostanza

Via della Porcellana 25, Florence

Tel. +39 055 212691

Reservations essential, CASH ONLY. It’s been around since the mid-19th century. Highlights are their pollo al burro (chicken with butter), tortino ai carciofi (an eggy thing with artichokes), and their semi-freddo meringue – even if you don’t “do” dessert, do it here. This place is typical Tuscan, and marvelous.

Antico Noé Volta

di San Piero 6/r

Te. +39 055 2340838

They pay high attention to what’s seasonal at this place, and work masterpieces with artichokes and mushrooms of all sorts. Stick to the antipasti & their primi, as they’re much more creative.

Osteria de’Benci

Via de’Benci 11-13/r,

Tel. +39 055 234 4923

Here’s the place to eat bistecca fiorentina (realizing that it is served one way, and only one way, and that means very very rare). Fantastic pastas, including spaghetti dell’Ubbriacone (drunkard’s spaghetti, cooked in red wine).

La Casalinga

Via Michelozzi 9/r

Tel. +39 055 218624

A Florentine institution: casalinga translates to “housewife.” The food here is homey, typical, inexpensive, and good.

Florentine Steak Most Recommended Restaurants

Latini

Via dei Palchetti

6 +39 055 210916

http://www.illatini.com/

Perseus Viale Don Minzoni 10/R – 50129 Firenze

Tel: (+39) 055 588 226 http://www.casatrattoria.com/ristorante-perseus-firenze/

Intimate family environment, nicely tiled walls. Traditional tuscan food and especially bistecca alla fiorentina.

Buca Lapi

Via del Trebbio 1r

Tel. +39 055 213768

Open: Monday-Saturday 7:00pm-10:30pm

Website: http://www.bucalapi.com/home-eng.htm

Osteria de’Benci

Via de’Benci 11-13/r,

Tel. +39 055 234 4923

http://www.osteriadeibenci.it/

La Sostanza

Via della Porcellana 25, Florence

Tel. +39 055 212691

La Vecchia Bettola Viale Vasco Pratolini

Tel. +39 055 224158

Open: Lunch 12:00pm-2:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm-10:30pm, Closed Sundays and Mondays

Antica Trattoria Sanesi

Via Arione, 33 (angolo Via Dante Alighieri) 50055 - Lastra A Signa (FI)

tel. +39 055 8720234

http://www.anticatrattoriasanesi.it/

Just 12km and 20 mins drive outside of Florence, this is considered to make the best bistecca alla fiorentina in Florence and the surrounding area. Highly recommended by locals and worth the trip.

Trattoria da Benvenuto

Via della Mosca 16/R

Tel. +39 055 214833

Open: Lunch 12:00pm-2:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm-10:30pm

Website: http://www.trattoriabenvenuto.it/ita.html

All’antico ristoro di Cambi

Via S.Onofrio,

1R Tel: +39 055 217134

http://www.anticoristorodicambi.it/

Wine Bars Il Santino

Via Santo Spirito 60/r

Tiny, just with four tables, a divine wine list, lovely snacks. Stays open late.

Le Volpi e l’Uva Piazza de’Rossi

1 Tel. 055 2398132

A classy little place, just off Piazza Santa Felicita.

Closes around 7:30pm.

Gelaterie Grom

Via delle Oche 24

Tel. +39 055 216 158

Website: www.grom.it

Though it is a chain (it started in Turin) and there’s one in New York’s Soho, we still think this is the best ice cream in town. Gelateria la Carraia Piazza Nazario Sauro 2 (at the foot of Ponte Carraia) Relative new kid in town; typical flavors but also some with great fantasia.

Sandwiches ‘ino

Via dei Georgofili

3/r, Tel. +39 055/219208

It’s just behind the Uffizi; though the sandwiches aren’t cheap, they’re worth it – particularly because the bread is made from natural fermentation.

The Central Market Piazza del Mercato Centrale –

Via dell’Ariento Da Nerbone

Inside the Mercato Centrale, which closes around 2 pm.

Here’s where you could have that classic tripe sandwich or, if you’re feeling timid, you could have the bollito, which is a lousy cut of beef, thinly sliced, put on a roll (which was dipped in its cooking liquid) and sauced with either a green, herby sauce or a red, tangy pepper sauce. Or both. If you opt for this, go early because they tend to sell out. While you’re in the market, check out the remarkable stalls at Baroni (cheeses, mostly), Perini (everything), and Conti. All of these places are family-run, and some of them (Conti, especially) have been in the family for several generations. All of them will shrink wrap their wares – so a perfect place to acquire extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic, dried porcini mushrooms. Conti sells these delicious little sundried cherry tomatoes from Sicily.

Casa del Vino

Viaia dell’Ariento 16/r

Tel. +39 055 215609

Arguably the best sandwich shop in town. It’s across the street from the basilica of San Lorenzo. Go early or go late – the place is small and is packed, mostly with Florentines.

TWO FLORENTINE INSTITUTIONS NOT TO BE MISSED

Procacci

Via Tornabuoni 64/r

Tel. +39 055 211656

People go here for the panini, which are tiny little things – the specialty being their panino al tartufo.

Closes around 7:30pm.

Rivoire Piazza

Signoria 5

Tel. +39 055 214412

Go here for a cocktail, a coffee, or their famous hot (or cold) chocolate. Just remember that if you sit down, it will cost you more.

Cinque Terre Miki (Monterosso al Mare)

Via Fegina 104, Monterosso al Mare

+39 0187 817608

Ristorante Belforte

Via Guidoni 34, Vernazza

+39 0187 812222

Website: www.ristorantebelforte.it

It’s high in the hills above Vernazza.

Chianti Osteria di Passignano

Via di Passignano 33, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa

Open: Lunch 12:15pm-2:15pm, Dinner 7:30pm-10:00pm Website: www.osteriadipassignano.com

Antinori restaurant. Only thing it lacks is a view.

Ristoro di Lamole

Via di Lamole 6, Greve in Chianti

+39 055 8547050

Open: 12:00pm-10:00pm, Closed Wednesdays and November-April

Website: www.ristorodilamole.it

Fantastic beautiful wondrous view, excellent antipasti & primi … and you taste the local wine while you are eating their food.

Villa Bordoni

Via San Cresci 31/32, Greve in Chianti

+39 055 8547453

Open: Lunch 12:30pm-3:00pm, Dinner 7:30pm-10:00pm, Closed December-February

Website: www.villabordoni.com

The food’s lovely, and so is the place. Besides the restaurant Villa Bordoni offers rooms for stay and cooking experiences.

 Panzano in Chianti

+39 055 852020

Website: www.dariocecchini.com

This burger joint comes from the famous butcher Dario Cecchini who was a main character in Bill Buford’s memoir Heat (good read if you have the chance). Cecchini started with his butcher shop Antica Macelleria and now has three different restaurants including Dario DOC.

Siena Osteria il Grattacielo

Via Pontani

8 +39 0577 289326

Open: Lunch and Dinner, Closed Sundays

Rustic, authentic and full of locals, this tiny osteria serves simple cuisine and lovely wines.

Tre Cristi Vicolo Provenzano

1/7 +39 0577 280608

Open: Lunch 12:30pm-2:30pm, Dinner 7:30pm-10:30pm, Closed Sundays http://www.trecristisiena.com/

Perhaps the best place to find seafood in Siena, also they cater to vegetarian quite well. Spectacular atmosphere thanks to original frescoes couples with great contemporary Tuscan cuisine wonderfully.

Osteria Le Logge

Via del Porrione

33 +39 0577 48013

Open: Lunch 12:00pm-2:45pm, Dinner 7:00pm-10:45pm, Closed Sundays

Website: http://www.giannibrunelli.it/italiano/osteria_osteria.html

An excellent restaurant carved into a former pharmacy.

Hosteria il Carroccio

Via del Casato di Sotto

32 +39 0577 41165

Open: Lunch 12:30pm-2:30pm, Dinner 7:30pm-11:30pm, Closed Tuesdays Good food and wine, in typical Sienese style.

Osteria da Trombicche

Via delle Terme

66 +39 0577 288089

Open: Lunch 11:00am-3:00pm, Dinner 5:30pm-10:00pm, Closed Sundays

Website: http://www.datrombicche.it/il-ristorante/

A beautiful, budget-conscious cafe with local specialty items, cheeses, meats and wines. try the sott’olio (vegetables under oil).

Porri One

Via Porrione

28 +39 0577 221442

Open: Lunch 12:00pm-2:30pm,

Dinner 7:30-11:00, Closed Wednesdays Excellent restaurant that is surprisingly only a few steps from the main square. The cuisine is Tuscan with a modern flair that is paired with a wonderful and expansive wine list. Spadaforte Piazza Il Campo

13 +39 0577 281123

http://www.spadaforte.it/ Best bistecca alla fiorentina in Siena