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Outside the pub in Piazza san Giovanniwhen outdoor seating does make a difference

Alfresco Evenings
[Maddalena Delli]

As temperatures go up and summer takes a grip on the city, many venues have already opened the doors to their gardens; others have moved outdoors and several squares in the city center have been fitted to host live entertainment. Meanwhile, many restaurants - as well as bars and cafes - spread their tables outdoors to provide patrons with an opportunity to recover from the sultry heat of the day.

Ristorante Beccofino on piazza Scarlatti (tel. 055.290076) is a large, airy, smoke free modern space, and in the summer you can enjoy your meal on an outdoor terrace overloooking the Arno. Chef Berardinelli creates a delightful progression of flavors. Wines are excellent and can be ordered both by the glass and by the bottle.

La Bussola in via Porta Rossa 58r (tel. 055.293376) has outdoor tables on piazza Davanzati. It offers fine Tuscan cuisine, a wide choice of fish dishes and a variety of pizzas from the wood-burning oven. The homemade desserts and excellent wine list are also worthy of mention.

Il Gatto e la Volpe is on the corner of via Ghibellina with via de' Giraldi (tel. 055.289264) and also has outdoor tables. This is a small and welcoming spot that serves good food at reasonable prices, and although it gets its fair share of tourists this hasn't yet ruined what's on offer.

La Grotta Guelfa in via Pellicceria 5r (tel. 055.210042) near the 13th century Palagio di Parte Guelfa can accommodate around 50 guests in the summer garden (and as many in the beautiful interiors) and offers typical Tuscan cuisine incuding beans and pork roast.

An eclectic mix of culinary and drinking traditions can be found at the Birreria Centrale Tyrolean Tavern on piazza Cimatori (tel. 055.211915). In a pictoresque corner of the old city center, this tavern offers hearty Tyrolean specialities alongside Tuscan dishes like bean soups bistecca. Similarly, the bar provides both frothy Austrian beers and excellent Tuscan reds.

Finisterrae in via de' Pepi 5r (tel. 055.2638675) is one of the latest entries on the scene, and certainly worth trying. Its menu is Mediterranean with Spanish, Provençal, Greek, North African, Lebanese and Sounthern Italian dishes. They have beautiful private gardens and are open daily for lunch, aperitif, dinner and after dinner.

In the stylish premises of a Renaissance palace on Borgo San Frediano (tel 055.291840), Momoyama is the undisputed sushi leader in Florence. Their summer garden awaits you to delight in intriguing sushi and sashimi selections and 'inventive food'.


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