WHAZHOT · MADE IN FLO' · ONLY IN FLO' · DISCOUNT COUPONS
sections
Booking
.
culture
.
Addresses for precious dinners Take a mouth watering tour
[Jane Whittle]
Still faithful to its peasant roots, Tuscan cooking relies on unsalted bread, fresh local ingredients, herbs and lots of good olive oil. What should you choose when faced with a restaurant menu full of unknown dishes? Chicken liver canapes are traditional starters though you might like to try the fettunta (toasted bread rubbed with garlic and only the best olive oil) or a mixed plate of Tuscan cured hams, particularly good if made from the Sienese breed of belted pig.You can test fresh fish and seafood in many restaurants. Da Stefano at Galluzzo, near Florence, specialises in fish dishes. Its flower-filled garden is extremely popular among the Florentines for sampling fresh seafoods, fresh oysters and raw fish in delicious fresh “carpaccio”, ask your concierge for information.
Florence offers many opportunities to test a typical Tuscan dinner, We propose a selection of restaurants in the principal city sides.
In Santa Croce area, we suggest the minimal and fashionable atmosphere at Akaya, in Via Ghibellina, 5 (Tel. 055.2638244), where you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh fish, as well as other delicacies or, alternatively, traditional Florentine steaks matched with a typical Tuscan menu.
In this same area try Natalino in Borgo Albizi 17r (Tel. 055.289404) for a genuine Florentine meal in one of the oldest restaurants in town. Natalino occupies the premises of a deconsacrated church - whose ancient decorations are still visible - and is famed for grilled fish and meat specialities. Just try their “ravioli nudi”. Closed on Mondays.
Don’t miss Boccanegra, situated in Via ghibellina 124r, right in front of Teatro Verdi. This attractive restaurant with its antique decor, offers a creative Florentine and Tuscan cuisine, beautifully presented dishes, and special “sample-menus” based on meat and fish, accompanied by a first-class wine list, excellent service and reasonable prices. Open till late. Closed on Sundays.
Near the Sant'Ambrogio market, in Piazza Ghiberti 67r, Semolina ( Tel. 055.2347584) is a popular place to dine that provides creative dishes from Tuscany and Campania.
In the heart of the city center there are many historic restaurants, like the Ristorante Orcagna in Piazza della Signoria, 1r (Tel. 055.292188), open since 1950, where clients can eat and relax in the shade of the "Loggia dei Lanzi". The high quality and professionally served food available on its wonderful terrace is accompanied by views of some of Florence’s greatest artistic monuments. Menus always include the most popular recipes in the local cuisine, including such specialities as “ribollita” (bread and veg soup)and “trippa alla fiorentina” (Florentine tripe).
Behind Via Tornabuoni try the Ristorante Parione in Via del Parione 74r (Tel. 055.214005), one of the most stylish restaurants in town, with elegant interiors decorated with fine paintings and impeccable service. Traditional Tuscan specialities like artichoke risotto and steaks appear alongside other creative dishes on the menu, which also boasts fine seafood and fish recipes. The wine and spirits list is just as impressive.
Two steps from here
La Bussola in Via Porta Rossa 58 (Tel. 055.293376) offers an excellent Tuscan cuisine, with a wide choice of delicious fish dishes as well as pizzas from a real wood-burning oven.
La Grotta Guelfa in Via Pellicceria 5r (Tel. 055.210042), near 13th century Palagio di Parte Guelfa, can accommodate about 50 clients in its summer garden (and as many in the beautiful interior) and offers a typical Tuscan cuisine, incuding beans and pork roast. Always open for lunch and dinner.
To enjoy an unforgetable lunch or dinner behind the Cathedral try Le Botteghe di Donatello (Tel. 055.216678) the owner also run the nearby Sapori del Chianti in Via dei Servi, specialised in Tuscan food and wines.
Around the train station we suggest Ristorante I Quattro Amici in Via degli Orti Orticellari 29 (Tel. 055.215413), renowned for its excellent fish dishes, while Il Portale Bistrot & Wine Bar, situated just round the corner in Via Alamanni 29 (Tel. 055.212992), serves gluten-free food and pizzas. Both always open for lunch or dinner, even late at night, ask your concierge for reservations.
On the oppoosite bank of the Arno the ideal choice for a romantic dinner beside the Ponte Vecchio is the Golden View Open Bar, in Via dei Bardi 58r (Tel. 055.214502).
Look out for one of Florence's best-loved typical trattorias: Mamma Gina in historic Borgo San Jacopo 37r (Tel. 055.2396009). Housed in a 15th century palace furnished in an elegant yet rustic style, the restaurant was established in the early Fifties and still offers traditional-style cooking based on simple and delicious dishes of the past.
In San Frediano area, in front of the Cappella Brancacci don’t miss Napo Leone in Piazza del Carmine 24, (Tel. 0.281015)a cult of the florentine night thanks to an old fashioned atmosphere similar to a Parisian cafè. Open only for dinner, provide fresh fish and typical meat or Pizzas for all tastes. Booking suggested.
Near here, in Piazza Piattellina, 7r you find the best spot for a trendy dinner: O!O (Tel. 055.212917) boasts an outdoor terrace that is perfect for all meals from lunches to evening dining, snacks, nibbles and pre-dinner drinks, all be served and prepared in original and creative ways throughout the day, weeks and seasons.
MORE