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Dine-with-a-view in a beautiful Florentine piazza Piazzas are for ... eating in
[Susan Glasspool]
Florence is famed for its beautiful squares. Piazza del Duomo, for instance, with the splendid facade of the Cathedral, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower...where else can you find a view like that? Only in Florence, because it also boasts a square like Piazza della Signoria, the heart of political Florence, its memories of the Medicis, majestic Palazzo della Signoria with Arnolfo’s Tower, the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Uffizi and centuries of history. How, though, can we leave out Piazza Santa Croce, dominated by its splendid Church containing the tombs of Florence’s great men and the echoes of the historic Football games in costume? Or Piazza Pitti, where the wide facade of the Pitti Palace, former residence of the Grand Dukes, seems to regally embrace and involve the square in its fascinating past..
Curiously shaped Piazza Santa Maria Novella, once used for chariot races, is surrounded by old and imposing buildings, above all the splendid church of the same name, with its beautiful facade by Alberti. Then there is Piazza del Carmine, in the popular area of the Oltrarno, dominated by the ancient church containing some of the greatest frescoes ever painted (Masaccio). Piazza Santo Spirito with its church, Brunelleschi's last work, and Piazza San Lorenzo with the ancient Basilica, Library and Medici Chapels, nearby Piazza del Mercato Centrale, with the huge iron-built central market, and severe but airy Piazza della Repubblica are just a few other squares that should not be left out.
Dining in one of these piazzas is therefore a unique eand unforgettable experience! Naturally there are plenty of excellent restaurants situated just off the squares, many recommended by Vivi...don't forget to investigate them too!
B.Gallo in Piazza del Duomo 1 (tel. 055.219251) is a really special restaurant that combines tasting with a view directly onto Piazza del Duomo, though off the beaten track of crowds of tourists. The chef creates imaginative special dishes based on new themes every day, as well as typical Tuscan platters.
La Dantesca in Via Panzani 57r (tel. 055.212287), also gives onto Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Dine on its tranquil outside terrace for a rare gastronomic experience, as it serves excellent Tuscan, but also Neapolitan menus, or, as an alternative, excellent pizzas.
NapoLeone in Piazza del Carmine 24 (tel. 055.281015) has outdoor tables overlooking the square. Only open for dinner, the restaurant has the old-fashioned atmosphere of a Parisian cafè and serves fresh fish, typical meat dishes and a wide variety of pizzas.
Delicious Med ideas on a traditional Tuscan menu can be found at fashionable O!Obarconcucina in Piazza Piattellina 7r (tel. 055 212917), on one corner of Piazza del Carmine. An environment, completed by an outside dining area overlooking the square, that offers a delightful blend of design, music, art and organic art food. Lunches, aperitifs, and dinner until midnight and great brunches on Sundays.
Trattoria Zazà in Piazza del Mercato Centrale 26/27r (tel. 055.215411) offers a splash of Bohemian glamour based on a classical Tuscan cuisine, with delicious stews, roasts and grills, which can also be enjoyed in the outside terrace overlooking the square.
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