It’s been two years since I last wrote about new eateries in Florence. Then, I highlighted three that were in the area of Sant’ Ambrogio, about a fifteen minute walk from the center, (well, the way I walk anyway). https://wordpress.com/post/fondlyfromflorence.com/1651
Pescepane, https://www.pescepane.it and Cucineria La Mattonaia, http://cucinerialamattonaia.com I can still happily report are wonderful. As for Zibibbo 2.0, I have not been there recently but I have been told it continues to be outstanding, albeit pricey. Of course Trattoria Cesarino remains a favorite and has a daily changing menu. http://www.trattoriacesarino.it
On my past visit to Florence I realized that restaurants, very close to the center of Florence, (the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Via Tornabuoni) that are up to par, are few and far between. The historic trattoria of 30 years ago is starting to show its age. There are so many tourists squeezed into the Center, that the service and quality of many restaurants can not meet the demand. Word to the wise, check references and do look at the negative reviews on Trip Advisor/Yelp etc.to see if there is a common thread of complaints, realizing that both good and bad reviews on these platforms may be quite subjective.
One can find very good restaurants that continue to deliver in the Center such as I Latini but many are now closed for lunch during the week making dinner reservations a must.
Hanging prosciutto in this meat lover’s paradise Il Latini: http://www.illatini.com/it/ristorante
What does one do if wanting to eat lunch in the center of town after a busy morning of sightseeing or shopping? Go to any number of excellent cafe/bars to recharge and rest.
The ultra chic clothing shop Luisa Via Roma has a causal Terrace cafe that is organic, with wonderful salads and light choices for very fair prices: https://www.maisonflaneur.com/venues/luisaviaroma-terrazza-by-floret/
Luisa Via Roma, was renovating their space last I was in Florence so I will be eager to see their new digs.
Cafe Verrazzano serves the most wonderful assortments of freshly baked focaccia with toppings to make you drool as well as platters of cheese and meats to drink with a glass of their delicious chianti: http://www.verrazzano.com/la-cantinetta-in-firenze/
Cafe Verrazzano
On Via Tourabouni is the historic Procacci panini bar (divine little sandwiches that are made with a cream of truffles with various meat, fish and egg fillings) featuring Antinori wine. http://www.procacci1885.it/en/florence
Procacci
For your main meal, it is worth it to walk to neighborhoods that are less frequented by tourists and/or drive or take public transportation to neighboring towns. Car sharing is cheaper than taking taxis, just download the apps: Car to Go; Adduma: & Enjoy, are three of the local companies.
Here are some of my favorites “out of the center” restaurants, not in any particular order.
Le Lune: A short bus ride (city bus ,ATAF #7) on the way to Fiesole is a lovely restaurant located on the grounds of a nursery. You can also eat al fresco among the beautiful plants and flowers while enjoying your delicious meal. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d13536075-Reviews-Le_Lune_ristorante-Florence_Tuscany.html
Here at Le Lune with friends. Always a great time.
Trattoria da Ruggero: Just outside Porta Romana on Via Senese 89R, one can walk from the center of Florence or take a city bus #36 or #37 Great traditional Tuscan food. Two seatings at dinner and open for lunch, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. https://www.cntraveler.com/restaurants/florence/da-ruggero
L’Oca Bonda: The Round Duck is a ten minute drive from Piazzale Michelagnelo on the Via Imprunetana Per Pozzolatico 154, opposite a quaint country church you will find a small shop and restaurant, Run by a couple who deliver incredible dishes starting with a focaccia that is irresistible. Pasta dishes are served in their cooking woks, for lack of a better term for the deep skillets. Everything is made to order. Love their carbonara! So worth the drive, which is through beautiful countryside.
L’Oca Bonda
https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g635637-d11858475-Reviews-L_Oca_Bonda-Impruneta_Tuscany.html
Ristoro di Lamole: For a restaurant that has it all, this is the one for you. A beautiful ride through Chianti countryside with unparalleled vistas as well as a gourmet menu. I suggest lunch to enjoy the panorama. Drink the local wine while you drink it all in!
http://ristorodilamole.it/en/
This Fall I will be checking out the foodie scene and promise to update, as your requests center around food & perchè no. If you have some favorite discovery or other feedback please leave your input in the comment section. I’d love to hear from you.
A presto and buon appetito!
fondlyfromflorence&beyond 