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
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/
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
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.
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!
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 