| Dining in Florence
is an experience in itself. There are many wonderful restaurants where
you can get a taste of the authentic Florentine food. Keep in mind that
a 10% value added tax will be included in prices, and a 15% charge is normally
added to the bill for service. It is also customary to leave up to 10%
for a tip if you enjoyed the meal and the service.
That being said, there are
many restaurants in Florence to choose from. Ristorante La Giosta
is only a short walk from the Duomo. All the meals at La Giosta are freshly
made and give you a taste for authentic Florence cuisine.
The Ristorante Enoteca Pinchiorri
won the Restaurant Magazine’s Editor’s Choice in 2005 for the Best Restaurant
in the World. It is also ranked in the overall top 50 world restaurants.
This is a formal restaurant and requires a reservation. It is slightly
expensive, compared to other restaurants in Florence, but for the
quality and service, well worth the extra price.
The Cantinetta Antinora is
located in the elegant palazzo near Santa Maria Novella. This refined eatery
offers subtle Tuscan food and wonderful Chiantis from the Antorini estate.
For seafood lovers, we highly recommend the Da Stefano. The Da Stefano
is only open in the evenings and offers a casual and friendly atmosphere.
Stefano himself will advise you on the catch of the day.
The Il Dibreo is world renowned
for its dining pleasures. The passato di peperoni gialli is a highly popular
and recommended dish. This luscious dish is a yellow pepper soup, with
spiced candied fuit mostarda and eaten with local cheeses.
Once Ugo Montale’s favorite
Florentine restaurant, the Ristorane Sabatini offers a spacious dining
area with wood beamed ceilings. This restaurant is a popular spot for business
based lunches and dinners. Popular dishes include the bistecca alla fiorentina,
Chianini beefsteak cooked on the grill, and Risotto with scampi.
Florence’s very first
vegetarian restaurant, the Gaugin, has drawn meat eaters as well. The dining
room is decorated with beautiful art, and the dishes are flavored with
locally grown produce.
For family dining, the Antico
Ristoro di Cambi is one of the best. There are approximately 60 outside
seats, as well as 60 inside seats. The di Cambi offers bare brick walls
and the owner Fabio Cambi will give you his heartiest welcome as you arrive.
Dishes are freshly made and delicious.
Along with the many restaurants,
pizzarias and coffee houses abound in Florence. The only problem
may be trying to experience them all.
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