dina4

they don't have prices on their menu.

i know if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it, but I am still curious (and hopeful!)

Any ideas how much a lunch would cost at this special restaurant?

thanks!

ira

Hi D,

Travel and Leisure lists it as $$$$$.

dina4

Hi Ira,
that's sort of what worries.

i was hoping someone has first -hand experience. thought lunch might be cheaper -- $$$?

thanks, though!

dina

Holly_uncasdewar

Go for it, Dina. Just think of all the money you're saving by not going for dinner. Then come back and tell us about it!

Jean

Well, lunch is cheaper, but it's all relative. You can order panini, pasta, even a hamburger (but who would?). Order carefully and it's not too, too expensive. Problems arise if you're thirsty(!) because anything liquid is expensive, AND there's a cover charge per person. A few years ago it was only a couple of euros, but their website says the coperto is presently 4.75 euros.

I'd still go there for lunch and then skimp on dinner. The views are wonderful (and should be at $7 per person!).

ira

Hi D,

The other Guide beginning with F indicates that lunch will be about 70E pp - about the same as Taillevent in Paris.

Jean

Wow. We didn't spend anywhere near that much... about four years ago.

I notice the hotel is part of the Luxury Hotels of the World and Orient-Express groups. These may be new affiliations and perhaps have caused some $$$ changes. If so, that's a shame. The hotel's loggia is really a special place for a memorable meal and view.

dina4

Jean, do you remember how much you spent?

Well, Ira, if the other guide is right, i think we'll settle maybe for a drink... There are four of us (2 teenagers). Not sure i'd enjoy it if it's that expensive.

thanks again, everyone...

Jean

Whatever I paid 4 years ago wouldn't apply anyway. The dollar today is about 25% weaker than it was then, and it would seem prices have gone up. Too bad.

cindyeo

Have your drink and enjoy the view, then go to Trattoria le Cave di Maiano for lunch. It is a farmhouse off the beaten path, but a great restaurant. We had lunch there about 18 months ago. They have a lovely tree shaded patio, but no view of Florence. It wasn't outrageously expensive, 6 of us ate for 125 euro, which was a little cheaper at the time, but still not bad at today's exchange rate. We had plenty of food and wine.

dina4

Thanks, Cindy. How an we find that restaurant?

ekscrunchy

http://www.trattoriacavedimaiano.it/

It is actually in Maiano, between Fiesole and the city.

J62

In my experience/opinion the views from Fiesole are best enjoyed in the evening. Mid day there can be substantial haze and views made worse with with the sun directly overhead. You can see Florence and enjoy the view from many Fiesole vantage points without needing to pay for a $400 lunch for 4.

dina4

Thanks, escrunchy! did you like this place, too?

J62 -- you're making a lot of sense...