clifbob,

Please explain 'great meal experience'. Are you looking for great food or a great experince as in a good time?

When I went in 2005, althought the food wasn't the best I had in Florence, it was still very tasty. The experice itself was great!!

I met up with a fellow Fodorite and her husband. We were seated next to a local and her German boyfriend. We were probably the last people to leave, since we were having so much fun getting to know each other.

So I would recommend it. But bring your appetite!! Especially if you order the Bistecca Florentine. Very huge and very tasty.

Tom

Hey tom

Thanks for responding. It's our first time in Italy..and we want to have meal and feel like we are mingling with the locals...and getting great food at a decent price. We are on a bit of a budget...I'm not one who enjoys dropping alot of money for food(maybe because i am a waiter in los angeles). We've been given good recommendations from people who have gone..so i wanted to see what others thought. Is it a regular menu..or a one price kind of place?

any places in Florence that you liked better for what i am looking for?

Haven't been there in several years but recall it was a pleasant evening, not dirt cheap but not exorbitant by any means. It was recommended by a well traveled friend, and I remember it as sort of an upscale popular place rather than high end gourmet.

clifbob,

It was a set price at 40 euro per person. There were plenty of locals and very crowded, so reservations are a must.

They have two sittings, one at 7 the other at 9. Go for the 9pm sitting, that way you wont be rushed.

The price includes a 2 liter bottle of the house Chianti, plenty of water and bread. They start bringing out antipasto in droves. Tuscan meats, veggies, fresh Mozzarella and Basil amongst other things. Then they offer you a choice of pasta dishes.

Then comes the meat course. I say go for the Bistecca. It is HUGE!! About 2" thick, very rare with all kinds of herbs Then there was Grappa with Biscotti and to top it off a Limoncello. To me, worth every penny. And that was food. There is a party like atmosphere that added to it. This is all just my opinion, others may think differently. If it means anything to you, I am a Chef (glorified line cook) and plan on going back there this spring.

Enjoy Italy, you are going to love it.

Tom