baasing

wish to end a 3 wk. birthday trip (60th) with a special final dinner in Florence. a Sat. nite, end of June, before we depart for home. Would appreciate suggestions for very good food, a little off the beaten path. Something that is not mentioned in guide books or used only by tourists.

rex

Villa San Michele, in Fiesole, watching the sun set over Florence from up on the hill, as Michaelangel saw it when he designed the place some 500 years ago.

It IS mentioned in the guide books, but I don't think you will find more than a handful of (American, at least) tourists there (if the folks at the next table are visiting from Rome, or Warsaw, will that alter your dining experience?)

Very good food; very memorable time there almost guaranteed.

Best wishes,

Rex

paula5

Price range Rex?

ira

Hi baa,

Villa San Michele is indeed memorable.

Also in Fiesole is the restaurant at the Villa Aurora.
http://www.promhotels.it/hotels/villa_aurora/

In Florence, for under 100E for two, is
Il Ritrovo

Via de? Pucci 4/A Best food for the price Has fish. Full dinner w/wine abt 40E pp Closed Monday
From Pzza San Giovani (NW corner of the Pza del Duomo) walk one blk East to Via dei Martelli. Go left to Via dei Pucci. Turn Right. Look very carefully on left. No sign. Door could be locked. Ring bell.

Airlawgirl

you know, I've yet to see my favorite restaurant in Florence mentioned, and thought it would be, 'cause it's so centrally located- on the right hand side as you are looking at the front of the Duomo on a little corso, but still practically on the Piazza itself-it's called Sasso di Dante-tiny little restaurant in an ancient bldg. where Dante allegedly lived at one time-"sasso" means "rock." All food made on the premises, pasta, desserts etc. -tends towards less meat-based dishes and more vegetarian choices- a scrumptious phyllo encasing an artichoke mixture-beautiful salads and desserts. It's actually owned by an ex-pat American, and they are very friendly there. However, it isn't as touristy as one might think, given its proximity to the Duomo. Most nights there I did notice there were quite a few locals-it's so small it probably wouldn't seat 30 people. It is not an elegant or formal place, if that's what you're looking for-but the tiny porch with tables outside looks right out on the Duomo...I'll certainly go back.

rex

A little under $80 per person in 2001, which included a rather modest wine expenditure (and coffee, desserts - - I honestly don't remember all the details). That was a big splurge for that particular trip.

And on that trip, $80 was roughly 92 euros (though the euro wasn't in use yet - - making the mental conversion from lire to euro for you) - - quite the reverse of today.

Ideally, somneone can provide more current info for you.

Statia

Although I haven't been myself, I've heard nothing but rave reviews of La Giostra in Florence. You can do a text search here at Fodors to find out more info.