javawater

I am picking out a restaurant for a wedding luncheon for 6 to 10 people. I have read many threads on this website about restaurants in Florence. A lot has been written about La Giostra, Il Ritrovo, and Villa San Michele. Villa San Michele quoted me lunch menus ranging from 150 - 170 euro per person. My heart leaped out when I saw the price. While this is going to be a very special occassion, I don't know if I am ready to add that to our budget. What about La Giostra? Is it just as expensive? Help!

bobthenavigator

www.divinacucina.com
Judy will know.

DRJ

I've eaten at Il Ritrovo several times and shall again next week. I can't imagine a lunch exceeding 50 euro. The place is very pleasant and the lovely Rosetta and her husband Marco will treat you right, IMO.

michela

We had our wedding reception at a lovely restaurant on the Arno called Caffe Concerto. It is a little way from the Centro Storico but only a short cab drive. It was a lovely welcoming place with a delicious menu. The maitre d'hotel was born in America so spoke English. They had a wonderful wine list and an extensive list of single malt scotches. It isn't a huge place but we only had 13. It seemed very reasonable - perhaps E50 or less pp for a lot of food and wine.

Eloise

You can also contact La Giostra directly:

http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com/i.../frameset.html

ira

Hi java,

Here is a review of IL Ritrovo, our favorite restaurant in Florence.

http://www.burkeandwells.com/archive/000220.php

The phone number is 055.281688

It is a small place. Call them well in advance so that Marco can prepare you a proper lunch.

artlover

No, La Giostra is not that expensive and it's one of my personal favorites (but can be difficult to find--you might want to check it out beforehand).

Peggyann

Seconding Il Ritrovo. You would be happy with the food, the service is sweet, the lower level room is so appealing in its simplicity, and you could probably arrange to have the place for your private group if arranged ahead, or for a small group of six or so, this would not be needed. Marco and his wife Rosetta are very special. So friendly and willing to go the extra mile. When we showed up for a second time, we were treated royally, glasses of ice cold limoncello appeared after dinner. For our first dinner, complimentary Prosecco was served before the meal (this was a Saturday) Even without these extras, we had fabulous experiences for our three dinners there.
Il Giostro is somewhat out of the way, and the owner is a bit of a "Ham". We were not that impressed.

Thanks again Ira for pointing us in their direction back in September. Dreaming of our meals there still. The wonderful fish dinner, the special pasta Bolognese Marco made for my husband three nights running, the luscious Panna Cotta with "frutti di Bosco".........

javawater

Thank you soo much for all the suggestions. I think Il Ritrovo will definitely be our #1 choice for our wedding luncheon!

ira

An excellent choice, Java.

Glad you enjoyed it, peggy.