Ethnic Eats in Florence

Ethnic Eats in Florence

Eating ethnic in Florence is a hit-or-miss affair. Although numerous Asian restaurants have sprung up since the 1990s, most of them are nothing to write home about. Still, if you need a break from Italian, some relief is available.

Amon (Via Palazzuolo 26/28r, Santa Maria Novella. 055/293146) is a standing-only spot that serves Egyptian and other Middle Eastern fare at rock-bottom prices. Dionisio (Via San Gallo 16/r, San Lorenzo. 055/217882) draws a mostly student crowd (as it's in the midst of university buildings) enjoying tasty kebabs. Il Mandarino (Via Condotta 17/r, Piazza della Signoria. 055/2396130) has excellent hot-and-sour soup and more-than-passable dumplings. Enjoy them with white linen tablecloths and a bottle of Verdicchio. If you're craving doner kebab (thin, grilled slices of beef, lamb, or chicken), look no further than Mavi (Via de'Benci 15/r, Santa Croce. 055/2466760). Portions are copious, and the hot sauce is darn hot. Most dishes at Mister Hang (Via Ghibellina 134/r, Santa Croce. 055/2344810) are Chinese, but the place also has Thai options. Ramraj (Via Ghibellina 61/r, Santa Croce. 055/240999) has Indian food to take away. Tijuana (Via Ghibellina 156-158/r, Santa Croce. 055/2341330) is open only at night; it's frequented by young Florentines craving enchiladas and fatijas. Doner kebabs at Turkaz (Via de'Servi 65/r, Santissima Annunziata. 055/2399959) have a killer hot sauce; you can order hot rice and meat dishes to eat in or take out.