Osteria delle Belle Donne

Osteria delle Belle Donne Review

Down the street from the church of Santa Maria Novella, this gaily decorated spot, festooned with ropes of garlic and other vegetables, has an ever-changing menu and stellar service led by the irrepressible Giacinto who, after a brief sabbatical, has returned to oversee tasty-again food emerging from the kitchen. The menu offers Tuscan standards, but shakes things up with alternatives such as sedani con bacon, verza, e uova (thick noodles sauced with bacon, cabbage, and egg); when avocados are ripe, they're on the menu, too (either with cold boiled shrimp or expertly grilled chicken breast). If you want to eat alfresco, request a table outside when booking-and remember to save room for dessert.