We are looking for a nice restaurant not too far from the train station in
Florence. We are staying at the Hotel Paris. Anyone stayed there?

Florence is a wonderful city. For a reasonable, very fun dinner, go to Il Latini but book in advance. Accross the river there are several cosy places, but Il Latini will be closer to you.

Il Latini is a great place, just arrive hungry.

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I've stayed at the Hotel Paris a few times. It's a convenient location and the room size is very good. The breakfast room is just as impressive as it looks on the website. I do find the glass staircase to the upper floors unnerving.

I enjoy the delicious food Osteria Belle Donne nearby, but it may not be special enough for the dinner you anticipate--perhaps too casual.

Anyone reading this have reccommendations for restaurants near the Duomo? I'll be staying at the Brunelleschi. Thanks!

My husband and I just returned from Italy last week. We ate in two very good but very different restaurants. The first was Trattoria 13 Gobbi located at via del Porcellana 9r. The food was delicious (I had osso bucco and my husband had shrimp)and the atmosphere was beautiful with an outdoor courtyard filled with plants. The price was approx.90 euros for appetizers,entree and dessert with vino de casa. We met a couple that ate there four times because they thought it was sooo good!
The other restaurant was very different but the food was also very good. It was Coco Lezone located on a little tiny street (Via del Parioncino 26). I would say that this was more rustic and very down home Tuscan. Good food, the soups were fabulous but you felt like you were in your Italian grandmother's kitchen. Two people from Germany that sat next to us were not thrilled but my husband and I thought it was authentic and fun. They do not serve coffee and they only accepted cash. Whatever you choose, Enjoy!

Without a doubt La Giostra is the best in that area if not in all of Tuscany.
http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com/i.../frameset.html

bmk.

How about a more casual, value-oriented place?

This sounds nice, anyone try it?

http://www.lefonticine.com/menunew.htm

Highly recommend these 2 restaurants where we dined twice. We were staying at Ill Viliano with Sergeo looking after us. Acquacotta via dei Pilastri 51r Tel 055 242907 and La Pentola dell'Orosteria Via di Mezzxo, angolo Via Dei pepi 055 241808 web www.lapentoladelloro.it
Both very wonderful restaurants. Somehow we got by with little italian. If Bruna is still at Oro steria you will find her amazing. Amazing food. Enjoy

Oh, I forgot, upstairs at Orosteria is the cafe Il Bettolino, very reasonable, share a table with a local, excelent pasta. Same kitchen as downstairs.

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Trattoria 13 Gobbi & Il Latini both excellent have been to both each time whilst in Florence. But have a very light lunch before Il Latini as the food just keeps coming but what an experience.
Havn't stayed at Hotel Paris but have been to Florence 3 times ,the last time we were just around the corner from 13 Gobbi & were in walking distance of the station . We stayed at Hotel Aprile www.hotelaprile.it the Renaissance palace Medici dal Borgo they had a Professor from the University give a free lecture on one of the nights we were there. Enjoy Florence we will be in Italy again in May but not Florence this trip.

Trattoria Garga is unbelievable! Small family run restaurant that serves traditional Italian food with a quirky twist. Try the veal with avocado - divine!! Just google it and you'll find the address.

I just finished reading this wonderful blog on restaurants in Florence, with a link to photos of the food. http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/susan/

>>How about a more casual, value-oriented place?<<

Zio Gigi

I ate at Trattoria Garga as well. I thought it was very good and such a fun atmosphere. Casual, yes, but I don't know about value-oriented.

I also like Trattoria Marione

bookmarking. Thanks.