Am interested in taking the family (older teenage kids) to dinner at Il Latini during our 3 day stay in Florence in July. Wondering if you all think it deserves its good reviews and also what the much-advertised wait is in reality. thanks so much!!

Good reviews? From whom?

I wouldn't eat here if someone paid for the meal. Do your kids a favor and take them someplace where they'll have to use their brains to get through the menu. There are tons of better choices in Florence.

Interesting response. Was not really thinking of brain power in reagard to eating! (plus at the end of a city day, who has much of a brain left??)So do you have suggestions?

I beg to differ with NYCFoodSnob. We had a great time and a very good meal at Il Latini. Yes, the waiters will pick a lot of the dishes, but they were very good, especially the soups, meats and Prosciutto y meloné.

It was also fun. We had a late sitting and were the only four Americans in the room with a bunch of Italians. After consuming much Chianti, everyone in the room sang Dean Martin songs until the place closed.

We made 9:15 reservations, but our hotel told us we would still have to wait. We got in at about 9:30 (just make yourself known to the person at the door and you'll get in faster).

Another good thing about this restaurant was the price. Of course, in 2001 the exchange rate was better, but it still is a bargain for the amount of food you get.

No, it is not gourmet, so if that's what you're looking for, I agree with the Snob. But if you want a good meal at good prices and a good time, I would give it a try.

I too am considering il Latini as an enjoyable dinner spot for my family (including 3 sons in their early 20'). Its "house party atmosphere" with plenty of locals and good food sounded like a welcome relief from stuffy, overpriced places.

I'm curious as to the negative response from NYCFoodSnob (who wouldn't eat at il Latini even if the meal were free) - geez, I thought there was always a stampede whenever someone shouted "free food!" NYCFS doesn't really explain about "using brains" or criteria for "better choices". Is it the "prix fixe" aspect that turns NYCFS off? And by better choices, does NYCFS mean in terms of atmosphere, food quality, price?

I did an Internet search and found all comments were positive about il Latini -"had a marbvelous time... One of our most memorable experiences" and "For my first trip to Europe, this was definitely a highlight. Give this restaurant a try! The food is good, the wine delicious, and the atmosphere great." "So many locals can't be wrong."

I think tamryn and I are just concerned that this place sounds too good to be true.

dear maitaitom-thanks so much for the info. Am also interested in you getting a reservation, since the wait in line idea indicated to me that we could not get one. If we go, I will have the Relais Uffizi call and make one for us, too! By making yourself "known" to the front desk, I wonder if that included any Euros???
Blithespirit-Maybe we will see you there-your boys might like my girls)

" I wonder if that included any Euros???"

No money was needed. After giving my name, I just made sure the person could see me with my group at the front of the restaurant. Our hotel told me the more eye contact you make, the quicker you'll get in. They were right. I think you and your kids will have a blast.

Oh yeah, my wife says to have the bread soup.

I love i Latini. We go everytime we're in Florence. Just a hint for this restaurant or any other in Italy where you have to wait for entry. If you are two or three people, introduce yourself to another couple waiting. Get a table together and have a festive time. I Latini has a huge bottle of wine on table so enjoy and have a great time. The first time we went there we met a couple who had been there many times before. They said the waiters don't like to wait on just two people. They like groups. We had great treatment.

A perfect trap for tourists.
(But I would eat there if paid)

We ate there a few years ago. My allergies were kicking in and I didn't feel that great so the noise level was a little too high that night for me.
I would give it another try but my husband didn't like the wait, the crowds and the noise level so I doubt if we will be back.

Friends of ours ate there and had a great time and loved it.

It is what it is

tamryn,

Il Latini is noisy, crowed and so much fun!

Go...

It is touristy, but I find the food good and with older kids they will like it.

Listen, don't agonize over the food; you'll have fun.

If you want more upscale dining options then include them too.

A little mix of everything is fun!

And while you are waiting, it's fun to people watch. The service can be gruff, but who cares? I still say it's fun.

And the stores around there, while might be closed when you leave, are fun to window shop.

Have a ball!

did you find Simone by the way??

I ate at Il Latini in March. Yes it was fun if you talk with those you sit with. I'm not sure so much for kids, but the adults crossed language an cultural barriers to enjoy a meal together. I didn't see one local there...everyone I talked to was from Japan, Germany, Canada, Spain and the US. The food is quite overrated, IMHO, and we ate much better and cheaper elsewhere. The mob to get in was irritating and a pain enough for me that I wouldn't do it again.

I had to laugh because I saw it recently on Rachel Ray's $40 a Day and she ate there for 8 euro! For two of us it was 75 euro! The waiter "estimates" and there are no prices or menus for that matter to know what you're getting into. Don't get me wrong, I had fun, but wouldn't go back.

Hi Blithe,

>Its "house party atmosphere" with plenty of locals and good food sounded like a welcome relief from stuffy, overpriced places. <

I suggest that on your next trip yu make reservations at Il Ritrovo
Via de? Pucci 4/A
Full dinner w/wine abt 40E pp
Closed Monday

thanks everyone-love the input and other ideas. Tripgirl, no word yet from Simone. Will wait unless you have another email address to try. thanks for asking!

tamryn,

Try also:

[email protected]

and I think I goofed on one of the emails. It should be:

[email protected]

Let me know. I'd also be glad to call him for you.

tripgirl-connected with Simone for Florence tour! many thanks for you suggestion!

This episode was horrible! My wife and I visited Florence and most of italy for a month in April before this episode showed. HER CONVERSION OF EURO TO DOLLARS IS SOOOO WRONG ITS HORRIBLE THEY STILL SHOW THIS EPISODE. THEY SAID AT THE BEGINNING $40 = 45euro on WHAT PLANET.

Its more like $40 = 31euro at most

I worked in Florence on and off for three years and while Il Latini does attract many tourists, it was a favorite of the locals as well. My Florentine co-workers tended to like to have a large enough group to reserve the wine cellar where it was quieter, but they always praised the food. My palate may not be as refined as some, but I thought it was wonderful! I always took the owner or wait staff's recommendations and was never disappointed.

I personally think there are so many better options than Il Latini in Florence but many tourists seem to think it's the cat's meow.

I personally would not waste my time or money nor would I recommend it. Different strokes.

I had Il Latini down on my list, but never made it there. Below is a fantastic restaurant on the side of the river near the Boboli Gardens. The food was excellent and this came from a friend who was born in Florence and returns often:

Trattoria 4 Leoni
Via de' Vellutini, 1-red
50125 Firenze, Italia
055 218562
http://www.4leoni.com/

This is another option that borders the Mercato Centrale:

Zazà
Via della Stufa, 25-r
50123 Florence, Italy
055 215411
http://www.trattoriazaza.it

I think either would be good options for you and your kids. I'm 30 and liked both of these places.