Favorite Restaurant in Florence?
 

For my husband's birthday dinner on April 30th.

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

My report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34889882
"...we opted to try for La Giostra, just 2 blocks away. We got there at 7, and since it was early by European standards, we got a table in one of their 2 dining rooms. The place was truly a gem. It was well appointed, with a sparkling ceiling. As you ate, the owner, a charming older man with long white hair visited the tables.

After we ordered, we got a small complimentary glass of Prosecca. Then we were presented with a complimentary very large plate of assorted antipasti. We decided not to order any more wine, since we had a lot before, and after splitting our priomo piatto, we were all full. But we struggled to finish our secundo piatto, which were enjoyed by all. Without wine, the check was quite reasonable. The place was full as we left." ((*))

I agree with Jed. Just a word of warning--they give you a free appetizer that is almost a meal in itself! And "the Prince" even offers free cooking classes (well, he did to me).

Another vote for La Giostra.

Not only is the food wonderful, they were very kind and accomodating. We arrived without reservations (foolish). When the hostess said there was no room, I explained my disappointment---my student-son , who lived in Florence for a time, had recommended the place so highly. So they brought out a small table and made room for us outside, with the other sidewalk tables. And we were treated very well. Jed didn't order wine, but if you do. . . you're in for another treat.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Jed, nice to see you on the Europe board; I am used to seeing you on the Australia/NZ board :)

Does anyone know if the restaurant is closed certain days of the week? I didn't see anything mentioned on their website.

Liz

I would have to agree with La Giostra...we were there this past October and the food was really wonderful. Be sure to make a reservation...it was nearly full soon after the door opened.

I was trip planning with friends last night, and they were raving about Cantinetta Antinori. They said great wine, great food, very good service, upscale and modern. We usually go down scale and homey.

Guess I will have to try to book La Giostra...and hope it is available. THANK YOU ALL.

Has anyone tried Sostanza? Huge Steak Florentine was delicious.
Not fancy, but fun. Lots of tourists to sit and chat with!

Indeed, they are accommodating. We got there at 7 without reservations on a rainy night, and they fitted us in.

We didn't have wine because we just finished a bottle with crackers and cheese in our apartment near there.

Liz - Having been to over 40 US states and over 40 countries, and being retired, I prowl on all the forums. ((*))