Florence
 

Going to Florence on January 7 for a week. Suggestions for dining and side trips. Pat Rooney

Hi Pat,<BR><BR>A really great restaurant in Florence in the Circina Toscana Ristorante on Via Palchell ( i think). They have 2 seatings, one at 7:30 and 1 at 9. get there early. we were the only non-italians eating there. they serve 5 courses and chianti and a dessert wine for $30. great service, great food, great ambience.

Hi Pat<BR>I have a long file on Florence; if you'd like to see it, email me. You can also do a search on this message board for Florence and find many good suggestions.<BR>Also check the Rants and Raves and other sections of this Fodor's website.

Check the Fodor's hardcopy book for 2000 (ours is packed away) but there is a recommended place called Pasquinni or Pasinni. Anyway, it's in the book and it's to DIE for. Intimate, friendly, and reasonably priced. This was the best (and hardest place to find - you must ask a police person to pull out a map) place that my wife and I ate at during our honeymoon (October 2001). Salute!

Side trip - head up to Fiesole, tour the Etruscan ruins, the convent, the museums, check out the wonderful views!

I will top my toscanna suggestions. You can do any of the sections in a day. I would reccomend going to Monte Oliveto Maggiore and Montalcino/St Antimo for a one day side trip (car required, incredible wine tasting at the enoteca fortezza in montalcino). San Gim and Voltera would also make a nice day (less driving, more fellow tourists). <BR><BR>

We just ate at Il Latini in Florence on Via Palchetti. It was GREAT. Lots of locals there. Arrive at 7:30 because they storm the door. You may be seated with other people.

I second IL Latini,be there by 7PM.<BR>Trattoria 2 caminetto on via dello studio opposite cupola entrance at duomo.

I second Dean's suggestion for Monte Oliveto Magggiore and Montalcino!

Carin<BR><BR>the Blue guide lists another il sodoma fresco cycle in S.Anna which is north of Pienza and south of Castelmuzio and Trequanda. If it s anything like Monte Olivets it must be amazing. Its his first work. My wife and I will see it this summer.

Thanks, Dean!

Hi Pat,<BR>Check out "Da Noi" at 46 r via Fiesolana. It is small (read that as "intimate") & because of the limited number of tables, you should probably reserve ahead.<BR><BR>Another place off the Piazza della Signoria is "Il Cavallino". More casual than "Da Noi", good food, good service & nice atmosphere.<BR><BR>Buon Appetito & Buon Viaggio!<BR>BC

I've found something interesting through the web page web.tiscalinet.it/5terre

Try LaMarrema off the Santa Croce square on Verde street. A local man in a leather shop recommended it. It is wonderful. (They are closed on Wednesday.) They have a ravioli with walnut sauce that is excellent. Marilyn

A good day trip from Florence is Lucca, and it is easy to get to by bus.

Thanks to all of you for great suggestions. We leave tonight for Florence and look forward to finding all the neat places you have given us. I had never been on this web site until recently and find it to be an incredible resource for novice travelers. Thanks