Strongly second the recommendation of Cinghiale Bianca(o?) near the Pitti Palace. Great ribbolita, good service, packed but we were well looked after.
We also went to a sandwich kind of place near the Medici Chapel and found their melanzele (sp?) sandwiches/mozarella-tomato appetizers + pizzas great. Cant remember the name but there was anotehr one close to the Duomo which overlooked the palce and had good food tooo....

I am really impressed with the restaurant recommendations here. Just a quick note to the original poster, sorry to disappoint, but Pane e Vino is no longer there. It was really good years ago though. Another good place not yet mentioned is Garga on via del Bosco near the Grand Hotel. The owner is the chef and his wife is Canadian. A great salad is the ensalata Garga and the veal with fresh avocado and truffle oil is outstanding. Beware the moscato that they may bring to the table. Too good and very dangerous.

We ate at trattoria Bibe and it was delicious. A dinner for 4 (2 adults and 2 kids-having two courses) was about 70-80 euros. Very nice courtyard setting at night under the trees and stars. Delicious starters (goat cheese so fresh we thought the goat was in the backyard) specialty is grilled meats-so simple and very flavorful.) Family voted it best meal of entire trip. Location is right at the outskirts of Florence about a 10 minute drive. Full of locals eating. Be sure to make reservations.

Another strong recommendation for Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco!

Good morning, agree with Iregeo
that the White Wild Boar is a most wonderful experience in Firenze. Two
of ourother favorites are the TRATTORIA CELESTINO, Pza S. Felicita, just over
the South end of the Vecchio and second,
a a bit more touristy is the RISTORANTE MAMMA GINA, Borgo S. Jacopo, last but
not least is the CANTINETA ANTINORI, in
the Palazzo Antinori, up by the SMN
RR station. Richard of LaGrange Park,IL

We had 3 nights in florence and enjoyed these 3 places which were recommended by local people:

DINNERS: TRATTORIA 4 (QUATRO) LEONI, VIA VELLUTINI phone
(055 218562)
(reputed for their Florentine Steak, ask for
the terrace, www.4leoni.com)

LA VECCHIO BETTOLA (near Porta Romana, Piazza
Torquato)
(fun, casual trattoria, it's a short cab ride
from center of town)

LA BARAONDA , VIA GHIBELLINA 67
ROSSO phone (0552341171)
(near Santa Croce church)

If you had to choose one restaurant in Florence for a splurge, where would it be?

Given the weak dollar, I am scaling back plans for Dining Out in Italy.

Further suggestions welcomed!

Hi Koshka,

For a splurge, try the Cantinetta Antinori, 3 Via degli Antinori
Great ambience, perfect service, excellent wines, VG+ food. About 125E with wine. Pasta in a sauce of zucchini blossoms, pine nuts and cream was particularly interesting.

For a very, very good dinner for under 100E for two, it's Il Ritrovo, 4 via dei Pucci, opens at 7:30.

See my trip report http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Thanks Ira!

We loved Beccofino, Baldovino, Osteria de Macci and Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco on our last visit. The food at Trattoria Cibrio was good but the experience not especially memorable. Of the four I listed, Beccofino is the most refined menu and they become increasingly informal (and probably less expensive) in the order they are listed. There is so much delicious food in Florence!

La Girosta, since I've heard it's fabulous, and didn't make it there the last time.

Dont remember the name of the restaurant but we had got it from a Florentine friend and had the most delicious ribbolita there. its near the pitti palace in one of the lanes - great local atmosphere and cash only. Osteria Bianco or such. This was some 5 year ago!

Beccofino is very good. It is more creative cuisine, not your classical spaghetti with tomato and basil.
I think Baldovino is by the same owner. Have heard many people speak very well about it.
Cantinetta Antinori was very good as well and very tranquil as I remember it.

“Author: tongsa
Date: 07/22/2003, 10:27 pm
Strongly second the recommendation of Cinghiale Bianca(o?) near the Pitti Palace. Great ribbolita, good service, packed but we were well looked after.
We also went to a sandwich kind of place near the Medici Chapel and found their melanzele (sp?) sandwiches/mozarella-tomato appetizers + pizzas great. Cant remember the name but there was anotehr one close to the Duomo which overlooked the palce and had good food tooo.... “

Author: tongsa
Date: 06/10/2008, 01:47 pm
Dont remember the name of the restaurant …This was some 5 year ago!


5 years ago – like when the thread was originally up and going???

I feel like there should be "use by" dates on restaurant threads.

We liked Al Aqua al 2 near the Bargello Museum. Closed circuit camera of the kitchen was viewable in the lower floor where we were seated. Great blueberry or balsamic steak.....pasta sampler was also.

vjplovesitaly: you got me there! with the dates...