Hi, <BR> Can anyone help? While in Florence about 5 years ago, we visited a fantastic restaurant and had the best Bistecca Fiorentine I have ever tasted. The problem is, we're planning to go back soon, and I can't remember the name of the restaurant. <BR>What I do remember is that it is quite near the Via Tornabuoni and the Hotel De La Ville,I also remember going downstairs to the restaurant, and it having two seperate sections, the rear one having lots of cuttings/postcards/posters/currency on the walls. Not a lot to go on I know, however if anyone can help, I'd appreciate it. <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR> <BR>Iain

I don't remember going downstairs, but the two rooms with the posters, etc., sound like Gargas on Via Moro. <BR>

Iain: <BR> <BR>I'll be a first time visitor to Florence next month. Could you describe what is 'Bistecca Fiorentine'? And of course, now I'm curious as to what restaurant you had the best you've ever tasted. (Was the previous poster's correct in identifying the restaurant?)

Boots, I also remember that this restaurant was in a little side street, would that fit the bill for Gargas ? Thanks for your input. <BR>Robin, Bistecca Fiorentine is basically a huge, very tender, barely cooked steak, that comes from the cattle reared in the Tuscan countryside. It's enough for two to share, with a nice salad and maybe some ciabatta on the side and a bottle of Chianti. <BR>Enjoy Florence, it's a beautiful city. We spent our honeymoon there as part of a 2-centre trip, with Rome as the other destination. Are you planning to visit anywhere else whilst in Italy ?

<BR>Yes, Iain, it was on a narrow street not far from the Arno. As one walks toward the Arno, it is on the left. I have forgotten the number, but we had a tough time finding it because I didn't realize there are red numbers and there are black numbers. The restaurant was full (I think you will need a reservation), and the clients seemed to be young, enthusiastic, and friendly. I hope you get your Florentine beefsteak.

Hi Iain, <BR> <BR>We are planning to spend part of our honeymoon in Florence like you did. Do you have any tips on hotels, itineraries, things to do (or not to do?). Would appreciate any help since it is my first trip to Italy. <BR> <BR>Thanks

Nevine, We stayed at a hotel called the De La Ville, which is fairly central, with most of the main "attractions" within easy walking distance. It's difficult to give advice, however I would say relax and enjoy the beauty of Florence. Florence is a very romantic city, and I think being on honeymoon makes it even more special. Like anywhere, it's best to try and avoid the restaurants in the "touristy" areas. I'm sure the food will be as good as you would get elsewhere, however, you may find yourself paying a lot more for it. Obviously, try to see the Duomo, the Ufizzi, Medici Chapel, Piazza Michaelangelo, Santa Croce,Galleria dell Accademia. The list goes on. My best advice would be to buy a guide book and plan your days. Most things to see are within a short walk of each other, so you won't get too tired out. If you do you can always have some delicious ice-cream (but watch those prices). What time of the year are you going? A good time to go would be aroung September/October, just as the crowds are starting to dwindle. <BR>Anyway, have a great time, I'm sure you will. <BR> <BR>Boots, we must be talking about different restaurants here my friend, the one I'm thinking of would be on the left walking away from the Arno, thanks anyway. I do't know, maybe my head was clouded with Chianti. <BR> <BR>Iain <BR>

Your description leaves little margin for doubt. If the restaurant ceiling is vaulted, it must be the Buca Lapi, on Via del Trebbio 1/r (Tornabuoni), Tel. 055 21 37 68, closed on Tuesday <BR> <BR> Paulo

Iain, <BR>I wonder if the ristorante you're remembering is Coco Lezzone which is a block or so off via Tornabouni on via del Parionciono 26r. It's a small modest place of 2 or 3 rooms. While we were there recnetly, many locals came in and all ordered bistecca -- a huge cut of meat to be shared. <BR>

Iain, if you walk along Via Tornabuoni with the Arno on your back, it eventually widens into Piazza Antinori. The Palazzo Antinori is on your left, between Via Antinori and Via del Trebbio. At the end of Piazza Antinori the street bifurcates: the wider branch to the right and the smaller one (Via del Trebbio) to the left. Buca Lapi is on your left hand side, under Palazzo Antinori, a few steps from the corner. Continuing on Via del Trebbio one soon reaches the Piazza Sta. Maria Novella. <BR> I agree with you with respect to the Bistecca. I haven't found one yet that beats Buca Lapi's ... and I've been around quite a bit. Very good also (for its moderate price) is the "house" chianti ... Chianti Antinori or something related to the Palazzo. <BR> Funny is that we first went there in 1986. It was so good the first time around that we didn't bother to change restaurants the next evening. Like you, I had completely forgotten its name (and location). I only had its description (specially the vaulted ceiling with the travel posters, including 2 or 3 from Brazil , and the big table with fruits, appetizers and stuff). On two occasions in Florence since, no hotel clerk was able to give me any clue! Two years ago before travelling once again with my family, by chance, I found a description in Italy's Frommer guide that would fit the bill ... the bistecca was as good as a decade before One of my daughters ordered giant shrimps ... equally delicious! <BR> <BR> Paulo

Paulo, <BR> Thank you very much for your reply, when you mentioned the name Buca Lapi, I realised that was the restaurant I was looking for. Can't wait to try that Bistecca again. <BR> <BR>Iain

Iain, <BR>With a recommendation like yours will definately have to try Bistecca Fiorentine at Buca Lapi, if we can ever find it. By the way what is ciabatta? <BR>Ciao, <BR>Gloria

Ciabatta is a bread. It is sort of rectangular. It has a thin crisp crust, and the bread has an airy light texture. <BR>