Il Ritrovo - Thanks to all that recommended this fantastic restaurant!
 

We just returned from Il Ritrovo (in Florence) and we wanted to thank everyone that recommended this restaurant. We had a fantastic dinner and Rosetta and Marco are terrific. This is a true "destination" restaurant. If you are in Florence -- Go! and have the chocolate souffle. It is to die for.
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What night did you go, did you have a reservation and was it crowded? Also did you have ahard time finding it? Did you eat at any other restaurants in Florence or anywhere else that was better?

pjc115 -- It is currently Wednesday night here in Florence, and we just returned from dinner. We did not have a reservation, it was not crowded, and thanks to Ira's and others' directions, we didn't have any trouble finding it.

So far, we have not had a better meal. We have had some good meals -- Za Za's was fun and crowded and the food was good. It's only our third night, so I will post any other recommendations when I post my trip report.

Hope this is helpful.
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Thanks and enjoy the rest of your trip will be looking for updates.

I'll be there in a few weeks. Can't wait! How do you say "chocolate souffle" in Italian? What else do you recommend on the menu?

Tell us more about Il Ritrovo and the other restaurants you like.

By the way, here's my very favorite pasticceria in Florence, not too far from Santa Croce. Go there in the morning and have a cappucino and warm cremino. Total heaven!

I Dolci di Patrizio Cosi
Pasticceria
Borgo degli Albizi 15/r
50122 Florence

Tries2PakLite: Thanks for the recommendation for Il Ritrovo--I know its an "Ira favorite" and its great to get a confirmation. I want to confirm his other recommendation in Orvieto, "I Sette Consoli"--had a great anniversary dinner there last October.
I've been by Il Ritrovo and may have another shot this May, but haven't had a meal there yet.
Re: other fun restaurants. Za Za's was a hit for us on our last trip--good variety and you can get fun waitresses. Others we have enjoyed--Aqua Al Due, very eclectic menu in an updated setting, Mama Gina's on the Oltrano, traditional fare and well presented and Mario's, a real classic with all offerings done authentically.
I'm still looking forward to a visit to Il Ritrovo--maybe this May!
Cin Cin-Paul

Hi tries,

Glad you enjoyed your dinner there.

Mind giving us a rundown on what you had and the cost?

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We will be in Florence in 4 weeks and will go to Il Ritrovo--one question--do they accept credit cards or is it euro only?

They'll take credit cards (including AMEX).

I also just returned from FLorence. We have been to Il Ritrovo and enjoyed it as well. However, in the Oltrano district, there are two wonderful restaurants: Le Barrique and Cavolo Nero. THe Oltrano side of the river is quieter and has much more of a neighborhood feel. Out of the two restaurants, Cavalo Nero is a MUST!

Ira -- we believe that you need to write a gourmet gastronomical guide. We ate at I Sette Consoli today and were Wowed -- another incredible meal in a wonderful restaurant. The service was great and we loved the little stools to put our purses on.

OK, the rundown:
2 mixed salads
1 bruschette
1 veal with mushrooms
1 veal marsala
1 filet mignon
1 roast cornish hen
1 eggplant with mozzarella (side dish)
1 ice cream
1 tiramisu
1 chocolate souffle (wow!)
2 bottles of wine
2 bottles of mineral water
1 espresso
1 cappacino
1 tea
Total for 4 people -- 170 euros
Experience -- priceless.

We have a reservation to return on Sunday.
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Hi tries,

>Total for 4 people -- 170 euros<

Great, they haven't raised their prices.

Oops, forgot the grappa and the lemoncello. They filled the glasses and left the bottles on the table.
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Can I get the address for Il Ritrovo, as well as Cavalo Nero? Grazie!

The addresses are:

Il Ritrovo, 4 via dei Pucci
Cavalo Nero, Via d’Arglione 26

>Oops, forgot the grappa and the lemoncello.<

I was wondering about that.

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Our only bad dining experience last May in FL was at Za Za's--fun atmoshere and tables attractively set but our food was not good.

Cavolo Nero has a website with a sample menu (in English). Take a look at at www.cavolonero.it

The black gnocchi (squid ink) with calamari was incredible and the grilled lamb should not be missed! Did I neglect to mention the delicious pear tarte tatin. My husband's tuna was cooked to perfection. If you love full bodied (red) Italian wines and can splurge a bit, the 2001 SIEPI (sangiovese/Merlot blend) compares with the best bordeaux and brunellos I have ever tasted. They have it on their current wine list.

Buon Appetitio!

Are any of these fantastic sounding restaurants appropriate for families with 2 teens (ages, 12 and 14)? They're happy with a bowl of pasta and don't know if it's a waste to take them to places like these.

Hi jo,

> joangk
>Are any of these fantastic sounding restaurants appropriate for families with 2 teens (ages, 12 and 14)? They're happy with a bowl of pasta and don't know if it's a waste to take them to places like these.<

You have to educate their palates.

Let them have their pizza and their pasta for a couple of days, move them on to chicken, shrimp and other things with which they are familar at home to get the flavor of Italian cooking, then take them out for a good dinner, with wine.