Fodor-ites thank you. We're almost on our holiday. Just a few more last minute details. Where can we lunch in the Acedemia area? Any great or memerable meals in that area?

Oh yes, but I'd be hard pressed to identify the place exactly. With your back to the Accademia, a bit left, then right down a street leading away (perpendicular to a line drawn flush with the front of the Accademia). Best cacciatore I've ever tasted (includng my own, which is pretty good).

I believe the previous reply is describing the Accademia restaurant. It is north of the Accademia, on the west side of a piazza. My recollection of the location is fuzy but the memories of the food is not...wonderful! I think the owners name is Gianni. Try the "wine and dine" for dinner, a four course meal with wine between each course, and reasonably priced.

We also ate at the Accademia last year when we were there. The BEST pear/arugula and honey salad I have ever had as well as a 3 kind of pasta entree that was fabulous.

Just curious-how many pear/honey and arugula salads have you had?

(I have to admit,it sounds yummy)

Close to the Accademia is a good and inexpensive lunch place which also happens to be considered by many to be the best pastry shop in the city:

Robiglio, Via dei Servi, 112r. Between Via degli Alfani and the spectacular Piazza Stsma. Annunziata. Do not miss the Piazza, one of the most beautiful in Tuscany.

Another option nearby is the wine shop La Mescita which sells snacks and hot dishes and also, I believe, bulk wine (in addition to bottled wine) to take home in your own container. Via degli Alfani, 70r.

hope you have a great time! If you're walking around anyway, there's an interesting "diner" at the Mercato San Ambrogio. My only regret was being too full from collazione to enjoy the offerings! Oh, and pick up some olives from the vendor outside the market bldg - his selection was fantastic! Here's a story about the market:
http://tinyurl.com/ezkn6