If you don't go to that restaurant, there is another excellent one near the gate I mentioned, San Miniato. It is called Hosteria del bricco. Keep it in mind just in case.

http://www.osteriadelbricco.it/

I agree - go to San Miniato and give yourself plenty of time before the monks to explore this amazing church, not to mention the views over Florence. (And be different than me, and make sure you have working batteries in your camera before you ascend the summit.)

OK, walking it will be!

Thank you all for all the great ideas. Maybe I'll be brave enough to post a trip report as a thank-you for all the help I've received on this forum! (6 weeks from tomorrow . . . the countdown begins)