We were in Florence 18 years ago and had the best meal of our lives in a small restaurant that was housed in a former church. It was a small place with many local families eating and a small outdoor eating area in a courtyard in the back. Can't remember the name or street. We are returning to Florence next month and have a fantasy of having another meal there. I realize the odds of it still existing (and under the same owners) are slim to none, but thought it was worth asking. Does anyone recognize this gem? Thanks!

Have you considered asking one of the food bloggers, like Elizabeth Minchellii?

Here it is:

https://www.thefork.com/restaurant/paoli/77538

RonZ beat me to it

https://u.tfstatic.com/restaurant_ph...sala-0f741.jpg

Considering the name, I may have to eat there when I'm in Florence next March.

Thank you all very much. I will check out Paoli, but will also try Elizabeth Minchellii, since the picture of Paoli looks like a much larger restaurant than I remember, and, at least at that time, seemed more full of locals than tourists. Again, many thanks.

Paoli does not seem to be in an actual church.

Paoli is not in a church, and it's not as old as it looks. The restaurant itself is almost 200 years old, but the interior is early 20th century neo-Gothic style.

I've found two restaurants in ex-churches, one of which might be yours. It's called Florens, which is in an actual deconsecrated church dating from the year 1200. I don't know how long the restaurant has been around. It seems very modern (km zero, artisanal beer, etc.) but it may be under new management, or just had a make-over.

http://www.florensfood.it/ristorante/

Their webpage doesn't even seem to have an English version, so it doesn't sound very touristy. It's a restaurant/pizzeria.

The other is (or was) called GRIF, in the Piazza del Carmine, in a former Anglican church. It seems to have opened and closed again in a short period of time.

I thought I had replied days ago, so apologies for the delay. Many thanks to you all for your responses, and especially to bvlenci for doing the research! Sadly, looks like GRIF must have been the one. If anyone can suggest an exceptional alternative in Florence for our last night in Europe after a one-month jaunt, we'd be most appreciative.
Thanks,