Can someone recommend a nice romantic restaurant in Florence near the historical centre. A restaurant where it is possible to get dressed up for.

Ideally a sophisticated one that is not too crowded and doesnt specialise in sea food?

We ate outside at a place called ZaZa and they had strolling minstrels. It was on a square near the markets. I can't dig up the street for you if you are interested.

We did not dress up but I really don't think anyone would look funnily at you if you did. They had a pretty big menu and very few seafood items.

Hi P,

Da Fiore - regarded as one of the better restaurants in Italy.

http://www.dafiore.com/

Well I suppose the op could dress up and get on a train for Venice to go to Da Fiore, but why would she want to because it serves practically nothing but seafood?
Za Za is a fun and casual spot, not a special, romantic dress up spot. If you want to pay the price, there is Enoteca Pinchiorri. Very elegant, with prices to match. There is also Cibreo and I like Osteria No.1.

We had an excellent dinner at a place called IL POSTO, right across the street from Florence's main post office, and only a few minutes away from the historical centre. THe grilled meat dishes and pastas were heavenly, as were the desserts!

Belay that last response from Ira.

He is being led away by guys in white coats.

Try these,

Il Ritrovo,
4 via dei Pucci, opens at 7:30.

This is a MUST. We ate there twice and were hard pressed to spend 100E for two with wine for a meal that was well prepared and beautifully presented.

Owned by Marco, who does the cooking, and Rosetta, who is the server, this is a lovely place in a vaulted, white-washed basement.

Dinner opens with a complimentary proseco and closes with ice cold limoncello. In between are pasta, risotto, prawns, shrimp, veal, lamb, beef, vegetables, fruits and sweets that are fresh, perfectly ripe, carefully prepared and beatifully presented.

Cantinetta Antinori,
3 Via degli Antinori

Great ambience, perfect service, excellent wines, VG+ food. About 125E with wine. Pasta in a sauce of zucchini blossoms, pine nuts and cream was particularly interesting.

Ira's Keeper

i know where you should go ! as far as dressing up - you'll be fine ... cannot remember the name (maybe someone can help with that) but it's in what was once a chapel (murals and artifacts intact) that was then turned into a stable during the war and is now a beautiful restaurant - right in the heart of florence - your hotel should know the name if no one else does ...

Hello Pinkchick:

I'm curious about Ira's use of the word "belay" in his response to your query. Is he revealing to us a naval background that has not otherwise surfaced in his ample contributions to this board? Gradyghost

ira...we stayed right down the street from Il Retrovo and I read your previous posting about it. We were really excited to eat there but when we checked out the menu (before it opened for the evening) it was VERY limited.

Don't know if we missed out on something due to evening specials but honestly from the menu, we were turned off.

I don't think Il Ritrovo would be your romantic restaurant where you would want to get dressed up. I've been there once, with no intentions of going back, as my observations on average food and overly tourist-oriented are echoed by others whose food and dining experiences I can trust. However, the kindly chef will come out, in his Chef Boyardee hat, to greet every table - in English. Very few locals go there.

Although, we've only been to, and enjoyed, the trattoria version of Cibreo, the other restaurant at Cibreo is more upscale, with dressier clienteles and would definitley require reservations well in advance. Even as there were also some tourists (it's a popular place with BOTH locals and tourists) at the trattoria, but the food was commendable. We look forward to trying the restaurant on our next visit.

If you crave for a very good, authentic chianinna (sp?) steak, then Sostanza in Via Porcellana is a must.

"We ate outside at a place called ZaZa and they had strolling minstrels. It was on a square near the markets. I can't dig up the street for you if you are interested."

ZaZa is an excellent place and quite reasonable price wise.

I meant to say I CAN dig up the street name for you if you are interested.

We enjoyed our dinner at Cibreo (the restorant...long line at the trattoria).

Ira--I thought my husband was the only person who ever used the term "belay."

Gradyghost is right. You must be an old navy man.

Byrd

I've spent a little time on boats.

Hi ez, sorry you didn't have a good experience at Il Ritrovo.

Hi MCG,
There were 3-4 daily specials for each course the nights we were there.

Good morning, my recommendation would be the CANTINETTA ANTINORI, excellant food and wines. also have ristorantes in Zurich and Wien, equally most good.
Richard of LaGrange Park, IL

Trattoria ZaZa is in Piazza Mercato Centrale, I believe. There's nothing fancy about it, but it's a pleasant outdoor dining experience. It's also not particluarly secret or unkown if you were looking for an intimate experience. Had amazing porcini mushrooms there in October--you can search for my trip report.

>>> Hi ez, sorry you didn't have a good experience at Il Ritrovo. <<<


Ira:

I don’t think this is any bigger deal than it really shouldn’t be, but I’m not sure why you have to apologize to me on behalf of Il Ritrovo. This has occurred more than once when I previously stated my view on the restaurant. Unless you are required to do it as you have some form of affiliation with the restaurant, but otherwise please don’t worry about it. Really.

I just want to ensure that the OP has the opportunity to weigh other opinions.

A second vote for Cantinetta Antinori; small, intimate, lovely with very good food and service. Wonderful wine selection by the glass and bottle.

I do not think ZaZa's is at all romantic, nor particularly good.