Any suggestions on wonderful places to dine in Florence? Moderate priced

Hi Mary: <BR> <BR>Here's an excerpt from our Europe journal. <BR> <BR>"We decided to have dinner at Buca Lapi, a restaurant, that Carol had "discovered" on the internet. Eleni concurred with our decision, so we walked a few blocks south to the unpretentious place and walked down the flight of stairs ("buca" means "cave" in Italian) and were promptly seated. The waiter was aloof, but helpful, and we had a fabulous dinner of prosciutto with melon, an Italian specialty, pasta with sausage and fennel, and the most incredible veal with asparagus, artichokes, mushrooms and gruyere cheese - by far the best veal we have ever tasted. We watched the chefs at their work, pounding the veal thin with wooden mallets and creating some very unusual and colorful dishes. We enjoyed a bottle of the house wine, and a tasty Cuban Montecristo and espresso for desert. The entire dinner cost about $65 U.S., and it was well worth every red American cent." <BR> <BR>You can get the address from your hotel or in a phone book. The meal was well worth it. We didn't have reservations, but got there on the early side so didn't have any problems, though reservations are probably advised. The restaurant filled up fast. And the veal was the best I've ever had! <BR> <BR>We had other good meals in Florence, but that was the most memorable.

Try the Cibreo Trattoria, which is behind the regular restaurant. Uses the same kitchen at half the price. Seating is communal. I don't know if they take reservations. We just showed up and had a wonderful lunch. <BR> <BR>Buon viaggio e buon appetito

We stayed at the Hotel Belletinni (they have a website) the hotel was wonderfull for about 200.000 Lira it was 88.00 usd with exchange, in oct 2000. There were quite a few restaruants in the area and they were good and reasonable. <BR>Actors Bistrot was great hearth baked pizza, salad pastas. also good prices.

Ottorino is one of our favorites and the Antica Trattoria near the Duomo. Trattoria Cibreo is another very good choice, but beware of the Ristarante Cibreo which is very expensive. Cantinetta Antinori is a very nice place for lunch and wines by the glass.

My husband and I were just there in September. We found a good little restaurant on the recommendation of someone we were on a tour with. It's called Tira Birella (spelling?). The couple we met liked it so much they went there twice out of a 2 night stay. But, everywhere we ate in Florence was good. As you may have seen - look out for any "Menu Turistica". Florence was our favorite place we visited (Rome, Venice, Sorrento also). Enjoy - and take comfortable walking shoes.

If price is no object--and I really mean that! Try Enotecca Pinchiorri. I think that I spelled it wrong, but it is close. It was one of the best meals I have ever had and I have been to some of the top restaurants in the world. It is quite pricey, but they give a lot of 'freebies' if you schmooze them a bit. I would go back in a flash.

Il Latini! One of the most memorable meals/evenings we've had in our travels. Reasonable -- hours' and hours' worth of food and fun!

For a very casual eat go to "Yellow Bar" which is at via del Proconsolo, 39r (go to the Duomo on the right hand side/when looking at it. Take a right and go a few blocks down. It is a family run pasta and pizzs restaurant. A lot of locals eat there. The prices are great and it is the best Soup and Pizza I have ever eaten (not like American pizza). It is packed from 7:00pm----&gt;10:00pm, but even then, the wait was only 20 minutes. Again, there is no low lights and candles. It is very casual but the staff is fast paced. I was in FLorence for 4 days and I ate there 4 times, so I am a fan.

I really liked Il Latini (Via Palchetti, 6)--it was nice & casual, and the food was so good! <BR> <BR>Also, for a quick & tasty lunch while you are walking around: There is a cheap, good sandwich shop (I don't know the name) in a little hallway called Volta S. Piero. This hallway links Borgo Degli Albizi with Via Della Oriulo. If you are coming from Borgo Degli Albizi, the hallway is on the left, and this yummy sandwich shop is the first (maybe only) one on the right. The bread is warm, he chicken is stuffed with cheese, and you can custom order your sandwich (as so many of the students do) because the woman behind the counter is obviously a transplanted American. Just don't order vegetarian--all the veggies are pickled. <BR> <BR>Then walk down Via Dell Oriulo to the Internet Train, where you can log on and tell us all about how good it is!

for pam