I will be in Florence and Tuscany with a group of 8 women in October. Will dinner reservtions be advisable for such a large group?
On day trips we're considering Boccon di Vino, I Setti Consoli and maybe Arnolfo's, would those restaurants require reservations?
Thanks.

yes, reserve

Hi P,

Always a good idea to reserve for parties of 8.

For I Setti Consoli, definitely.

Thanks for the replies. I also need a couple of suggestions for Florence. Ira, last time I was there we did Ritrovo at your suggestions; but, I hear it's closed. Is that true? What about other places that 8 women wouldn't be too large for?

This may help !
Your other choices are very far apart---are you staying in those 3 locations?
GOOD EATS IN TOSCANA---2006
I have never been called “ BOB THE FOODIE” , but here are some of the best places to eat in Tuscany based on feedback from many of my clients. Reservations are suggested for most!

$=inexpensive $$=moderate prices $$$= expensive

FLORENCE:
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco $$ Across the river & very good.
La Giostra $$$ Excellent, but you must book in advance

SIENA:
Osteria Le Logge $$ Great place for lunch and near Il Campo
Cane e Gato $$$ A fixed price & menu for a true feast—allow 4 hours

LUCCA:
Buca di San Antonio $$ Best in town and near San Michele
Il Giglio $$ In the piazza of the same name---favorite with locals

SAN GIMIGNANO:
Il Pino $$ Very good typical Tuscan fare
Le Vecchie Mura $ Good value for a tourist town

MONTALCINO:
Taverna Grappolo Blu $ Popular with locals as well.
Ristorante Poggio Antico $$ Excellent cuisine 5km south of town at winery location

MONTEPULCIANO:
La Grotta $$ Near San Biagio church & very good
Café Poliziano $ Great place for lunch on shopping street

PIENZA: Latte du Luna $$ Best choice in this charming village

BAGNO VIGNONI: Osteria del Leone $ Good lunch choice in this spa hamlet

MONTICCHIELLO: La Porta $ Charming place with outside terrace

SAN QUIRICO: Trattoria al Vecchio Forno $ Good food & fair value

CASTELLINA: Al Gallopapa $$ Creative & varied menu in Chianti

Thanks, Bob, I have copied your list. We plan to spend two nights in Florence before we go to a villa near Tavarnelle in the Val D' Elsa for two weeks and plan two or three long day trips-one to Orvieto and one to Southern Tuscany.

I think we are close enough to Siena and San Gimignano to have dinner there.

Other good restaurants in Florence:
1. Trattoria Angiolino, Via Santo Spirito 36r. phone (055) 239-89-76, closed Monday. Oltrarno($$)

2. Del Carmine, Piazza del Carmine 18r, phone (055) 218 601, closed Sunday. on the Oltrarno, near the church of the Carmine ($$)

3. Trattoria Za-Za, Piaza del Mercato Centrale 26r (near Church of San Lorenzo, behind market building)---phone (055) 21 0756. $-$$

Hi P,

>...did Ritrovo at your suggestions; but, I hear it's closed. Is that true? <

Not closed, but new owners last time I looked. Not at all the same.

>Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco $$ Across the river & very good.

I agree.

Another YES, especially for La Giostra, but you can book them online at www.ristorantelagiostra.it. Ask "the Prince" about cooking classes--he offered to teach me for free! (But I didn't have the time).

Also, check out restaurant recommendations people (including me) made on another thread for Sienta.