I miei preferiti (My Favorites)
Here are a few of my favorite places in Florence that I go to quite often:
Ristoranti/Trattorie (Restaurants)
- Osteria di Giovanni (tel 055 284897, Via del Moro, 22)
One of the rare Tuscan restaurants that serves amazing pasta dishes, meats, and desserts. The torta al cioccolato is not to be missed. - Trattoria Pandemonio (tel 055 224002, Via del Leone 50r)
A wonderful family run trattoria in San Frediano. My favorite dishes are the pappa al pomodoro, risotto alla crema di scampi and the homemade cheeseake. - Il Canapone (tel 055 2381729, Via Mazzetta 5/a)
This is my friend Simone's restaurant. He specializes in cooking Tuscan dishes with a fusion twist. Brunch on Sundays are great too! - Il Rifrullo (tel 055 2342621, Via San Niccolò 55r)
Amazing food for lunch, brunch (on Sundays), and dinner. When the weather is good, they have a fantastic terrace in the back where you can enjoy your meals. - Trattoria Cibrèo (tel 055 2341100, Via de' Macci 114r)
Typical Tuscan cuisine with a twist that you can't get anywhere else. - Antico Ristorante Paoli (tel 055 216215, Via dei Tavolini 12/r)
A wonderful and beautiful Florentine restaurant with many Tuscan specialities. My favorite is the fresh salad that they make at your table. - Il Santo Bevitore (tel 055 211264, via Santo Spirito 64/66r)
A rustic, yet modern, Florentine restaurant with a large selection of wines and a diverse menu. - Trattoria dei Quattro Leoni (tel 055 218562, Piazza della Passera)
A classic choice for Tuscan food although my favorites are the bistecca alla fiorentina and the Fiocchetti di pere con salsa di taleggio e asparagi. - Olio e Convivium (tel 055 2658198, Via Santo Spirito 4)
A quiet and special place for lunch or dinner. The menu changes so often that I don't even have a favorite dish.
Gelaterie (Ice Cream Stores)
- Badiani (viale dei Mille, 20/r -- near the stadium)
Best gelato in Florence, but far from the downtown area. - Gelateria dei Neri (via dei Neri, 26R -- behind Palazzo Vecchio)
Creamy and flavorful ice cream. My favorite is the mango. - Grom (via del Campanile at the corner of via delle Oche)
Ice cream made with refined and natural ingredients. The selection changes on the season. - Carabé (Via Ricasoli, 60r -- a few blocks from Galleria dell'Accademia)
Try the granita and gelato combination.
Librerie (Bookstores)
- Paperback Exchange (via delle Oche, 4R)
Another English bookstore close to the Duomo in via delle Oche where you can exchange your books as well as buy new ones. - McRae Books (via dei Neri, 32R)
English bookstore with a great selection in via dei Neri. Many famous authors also come to speak here.
