Any areas near the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo or Piazza Signoria are expensive and
touristy. Lunch time dining is from 12.30pm to 3pm and dinner from 8pm to
11pm so it's better to arrive early to claim a table, but not too early or
you will be eating alone or the restaurant may even be closed. La Bistecca
Fiorentina (the Florentine steak) is a specialty here. E-mail us with your
favourite florentine eating or drinking place at
italy@backpackglobe.com
SPECIALITY FOOD
La Bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine steak); Fettunta (bruschetta), toasted
bread rubbed with oil and garlic; Ribollita, a filling soup of vegetables
and white beans with bread.
RESTAURANTS
Trattorias come recommended from the Oltarno district and San Lorenzo near
the Mercato Centrale.
In the city centre try these:
Trattoria da Venvenuto, Via Mosca 16r. Budget meals of pasta, bread and
wine.
To get good ribollita go to Fiaschetteria, Via dei Neri 17r (city centre).
Around San Lorenzo try:
Mario's, Via Rosina 2r (near Mercato Centrale). This is open only at lunch
time but there are good budget meals. Try Cafe Za Za nearby for similar
prices.
In Oltarno:
Trattoria Casalinga, Via dei Michelozzi 9r, for good meals.
I Tarocchi, Via de'Renai 12-14r, has good pizza.
CAFFES
As with the rest of Italy caffes are a quick stop for all Italians for
coffee and dolce (sweets) or panini (sandwiches).
The caffes near the Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo are very expensive
but also very trendy.
Gelateria Vivoli, Via dell'Isola delle Stinche near Via Torta has excellent
gelati.
The other good outlet for Gelati is Perchè No? at Via dei Tavolini 19r, off
Via Calzaiuoli.
Angie's Pub, Via dei Neri 35r (city centre) has good sandwiches and
focaccia.
FAST FOOD
Italian fast food is usually found at
caffes. There is a McDonalds in the Santa
Maria Novella train station that is open
until about midnight.
MARKETS
Mercato Centrale is a covered market in
San Lorenzo.It is open Monday to Saturday
from 7am to 2pm and also Saturday from
4 to 8pm. Fresh produce, cheese and meat
is sold.
BARS
Nightclubs include La Dolce Vita in Piazza del
Carmine.
Cabiria on Piazza Santo Spirito is popular, and
at Pongo, Via Verdi 59r live jazz is performed
on Monday night.
