Florence
FLORENCE - BEST RESTAURANTS & TOP HOTELS
Introduction
The proud and aristocratic Renaissance city built around hills and the river Arno is is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.
The city was home to the famous Medici family which come to Florence in the 12th century and the family was amassing a fortune with banking and became the rulers of Florence.
Florence is a historic city with a lot of cultural heritage. Must sees apart from the sixty-six museums(!) are THE CHRUCH OF SANTA CROCE with tombs of famous Florentines like Michelangelo, Rossini, Galileo and Michelangelo, CHURCH SANTA MARIA NOVELLA, IL DUOMO, PALAZZO PITTI, THE GALLERIA PALATINA, IL PONTE VECCHIO (the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence), BARGELLO MUSEUM, MEDICI CHAPEL, GALLERIA DELL “ ACCADEMIA and THE UFFIZI GALLERIES - regarded as one of the most important picture galley in the world. Collected by the Medicis themselves with its famous “Botticelli rooms” as well as Florence born Michelangelo only extant painting on canvas “Doni Tondo”.
And if you felt in love with Florence and want to get married in the Renaissance city head to a sunset marriage proposal at PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO with its postcard view.
During August and the summer weekends most of the locals are leaving the city for the seaside because it's just too hot in the city.
For a great culinary and romantic experience drive to the hills of Fiesole above Florence (only 5miles / 8km outside the city) to VILLA SAN MICHELE (closed during the winter months November – March) or for a great winetasting at LA LOCANDA DI PIETRACUPA in San Donato (about 22km outside the city).
Cool Restaurants
Have you found yourself googling the internet and got stuck in hundreds of restaurant recommendations?
You don`t need more - for a business trip, a romantic weekender or a holiday trip - just the best of each style - an INSIDER GUIDE REDUCED TO THE MAX!
With WORLD TOP 7 you can now eat like a local.
IL LATINI
Steak Fiorentina with the locals
Address: Via dei Palchetti 6/r, 50123 Florence, Italy
Area: Centre
Web: http://www.illatini.com/
Phone: +39 055 210 916
Prices: Mains: Eur 6.- to Eur 25.-
Charming, buzzing and authentic Florentine restaurant in the heart of Florence mixed with tourists, families and locals. Get the Bistecca Fiorentina with the house wine (2 liter bottle) you pay what you drink!
IL PIZZAIUOLO
The small and casual restaurant "IL PIZZAIUOLO" in the heart of Santa Croce is busy every night; the restaurant is featured in every guide but still a must not at least for great pizza and an outstanding "burrata"! Bookings are essential; next door is the restaurant of celebrity chef-owner Fabio Picchi "TRATTORIA IL CIBREO" (+39 055 55 234 1100, Via de Macci 122r, www.cibreo.com) closed on Sunday & Monday! A hit with the younger crowd is "IL SANTO BEVITORE" (Via Santo Spirito 66 r, +39 055 211264, www.ilsantobevitore.it)
LA LOCANDA DI PIETRACUPA
Countryside dining & wine tasting experience
Address: Strada Pietracupa, 31, 50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Florence, Italy
Area: San Donato (22km outside of Florence)
Web: http://www.locandapietracupa.com
Phone: +39 055 807 2400
Prices: Entrée & main course: Eur 40.-
Wine tasting in the Chianti countryside; it's about a 30 min car drive outside the city centre of Florence in a village called San Donato; if you had a glass to much please feel free to book one of the unpretentious rooms and get the feeling of the Italian "dolce vita"; closed on Tuesdays; a bit further away lies the real peaceful Chianti treasure villa "CASTELLO DI VOLPAIA" (www.volpaia.it, +39 0577 738066 ) around 55 km south of Florence; if you are already on the way to Siena then stop at "ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI" (+39 057 774 7977, http://www.roccadimontegrossi.it); another top notch vineyard
LUNGARNO 23
Hip burger
Address: 23 Lungarno Torrigiani, 50125 Florence, Italy
Area: Oltrarno
Web: http://www.lungarno23.it/
Phone: +39 055 234 5957
Prices: Mains: starting at Eur 10.-
If you’re ready to say basta to pasta then make a beeline to modern, hip and bustling "LUNGARNO 23" for juicy organic burgers made from meat sourced directly from the café owner’s own farm; have a seat on the wonderful terrace overlooking the Arno; dedicated to the fine art of preparing Tuscan-style meat, the trattoria is run by the owners of Tenuta La Fratta, just outside Sinalunga - one of the last farms in Tuscany’s Val di Chiana; don’t forget a glass of one of the many reds on offer from the likes of Biondi-Santi, Frescobaldi, and Antinori; closed Monday; another save bet is the stylish wine bar "ENOTECA BECCOFINO" (http://www.beccofino.com) at Piazza degli Scarlatti, a unique location on the "Lungarno Guicciardin" riverside; summer terrace, a great wine list and a fashionable young Florentines crowd
OSTERIA CAFE ITALIANO
Authentic tuscan
Address: Via dell'Isola delle Stinche, 50100 Florence, Italy
Area: Santa Croce
Web: http://www.osteriacaffeitaliano.com/
Phone: +39 055 289 368
Prices: Mains: starting at Eur 16.-
"OSTERIA CAFE ITALIANO" is a institution in Florence and drawing Hollywood stars and ambassadors with its simple Tuscan food and by providing the best ambience, service and style; a place to reflect on the good things in life; please note the restaurant is closed on Mondays; you want to see the real "Affreschi di Dante" (frescoes from Dante) then you have to head to one of the four sister restaurants called "RISTORANTE ALLE MURATE" (Via del Proconsolo, 16r, +39 055 240 618);
RISTORANTE LA GIOSTRA
Italian with friends
Address: Via Borgo Piniti 12/r, 50121 Florence, Italy
Area: Santa Croce
Web: http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com
Phone: +39 055 241 341
Prices: Mains: starting at Eur 14.-
This lovely restaurant with its all year around Christmas lighting is popular with local artists and of course some tourists - go late so they have already eaten! Incredibly delicious food and great desserts like the Tiramisu! A meal to remember; the restaurant is difficult to find - there is no sign at the front door; for lunch try casual and tiny trattoria "TRATTORIA COCO LEZZONE" (Via Parioncino, 26r, +39 055 287 178) at the corner of Via Purgatorio, near Piazza Santa Trínita - a real local gem serving great pastas!
THE LOGGIA AT VILLA SAN MICHELE
Romantic dinner
Address: Via Doccia 4, 50014 Fiesole, Italy
Area: Fiesole (8km outside of Florence)
Web: http://www.villasanmichele.com
Phone: +39 055 567 8200
Prices: Mains (including wine): Eur 100.-
Most romantic dinner destination and hotel - perfect for a marriage proposal! So let's book a trip and explore Italy but don't miss out on this beautiful location (8km outside Florence in Fiesole); please note that the hotel is closed during the winter months November - March; top notch alternative for romantic couples is the finca-style "VILLA MASSA" in Candeli (7km outside of Florence), (+39 05 562 611, www.villamassa.com)
* This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm opening hours, dress code and pets policy directly with the restaurant before planning your trip.