Here is a list of our choice of bars, restaurants and bistrots
As a general advice: the spots we suggest are usually not too big so call and check for availability and book before going there for dinner or lunch. We want you to know that we tried all of the following listed restaurants and bars incognito and none of them is our sponsor.
And OUT of Florence:
CECCHINI SOLO CICCIA is a very special restaurant located in a small village, Panzano in Chianti (Fi), in via Chiantigiana 5; tel: +39 055852727. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the restaurant is CLOSED; on Thursday, Friday and Saturday dinners only and only at two times: 7 pm and 9 pm; on Sunday lunch only at 1 p.m. Reservation is kindly recommended at all times. Dario Cecchini is the owner of a most famous butchery shop and is a skilled artisan and a sort of poet. To have dinenr in his restaurant means to experiment a real Tuscan meal and also the warm but rough hospitality of a Tuscan cook. The menu is not but chosen by Dario according to what is best and available in the season. You will eat mostly meat of different kinds but not steaks for a total of six courses. Veggies, dessert and coffee are included in the 30 euros of the meal. You can bring your own wine or take one from Dario's well furnished cave.
IL MAIALETTO is a bistrot where high quality and strong flavour meat reigns. Located in Monsummano Terme (via della Repubblica 372, tel. 0572.953849; cell.338.5710974) in the Pistoia province, this cozy reaturant will amuse your senses with its short and delicious menu where you can find pork and veal meat cooked in the traditional Tuscan way with a light touch of modern creativity. Enjoy the crostini with coratella, or the spicy bruschette, taste the "parigina", boiled veal meat tossed in the pan wit a cream of onions, tomatoes and carrots. Don't miss the farinata col cavolo nero and let be conquered by the roasted pork with potatoes. Dishes are simple but generous in taste and served with a charming smile. The wine list is full of good or even great Tuscan wine, a small but remarkable list of artisanal beers (though a little bit over priced) and some French wines as well. Desserts are home made and quite remarkable too. My favorite? Crostata con marmellata di fichi when in season.
LA PANZANELLA is a typical italian trattoria, one of the few still in business in the florentine area. It's located in Empoli (in via dei Cappuccini 10, tel. 0571.922182, closed on Sundays) and offers a cozy atmosphere with delicious food. My favorite entree is "coccoli con prosciutto crudo" but their best plate is wild chicken barbecued with rosted potatoes together with artichokes "all'empolese" or fried artichokes when of season. I do love their pasta dishes and, of course, the Panzanella, a bread salad with tomatoes, onion, basil and extravergin olive oil. The desserts are all homemade and quite remarkable: Crostata anda Torta al cioccolato are a must. Wines are mostly of Tuscany and of medium-high quality.
ENOTECA "I TERZI" is a charming restaurant in the very hearth of Siena (Via dei Termini and piazza Indipendenza, open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. closed on Sundays, tel. +39 0577 44329, reservation is recommended in high season) just a short walk from the magnificent Piazza Del Campo. The selection of wines is impressive and the food that goes with it is often a fair surprise. Enjoy the hand made pasta with meat sauce or the excellent plateau des fromages. The Chianina steak is often on the menu while cold cuts are usually of the finest quality. If you like home made desserts with a touch of glamour this is your place. My favorite treat is the pear and dark chocolate tarte, but the list is so good to be embarassing. Price? It depends on what you drink, of course, but excellent wines are served also by the glass...