Tucked away in the heart of the historic district of Santa Croce, this beautifully kept restaurant's old-fashioned charm and flair for authentic local cuisine have made it a popular haunt of the rich and famous. Don't come here looking for basic dishes and ordinary meats: expect exotic cuts of various types of local wild game. Given a light new touch, revamped traditional fare features on its inspirational menu of starters, main courses and desserts. Great wine list too. If you're looking to save a bit, go around the corner to their trattoria Il Cibreino. The secret? Same menu, same kitchen, lower prices - it's just knowing which door to go through. Also within the same block are their Caffè and shop, and their Dinner Theater. You're guaranteed a good time in this neighborhood if you venture over here for lunch or dinner.
Reservations are necessary to score a seat at this small, narrow restaurant. In operation since 1869, the trattoria excels at the yummy, no-frills cuisine for which Tuscany is famous. Their specialties include steak, chicken, artichoke pie and tripe. These deceptively plain-sounding dishes are the backbone of a hand-written menu. Lining the walls of the trattoria are framed scrapbook pages that feature photos and scribbled accolades of celebrity customers – among them poet Ezra Pound, novelist John Steinbeck, artist Marc Chagall and director Steven Spielberg, who dined here just two years ago. -Hana Alberts
Since 1872, this traditional café-bar has served magnificent hot chocolate and exquisite cocktails and aperitifs to an appreciative public. In summer, order rolls, salads, light snacks and delicious home-made desserts to be enjoyed on its huge terrace opposite the Palazzo Vecchio in one of the city's most beautiful squares. This spot is the perfect place for people watching and stunning views of the artistic sculptures on the Piazza della Signoria. Although chocolate is the theme here, there is also coffee and wine available.
Originally intended to be a museum that would house the works of Michelangelo, La Loggia has watched over the city since its completion in 1876. Although the beautiful building was never used as a museum, it boasts a panoramic view over of the work of art that is the city of Florence. With its sumptuous dining rooms, splendid terrace and charming cafeteria, La Loggia is a fine place to relax and enjoy the view in the company of family and friends. La Loggia offers its guests exceptional service alongside a well-curated wine list and delectable cuisine prepared using seasonal ingredients. The cafeteria is an especially fine choice for a light, mid-day meal, or drinks after dinner, while the enchanting terrace is perfect for a romantic meal for two. Elegant and charming, with an unbeatable view over Florence, La Loggia is a popular choice for a fine meal amongst tourists and visitors.
Cantinetta Antinori is a small and stylish wine bar/restaurant located on the ground floor of the ancient Marquises Antinori family palace, designed by Giuliano da Maiano in 1461. The family has been involved in wine making for six centuries, producing wines now well known all over the world. All the wines and most of the ingredients used in the restaurant come from the Antinori's estates in Tuscany and Umbria. This a wine lovers dream, you can try their products at the counter, or enjoy them with a delicious Tuscan meal that is the perfect blend of authentic traditional and modern gourmet. The atmosphere is elegant, and all wines are also served by the glass.
The only Mexican restaurant in Florence, this place is always packed to the rafters. A second location has opened up further from the center of town, but is still easily accessible on foot or via the tram-line. Tijuana may be the only bar in Florence which honors the favored tradition of happy hour, however, you can only enjoy the discounted drinks for an hour. Fun flavored margaritas and a variety of Mexican plates to choose from makes this a great place to stop by for a drink and snacks, or for a full course meal. The Via Ghibellina location gets full quickly every night, so it is recommended to make a reservation.