I haven’t included Demetra Hostaria on the list since hopefully you already know that I host Wine and Food events there and I, of course, recommend it!!!
Demetra Hostaria is open Tuesday to Saturday from 7:30pm. My Food and Wine events have limited numbers and require a reservation but you can also book to eat from the Traditional Tuscan ‘normal’ menu. Price range is $$&1/2!
CHARMING, RUSTIC, AND TASTY
PRICE: $$
Il Vivandiere – Cantina Vinicola, close to Santa Croce, a hidden gem offering well-priced, moderate portions, of delicious Tuscan dishes. I love the tapas-style sharing appetizers and the pork fillet with honey and walnuts.
They also have a selection of very well-priced ‘vino sfuso’ house wines from their winery, as well as a selection of wines from other Tuscan producers.
What was once a hidden gem, is no more and so I highly recommend booking.
AL FRESCO, IN PIAZZA
PRICE: $$
Unfortunately Osteria Santo Spirito is not a hidden gem! Right in Piazza Santo Spirito, you will have to battle with tourists and locals for an outdoor table. Well known for their baked truffle and cheese gnocchi, the thing that I love the most about this place is that they offer everything in half portions. Spend a little less or try more things.
On the downside they are hard to get in touch with. Check their facebook page for recent instructions on how to book.
Currently you cannot book for lunch. For dinner you need to send an email or a whatsapp message +393483467804 — 6-8 hour response time. Closed on Tuesdays.
FOOD WITH A VIEW
PRICE: $$$
For truffle lovers but not only, Osteria delle Tre Panche (on top of the Hotel Hermitage, near the Ponte Vecchio) not only has amazing food but it also has a wonderful view, on one side of the Ponte Vecchio and on the other the Duomo. Great for special occasions both at lunch and dinner. Booking absolutely essential. I love the Mozzarella in Carrozza with Truffle – mozzarella infused with truffle between two bread slices and fried. It arrives at the table all warm and melty, the aromas of truffle wafting and with the deliciousness of anything ‘fried’ that cannot be denied!
SMALL WITH A GREAT WINE LIST
PRICE: $$$
This teeny, tiny restaurant is owned by friend and wine connoisseur, Nicola. The restaurant is new but Nicola is not. He had been working in one of Florence’s best and most popular restaurants for 20 years and we are thrilled that he has decided to branch out on his own.
Truly a family business, Nicola takes care of the wine and customers, and his sister is the chef.
Booking is essential as Enoteca Spontanea only has seven tables. They don’t yet have a website but you can find them on google or facebook.
FOR WINE LOVERS
PRICE: $$
What I love about SignorVino is that you can cruise around the wine shop, choose a wine that you want, and drink it at the table for the same price that you would pay to take it away. Because they have a good selection of wines from all over Italy, no one region has a big selection, including Tuscany (about 50 wines). You will of course find Chianti, Chianti Classico Riserva, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, Bolgheri and more…
The menu also includes regional dishes from all over Italy that change seasonally. For an easy afternoon bottle of vino, the tasting meat and cheese boards are great, as are the mix and match appetizers. International wine shipping available.
Book on the website (pick the Florence location) and request a spot on their amazing terrace overlooking the Ponte Vecchio.
WATCHING LOCALS IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT
PRICE: $
Head across the river to Trattoria Sabatino, truly a local institution, with no fuss home-style cuisine that will be slapped down in front of you with a big bottle of house red. It’s an experience. Cheap. No reservations.
Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Menus in Italian only.
