Top Three Favorite Restaurants: Florence, Italy
During our four years in Italy, we spent an accumulated “many months” in Florence. These three restaurants consistently delivered world-class food and were the favorites that we returned to again and again.
Il Cibreo
Il Cibreo is THE restaurant that you have to go to in Florence; it ranks as one of our favorites in all of Italy. We prefer the trattoria, over the more formal ristorante and café across the street (the formal ristorante & café are very good, but very expensive, and a little stuffy); in any case, they all use the same kitchen, the only difference being that the trattoria menu is more limited. Il Cibreo’s menu is based on traditional Tuscan cooking, before the introduction of pasta. The menu sticks by classic dishes — e.g., polenta, papa al pomodoro — but they are typically done with concentrated flavors in a more sophisticated way than your typical Italian restaurant. Note that the Trattoria does not take reservations, so keep this in mind, because you will likely have to wait for a bit to be seated.
Il Cibreo Trattoria: Via dei Macci, 122R; Ristorante: Via dei Macci 118r; Telephone 055/234 1100; closed Sundays and Mondays.
Cavolo Nero
Cavolo Nero is our go-to restaurant in Florence. Located off-the-beaten-path (in the oltr’arno), this charming and elegant restaurant serves excellent, fresh food that changes with each season. Cavolo Nero’s super-friendly staff is happy to help you navigate the menu and its wine list. Another plus? The wine and food are very reasonably priced.
Cavolo Nero. Via dell’Ardiglione, 22; S.Frediano; Telephone: 055/294 744; closed Sundays (call to confirm).
Coco Lezzone
Coco Lezzone is the place to sample a real Florentine steak (bistecca fiorentina), cooked slowly on a grill; you must to call one day in advance to reserve una bistecca fiorentina (priced by the kg, that is, 2.2 lbs). Also try their delicious ribollita (traditional vegetable bread soup). The food in this unassuming family-run restaurant is excellent. When being seated, request to sit in the older front room as it is has a more authentic (old-school) feel and you get to watch the family interact with guests and each other.
Coco Lezzone (no website). Via Parioncino, 26/r, Telephone 055-287178; closed Sundays and Tuesday evenings.
View Approach Guides’ Favorite Restaurants in Florence, Italy in a larger map
Tips on Eating in Italy
We have definitely found that it is necessary to make reservations for dinner. Walk-ins are not as welcome. A reservation, made even a couple hours in advance, goes a long way and usually gets you a better table. Also, locals eat dinner around 20:30 (8:30 pm) in a city like Florence; however, dinner times may vary in small towns, so it is always best to ask someone what is typical for the area.
For more information on what to eat in Florence, check out our Approach Guide to Italian Food.
Shopping in Florence
No trip to Florence would be complete without dedicating at least some time to shopping. For those shopping-focused days, here is a list of our favorite stores that offer the best shopping experience in Florence - our list includes shops that sell unique items that you most likely won’t find outside of Italy or even Florence.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in Florence? Tell us your favorites in our comments; we would love to hear your recommendations!
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December 8th, 2009 at 06:28
I highly recommend Cibreo Trattoria as well.
My last lunch there was very entertaining!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockin_robbin/3884123359/
December 9th, 2009 at 18:27
What an incredible photo! I need to return to Cibreo and order that dish….we definitely missed that one on the menu.
December 11th, 2009 at 07:35
I’m new to Florence, but I’m really looking forward to trying some of these places. The tip on making reservations is nice. I wasn’t sure if they were expected or not, but from the sound of it making them is a courtesy that will be appreciated. Thanks.
December 11th, 2009 at 07:57
Hi Jon, I hope that you are enjoying your stay in Florence! Reservations are definitely appreciated – Italians don’t plan too far out for anything, so you can usually get a table at a very busy restaurant by calling the same day at 7 for an 830 reservation.
December 11th, 2009 at 09:14
I love that you have a “go to” spot in Florence. I dream of going to Florence one day. I hope that I make it there and settle in enough to have my own Go to place there. Thanks for the tips!
December 11th, 2009 at 13:54
You’re welcome! It is nice having a go-to place, especially when you are on the road so often — the go-to place, becomes a part of “home” for you.
March 3rd, 2010 at 09:36
I loved Cibreo! Everytime I go to Florence I use following website to find the best restaurants in town: http://www.diningcity.com/florence because you can also book your table immediately online!
March 6th, 2010 at 16:09
Thanks for pointing out this new website, Kim! It seems they have a lot of restaurants already in their database. We will have to try it when we return.