259748 Fri Nov 03 17:32:50 -0800 2000 5 26 International 0 1373017 I'm heading to Florence next week and wanted to splurge and take out some friends for a special meal. Anyone suggest a place? Fri Nov 03 17:32:50 -0800 2000 0 SLAP 1 1373018 If you go back a few weeks in time, you will see I posted endlessly on this subject...This is the capsule version Many people will tell you Cibreo. I will not. Several people who have been there recently (last month or two) have agreed w/ me - not what it once was. We had a great meal at the Cantinetta Antinori which is owned by a big wine family in Florence and located in their Renaissance palazzo in a square on the Via Tuornoboni (sp?), the chi chi shopping street. Traditional Tuscan, hearty flavors, great ingredients and a wine list that is out of this world w/ many many by the glass possibilities. Ask for a table upstairs... that way you look out over the bar area instead of being in it. Of course there is also that way expensive restaurant the "Enoteca P... something". It's famed, but very expensive, with very formal setting. We like nice but casual, but if you are into the crystal and china thing, I'd love to hear a report! Fri Nov 03 19:31:01 -0800 2000 1373017 0 Elaine 2 1373021 that's the place. One of the greatest restaurants in the world. But EXPENSIVE. (Main courses around $50US, but don't go if you're counting the cost). You need to reserve weeks in advance - we didn't so couldn't get in EXCEPT they did a Saturday lunch which was available as the Florence busines community doesn't work on a Saturday. It was phenomenal, a 3-corse meal including wine for under $100US per person. Service immaculate. Recommended it to other friends who booked early and said their best meal ever (but over $500US for two). We also had a great multi-course meal just down the street. E Pinchiorri is at 87 Via Ghibellina Florence. The other restaurant (whose name I can't remeber, but it's in Michelin) is on the other side of the same street further away from the main part of Florence. There we paid around $300US for three people including wine. Sat Nov 04 13:48:19 -0800 2000 1373018 0 Alan Gardner 2 1373023 Grazie to all for the recommendations. My mouth is watering in expectation! Sun Nov 05 14:45:52 -0800 2000 1373018 0 SLAP 1 1373019 Hi, For a really wonderful meal, head to Osteria del Caffe Italiano, which is at Via Isola delle Stinche 11/13r (and for which you may need reservations). Another place where we had a great meal was Trattoria Antellesi on Via Faenza, 9r. I felt that our meal at Cibreo was very good, but enjoyed the Cibreo Cafe for lunch even more...at a fraction of the price. And do try to have a boiled beef sandwich at Nerbone in the Mercato Centrale. Ciao...have a great time! Fri Nov 03 21:40:17 -0800 2000 1373017 0 mitchw 1 1373059 If this isn't too late, we ate at a more casual place also owned by the Antonori wine family, called Boca Lupi. Sat Nov 11 09:53:17 -0800 2000 1373017 0 Jim Miller