263256 Tue Sep 23 11:29:28 -0700 2003 2 26 International 0 1390779 I have just returned from a trip to Italy which included a couple of days in Florence. Headed straight for Il Ritrovo based on recommendations on this board. Everything was as promised - a bit tricky to find -we asked for directions when we were on top of it. Definitely odd -no sign, you'd never find it unless you knew it was there. The staff was very friendly the food was very good, not in a fancy and ultra creative way but in a typical homestyle italian way - just what we were looking for. Good value. Very nice atmosphere. Lovely people.Really nice first evening in Italy. And,as promised on this board - practically empty. One other table filled (a Thursday night)Interestingly enough,the owner wanted to know how we found out about the restaurant. I mentioned Burke and Wells - he mentioned Chowhounds.I restrained myself from shouting back GET A SIGN! As they say here in New York...go figure. Tue Sep 23 11:29:28 -0700 2003 0 Kathy 1 1390781 I too just returned from a trip to Italy, including a stop in Florence where we sought out Il Ritrovo based on the glowing Chowhound recommendations. It was by far the best meal we had on our trip (and we had some pretty spectacular meals!) and all things considered, very affordable. I almost wept with joy when I tasted the bruscetta (one with fresh tomatoes & basil, one with cheese & pancetta, and one with chicken livers & mushrooms), the primi's were sumptious, the mixed grill that followed contained some of the most simple yet flavourful meat I've tasted, and don't even get me started on the white beans with sage and garlic!!! When we couldn't POSSIBLY eat any more, the owners offered to pack the left over meat and beans up with some fresh bread for a tuscan picnic the next day. Thanks for all those who recommended this place! Tue Sep 23 13:04:05 -0700 2003 1390779 0 Adrianne 1 1390861 So funny -- my wife and I just returned from a trip to Florence, and we ate at Il Ritrovo on Wednesday night last week. Same experience: wonderful food, atmosphere, service. We had a bit of trouble finding it too, but only because we turned in one doorway too early. Hope to do a more detailed writeup on our trip later this week. We visited four Chow-recommended places (Il Ritrovo, Osteria Santo Spirito, Trattoria Sostanza, Cantinetta del Verazzano), with very good results in every case. Though twice-daily doses of gelato may have impaired our judgment.;-) J Mon Sep 29 23:37:47 -0700 2003 1390779 0 J