263441 Tue Oct 28 07:24:07 -0800 2003 2 26 International 0 1391553 After reading the previous threads about gelato in Florence, I am confused about what the best places are. I'll be there for three days and would love suggestions for the absolute best gelato in (or outside of) the city. Is Vivoli really overrated? What's the deal with Carande (sp?) place that's a bit outside of the center? Also, any suggestions on places for excellent (but relatively inexpensive) pasta? I'm on a college budget but love things like homemade pasta with porcini... Any outstanding bakeries that I shouldn't miss? Tue Oct 28 07:24:07 -0800 2003 0 collegefoodie 1 1391554 Vivoli has a reputation and is very good but locally Badiani is considered the best. Unfortunately it is not centrally located and really requires a bus ride from, say, the area around the Duomo. If you are driving it is fairly easy to find. The directions are straightforward and it is on a major street. A great lunch, by the way, would be pizza at Il Pizziaola which is adjacent to Cibreo and then gelato at Badiani. An outstanding article from the Wine Spectator is linked below. The author spent several days eating their way around Florentine gelato shops and notes their favorites as well as flavors. Link: http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Archives/Show_Article/0,1275,336,00.html Tue Oct 28 08:07:02 -0800 2003 1391553 0 Joe H. 1 1391560 more info Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/262205#1385419 Tue Oct 28 14:47:11 -0800 2003 1391553 0 vn