263526 Wed Nov 12 13:50:31 -0800 2003 11 26 International 0 1391973 i know florence is an oft-visited theme here, but i'm headed there for new year's with my family and we're looking for delicious restaurant to spend new year's eve at (granted, i'm obsessed w. florence and dont think we can really go wrong no matter what); something festive would be nice. ideas? a while back i read a long article in saveur about garga on new year's... Wed Nov 12 13:50:31 -0800 2003 0 bhk 1 1391975 Below is linked a post that I had from some time ago which is quite long. There are a number of Florentine restaurants which I discuss including Garga. Their pasta WAS excellent. But overall we found this to somewhat of a disappointment, especially considering the price. I can understand why Garga would be an excellent choice on New Year's Eve-because of the color, the excitement and the spirit of the staff. But if this is your priority then you should seriously consider it. But temper your expectations on the food which the Saveur article (authored by a former Garga employee) did not focus on. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/262344#1386175 Wed Nov 12 16:17:14 -0800 2003 1391973 0 Joe H. 2 1391987 amazing post, joe. thank you...but let me follow up breifly. although i appreciate advice on where to steer clear of, it seems you didn't give any enthusiastic recommendations for any restaurant in florence. garga sounds fun for new year's but food is quite important to me. where would you go where you in my place (i'm def going to be in flo. for new year's)? Thu Nov 13 10:00:28 -0800 2003 1391975 0 bhk 3 1391998 I just posted a belated trip report which you may find helpful. Thu Nov 13 14:10:44 -0800 2003 1391987 0 GretchenS 3 1392015 My value judgments are influenced by a surplus of tourists. I think the best food in Florence is at Cibreo overall (preferred over EP) but the difficulty I have is that several times I've felt that I could just as easily have been in the North End or Manhattan. For many others this is not only NOT a problem but rather it allows a comfort level. If you don't mind a touristy feeling to the clientel but will put up with it for superb food that really is the city's best then the only concern you will have is getting a reservation. Cibreo is arguably the most popular restaurant in the city. This is the link to a page in the Michelin Red Guide which discusses Cibreo.. Unlesshttp://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/dyn/controller/poiRestaurantDisplayOne;jsessionid=0000GAJ1L2FWI0R2CSTUVN5A0EY+v1mm2m4p?from=211&idx=2&id=IT00041158&strPK=IT00041158_RESGR_2003&productId=41102 (Probably the longest link you'll ever see!) But it will take you to it. Anyway, it says that Cibreo is closed from 12/31 on. Unless I am misreading this that means that it is closed New Year's Eve. Still, I would call them direct. They speak perfect English and ask them. If they are open you will probably need to make the reservation NOW-if you can get in. It s that popular at certain times of the year. You can also check out some of Michelin's listings. Taverna is listed along with a number of others. Most I have actually been to at one time or another with the most recent Omero. This is the link to Veronelli which is similar to Gambero Rosso: http://www.veronelli.com/VERONELLI_DB/guide/proris.asp?reg=Toscana If you click on each restaurant there will be a description of it in Italian. But don't worry. The better restaurants have either numerical ratings or, preferred, a star or two such as Cibreo with two and Caffe Concerto with one. Caffe Concerto also has an 80 from Gambero Rosso which is HIGHER overall than Cibreo's 78 from the same group. This is the link to an outstanding resource-in English- http://english.firenze.net/groups/3/14/ I think this is a restaurant (never mentioned on here or eGullet) yet considered one of the best in the city. I like Il Ritrovo. I just don't know if I like it enough for New Year's Eve. di Vinus from several years ago would have been perfect but last year it had changed. Take a look at some of these resources. I would choose Cibreo first if open, Caffe Concerto second. Taverna was a very nice restaurant, it just paled to our experience the night before at di Vinus. And do go to Sostanza. This is the best bisteca in Florence. And do go to Il Pizziola. Both of these are worth it. Try both first. If you really, really like them then go to Caffe Concerto. If one or both disappoint then go to Taverna. In either event I would make a reservation at both, failing Cibreo. You can always cancel one. Have a good trip. We leave for Verona and Venice in three weeks. Fri Nov 14 00:30:38 -0800 2003 1391987 0 Joe H. 4 1392016 when in Verona, try tratt. tre marchetti, next to the Arena. the gnocchi should not be missed-imo Fri Nov 14 07:49:05 -0800 2003 1392015 0 doc 5 1392019 Actually we are planning on going there along with the restaurant at Pilau Vecchia (sp?) which features all rice dishes. We'll also revisit what I believe to be the best restaurant in Italy, Le Calandre. Thanks, Doc. What are your favorites in Florence? It's really not a city that I've had great luck in. Good luck, yes. Great luck, no. Fri Nov 14 10:33:55 -0800 2003 1392016 0 Joe H. 5 1392151 i actually did not like tre marchetti. i had the horse there, which i thought was quite insipid. the more enjoyable restaurant in that area to me was dal pescatore, albeit an hour trek from verona. too bad i missed l'ambasciata. Tue Nov 18 23:44:36 -0800 2003 1392016 0 eater 4 1392022 thanks joe...this is plenty of info. i've always wanted to go to cibreo; hope its open. i appreciate the back-ups, though, as it seems that they very well could be closed. very excited to try some of these places (really want to hit sostanza). have fun in venice/verona....i absolutely love venice. Fri Nov 14 11:05:22 -0800 2003 1392015 0 bhk 5 1392024 Venice is one of the few places in the world when a cool, even chilly and cloudy day in December might actually be a plus. Throw in some fog in the evening and it becomes a surreal fantasy unlike any other place on earth. If you go to Sostanza this will be a real experience since it is communal style dining. But, please, if there are two of you, seriously consider ordering a 3" thick bisteca fiorentina for two. This place, at its best, really does match Luger's. Il Pizzaiola is literally twenty yards from Cibreo. It is a great place for lunch. There's a lot more than pizza but when you walk in the door and you see their particular wood burning oven I think you'll find it hard not to order at least one. Superb crust. Also try to find Badiani which is considered by many to have Florence's best gelato. If you take the city bus to Fiesole (a GREAT way to get there) it goes within one block of Badiani. You would take this from the central bus station. If you've never been to Fiesole and it's a clear day, GO!!!! Below I've linked the best article I have ever seen about searching for gelato in Florence. This is an absolutely essential addition to all of your material. Take care. Link: http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Archives/Show_Article/0,1275,336,00.html Fri Nov 14 12:38:32 -0800 2003 1392022 0 Joe H. 6 1392029 have you tried the pizza at pugi on piazza san marco? i literally gasped aloud the first time i tried the margarita (mozz, anchovy, caper, basil, lots of olive oil). its worth trying...although i'll admit i sent a couple people there and think i talked it up a bit too much as they weren't as impressed. do stop by next time you're there though. i've been to badiani...amazing. can't wait to go again! ah florence! Fri Nov 14 15:41:42 -0800 2003 1392024 0 bhk 7 1392030 Thanks for the tip. Now if only the dollar would strengthen! Fri Nov 14 16:00:27 -0800 2003 1392029 0 Joe H.