505568 Thu Apr 03 00:35:48 -0700 2008 9 58 Italy 0 3556010 Ok, so i'm leaving for Florence in 2 weeks for a week. I've been overwhelmed with the amount of recommendations that have been given out through these posts. Most of which sound great and I will probably try. I've been to Italy a few times now from Rome to Sicily and everywhere in between. To me, the best restaurants are the small family owned "mom and pop" shops. Does anyone have recommendations for something to that extent in Florence??? Or if some of these more "mainstream" restaurants are an exceptional example of Tuscan cuisine then please let me know that too. THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE!!! Thu Apr 03 00:35:48 -0700 2008 137767 NYCdinerinLA 1 3556235 When I was in Florence about one month ago, I would say our best meal was at Quattro Leoni, a fairly small, casual, reasonably priced trattoria not far from the Ponte Vecchio. My daughter and I shared the house salad named after the restaurant which was outstanding and I had one of the most delicious pastas I have ever had, fiochetti (stuffed bundles) filled with asparagus and cheese in a delicious sauce. I had heard that Trattoria Mario was a "must", especially for their Bistecca Fiorentina; however, they are only open for lunch and when I went the line was too long so I did not try. Make sure if you go to Quattro Leoni to make a reservation (actually if you go anywhere make a reservation). Thu Apr 03 05:36:04 -0700 2008 3556010 110819 bakerboyz 2 3560608 I agree, Quattro Leone is worth a trip if only to get some of that amazing pear and cheese stuffed pasta with the asparagus and taleggio sauce. I had to order a second serving because my husband snarfed half of my first. I loved it so much, I had to take a picture of it! :) Let's see if this works: http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/38320/1515006017015032415S500x500Q85.jpg Il Latini was fun, too. It was noisy, crowded, and had communal seating which gives you a chance to interact with the locals and folks from other countries, as well. For about $50 each (flat price), we got countless courses (all quite good) and unlimited wine. We had a blast there. Both of these places are in a lot of the guide books, so they get their share of tourists. We loved 'em anyway, though. Fri Apr 04 07:04:35 -0700 2008 3556235 177881 sweet_polly 3 3560814 Thanks for the picture!! My mouth is watering!!! Fri Apr 04 07:57:59 -0700 2008 3560608 110819 bakerboyz 1 3556388 I would say Da Sergio in San Lorenzo square would be right up your alley. I know others have referenced it. It is very affordable, only open for lunch. It is very rustic and the menu changes every day. Great soups. Thu Apr 03 06:28:30 -0700 2008 3556010 143109 Pappardelle 1 3556430 After stumbling through our lousy choices - we finally got some local advice and loved: Trattoria Marione on via della Spada,27r (long lines, good sign) La Spada, via della Spada, 62r (again, very busy with locals) Thu Apr 03 06:41:44 -0700 2008 3556010 49588 lexpatti 1 3557344 go to this post I wrote in December 2007 for recent reviews including dishes eaten and prices. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/469738 Several of these fit the "Mom and Pop" especially Vini e Vecchi Sapori and Trattoria Il Contadino. But only a few blocks from Contadino is Sostanza which you should definitely try for their bistecca fiorentina and petti di pollo en burro (chicken in butter sauce you will never forget). Thu Apr 03 10:08:34 -0700 2008 3556010 12044 CJT 1 3562936 Our favorite places in Florence were: Mario's -- a humble, busy, casual spot that was perfect for lunch - with really great food. And, Il Santo Bevitore - a more upscale spot that was perfect for a quiet dinner - Tuscan cuisine that was fresh and creative (we went here twice.) Fri Apr 04 16:12:12 -0700 2008 3556010 13416 ElissaInPlaya 1 3562946 Here is a recommendation even though it is not one of "the best". Rosticceria la Spada on Via della Spada is a local eating hole where you can get spit-roasted meats and game in addition to basic Florentine fare. We always eat there once or twice. My favorite is fegatelli (pork liver on skewers) but it is infrequently available and an acquired taste. We also always have a meal at Da Mario just down the street (Via dell Spada). Da Mario is an old restaurant that serves classic Tuscan/Florentine food. Exactly what we prefer. Enjoy! Fri Apr 04 16:14:20 -0700 2008 3556010 180020 Daiseki 1 3567542 i never miss going to zibibbo Sun Apr 06 15:03:02 -0700 2008 3556010 11476 intrepid