Christmas Meals in Florence

[objectuser]

We're going to be in Florence for Christmas (and Rome before that). We're looking for recommendations for places that are open on Christmas day (and, we understand, the day after Christmas is also a widely-practiced holiday).

We've been trying to reach Teatro del Sale, but no luck so far.

Price is not an obstacle for us, but we're not planning on bringing very formal wear (maybe just a dinner jacket for me).

Thanks!

[objectuser]

Checked with Teatro del Sale and Sostanza and they're both closed on Chrismas day.

I think both Hostaria Bibendum and InCanto are open, but those look like more formal places.

Still looking.

[jen kalb]

We have found that there are always some good restaurants open in major Italian tourist towns on christmas day, but thatmany, maybe the majority are closed. Holiday closings are very variable, personal choice of owners more than custom I think - most places will close at some point during the holiday period.
We have always walked around and looked at the signs that go up a few days before which say when the holiday closing will be and made a res where you prefer (because of closings reservations will be tighter). Of course, if you are only going to be there Christmas day, thats not an option and you may want to pre-reserve but we have found good Christmas Day meals in both Rome and Venice on the fly..

Since Christmas is a Friday, this year I doubt there will be a lot of closings the following day (Saturday) subject to the qualification above that people do what they want.

[objectuser]

Thanks, Jen,

We'll actually be in Florence starting the 23rd. After some trial and error, we were able to get reservations (and still hoping for non-Christmas day reservations at Teatro del Sale and Sostanza). We'll be in Florence for almost a week.

[michmom]

Greetings, we will be in Florence over Christmas this year, arriving either late
Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning. Could you please let me know
where you were able to get reservations on Christmas Day last year, and your
thoughts on food, service, suitability for families? Did you eat a large lunch,
or a traditional dinner in the evening? Thank you very much.

[michmom]

Also what you did for Christmas Eve would be helpful, if you would not mind sharing.

[Florencefan]

Hi,

My wife and I will be there from U.K. over Christmas. We have booked in at Harry's Bar for 8:30 on Christmas Eve. It's not associated with the notoriously-expensive counterpart in Venice, but the bar has a great atmosphere and the food is amazing. Restaurant is more formal than casual, I'd say. Great value for money. Good luck - might even see you there! http://www.harrysbarfirenze.it/defaul...

[objectuser]

(I thought I had replied to this message ... alas.)

Thanks for the recommendation! We actually already have reservations for Christmas Eve, but have a couple of other days without a plan, so this might fit in.

From the name, I never would have considered it. But after reading the web site, I'm intrigued.

Thanks, again!