Recommendations for a group dinner in Florence next week

[Ash824]

Hi all,

We're attending a wedding outside of Florence and are getting a group of around ten people together for dinner the night before the wedding - just a casual meet and greet for people who aren't involved in the wedding but in town from NYC. We would love something a little upscale but nothing too formal - a fun atmosphere. If possible, looking for a place that starts serving on the earlier side, as one couple will have an 11 month old along. Any recommendations?

Thanks much!
Ashley

[florenceinsider]

I have been there only once quite a while back and the food is not bad. There is lots of room indoors for big groups (if you are worried about space) and plenty of seating outdoors if you like to dine al fresco. Buon Appetito!

[Ash824]

I made a reservation at Ristoro di Cambi - it was recommended somewhere (am losing track) and they start serving dinner at 6:30 PM so it was convenient for our group. Anyone tried it? If it's terrible, I should make a switch now! Thanks, everyone for the help - this is an excellent way to make meal plans on a trip.

[minchilli]

That's a great choice!

[minchilli]

I would never take a baby to Borgo San Jacopo, and doubt that they would be very accomodating.
I would go a bit more casual, but at least you'll be comfortable and have good food. For this I would recommend Cipolla Rossa. If you are in the back room they have a big round table that would fit all of you and you'd have a great time. The food is excellent, and a great place to get grilled meat. I particularly loved the marinated grilled pork chop. Delicious pastas too. Very fun and casual.

A bit more upscale is Olio e Convivium. The atmosphere feels almost like a private club, with wooden paneling and cabinets full of dishes, glasses and food. The front room is set up like an food store, and there are several different dining rooms. The quality is excellent, with most of the ingredients carefully sourced from Slowfood, etc. Excellent wine list.

And finally, if you want to step back in time, Paoli. A lot of people write this place off, since they say it's 'touristy', but I ate there very recently and had a fantastic meal with really great service. I LOVE the atmosphere: neo-gothic frescoes, wood panelling, high ceilings. It's like a stage set, but one that was thought up in the fifties. When I was there I had Fettucine Paoli, which is a heavenly concoction of fettucine, cream, mushrooms and peas. Straight off a Dolce Vita menu, but scrumptious and perfectly prepared. The dining rooms are big, beautiful and the perfect place to take your group.

Hope this helps,
Elizabeth
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www.elizabethminchilli.com

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Paoli
Via dei Tavolini, 12r, Florence, Tuscany , IT

Cipolla Rossa
Via de' Conti,53, Florence, Toscana 50123, IT

[CJT]

I would second the recommendation on Paoli and add to it Antico Fattore, which is right next to the Uffizzi gallery. Both would be in the range for what you requested - nearby, good, comfortable, reasonably priced.

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Paoli
Via dei Tavolini, 12r, Florence, Tuscany , IT

[florenceinsider]

Try Coquinarius...friendly, upscale and casual, creative pastas and they serve dinner earlier than most places.

[ttoommyy]

We love Taverna del Bronzino. I've seen families with babies every time we've been there. The service is upscale but the atmosphere is casual. They have a wonderful bistecca ala Fiorentina.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant...

[Ash824]

Fantastic, thanks!

[DownUnder]

Borgo San Jacopo at the Hotel Lungarno.
http://www.lungarnohotels.com/en/firenze-hotel-lungarno/bars-restaurants-16
Cantinetta Antinori is another for the best wines in Italy.
http://www.cantinetta-antinori.com/se...

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Cantinetta Antinori
Piazza degli Antinori, 3, Florence, Tuscany 50123, IT

[Ash824]

Thanks so much!