The Top 5 Places to Eat in Tuscany

Food and wine in Tuscany is of a high standard. Even friends that visit from Milan have noted that the food in the Region is of a completely different quality all together. But where are the best 5 places to eat in and around Florence? Clearly this is a very subjective opinion. The guidebooks, whether they are the DK series or the Lonely Planet, will make their own recommendations. Equally the Michelin guides have a very diligent following and rarely fail to deliver.

One important thing to remember is that you really should not judge the book by the cover. Don't be put off by a restaurant that doesn't look like the business from the outside. Have faith and you will be rewarded.

If we have guests with us in Florence, we will take them to one of the following 5 places.

Trattoria Mario

Via Rosina 2r
Angle of Piazza del Mercato Centrale
50123, Firenze, Italia
Tel: 055 218550
Website

First of all, don't bother trying to phone for a reservation because they only assign places when you're at the door. This is where you eat the best Tuscan food in the centre of town. Family run and the atmosphere and electricity of Italian life in one sitting.

Salaam Bombay

Viale Fratelli Rosselli 45r.
Tel: 055.3217900
Website

It doesn't matter where you are in the World, for an English person to know the best place to get a curry is very important. In Florence there are a few Indian restaurants, and we have tried them all. This is where you should be eating.

Tullio a Montebeni

via Ontignano 48 I - 50014 MONTEBENI
Tel: 055/697354 - 055/697799
Website

A taxi will deliver you to Montebeni for approximately EURO 20. Then you can enjoy a restaurant with no menu and only the finest Tuscan cuisine.

Lo Strettoio

Via di Serpiolle 7 Firenze
Tel: 055 4250044
Website

A view to take your breath away combined with home-made food right the way down to the bread.

Il Ciliegiolo

Via Chiantigiana per il Ferrone, 22
Impruneta (FI)
Tel: 055 2326327

You'll need a car to enjoy this restaurant, Sunday lunches are highly recommended. Their special is a fillet steak in a reduced Chianti sauce!

Extra: Vegetarian

Il Vegetariano

Via delle Ruote 30R, Florence
Tel: 055-475030
Website

Italy is one country in Europe that eats a lot of meat. In the Region of Tuscany, the quantity goes through the roof. It's not a place where Vegetarian's are overly considered, but Florence itself has one of the best Vegetarian restuarants in the Region, open since 1981. No phone reservations are taken, and there's usually a queue of people waiting outiside its door at opening times. Highly recommended. A suprisingly large alcoholic beverage list supports the Vegetarian menu - it's one of the only places in Florence where you can buy a bottle of organic Cider!

Extra: Cheap eats in the centre at lunchtime

Da Noi

Via Fiesolana 46R

You won't find this recommendation anywhere else because basically none of the guides know it is there. If you want to eat for under €5.00 in the centre of town, prepared by someone with great experience and love of food, and to have a french charcutierie style selection of dishes available that you can then eat in a small private garden, this is where you should go.