Food guide to Florence
Dinner:
- Quattro Leoni : Also known as 4 Leoni. This place is known for their pear ravioli and I must say a wave of sadness hits every time I look down and it is all gone. It is one of those meals you want to eat over and over again. It may sound like a weird combination but trust me get it. Also they have great appetizer options and if you aren't too full split the berry cheesecake!
- Santo Spirito : I would have to say this is by far my favorite dinner spot in all of Florence. If you traveling in the peak months, I recommend making a reservation so you ensure you have a table! So I must say everything on the menu is delicious, so you can't go wrong with anything you order. For starters they give you an olive pate free of charge, but I always would start with bruschetta as well! On to the entrees- One of their staple dishes is the truffle gnocchi, I recommend getting a half order or splitting with someone because it is very rich but it is one of the best things I have ever tasted!!! I get hungry just thinking about this restaurant. So whatever you do GO GO GO and you will love the piazza view as you dine on the patio, everything about it is perfect!
- Trattoria 13 Gobbi : Another restaurant that I would make a reservation for just to be safe. The signature dish here is the rigatoni and I swear it looked as if I had licked my bowl clean! Another amazing Italian dish and the ambience is great! Make a trip if you can!
- La Giostra : Ok so this one is harder to find its tucked away but quite the gem. Here they give you an ornate appetizer plate and I can't tell you what everything was that I ate but I loved it all. Now their signature dish is the pear ravioli, but quite different from Quattro Leoni's rendition but still a crowd pleaser for sure. And be sure to meet the owner you can't miss him he has a bunch of rings and chains up to his elbow! Quite the character.
- 5 E Cinque : Located in the same piazza as Quattro Leoni this is a great vegetarian option! They have an expansive menu but word to the wise not much english spoken here so be ready to point and use hand gestures if your Italian is slightly non existent like mine - whoops.
- Rubaconte Ristorante Pizzeria and Osteria Il Gatto la Volpe : I grouped these together because they are both family style eating where they bring out a MASSIVE plate of assorted appetizers. Be careful not to fill up on those alone, which I have definitely done. Then you can choose to split from the pasta option or the meat option! Both great! Just be ready to leave full, very very full.