Recommendations
DINING: Alla Vecchia Bettola
A traditional Tuscan restaurant serving up seasonal dishes. Great for lunch or dinner, with availability for outdoor seating if the weather is nice.
DINING: Mercato Centrale
This is Florence's central food market. The main floor hosts a daily market and the second floor has various delicious food stalls. Around meal times, it's very crowded and it can be difficult to find a seat. We recommend popping in here for a snack.
DINING: Le Volte
A perfect spot to order the traditional Florentine Steak, this restaurant is owned by the son of a butcher (his dad's shop is right next door), which ensures that he has nothing but the best cuts of meat for his clients. They also source all of their ingredients locally, so every item on their menu is incredible.
DINING: Vini E Vecchi Sapori
A small restaurant that is very popular with the locals, but right off of Palazzo Vecchio. The menu is written by hand daily giving the chef a chance to cook only the freshest dishes. Reservations are required for this restaurant for both lunch or dinner.
DINING: Hosteria Ganino
A great spot for traditional Tuscan fare, frequented by locals. Try their fried bread dough with ham and stracchino cheese as a starter, their homemade pasta, and seasonal main courses.
DINING: La Leggenda dei Frati
A fine dining restaurant, La Leggenda serves elegant twists to Tuscan dishes from a historic villa. After dining, the staff whisks you away to an incredible panoramic view of the city. It is truly spectacular. The restaurant can also prepare an incredible vegan tasting menu upon request!
PIZZA: Il Pipistrello
Restaurant and pizzeria close to the villa, with wood-fired pizza as well as pasta, salads, and desserts. Available for dining in and take-out. Open only during dinnertime.
VEGAN / VEG FRIENDLY: Floret Artisan Kitchen & Bar
A Vegan / Vegetarian-Friendly restaurant, this place is wonderful for brunch or lunch. The restaurant is tucked away on the second floor of a designer clothing store, so it is often missed by tourists despite the fact that it has a heated garden and is steps away from the Duomo. Floret also takes reservations, which we recommend for weekend brunch.
VEGAN / VEG FRIENDLY: Shake Café
Although Shake Cafe is a local chain, with several locations across Florence, it is a great spot for Vegan / Vegetarians or any Americans who are looking for a taste closer to home. Shake also serves up to-go-sized Iced Lattes (American style) with oat milk options, Acai Bowls, salads, and wraps.
VEGAN / VEG FRIENDLY: Konnubio
Creative Italian dishes, including vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. This place has a nice atmosphere and is great for dinner or to grab a cocktail.
VEGAN: RAW Vegan Firenze
This restaurant is owned by one of the Villa la Fonte owners. Raw has cold press juices, smoothies, burgers, salads and so much more. It is located in Oltrarno, just steps away from Santo Spirito.
COFFEE / PASTRY: Wild Buns Bakery
A Scandinavian bakery serving up some of the best pastries and coffee in the city. A great place to stop for morning coffee or a quick afternoon treat.
COFFEE / PASTRY: Pasticceria Gelateria Fabiani
Just a short walk from Villa la Fonte, this pastry shop is a great spot for a cappuccino, pastry, or some gelato.
HOLIDAY: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Looking for something special to do during the holiday season? Visit the bar at the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence for a pre-or post-dinner drink. The bar is spectacularly decorated for the holidays and often features live music performances. A great spot for photos!
HOLIDAY: Christmas Market Florence
A great place to walk around and shop for locally made souvenirs or holiday gifts, Florence's Christmas market is located in the center of Piazza Santa Croce. The market is also a great place to get a warm cup of Vin Brûlée (mulled wine) to celebrate the holiday season.
VISIT: Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens
Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
VISIT: Piazza del Duomo
See the sights in the Duomo (cathedral) square: the Baptistery, the Cathedral, and Giotto's Bell Tower. We recommend that you buy tickets to climb the Duomo (and then if you have the energy, Giotto's Tower) for some spectacular views of Florence. There is also a beautiful museum of the duomo located in the square to visit.
VISIT: Accademia Gallery
Visit Michelangelo's David, a must-see while in Florence! We recommend that you book tickets in advance, but you should be able to get same-day tickets in December even if it says it's sold-out online.
VISIT: Piazzale Michelangelo
Take the perfect postcard picture at Piazzale Michelangelo. Afterward, climb the stairs to the oldest church in Florence, San Miniato. You can hike to the Piazzale from Villa la Fonte or from city-center. A great place for a sunset photo and a quick refreshment at the bar on top of the hill.
VISIT: Other Tuscan Towns
As you are probably aware, Tuscany is full of things to see and do as well as other magical towns. Each small town and village comes with its own history dating back centuries. Siena, Pisa, Luca, Volterra, Arezzo, and San Gimignano are just a few of the towns we recommend taking a day trip to!
TOURS: Florence and Tuscany, Siena and Surroundings, and Truffle Hunting
Local Itinerary Planner and Concierge: Marinella Fatterini +39 333 335 1848 marinellafatterini.com Flornece Tour Guide: Sam Socci soccisamuele@gmail.com samtheguide.it Siena and Surroundings: Elena Sardelli elena@sienatourguide.com sienatourguide.com/about/elena Truffle Hunting: A unique experience that includes a short presentation, a truffle hunt, and a meal Giulio Benuzzi +39 334 723 4689 giuliothetrufflehunter.com
TOURS: Wine Tasting
Tommaso, listed in our travel section can help coordinate half-day or full-day wine tours around Tuscany. Suggested wineries include: 1. Fattoria di Nozzole (11.6 miles from the villa) https://www.tenutefolonari.com/en/estates/tenuta-di-nozzole/ 2. Castello Di Vicchiomaggio (13.9 miles from the villa) https://https://www.vicchiomaggio.it/ 3. Vignamaggio (18.8 miles from the villa) & restaurant https://vignamaggio.com/ 4. Fattoria Pamona: very rustic winery offering organic wines http://fattoriapomona.it/en/ 5. Podere Capaccia https://www.poderecapaccia.com/en/
Doctor (English-speaking) and Pharmacy
We hope you don't feel ill on your trip, but in case you do, here are recommendations for an English-speaking doctor and the nearest pharmacy to the Villa. Dr. Silvia Kurpanik (English-speaking doctor who offers in-person and telehealth appointments in Florence): https://maps.app.goo.gl/eJzVzgUrGd8oAFBG7 Pharmacy (Lafarmacia.San Leone): https://maps.app.goo.gl/6yFDCSSpXFZ3sft46
Nearest Grocery Store
If you are looking to stock up on some provisions while you are here, we recommend the nearest supermarket Esselunga Galluzzo. It is just a 5-minute car ride from the Villa.
Additional Travel Tips
We love this blog for anyone who is looking for additional travel, food, and nightlife tips in and around Florence.