Our Recommendations In The Area
Ristorante Buca Mario
Over a century old restaurant Michelin starred, serving quintessential Florentine cuisine. Joe's favorite restaurant in Florence -- steak (only served rare), osso bucco, and truffle potatoes are top notch.
Caffè dell'Oro
You will undoubtedly pass this place when you're checking out the Ponte Vecchio. It's not traditional but a nice little spot to sit outside by the river and have aperol spritzes. Also the food is surprisingly good. We liked the veal milanese!
Mercato Centrale
A cool market near Santa Maria Novella train station. It can be touristy and crowded but it's worth checking out.
Otello
Quintessential Roman red sauce Italian. Get the Lasagna and carciofi alla giudia! Trastevere is like the Brooklyn of Rome, across the river but very easy to get to.
Osteria delle Coppelle
Classic Roman food and great vibe in the heart of Rome! The beef cheek was mouth watering.
Gino Cacino di Angelo
This place is tucked in below the center of the city near the parking area. This has been called the best "deli" in italy and it's the most understated (and literally underground) place. Part of the beauty is that there is no website and no publicity and that's how they like it.
Antinori nel Chianti Classico
This is the temple of wine. Stunning facility that puts out the best wine in the world. This is where Tignanello comes from but when you go, you need to try a glass of Solaia. I admit, you can find it in the US but it hits different when drinking it at the source. It's also only 30 minutes from Florence so easy day trip if you are there.
Ristorante Daria
Ristorante Daria is located in the charming medieval village of Monticchiello between Pienza and Montepulciano. The food and wine are out of this world!