Florence Restaurant Tips by Herkbert

Osteria Del Cinghiale Bianco: Cinghiale and hospitality

The restaurant was recommended by our hotel staff and we are so glad we followed their recommendation. The restaurant, located in the altrarno section of town was cozy and rustic. It was also full all evening with a combination of locals and tourists.

The food was all of high quality and delicious. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful in choosing a wine and making dinner suggestions.

Favorite Dish: We loved the Tagliatere with white truffles. They were not shy with the truffles. And, of course, the papadelle with cinghiale was to die for. Everything else was also extremely good. You can't go wrong no matter what you choose.

Address: Borgo S. Jacopo, 43 r. - 50125 Florence

Comparison: about average

Phone: +39 055/21.57.06

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Italian

Various little shops: Italian fast food

While walking around, we were just stopping for something quick for lunch. There were plenty of places in Florence where you could grab a sandwich, piece of pizza, plus many other things. The thing we liked the most was that everything was fresh and ready to eat, though most of the shops would heat or toast your sandwich if you wanted.

With a bottle of water or soda, you could find a place to relax and enjoy a mini picnic.

Favorite Dish: A sandwich of mozzarella, tomato and prosciutto was a great afternoon treat.

Comparison: least expensive

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Golden View Open Bar: Great food with a great view

Ok, so it doesn't sound very Italian, but trust me, it is! Golden View Open Bar gets its name from its location. Our table in the back dining room or 'suite' had a golden view of the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River. The open bar has al fresco seating so you can enjoy the open air and dine under the stars.

The dining room we were seated in was crisply decorated and bright. The wall of windows gave everyone in the room a perfect view of the bridge and the sites across the way. You give up a little bit of that rustic ambience you expect from Italy, but you gain a great view for a romantic meal.

As for the food, it was delicious. There specialty is beef and typical Italian fare, priced right and perfectly served. They also have a great wine list to pair up with your meal. Service staff was very pleasant and attentive.

Address: Via De' Bardi, 54/64 Rosso Florence, It

Comparison: about average

Other Contact: Opening hours 11.30 am - 1.00 am

Phone: +(39) 055-214-502

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.goldenviewopenbar.com/

Perche No!: Gelato - Need I say more?

Perche No! was the best Gelateria that we visited during our trip. Lots of great flavors to choose from, nice people doing the scooping and generous scoops!

I'm told they have been open since 1939, and pride themselves on only using the best fresh ingredients available. No powdered milk here. Besides the regular flavors like chocolate and strawberry, they also had flavors like banana, green tea, amaretto, sesame and honey, ginger and almond to name a few.

Find it and enjoy a great treat while in Florence.

Favorite Dish: My favorite flavor was pistachio and my wife's was Coffee Crunch.

Address: Via Dei Tavolini, 19/R, 50122 Firenze (FI), It

Comparison: about average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Ice Cream

Website: http://www.percheno.firenze.it