carrielyn

Having studied in Florence in college, I now return as often as possible. As of the summer of 2009, I am living in Trieste, Italy. When traveling, I'm constantly looking for out-of-the-way restaurants to try.

Member Since: May 2009

Living in: Trieste (Italy)

How often are you in Florence in the year? Tourist

How often do you dine out a week? 1 - 2 times/week

Personal URL: http://somebirdsarelikethat.blogspot.com

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Restaurants

Acqua al Due - Delightful!
Acqua al Due is fantastic from the first step in the door. The interior is bright and pretty, and the close-set tables remind you of a neighborhood trattoria. Definitely call for a reservation. Although the policy may have changed, at one time there were only 2 seatings for dinner and one needed to call ahead. [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 10, 2009

Ciro & Sons - A Treat
Ciro and Sons is located in the busy San Lorenzo area, and appeals to tourists passing through on their way to or from Stazione Centrale. But, don't dismiss it for that reason. The preserved frescos on the interior, the warmth from the pizza oven and the friendliness of the staff all combine to make this place feel cozy. [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 10, 2009

Le Colonnine - Amazing Pizza
Florentines may consider this a bit of a tourist spot, but that never tainted my appreciation of the great location and excellent food! Near Santa Croce, Le Colonnine is an excellent lunch or dinner spot away from some of the crowds. [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 10, 2009

Hong Kong - If you crave Chinese in Florence...
If you crave Chinese in Florence, you might be a bit crazy, or you've been there for quite a while! This restaurant is tucked on a side street behind the Duomo and serves very respectable Chinese food, mostly to an international crowd. [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 10, 2009

Osteria dei Pazzi - Very Tuscan
From the first plate of crostini, we were enamoured! Although it's on a main thoroughfare near Piazza Santa Croce, Osteria dei Pazzi has the feel of a small trattoria. The spacious interior is welcoming. [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 10, 2009

Trattoria Anita - Perfect
The tiny, dim corners in Trattoria Anita give it a cozy feel and the excellent food makes it a "must-try" for any trip to Florence. Bottles of wine line the walls of the back room and the waitstaff is very helpful. It was a marvelous surprise to find that the prices were very reasonable - lower than many of the places we ate regularly. Perhaps the best recommendation is that this is where our Florentine friends took us for "real" Italian food. [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 10, 2009

Da i 5 amici - Great Location, Average Food
The best attribute of 5 Amici is the location. I was here with a group of students, so perhaps it is worth noting that the back room is sometimes used by tour groups although this shouldn't normally disturb diners in the front. [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 10, 2009

Gelaterie

Vivoli - The Best?
This little gelateria near Piazza Santa Croce is almost always crowded, with lines sometimes stretching out the door. It's listed in many guidebooks as the best gelato in the city, although many are quick to acknowlege that the title comes from the shop itself! [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 10, 2009

Gelateria Cillo - Excellent Gelato
While my first choice will usually be the bright lights of Festival de Gelato, Gelateria Cillo serves great gelato in the quiet streets between Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce. [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 10, 2009

Gelateria dei Neri - Just about Perfect
This tiny gelateria consistently gets some of the best reviews and I tend to agree. The area is fantastic - via dei Neri is a delightful street just a minute or two from the crowds of Piazza della Signoria. And, the quality is excellent. [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 10, 2009

Festival del Gelato - Brave the Neon!
This is a busy, loud, slightly hectic gelateria between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. But, the amazing variety of flavors (both of semifreddi and sorbetto) make it well-worth a visit. If it's packed (as it almost always is), be a bit patient and a bit assertive if necessary. It's worth it! There's some seating in the back, where Euro MTV entertains the school-age crowd, or you can take your gelato and join the window shoppers on via dei Calzaiuoli. [Read more]
Food Service Ambience Overall
Review submitted: May 9, 2009

Favorites

Restaurants

Le Colonnine - via dei Benci 6r (Santa Croce) - 055 2346417

Trattoria Anita - Via del Parlagio 2 (Historical Center) - 055 218698

Gelaterie

1. Festival del Gelato - via del Corso 75r (Historical Center) - 055 2394386

Pastry Shops

No Favorites selected.