Call me a travel snob if you will but when my husband and I travel, we want to dine in locations we simply cannot dine at home; and we feel as if we’ve failed if the bill is less than $300. When we travel, we travel; there is no savings plan or budget meal plan. We want to experience things and go places we don’t go at home. We’d never spend $500 on one meal at home, but we have no problem dropping that on one dinner at the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City. The same goes for anywhere we travel; we like good food, and we’re willing to pay not only for that but for stellar bottles of wine, too. Florence, Italy is in our bucket list, and believe me when I say we will eat there like we’ve never eaten anywhere else.
I’ve done the work more than once to find out where to go, what to order and what to expect dining in Florence, and my list of places not to miss has not changed much since I began planning this future trip. These are the best of the best; even if you prefer a different style food or atmosphere. You won’t find better in Florence.
Il Palagio – $100 per person
You’ll find this lovely restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, and you won’t want to miss it. The vaulted ceilings, wood work and attention to detail are so impressive you cannot imagine anything more beautiful. Cef Vito Mollica pairs each of his unique creations with the perfect pairing of wine, and he ensures no one leaves his restaurant without experiencing pure bliss. Don’t forget to ask to see the winery room, and be sure you order the black cabbage flan – it’s mouthwatering from everything we’ve been told.
Enoteca Pinchiorri – $1,000+ for two guests
Back in 1972, Georgio Pinchiorri, an amazing Sommelier, began to collaborate with a lovely chef, Annie Feold. They created this amazing restaurant with the sole purpose of combining world-class food with top notch wine paired perfectly; and you will not find anything better in the world. This is on my list simply because this fabulous Sommelier keeps more than 120,000 bottles of fine wine on-site. What could be better? It’s lovely, of course, but it’s the three Michelin Stars that makes it worthwhile.
Cibreo – $100 per person
Everything here is fresh. Everything that you find on the menu comes from local farmers, local markets; it’s all as fresh as can be, and nothing beats fresh food. Fabio Picchi is the owner and the head chef, and he likes his reputation and is not willing to do anything to jeopardize that in any way, shape or form. The one thing that everyone in the world suggests ordering here is the chocolate cake. It’s been said that the most amazing thing about Cibreo other than the menu is that the owner only hires staff who is multilingual so on one ever comes into his restaurant feeling lost or confused. How’s that for customer service?
Ora D’Aria – $110 per person
What makes this restaurant so fabulous in my opinion is that it spent five years across the street from a prison, and even takes its name from the hour the prisoners spent outdoors each day. It’s not a Michelin-star rated restaurant yet, but it’s close. Marco Stabile is a young chef who has already made quit the name for himself, and his food speaks volumes in that manner. We recommend you book well in advance and ask for the Chef’s table in the cellar.
L’incontro Restaurant – $125 per person
Located in the Hotel Savoy, this is the restaurant in which you will find 2-Michelin Star Chef Fulvio Pierangelini in the kitchen. It is the most beautiful restaurant in Florence during the summer when the terrace is open and available. Don’t miss it. The chef prefers fresh, local ingredients, and the beef filet is the most amazing plate on the menu if you ask anyone who has ever dined here. Be sure you do not miss a martini at the Bar, which is often referred to as the Bond Bar because the martinis are so stellar.
