jamesviola's Profile
Teatro del Sale or Trattoria Cibreo???
I personally would avoid both. I had a very bad experience at Cibreo: average food and no coffee! There are plenty of less pretentious (and less expensive) dining alternatives in Florence, which offer far more authentic representations of the city's culinary tradition.
Dining in Florence
Most of my favorite spots in Florence are across the river in the Oltrarno neighborhood.
Trattoria Cammillo (Borgo San Jacopo)
A slightly bustling but homely old-school restaurant. Delightful service. Have the tagliata.
I Quattro Leoni (Piazza della Passera)
This has become quite famous in recent years, celebrity photos now line the walls. But the food is great: I recommend the fiocchette alla pera.
Trattoria Angiolino (Via Santo Spirito)
Rustic and affordable spot where you can watch your food being cooked.
Casalinga (Via dei Michelozzi)
Canteen-like diner which used to be full of Florentines on their lunch break. now open also at dinner. Cheap and a fun experience.
Caffe Megara (Via della Spada)
My favorite place for lunch. You can also watch Italian soccer on a Sunday afternoon.
Florence is not a great town for pizza: I boycott Il Pizzaiuolo for personal reasons. Better options include Baldovino and Yellow.
Great coffee and pastry in Florence?
Also in Piazza della Repubblica, but a better (and cheaper) bet than Gilli, is Pasticceria Donnini: fantastic coffee and pastries in the morning. I spent many a morning sitting outside on the pavement with a cappuccino and la Gazzetta. Don't be roped into sitting on the wooden decking or they'll charge you extra. Avoid Le Giubbe Rosse next door: it's a snooty rip-off joint.
Another option if you love great cakes is Patrizio Cosi, Borgo degli Albizi, 15. http://www.pasticceriacosi.com/
