We just got back from a family vacation in Italy. It was hot. Like heat wave hot. The A/C in Italy is nothing like here in the states. The Italians don’t seem to mind the heat. Maybe we’re spoiled here? It certainly didn’t put a damper on our trip, but ice-cold beer and gelato certainly helped. That, and pit-stops to our hotel to cool down – though still not as cool as what we’re used to.
I came home from our trip and instantly thought I don’t really feel a need to go anywhere else in the world. Am I limiting myself? Missing out on adventures and experiences in other places around the world? I’m sure you’re thinking yes, but I can’t help but start planning another trip to Italy. The food, the wine, the people (so nice), the culture and history is like nothing else. Did I mention the gelato? It’s a food group of its own you know?
All the accolades aside, the trip was great and the food was fabulous. As usual, I love to share where and what we ate, so here goes…
FLORENCE
Buco Mario – Piazza degli Ottaviani, 16r
Buco Mario is one of the oldest restaurants in the city, founded in 1886. They have an incredible wine list, the service was top-notch and the food was excellent. We did learn after the fact that they are well-known for their bistecca… I had the fish. All was delicious. I especially loved the farmhouse prosciutto with gorgonzola crostini & artichokes shown below.
Trattoria Sostanza – Via del Porcellana, 25r
If you do a little research on where to get the best bistecca Fiorentina, Sostanza is always on the list. It was fantastic! They are known for their bistecca, artichoke pie and butter chicken. We ordered all three shown below. Sostanza is cash only.
La Cucina del Garga – Via S. Zanobi, 33
Off the beaten path or I should say, “nowhere near anything else we ventured to in Florence.” It was worth the schlep across town just for their house marinated anchovies and the warm buffalo mozzarella with eggplant, tomato sauce, basil & black olives. A bit different from the usual Tuscan fair, one of Garga’s oldest dishes is their tagliatelle del “magnifico.” Homemade pasta with orange and lemon zest, mint & Parmesan in a creamy brandy sauce. I know, sounds weird, but boy was it good! No picture, the restaurant was a bit dark for great pics.
Ristorante PesceRosso – Piazza della Repubblica, 11-12r
We had a nice lunch on a very hot afternoon at PesceRosso. Located in one of the busiest areas of the city, each side of the piazza is lined with restaurants vying for your business… it can be a little off-putting. We enjoyed cold crisp salads and steamed mussels.
Ristorante Paoli – Via dei Tavolini, 12r
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Florence. We ate here twice last year and again this trip. All three times I ordered the spaghetti alle vongole. It’s the best! My only disappointment this time around was it wasn’t artichoke season. I had to suffer and eat a shaved zucchini salad with parmesan and truffles.
Gusta Pizza – Via Maggio, 46r
Ranked as the best pizza in Florence (by many). Look at this pizza!
MONTAIONE, TUSCANY
l’Ciampa – Via Chiarenti, 43
Our first meal out during our week in Montaione. Beer, antipasto and pizza. Yum!
La Terrazza – Via L. da Vinci, 73
Have you ever been to a restaurant where they just try too hard? Everything looks so fancy schmancy with artistic schmears of sauces? Wouldn’t it be awful after all that effort if the food wasn’t good? Lucky for La Terrazza the food was yummy, because they certainly put a lot of effort into getting their food onto the plate. Look at my fish! I should also mention that the restaurant is located in a building with a gas station. See the parking lot below, definitely an odd location.
LUCCA
Trattoria da Leo – Via Tegrimi, 1
A nice spot to stop for lunch when you need a rest from riding bikes along the city wall or just shopping around this beautiful historic city. The roast chicken was really delicious. A cold beer helped cool us down, too. Cash only.
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