If you are what you eat, then I'm a mixture of pizza, caffeine and cocktails. Here's a list of things I've been eating, drinking and loving in Florence, Italy this August.
- Polpette di Baccalà at Casella 18
Casella 18 is a great little spot, located smack in the center of town with great daily specials and these polpette were on offer the other day. Polpette are meatballs and so these were lucious, crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside fried balls of baccalà fish.
Casella 18 Via Santa Elisabetta, 18 50122 Firenze
- Linguine with lobster, scampi and fresh shrimp from Il Grande Pescatore
It was so hot in Florence in August that fish and white wine were just about as heavy as you could stomach and this little spot nestled on the hill just above Florence in Fiesole was a cute little reprieve from the busy center.
Il Grand Pescatore Via Cave di Maiano, 3/A, 50131 Fiesole
- Aperitivo with an olive oil martini at Villa San Michele
Pro tip: If you can't afford to stay at the fancy hotels in Florence, you can still treat yourself by booking an aperitivo on the property. Villa San Michelle is a stunning hotel overlooking Florence with five-star service and five-star prices, but if you don't mind splurging on a cocktail it also comes with little nibbles and a gorgeous view.
Belmond Villa San Michele Via Doccia 4, 50014 Fiesole, Florence, Italy
- Dumplings at En Cucina Casalinga Giapponese
Florence is famously void of Italians the month of August as they all migrate to the beach and take vacations so many restaurants are closed. This time, I took it as a great excuse to explore some of the non-Italian options around town and En did not disappoint - I am still dreaming about their dumplings!
En Cucina Casalinga Giapponese Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, 26r, 50122 Firenze
- Cheese plate and a glass of Franciacorta from Formaggioteca Terroir
Since nearly everyone was on vacation, I also used it as an excuse to take myself on a little date to Formaggioteca Terroir. This place has a great selection of wine and cheese, including my favorite from Corzano Paterno, a cheese producer just outside of Florence. It's a great spot to explore different local wine and cheese producers around Tuscany and beyond without ever leaving Florence.
Formaggioteca Terroir Via dei Renai, 19, 50125 Firenze
- Cooked Eggplant and Basil dish from Le Pinnette in Sardegna
This dish gets an honorable mention since it isn't technically anywhere near Florence. But I too made like the Italians and got the hell out of Dodge for a few days. While it was a quick trip, I highly recommend a visit to the beautiful island of Sardegna for both it's food and it's beaches.
Le Pinnette Str. Vicinale Guardia Grande, 66, 07041 Alghero SS
- Bubbolo wine from Oatio Wine Bar
I love love love this bubbly! This Vermentino is made at an organic winery in Tuscany using the "ancestral method" of sparkling wine production. And the best part is, they carry it at my new favorite wine bar that just opened in town called Oratio. The wine bar was recently opened by 3 young Italians with a passion for wine and hospitality and is a great spot for an aperitivo. Plus they are happy to teach you and talk with you about all things vino!
Oratio Wine Bar Via Matteo Palmieri, 25r, 50122 Firenze
- The Gyro lunch plate from Kalimera L'Angolo Greco
Another opportunity to mix it up when you are craving something not Italian. This spot is simple and delicious with great lunch specials!
Kalimera L'Angolo Greco Borgo la Croce, 33/R, 50121 Firenze
- Rum cocktails at Bistrot Cafe 1926
This cute little vintage-inspired bar with classic bistrot vibes also has a phenomenal cocktail program with old-school rum cocktails and a few modern day updates. Haven't been. for a meal but would like to go back and try it out for dinner too!
Bistrot Cafe 1926 Via Giovan Battista Niccolini, 30/R, 50121 Firenze
- The Schiacciata from Gastronomia Tecum
This spot is a little out of the center of town but I'd travel a lot farther than just the outskirts of Florence for this schiacciata. This crunchy on the outside, light and airy on the inside bread literally melts in your mouth thanks to the fact that they make it with lard.
Gastronomia Tecum Via Maragliano, 66, 50144 Firenze
