Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Obikà
CHEESE
€€
( 055 277 35 26;
www.obika.it
; Via de' Tornabuoni 16; 2/3/5 mozzarella €13/20/30, pizza €10-13.50;
noon-4pm & 6.30-11.30pm Mon-Fri, noon-11pm Sat & Sun)
Given its exclusive location in
Palazzo Tornabuoni, this designer address is naturally übertrendy. Taste different mozza-
rella cheeses with basil, organic veg or sundried tomatoes in the cathedral-like interior or
snuggle beneath heaters on sofa seating in the elegant, star-topped courtyard. The €9
aper-
itivi
comprising a drink and twinset of tasting platters (mozzarella and prosciutto) is copi-
ous, as is Sunday brunch.
TOP OF CHAPTER
5
Santa Maria Novella
L'Osteria di Giovanni
TUSCAN
€€
( 055 28 48 97;
www.osteriadigiovanni.it
; Via del Moro 22; meals €35; dinner Mon-Fri, lunch &
dinner Sat & Sun)
It's not the decor that stands out at this friendly neighbourhood eatery. It's
the cuisine, which is Tuscan and creative. Think chickpea soup with octopus or pear-and-
ricotta-stuffed
tortelli
(a type of ravioli) bathed in a leek and almond cream. Throw in the
complimentary glass of
prosecco
and plate of
coccoli
(traditional Florentine salted fritters)
as
aperitivo
and you'll return time and again.
Il Latini
TRATTORIA
€€
( 055 21 09 16;
www.illatini.com
; Via dei Palchetti 6r; meals €35; lunch & dinner Tue-Sun)
A vet-
eran guidebook favourite built around melt-in-your-mouth
crostini,
Tuscan meats, pasta
and roasted meats served at shared tables. There are two dinner sittings (7.30pm and
9pm), with service ranging from charming to not so charming. Bookings mandatory.
