ITALY - Best of Europe 2014 - page 1209

There's a fountain for washing fruit on the square. Grab a stony seat anywhere you like, and
savor one of my favorite cheap Florence eating experiences. Or, drop by any of the places
listed earlier for an easy lunch (pizza, kebab, or sandwich plus juice) to go.
Dining with Bobo away from the Center
(See “Florence Restaurants” map, here . )
Antica Trattoria da Tito, a 10-minute hike from the Accademia along Via San Gallo, is a
long, drawn-out event of a meal. The boss, Bobo, is a fire hose of restaurateur energy who
has clearly found his niche—making people happy with quality traditional food and lots of
wine. His staff is as loyal as his clientele. While the food is great, there's no pretense. It's
just a playground of Tuscan cuisine with “no romance allowed.” As for the music he plays,
Bobo says, “We are slaves of '80s.” I'd come late and plan to party. To gorge on a feast
of antipasti (meats, cheeses, fava beans, and bruschetta), consider ordering fermami (liter-
ally “stop me”)—for €14, Bobo brings you food until you say, “Fermami!” A couple can
get fermami, desserts, and a nice bottle of wine for €60 total. Ask for vino recommenda-
tionstoexperience thatperfectpairingoffoodandwine.Ifyougowiththeflowhere,you'll
walk back to your hotel fat and filled with memories (€10 pastas, €12 secondi , €14 gran
tagliere —big plate of cheese and meat, travelers with this topic get a free after-dinner drink,
Mon-Sat 12:30-15:00 & 19:00-23:00, closed Sun, reservations generally necessary, Via San
Gallo 112 red, tel. [phone]).
Fast and Cheap near the Duomo
(See “Florence Restaurants” map, here . )
Self-ServiceRistoranteLeonardo isinexpensive,air-conditioned,quick,andhandy.Eating
here, you'll get the sense that they're passionate about the quality of their food. Stefano
and Luciano (like Pavarotti) run the place with enthusiasm and put out free pitchers of tap
water. It's just a block from the Duomo, southwest of the Baptistery (tasty €5 pastas, €6
main courses, Sun-Fri 11:45-14:45 & 18:45-21:45, closed Sat, upstairs at Via Pecori 11, tel.
055-284-446).
Döner Kebab: A good place to try this cheap Middle Eastern specialty is Turkuaz , a
couple of blocks northeast of the Duomo (Via dei Servi 65).
Near Piazza della Signoria
(See “Florence Restaurants” map, here . )
Piazza della Signoria, the scenic square facing the Palazzo Vecchio, is ringed by beautifully
situated yet touristy eateries serving overpriced, bad-value, and probably microwaved food.
If you're determined to eat on the square, have pizza at Ristorante il Cavallino or bar food
fromtheIrishpubnextdoor.PiazzadellaSignoria'ssavinggraceis Rivoire café,famousfor