ITALY - Best of Europe 2014 - page 1210

its fancy desserts and thick hot chocolate. While obscenely expensive, it has the best view
tables on the square (Tue-Sun 7:30-24:00, closed Mon, tel. [phone]).
Fine Dining
(See “Florence Restaurants” map, here . )
Frescobaldi Ristorante and Wine Bar, the showcase of Italy's aristocratic wine family,
is a good choice for a formal dinner in Florence. Candlelight reflects off glasses of wine,
and high-vaulted ceilings complement the sophisticated dishes. They offer the same menu
in three different dining areas: cozy interior, woody wine bar, and breezy terrace. If coming
for dinner, make a reservation, dress up, and hit an ATM (€11-14 appetizers and pastas,
€18-24 secondi, lighter wine-bar menu at lunch, Tue-Sat 12:00-14:30 & 19:00-22:30, Mon
19:00-22:30,closedSunandmuchofAug,air-con,halfablocknorthofthePalazzoVecchio
at Via dei Magazzini 2-4 red, tel. [phone], Francesco is the lead waiter).
Ristorante Paoli dishes up wonderful, traditional cuisine to loads of cheerful eaters be-
ing served by jolly little old men under a richly frescoed Gothic vault. It feels old-school
and Old World...it's all about the setting. Because of its fame and central location, it's filled
mostly with tourists, but for a sophisticated, traditional Tuscan splurge meal, this is a fine
choice. Salads are dramatically cut and mixed from a trolley right at your table. The walls
are sweaty with memories that go back to 1824, and the service is flamboyant and fun-
loving (but don't get taken—confirm prices). Woodrow Wilson slurped spaghetti here—his
bust looks down on you as you eat (€10-15 pastas, €12-20 secondi, daily 12:00-15:00 &
19:00-23:00,reservefordinner,betweenPiazzadellaSignoriaandtheDuomoatViadeiTa-
volini 12 red, tel. [phone]).
Eating Cheaply and Simply near Piazza della Signoria
(See “Florence Restaurants” map, here . )
CantinettadeiVerrazzano, along-establishedbakery/café/winebar,servesdelightfulsand-
wich plates in an old-time setting. Their selection Verrazzano is a fine plate of four little
crostini (like mini-bruschetta) proudly featuring different breads, cheeses, and meats from
the Chianti region (€7.50). The tagliere di focacce, a sampler plate of mini-focaccia sand-
wiches, is also fun (€14 for big plate for two). Add a €5 glass of Chianti to either of these
dishes to make a fine, light meal. Office workers pop in for a quick lunch, and it's tradition-
al to share tables. Be warned: Prices can add up here in a hurry (Mon-Sat 8:00-21:00, Sun
10:00-17:00, no reservations taken, just off Via de' Calzaiuoli, across from Orsanmichele
Church at Via dei Tavolini 18, tel. [phone]). They also have benches and tiny tables for
eating at takeout prices. Simply step to the back and point to a hot focacce sandwich (€3),
orderadrinkatthebar,andtake away yourfoodorsit with Florentines andwatch theaction
while you munch.