twentythree y.o. geographer, barista, yoga practitioner. University College London. born and bred in the lil' island of Singapore. constantly searching for answers. extremely flawed, especially when it comes to imposing standards on others, expecting too much, not knowing when to close her mouth (to shut the fuck up or to stop eating). too crazy for her own good and has to be taken with a massive handful of salt. adores backpacking, hitch-hiking, hill-walking, red wine, whiskey, cocktails, fine food and good conversations.
REMINDER:
"open your heart. someone will come. someone will come for you. but you'd have to open your heart first."
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| Thursday, January 01, 2015
◔ 1:26 PM // ✎ 0 comment(s) | ❝ Everything Florentine ❞ |
Like with all other places that I visit, I attempt to attain a list of good food places - because why waste calories / stomach space / money on terrible food? Decided to share my lists this time, hoping that it'd be useful for someone else? :)
You will probably realize that I never, ever, skim on food. I go all the way - Antipasti, Primi, Secondi and I must have my Dolce. Most of the places in this list require reservations, so....
Mercato Centrale
http://www.mercatocentrale.it/en/mercato-centrale-firenze/
Pretty much the Florentine version of our hawker centre - where you have to wrestle for a table and then everyone runs off in opposite directions to get whatever they'd like to eat. Pretty cool, apart from the fact that I cannot "chope" the table with tissue paper.
It was not as though the food was particularly cheap and especially good, but it was more for the atmosphere.
Buca dell' Orafo
Via de' Girolami 28r, Tel: +39 055213619
www.bucadellorafo.com
"Buca" literally means "hole" in Florence:
We were lucky that we arrived early because this lovely restaurant was crazily packed by 8PM. Sometimes it's good to have Asian eating habits I guess :P
The typical Tuscan Artichoke Omelette~
Il Latini
Via Palchetti 6r (Pal. Rucellai), Tel: +39 055210916
www.illatini.com
We were recommended this place by Rocky and it was one of the most amazing meals I had in Italy :)
Quattro Leoni
Piazza della Passera (Via dei Vellutini), Tel: +39 055 27263
www.4leoni.com
This restaurant was less local and more touristy (and a wee bit up itself), but it was nevertheless lovely. Had my first proper t-bone steak here, and the poor cow will never be forgotten.
Sorry for the blurry photo of my steak that did not do it any justice ;P
Gellateria della Pasera
Right opposite Quattro Leoni, on the corner with Via Dello Sprone, this was said to be the best ice-cream shop in Florence.
I went straight for the Mojito, Pistachio and Hazelnt flavors (despite the massive t-bone steak I had for dinner). I was not disappointed. Omnom.
Da Sostanza
Via dell Porcellana 25r, Tel: +39 055212691
A very, very traditional Italian restaurant that breaks pretty much every fire safety / food hygiene rule in the world. It is allowed to exist only because it has a long history, and I suspect also because they serve the most amazing food :P
Btw, please take note that they do not take credit cards!
Oh look, there's my t-bone steak ^^
Best butter chicken breasts EVER.
The big baby.
One of the most decadent cakes I have ever consumed, the Meringato, affectionately called "The Bomb" here. Alternating layers of cream, chocolate and meringue. What more to ask for?
Ora d' Aria
Via de' Georgofili 11/13r, Tel: +39 0552001699
www.oradariaristorante.com
Despite this being a Michelin-starred restaurant, it was possibly THE most disappointing meal of my entire trip. On top of being overpriced, there was literally nothing spectacular about the food, and the service was spotty at times. I was utterly crushed that night (nor was I full). Maybe the night I was there was an exception (I do hope?) because this is a pretty popular restaurant.
One of the things they did well - their amazing bread basket.
Egg, low temperature cooked. Pilsner Urquell, fennel, orange zest and hazelnuts.
Scallop, green beans and savory like a "Minestrone". (Nope I did not get this description either)
Gnocchi made with bread, black truffle and clam.
Tortelli filled with potatoes and red garlic with black cabbage sauce.
Black cod from Alaska poached with Jerusalem artichoke, oyster, lime granita.
Crispy but tender suckling pig with persimmon-spice sauce and roasted chestnuts.
Roasted red shrimps in truffled Swiss chard and Piquillo peppers "zimino".
And their only other saving grace? Their amazing desserts.
Osteria Le Logge
Via del Porrione 33, Tel: +35 057748013
http://www.giannibrunelli.it/italiano/osteria_start.html
This restaurant is located in Siena, but the food was absolutely amazing. Especially their sweetbread and pudding. My two biggest soft spots in the world :Q
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Via Ghibellina 87, Tel: +39 055242777
www.enotecapinchiorri.com
Probably the best meal of the entire trip, but I expected no less from this three-starred baby. I loved how the Italians are much less pretentious and overbearing than the French (who frequently insist on speaking English with a very heavily French accent).
The wine list was thicker than a bible, but the wine was absolutely amazing; probably a good thing that my mother and brother don't drink much and it's mainly my father and I sharing an entire bottle :P
Nothing beats freshly baked bread ^^
Their "special" Tiramisu made on the spot for you:
Their amazing chocolate tray :Q
OTHERS
I will just type the name and addresses of few other restaurants that I have been recommended, but did not get the chance to visit. Mainly for my reference just so I know where to visit if and when I next go to Florence :)
TUSCAN
Trattoria de Cammillo
Borgo San Jacopo 57r, Tel: +39 055212427
Buca Lapi
Via del Trebbi 1, Tel: +39 055213768
www.bucalapi.com
Alla Vecchia Bettola
Piazza Tasso, Tel: +39 055224158
www.allavecchiabettola.com
Coco Lezzone
Via del Parioncino 26, Tel: +39 055287178
www.cocolezzone.it
Da Ruggero
Via Senese 89, Tel: +39 055287178
Da Omero
Via del Pian de' Giullari 47, Tel: +39 055220053
www.ristoranteomero.it
Ristorante 13 Gobbi
Via del Porcellana 9, Tel: +39 055225015
www.casatrattoria.com
Cantinetta Antinori
Piazza Antinori 1, Tel: +39 055292234
www.cantinetta-antinori.com
Osteria de' Benci
Via de Benci 13, Tel: +39 0552344923
www.osteriadeibenci.it
Ganzo
Via de' Macci 85r, Tel: +39 055241076
www.ganzoflorence.com
Antico Ristoro del Cambi
Via San'Onofrio 1r, Tel: _39 055217134
www.anticoristoridicambi.it
Trattoria del Carmine
Piazza del Carmine 18, Tel: +39 055218601
FINE DINING
Osteria di Passignano
Badia a Passignano, Tavarnelle Tel: +39 0558071278
www.osteriadipassignano.com
Portofino
Viale Mazzini 25/27r, Tel: +39 055244140
www.ristoranteportofino.it
Borgo San Jacopo
Borgo san Jacopo 14, Tel: +39 055281661
Labels: Florence, food, holiday, Italy, photography
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