Let us begin this entry of the UNESCO Youth blog with a disclaimer. The writers of this blog all live in a district of Florence known as Oltrarno or ‘Over the Arno’. This is area of Florence that is on the south side of the Arno River and is known for its artisan shops, Palazzo Pitti, and for being home to more actual residents of the city than tourist traps. That being said, the restaurants picked for this list are based on our extensive knowledge of this area of the city, which coincidentally and to our favor is home to some of the most authentic and reasonably priced restaurants in the city. There are bound to be other great spots in the other districts of the city, but as a rule to remember, the closer you are to the major tourist sites (Duomo, Galleria degli Uffizi, etc.) the more expensive and less authentic in general the food will be.
• Trattoria Casalinga
Trattoria Casalinga is located on Via Maggio right near Piazza Santo Spirito and not far from Palazzo Pitti making a great spot to stop off for an authentic lunch or dinner. Casalinga translates to “housewife” and reflects that all the food is fresh and cooked from scratch. The menu changes all the time depending on what is fresh, so you may have to visit several times! Prices are cheap for a sit-down dinner in the city and the food is some of the best around. Try authentic dishes like Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan-peasant soup or pasta Bolognese which is done perfectly. This restaurant is found in many guidebooks so be sure to get there promptly at 7pm when they open so that you can be seated right away, as a line almost always forms. The menu is only in Italian so bring your book or ask the waiter if you need help.
• Osteria: il Cantinone
This restaurant located on Via Santo Spirito (6r) has all the atmosphere you could ever want in your Florentine dining experience. Located in an old wine cellar, this restaurant looks like a “hole in the wall” from the street but has one of the best lunch deals in the city. Surrounded by brick ceilings and a cozy surroundings, you can enjoy a Tuscan lunch with wine for as little as €4. The daily lunch menu has 10 choices ranging from €4 to €6 and is a great way to not only eat on the cheap, but also to escape the midday heat of the Florentine summer.
• Trattoria del Carmine
If you are looking to splurge a little and go out for a nice dinner, try Trattoria del Carmine. This restaurant located on Piazza del Carmine and just a few minutes’ walk from Ponte Carraia is our recommendation of where to get one of the highlights of Tuscan and Florence cuisine, Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Bistecca is essentially a large T-bone steak that is meant for at least 2 people and is sold (usually) by weight. The steak is traditionally prepared rare and is cooked simply with only a little oil and salt to flavor. Couple this with a side dish of your choice and red wine and you have a delicious, authentic dinner. Piazza del Carmine, 18, 50124 Firenze. Opens 7pm. Menu in Italian.
• Gusta Pizza
During your Italian trip you will inevitably at some point want to try pizza in its place of origin. Our recommendation for trying pizza in Florence is Gusta Pizza, which makes delicious piazzas in its wood fired oven. Gusta has several pizzas to choose from, but our suggestions include the Calabrese with spicy salami and the Gustapizza which has rucola and parmesan on top. You can get your pizza to stay or to go, which is usually necessary since the few tables fill up quickly. On a nice evening get a pizza to go and sit on the steps of the Santo Spirito church and take in the atmosphere. Prices are cheap ranging from €4.50 to €8.00 for a pizza. Open 11:30-3pm; 7pm-11pm. Closed Mondays. Located corner of Via Maggio and Via dei Michelozzi.
• Caffe’ Ricchi
Our favorite spot in the city is this café which is located right on Piazza Santo Spirito in the heart of the Oltrarno. Here you can relax and enjoy a cappuccino out on the patio in the square or on cold or rainy days sit in the inside room and enjoy artistic interpretations of the blank façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito. To experience the true Florentine way of coffee however, you must stand at the bar and drink your espresso black with just a little sugar. At lunch the café has food both to sit and eat and to take away with dishes such as lasagna being regulars on the menu. The café also has deserts, panini, and salads in the case for you to choose from. Prices are cheap with a shot of espresso costing €0.90 and a piece of lasagna €4.00. Piazza Santo Spirito 9r.
