DK Travel : Tuscany : Florence

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, the city of Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus . It was here that the Italian language was formalized and its literature born under the great poet Dante. Here enlightened Medici princes ruled: Lorenzo the Magnificent encouraged a teenage Michelangelo to pick up a hammer and chisel, and Cosimo II protected Galileo from the Inquisition. If you feel overloaded with art, explore Dante’s medieval neighbourhood or the Oltrarno artisan and antiques quarter across the river; stroll around the Boboli Gardens, or venture to hilltop Fiesole.

For more on Florence (see The Uffizi, Florence, Pitti Palace, Florence andChurches in Florence For more on Florence’s museums (see The Uffizi, Florence, Pitti Palace, Florence) For more on Tuscan museums and art (see Tuscan Masterpieces

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Baldovino

Baldovino is a busy restaurant situated at the side of Santa Croce [ owned by a Scotsman ! ] . As well as serving good traditional Tuscan dishes , Baldovino also serves up good Pizzas from it's wood burning oven . When you eat here you are guaranteed good fare , served up by welcoming and friendly staff . It is popular both with Tourists and also local people . They also have a web site so that you can book a table prior to your visit [ which I inevitably do ! ] . I would highly recommend a meal here . I have enjoyed many on my eight visits to Florence over the past six years .
Cafe Vivoli

Florence's most famous gelato on Via Isole Delle Stinche, a small street just around the corner from Piazza Santa Croce is Cafe Vivoli. Great chocolate flavours. The Vivoli family runs the cafe Vivoli for decades. You can sit at the tables for free and also eat lunch. Try a crema cafe` that is an expresso coffee in a large cup that is lined with luscious vanilla gelato
Coco Lezzone

Florentine food in a family-run setting ... simple and tasty and reasonable. Near Arno.
Enoteca Baldovino

Situated next door to it's sister Restaurant Baldovino , this delightful enoteca offers up a superb selection of Italian wines and Grappa accompanied by a quality assortment of tasty snacks . You are ensured a friendly and welcoming service and also useful tips regarding the available wines . [ I developed a love of Brunello after visiting here !] . Unfortunately , I often visit Florence in early December to coincide with the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Scottish Fair , and sadly , on my past two visits at this time the enoteca has been closed . Well worth a visit or two when you are in Florence .
Good Tastes of Tuscany cooking class

A most amazing day cooking in an original kitchen of a true Tuscan Villa. Our Tuscan chef was just lovely, the food was the best we ate in over a month of travelling, and since we now have all the recipes, we can make the same dishes again when we get home!
Hotel Alba

Centrally situated 3 star Hotel, 300 yards from the bus station where the airport bus stops and picks up , and 300 yards from the Piazza Santa Maria Novella . Walking distance from all the sites of interest , but also of a range of good bars [ " Fiddlers Elbow " and " Joshua Tree "] and eateries such as Osteria Belle Donne . Alba is a clean , well maintained hotel , with a friendly , helpful and welcoming staff . It provides a substantial breakfast and the reception is open 24 hours . I have stayed at the Alba for 4 of my 8 visits to Florence and highly recommend it .
Hotel Cavour

This hotel has a roof top terrace where you can sit and have a glass of wine whilst admiring the wonderful view of Florence and the Duomo.
Hotel Davanzati

A lovely hotel just a few steps from the hustle and bustle of Florence. An inconspicuous archway leads up to this hotel - an oasis of calm after a long day taking in everything Florence has to offer.

The staff are always on hand to book tickets, taxis, days out and recommend and book restaurants - in fact, we ate the most delicious food thanks to the recommendations.

At 6pm every night, there's a 'happy hour'. Not a bar filled with beer-swilling tourists though! Prosecco or chianti is on offer with a few nibbles - the perfect start to your evening.
Il Boccale

Excellent food and an excellent price. Valerio is amazing. This place is exactly the small restaurant I envisioned when I came to Italy.
Osteria Belle Donne , [ Via Delle Belle Donne ] .

One of the , for me , three best restaurants in Florence [ along with Cibreo Povero and Baldovino ] . Run by the irrepressible Giacinto , Belle Donne serves up good , traditional Tuscan dishes in a delightfully rustic ambience , the little dining area decked out with plants , pots and pictures . It helps if you try and speak a little Italian , it's appreciated [and I think it ensures a better service ! ]. I have dined here on every one of my eight visits to Florence and have never been disappointed . I recommend it .