Brandi’s Guidebook

Brandi
Brandi’s Guidebook

My Favourite Restaurants

You really are spoiled for choice with all the different restaurants in the area. From typical Florentine, Japanese, Chinese, Vegan, Oster Bar, Seafood, Pizza and Burgers we definitely recommend that you try out at least one during your stay. If you are planning to dine at one of these restaurants (specifically evenings) Thursday to Saturday, I would highly recommend a reservation in advance.
Simple and delicious typical Florentine food. Good prices! Open for lunch and dinner. Try the real " bistecca Fiorentina" and their seasonal specialties like funghi porcini (mushrooms) and truffles (in fall)! No outdoor...so it's a good option for gloomy days and it's really close to our place!
Trattoria Gigi Di Lippi Luciano
32/34 Via Giampaolo Orsini
Simple and delicious typical Florentine food. Good prices! Open for lunch and dinner. Try the real " bistecca Fiorentina" and their seasonal specialties like funghi porcini (mushrooms) and truffles (in fall)! No outdoor...so it's a good option for gloomy days and it's really close to our place!
Great pizza, Napoletana style super close to the airbnb! They have a great covered patio if you are able to eat at the location. Give their spicy salami (salamino piccante – it is not that spicy) a try, it is one of our favs! They also deliver at home really quickly, and are on Deliveroo. Give them a call and get ready with the exact address!
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La Piperna Firenze
60 Via Giampaolo Orsini
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Great pizza, Napoletana style super close to the airbnb! They have a great covered patio if you are able to eat at the location. Give their spicy salami (salamino piccante – it is not that spicy) a try, it is one of our favs! They also deliver at home really quickly, and are on Deliveroo. Give them a call and get ready with the exact address!
On Google Maps it is called Sweet Wine Bar, but don’t let the name fool you! Yes, they have great wine, but this is no wine bar. Offering deliciously fresh seafood dishes your taste buds will thank you for. I highly recommend this restaurant if you enjoy seafood (ps. they only serve seafood)! Try their Linguine Cacio e Pepe Al Gamberi (Cheese & Pepper with Shrimp) it is a fabulous dish! Make sure to have a reservation.
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Sweet Winebar
2c Via di Ripoli
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On Google Maps it is called Sweet Wine Bar, but don’t let the name fool you! Yes, they have great wine, but this is no wine bar. Offering deliciously fresh seafood dishes your taste buds will thank you for. I highly recommend this restaurant if you enjoy seafood (ps. they only serve seafood)! Try their Linguine Cacio e Pepe Al Gamberi (Cheese & Pepper with Shrimp) it is a fabulous dish! Make sure to have a reservation.
If you are in the mood for a burger and beer, this has to be the place. Delicious homemade burgers (vegetarian included), and yummy chips are sure to satisfy your hunger cravings. They have a cute little patio out front as well for those warmer nights. They are open daily after 7pm.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Fitzcarraldo Srl
11 Via di Ripoli
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If you are in the mood for a burger and beer, this has to be the place. Delicious homemade burgers (vegetarian included), and yummy chips are sure to satisfy your hunger cravings. They have a cute little patio out front as well for those warmer nights. They are open daily after 7pm.
Upscale Japanese restaurant, offering fresh sushi and seafood dishes. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and beautifully presented dishes. They have quite an extensive menu (be warned!), it can be a little overwhelming, but their food is delicious and a must try if you are looking for something other than Italian. Make sure to have a reservation.
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Koko
4 P.za Francesco Ferrucci
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Upscale Japanese restaurant, offering fresh sushi and seafood dishes. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and beautifully presented dishes. They have quite an extensive menu (be warned!), it can be a little overwhelming, but their food is delicious and a must try if you are looking for something other than Italian. Make sure to have a reservation.
It is part of one of my favorite squares with a unique vibe: Piazza Santo Spirito. Food there is amazing (try “gnocchi gratinati”, “pici” and “tagliata”) and you can enjoy an after-dinner drink in one of the many nearby bars (POP CAFE’ is the best!)
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Osteria Santo Spirito
16/R Piazza Santo Spirito
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It is part of one of my favorite squares with a unique vibe: Piazza Santo Spirito. Food there is amazing (try “gnocchi gratinati”, “pici” and “tagliata”) and you can enjoy an after-dinner drink in one of the many nearby bars (POP CAFE’ is the best!)
We just LOVE this place! It's located on a gorgeous hill dominating Florence, with an amazing view of the Duomo!!! Food is incredible and very Tuscan. Try the "coccoli with prosciutto and stracchino” (special fried bread with ham and cheese) as an appetizer, some Ravioli with Anatra sauce (Ravioli with Duck red sauce) and "Grigliata mista" a mix of delicious meats grilled on a huge gorgeous grill they have outside for everyone to admire! For a romantic summer dinner ask for an outdoor table with view.
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Osteria del Milione
16 Via di Giogoli
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We just LOVE this place! It's located on a gorgeous hill dominating Florence, with an amazing view of the Duomo!!! Food is incredible and very Tuscan. Try the "coccoli with prosciutto and stracchino” (special fried bread with ham and cheese) as an appetizer, some Ravioli with Anatra sauce (Ravioli with Duck red sauce) and "Grigliata mista" a mix of delicious meats grilled on a huge gorgeous grill they have outside for everyone to admire! For a romantic summer dinner ask for an outdoor table with view.

Favourite Aperitivo Spot

If you’re on a budget (or simply like to do it “the Italian way”) try one of the BEST things we have in this country: APERITIVO! Although this is usually a ritual before dinner (between 6:30 to 8:30) you will always find bars that offer complimentary food that will also do as your dinner (if you don’t expect fine dining!). When you buy a drink, you can eat as much as you like, or some places charge around 5-10 Euro, drink included! Don’t miss trying a SPRITZ - synonymous of Italian summer aperitivo.
Renamed to Easy Living Really close to our place with a cool and “easy” atmosphere. You just need to walk 10 minutes along the river towards San Niccolò and there you are! Really enjoyable for sunset!
Chioschino San Niccolo
1 Piazza Poggi
Renamed to Easy Living Really close to our place with a cool and “easy” atmosphere. You just need to walk 10 minutes along the river towards San Niccolò and there you are! Really enjoyable for sunset!

Good Wine Aperitifs

This is one of our local favorites and very close to the Airbnb. The staff are very knowledgeable on the wine they serve, so if you have a specific preference let them know and I am sure they will have something for you to enjoy. They do a cutting board of cheese & ham if you feel like a little nibble with your wine. You will find around the bar that they have pictorial exhibitions and temporary photographs of new and upcoming artists. They sometimes also hold unique events and theme nights, so check out their website https://www.barvino.it/ or social media pages for more info.
BarVino
This is one of our local favorites and very close to the Airbnb. The staff are very knowledgeable on the wine they serve, so if you have a specific preference let them know and I am sure they will have something for you to enjoy. They do a cutting board of cheese & ham if you feel like a little nibble with your wine. You will find around the bar that they have pictorial exhibitions and temporary photographs of new and upcoming artists. They sometimes also hold unique events and theme nights, so check out their website https://www.barvino.it/ or social media pages for more info.
Nice gastronomy in Piazza della Liberta with a very wide selection of wine (the son of the owner won best Italian sommelier) and lots of choice for food.
52 personas locales recomiendan
Gastronomia Enoteca Galanti
31/red P.za della Libertà
52 personas locales recomiendan
Nice gastronomy in Piazza della Liberta with a very wide selection of wine (the son of the owner won best Italian sommelier) and lots of choice for food.
Very wide selection of wine with a careful eye to small producers. You will mostly find Italian and French wines here, selections of cheeses, crostini and a few extra plates. Very relaxing atmosphere with not many seats, just off Ponte Vecchio without being crazy expensive.
89 personas locales recomiendan
Le Volpi e l'Uva
1R Piazza dei Rossi
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Very wide selection of wine with a careful eye to small producers. You will mostly find Italian and French wines here, selections of cheeses, crostini and a few extra plates. Very relaxing atmosphere with not many seats, just off Ponte Vecchio without being crazy expensive.
Popular wine bar with a small terrace offering gorgeous views of Ponte Vecchio and river Arno. There is also a great selection of wine for purchase here if you want to purchase anything you tasted.
39 personas locales recomiendan
Signorvino
46/R 48/R Via de' Bardi
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Popular wine bar with a small terrace offering gorgeous views of Ponte Vecchio and river Arno. There is also a great selection of wine for purchase here if you want to purchase anything you tasted.
We love grabbing a table here in the alleyway looking towards river Arno and Bardini Gardens. They have great prosecco and tasty cakes (plum and carrot!). The interior is a tropical paradise and you can usually find a great playlist on. They offer complimentary crostini later in the day as well to enjoy with your beverage. Not in the mood for a drink, they also have great coffee and juice.
Rivarno
12R Lungarno delle Grazie
We love grabbing a table here in the alleyway looking towards river Arno and Bardini Gardens. They have great prosecco and tasty cakes (plum and carrot!). The interior is a tropical paradise and you can usually find a great playlist on. They offer complimentary crostini later in the day as well to enjoy with your beverage. Not in the mood for a drink, they also have great coffee and juice.
Celebrating something special or feel like dressing up and going out, we highly recommend you come here for a drink. A historic building of Florence, Palazzo Medici Tornaquinci, sublimely restored. 400 sqm on 2 floors, each space different from the other. The restaurant is very expensive, but the bar area is beautiful and refined to the smallest detail. High end mixology at its finest and their knowledgeable staff will help you choose the perfect glass of wine. Make sure to ask the maître d' if it is possible to take a tour of the downstairs to see traces dating back to the 1200s and what the servants quarters looked like in the 1500s!! Cocktails start around 15 Euros and go up from there. Open daily at 7:30pm.
34 personas locales recomiendan
Locale Firenze
12r Via delle Seggiole
34 personas locales recomiendan
Celebrating something special or feel like dressing up and going out, we highly recommend you come here for a drink. A historic building of Florence, Palazzo Medici Tornaquinci, sublimely restored. 400 sqm on 2 floors, each space different from the other. The restaurant is very expensive, but the bar area is beautiful and refined to the smallest detail. High end mixology at its finest and their knowledgeable staff will help you choose the perfect glass of wine. Make sure to ask the maître d' if it is possible to take a tour of the downstairs to see traces dating back to the 1200s and what the servants quarters looked like in the 1500s!! Cocktails start around 15 Euros and go up from there. Open daily at 7:30pm.

A Few Favourite Things

Of course, you’ll manage to find Uffizi, Santa Croce, Piazzale Michelangelo, the Duomo…here are some suggestions for less touristy attractions
15th-century orphanage-turned-museum housing historical works by well-known artists. Make sure to check out their beautiful terrace!
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Museo degli Innocenti
13 Piazza della Santissima Annunziata
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15th-century orphanage-turned-museum housing historical works by well-known artists. Make sure to check out their beautiful terrace!
Experience the OPERA at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino http://www.operadifirenze.it/it/ (during summer they move from theater to amazing outdoor locations)
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Teatro Comunale Florence
1 Piazza Vittorio Gui
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Experience the OPERA at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino http://www.operadifirenze.it/it/ (during summer they move from theater to amazing outdoor locations)
Make sure you check out the market here. It is a great way to spend an hour or two on the second Sunday of every month. Here you can find vintage clothing and accessories, but also antique furniture and many other items.
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Santo Spirito station
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Make sure you check out the market here. It is a great way to spend an hour or two on the second Sunday of every month. Here you can find vintage clothing and accessories, but also antique furniture and many other items.
Visit an AGRITURISMO for wine tasting and an amazing countryside experience! We love: Villa I Langi (all-inclusive lunch for 20 euros and pool access!!) http://agriturismovillailangi.it/?lang=en
Agriturismo Toskana
1/A Via di Gavignano
Visit an AGRITURISMO for wine tasting and an amazing countryside experience! We love: Villa I Langi (all-inclusive lunch for 20 euros and pool access!!) http://agriturismovillailangi.it/?lang=en

Groceries In The Neighbourhood

You can buy all the basics in the many little local shops located on Via G. Orsini (take Via M. Checchi in front of the house, walk until you reach Via C. Salutati, turn right, cross the road at the traffic light (left) and there, you are on Via G. Orsini!). Try and support our local shops when you can! Most shops are closed between 1 pm-3:30 pm daily, and all day on Sunday’s – so make sure to plan in advance.
Favorite for meats and produce is SACCARDI CARNI where you can also find a bit of everything (tip – the grocers like to pick out all the produce, so just tell them what you would like)
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Saccardi E Panichi Snc.
45/R Via Giampaolo Orsini
6 personas locales recomiendan
Favorite for meats and produce is SACCARDI CARNI where you can also find a bit of everything (tip – the grocers like to pick out all the produce, so just tell them what you would like)
Delicious bread and bakery items. They have a cute little outside patio to enjoy you purchase.
19 personas locales recomiendan
PUGI
49 Viale Edmondo de Amicis
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Delicious bread and bakery items. They have a cute little outside patio to enjoy you purchase.
If you are looking for more international items, a Carrefour Express has opened up down the street from Saccardi. They have a pretty good selection, but I would recommend buying all your produce from Saccardi since they all come wrapped in plastic (even the bananas!). They are open daily until 9pm, including Sunday's.
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Carrefour Express
66 Via dell' Oriuolo
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If you are looking for more international items, a Carrefour Express has opened up down the street from Saccardi. They have a pretty good selection, but I would recommend buying all your produce from Saccardi since they all come wrapped in plastic (even the bananas!). They are open daily until 9pm, including Sunday's.
Where to Buy Wine Most important question, right? The quality of wines and service offered at ENRICO BOTTIGLIERIA GIANNINI is by far the best you can get in the neighbourhood and a very short walk from the Airbnb. Enrico is extremely knowledgeable on his wines and can offer you some great recommendations. His stock is continuously changing to offer his clients a variety of options and possibly introduce them to a new grape they have not tried before. You can also pick up some beer, liquor and sweets here. On google maps it is listed as its old name - Liquorama Firenze.
Liquorama Firenze
36 Via Giampaolo Orsini
Where to Buy Wine Most important question, right? The quality of wines and service offered at ENRICO BOTTIGLIERIA GIANNINI is by far the best you can get in the neighbourhood and a very short walk from the Airbnb. Enrico is extremely knowledgeable on his wines and can offer you some great recommendations. His stock is continuously changing to offer his clients a variety of options and possibly introduce them to a new grape they have not tried before. You can also pick up some beer, liquor and sweets here. On google maps it is listed as its old name - Liquorama Firenze.