Casual and Fine Dining

Food is life in many places around the world, and Italians are the champions of this philosophy. Here are some of the places I have enjoyed visiting in Florence.

Casual Dining

• Mercato Centrale: go to the second floor to find an array of typical Italian fare. Pizza, pasta, and my favorite Truffle and Butter finger sandwichs. -Cantinetta del Verrazzano: owned by the same family that built a long, long bridge in New York. This little cafe offers cured meats and small warm plates with wine from their winery all at a reasonable price.

• Il Girone de Ghiotti and their world-renown Porchetta sandwiches. I have a rule, and its when you see a long line of people waiting for food you should stop and try it. Try the spicy version as it's not too hot, and there's nothing like it in the world.

• Obika Mozzarella: I think you can figure out what to order.

Fine Dining

There's no shortage of fine dining in this city, and here are a few that I love. -

• Ristorante Frescobaldi of the famed Frescobaldi Winery is a place to visit, especially if its truffle season. Truffles being so expensive, the chef comes out and personally weighs your truffle before and after slicing this delicacy onto your buttery pasta. Smile, and he will shave a bunch more "off the scale."

• Buca Poldo is conveniently located in Piazza Della Signoria. It's a lovely spot for outdoor dining with many wine specials offered daily.

• Osteria dell' Enoteca is part of the Enoteca Pitti Gola, and their specialty is florentine steak. (I did have one mishap here when I saw a bottle in their wine cave at a low price. I chose it for our meal, and when it got to the table, they charged me double the cost, saying it was mislabeled.

• Locale: I went here during their opening week, and its a beautiful space. Their wine cellar is open for dining or to look around. Full Somm service, as well as a vegetarian menu, are available.

• Cantinetta Antinori of the most famous Italian winery in the US has this elegant restaurant to pair their wine with superb food. If the double-cut pork-chop is available, order it. You'll thank me later.

• Osteria Pagliazza is hard to find as it is tucked away in an ally and inside Hotel Brunelleschi. Finding it will reward you with exquisitely prepared Italian dishes, unlike any place in Firenze. Again you'll thank me.