Florence & Tuscany 2012 Guidebook
Best and worst restaurants:
Worst: Panetteria Antiche Tradizioni in Pisa
Why: Quite possibly the worst food we've ever eaten. We were waiting for our turn to climb the tower and decided to grab a slice of pizza. We ordered off the menu. The pizza was gooey and impossible to eat. We could have spooned it up. The dough seemed raw. The owner noticed that we did not eat more than a bite or two and gave us half-off one of the slices. Horrible experience!
Deborah in Edwardsville, IL USA 01/23/2012
Best: Ristorante Trattoria Katti, Florence
Why: This restaurant is owned by the same people who run the Katti House hotel. The restaurant (and hotel) is a real family enterprise - mother, father, daughter, and daughter's boyfriend were on hand to wait and clear tables and to make sure everything ran smoothly. I had wonderful pesto pasta, and side dishes there, and my husband's bistecca was amazing. The chef walked the huge T-bone slab from the big refrigerator at the back of the restaurant to the kitchen, and whacked off the steak for the grill. It was tender and delicious!
Marlys in Mahomet, IL USA 01/11/2012
Best: Osteria i'Bincello (Florence), Trattoria Casalinga (Florence), Trattoria La Torre (Siena), La Lanterna (Assisi)
Why: I tried a number of Rick's recommended restaurants in Tuscany and they were all good. La Lanterna in Assisi had excellent pizza in a nice setting. La Torre in Siena was just like Rick described it. The owner came over and rattled off all the food they serve. We found it to be fun. And the food was tasty and in a central location. Tattoria Casalinga was busy and crowded for lunch, but the wait was short and the food was great. It appeared to be a favorite of locals and I could see why. We went to Osteria i'Brincello twice for lunch. It is a little away from the center of Florence, but it kept tourists away and made it feel like a place where the local people eat. The pastas and daily specials were excellent, the house wine was good, and the servers spoke good English.
Worst: Osteria Baralla (Lucca)
Why: It was not really bad, it just was not as good as the other recommendations. The restaurant itself is nice and the food and service were OK. It just did not stack up to the service and food in other cities.
Jim in Atlanta, GA USA 12/04/2011
Best: Trattoria Casalinga & Trattoria di Mario
Why: Loved the atmosphere and food! Also, great price.
Worst: Caffe Ricche on Piazza Anto Spirito
Why: Service was horrible and food was mediocore.
Rachel in Washington, DC USA 11/08/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: Maria is exceptional. The food was piping hot and the service was wonderful. I had the penne pompodora, the caprese salad, and a glass of house wine (chianti). The food was delicious and the price was unbeatable. Very authentic. Has outdoor seating perfect for people-watching. The restaurant is clean and seating was immediate. I highly recommend including Trattoria Katti in your future guidebook!
Jennifer B. in Evanston, IL USA 10/19/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti House
Why: Fresh, piping hot plate of penne pompadoro with the caprese salad and a glass of house wine was a great way to end my day. I sat outside and took in the rustic feel of Florence. Service was good. I'm going back again tonight; this time I'll be ordering dessert!!
Jennifer B. in Menasha, WI USA 10/19/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti House
Why: Excellent authentic Tuscan cuisine!!! The food quality is excellent. We would recommend this to be added to the list of recommended restaurants in the Florence and Tuscany guide book.
Mike in Raleigh, NC USA 10/07/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: Even though this restaurant was not mentioned in the 2011 Rick Steves Italy book, it should be. The food was excellent! the service was special because the staff had very good english language skills. I know I would reccomend this place to my friends and anyone who asks for a awesome and authentic Italian restaurant seething with the flavors of the Tuscany.... Please put this Restaurant in the next edition of your book. Enjoy!
Janice Brzoticky in Wolf Creek, MT USA 10/03/2011
Best: Katti Trattoria
Why: Delicious food and affordable, excellent service, and gracious people.
Pamela Robinson in Chico, Ca USA 10/03/2011
Worst: Ristorante Paoli
Why: The food was not very good and it was expensive. We wound up wishing that we had gone back to Trattoria Nella for the third night in a row!
Roland Klassen in Oakville, ON Canada 09/25/2011
Best: Guidoriccio - Siena
Why: Outstanding local cuisine in a quiet, romantic, and very unique restaurant! Try the Pici or the Gnocchi with the cheese and meat sauce - INCREDIBLE!
Todd & Mary in Hastings, MN USA 08/14/2011
Best: restaurante
Why: Real authentic fresh food with great service!! like you are at home!
Xochitl in Oseguera, CA USA 08/06/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: My wife and I found Trattoria Katti to be an excellent place for dinner. The food was fresh, unique and the prices were very reasonable. We met Katti and her mother Maria who pride themselves on only serving was it fresh, local and never commercially produced. We had a three course dinner on a budget, which included the home-made Tiramisu and a half-bottle of one of the best Chianti's I have had (no expert here, just enjoyed it thoroughly). Katti's recommendations were great, and this restaurant provided us with an unforgettable experience. Most definitely worth your time to check it out.
Matt in Boston, MA USA 07/13/2011
Best: Giostra in Florence
Why: Amongst several good family restaurants, they were a little more expensive and worth every extra euro.
Peter Showler in Ottawa, ON Canada 07/11/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: 2 months ago Katti's bother, Mario (a chef with 30 years experience in Tuscan cuisine) opened a restaurant below the hotel. They feature terrific food, great location, clean/fresh accomodations and moderate prices. Give it a try!!!
Ann Hansen in Kenmore, WA USA 07/07/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: The food was wonderful. I stayed in their nearby hotel. They really treated me like family. I would stay and eat here again. Rick please add this restaurant to your your list. The food was great and the price was right. For 25 euro I had an amassing meal. They are very friendly to Americans. I complimented the chef and he brought me into the kitchen to see where the magic took place. A wonderful experience.
Salvatore Cacciato in New york, Ny USA 06/30/2011
Best: bello
Why: Trattoria katti una abbiente molto pulito rilasante eccellente cucina tradizionale toscana con un ottimo servizio del personale il mio piatto preferito e stato ravioli con spinaci con la ricotta con un buon bicchiere di vino chianti raccomando se vi trovate a firenze di non perdere l' occasione per un buon pranzo a un prezzo giusto
giuseppe in matera , it italia 06/30/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: This is a new trattoria in Florence, on Via Faenza, with a unique decor, mixing old world with a modern touch. It is a family owned trattoria which offers traditional Tuscan dishes at a reasonable price. The family and other employees are all very friendly, welcoming, and have excellent customer service! I highly recommend eating here while you are in Florence.
Ilya in Carmichael, CA USA 06/25/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: Amazing service, inexpensive but very good quality, fresh food! I highly reccomend it if you're looking for very good toscan food!
Hanna in San Luis Obispo, CA USA 06/22/2011
Best: Ristorante Enoteca del Duca - Volterra
Why: Wonderful food in a wonderful atmosphere. The service was impeccable! The tasting menu was superb and we could definitely understand why the wines from the Marcampo vineyard were award winning. Our experience was so enjoyable that we ate here twice.
Ann Kressin in Overland Park, KS USA 06/14/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: as above
Tim in Crossland, oh USA 06/13/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: This is a new restaurant that is connected to the Hotel Katti. They serve a great Tuscan menu with doc Bistecca Fiorentina, beans, tortina with artichokes and many fresh pasta dishes. The owner is very friendly and she works alongside her husband and daughter, and her brother is the cook who has more than 30 years of experience cooking Tuscan cuisine. It's newly remodeled on the inside and if it's hot, you can sit outside and watch the foot traffic on Via Faenza. It's great entertainment. All in all a great experience for reasonable prices.
Anne R in San Francisco, Ca USA 06/06/2011
Worst: Ristorante Tortuga in Monterosso al Mare
Why: the view was fabulous, the food was good but the service was terrible. Our waitress was abrupt and at times abrasive. When we told the proprietor of Locanda il Maestrale, he knew exactly the waitress we spoke of as other guests of the hotel had similar experiences.
John Franklin in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA USA 06/01/2011
Best: Trattoria lo Stracotto
Why: This was the best meal we had in Italy and that is saying something. The restaurant is beautiful and the food was different and delicious. Service was very polite and pleasant. Rick had eaten there the week before. We highly recommend this restaurant.
Allison Garth in Little Silver, NJ USA 05/17/2011
Best: Trattoria Lo Stracotto
Why: Reasonably priced and absolutely delicious. I've never had anything like the Tuscan salami appetizer, and our waiter was so helpful and friendly. Modern, small, great location. We'll definitely be repeat customers.
Jen in Vicenza, Italy 05/14/2011
Best: BROM
Why: OK, so this is just Gelato...but by far the best gelato we had in all of Italy! After trying, we went at least once a day. wonderful!
Sarah Menkhus in St. Louis , MO USA 05/13/2011
Best: Trattoria il Stracotto
Why: Great food, helpful staff, close to Hotel Centrale (end of Via del Conti near the San Lorenzo Markets, across from 99 cent store.
Mark Pruett in Dallas, TX USA 12/30/2010
Best: Trattoria Nerone Pizzeria
Why: Pizzeria is misleading. Although they serve pizzas baked in a brick oven, they have an extensive menu with generous servings. Their rack of lamb at 14 Euros was enough for two people. The decorations were kitschy but comfortable and fun. Giovanna was a great server.
Worst: In general, two gripes
Why: 1. When they post prices as if they are to sit at a table and eat and then after you do, you find that the prices are different for eating in. 2. When they tout no "coperto" cover charge & no service charge but there is one or the other when you get your bill.
Dotti Cichon in Mountain View, Ca USA 11/22/2010
Best: La Maremma, Aquacotta (on Via della Pilastri),Italian Cafe on Via Isole della Strinche
Why: All nice, small with good food & service, walking distance from our apt. at Via della Colonna and Via delle Pergola
Martins in HOPEWELL, VA USA 11/03/2010
Best: Trattoria lo Stracotta
Why: Great new dining near Katti House in central Florence. The owners, two young cousins made us feel very welcome. We had Potatoes ravioli with beef sauce, Baked lasagna, very hearty and rustic and my favorite was the Spaghetti with beef and black pepper. We also had 1 Kg of the house specially, the Florentine steak. Perfectly cooked and presented. Reasonable prices and great location. Recommended for a wonderful meal at a great price.
Pat Kluckman in Colorado Springs, CO USA 08/18/2010
Best: Trattoria lo Stracotta
Why: Great new dining near Katti House in central Florence. The owners, two young cousins made us feel very welcome. We had Potatoes ravioli with beef sauce, Baked lasagna, very hearty and rustic and my favorite was the Spaghetti with beef and black pepper. We also had 1 Kg of the house specially, the Florentine steak. Perfectly cooked and presented. Reasonable prices and great location. Recommended for a wonderful meal at a great price.
Pat Kluckman in Colorado Springs, CO USA 08/18/2010
Best: Trattoria Nella & Ristorante Paoli (Florence)
Why: Both were right on the money per your Italy 2010 tour book. Excellent food, friendly staff and atomsphere. Large Italian groups, not just tourists.
Donald T. Rodda in 402 Buckingham Circle, Wyckoff, NJ 07481, NJ USA 08/06/2010
Best: Casalinga, in Oltrarno
Why: Super absolutely delicious truly Italian food!! Always full, great service, smiles, great price. If you want to feel you're in Italy, this is the place! Everything I tasted was absolutely good, I had to go back!!! Good, good, good!!
Worst: Che C'e C'e, by Santa Croce Church
Why: Very "touristy" menu, nothing quite authentic. Food was kind of bland, awful service -- long wait, when there were very few persons being served- felt at several moments I was being ignored. You can eat for cheaper so much better!!
Alicia C. in Tampico, Ta Mexico 07/29/2010
Best: Tratorria Nella
Why: Simple and warm with wonderful soups. A friendly and tasty stop. Not fancy - just a good meal.
Worst: Ichi c'e c'e
Why: With a name like that we thought it had to be great but ugh, it was really worse than marginal. The chicken cacciotore was little more than a frozen chicken mcnugget with red sauce. The bread soup was just wetted down bread. Yuck.
mekahami in San Jose, Ca USA 07/09/2010
Best: Fagioli's
Why: Delicious traditional Tuscan food in a comfortable setting.
Worst: BoccaDama
Why: The restaurant seemed to be out of many things on their limited menu. Service was haphazard -- drinks were just thrust in our general direction. The worst was the prosciutto and melon. The melon was fine, just barely ripe, but the meat was the texture of shoe leather. We had eaten this dish gt least six times in Tuscany in the past 3 weeks, and nowhere was it this dry and tough. When the server asked us if it was good, we told him the truth. He tried to tell us that is "Italian." Also, the endless shuffling of chairs and customers from one table to another on the shakey platform was unsettling. Although we are spending the next 5 months across the piazza from this restaurant, I doubt we will return.
Linda Audet in Florence, TU Italy 07/09/2010
Best: I Fratellini
Why: It was like a drive through...but with wine! And of course you walk through, not drive. It was such a "slice of life" experience with tourists mixing with locals.
Chris Peimann in St. Louis, MO USA 06/22/2010
Best: Osteria dell/Aquacheta
Why: Unique dining experience - a "floor show" & great steaks combined. One of the top 5 steaks ever eaten, & we've eaten some good ones. Excellent service "with a smile" & good humor.
Barbara Jennings in Munds Park, az USA 06/10/2010
Best: Taverna il Grappolo Blu
Why: The food was the best tasting, off the charts, of a lot of great food, and they were extremely friendly and guided us to the perfect glass of Brunello. They made the visit to Montelcino the best day of our entire trip.
Worst: Osteria al Giardino
Why: The food was excellent, Giovanni was personable but Paola was missing and the service was a disaster.
Michael Chevalier in New Hope, PA USA 06/02/2010
Best: Many
Why: Gusto Leo (near il Bargello) is not in the guide but is a low-key pizzeria that doesn't mind quicker service and was very good.
Trattoria Anita may have been our favorite meal of the trip. Relaxed, nice crowd, absolutely outstanding food.
Rivoire is expensive for dessert but it didn't disappoint one little bit. Do not miss the hot chocolate.
LaBuca Pizzeria in Pisa had my wife's favorite pizza and that's saying a lot.
We did two-a-days gelato and liked most of them. Perche No! was the only double-stop and well worth it.
Alan in Crestwood, KY USA 05/15/2010
Best: Golden View Open Bar- Florence Oltrarno
Why: "Aperitivo" is becoming very popular in Florence and their's was wonderful. A changing assortment of fancy small appetizers at the free buffet, fine wine (10/12 euro) and great view (arrive at 6:50 for nice window seat, standing room after 7:30) For a different "aperitivo" experience, try "La Dolce Vita" in Piazza Carmine nearby. More casual, less expensive (good 7 euro wine or beer), lots of locals coming from work, lots of inside and outside seating, almost empty at 7:20, overflowing at 7:40, free buffet assortment of great food with a changing theme each night.
Ron and Natalie Wickham in Foster City, CA USA 05/02/2010
Worst: Trattoria La Torre
Why: While the food was good, the older gentleman who runs the show is quite clever and takes your order without giving you a menu. The prices posted in the window deviated pretty significantly from what we were charged for our meal.
Kristine Ellison in Washington, DC USA 05/02/2010
Best: Il Porticciolo and Trattoria da Billy in Manarola
Why: We loved both of these places (as we have in past years we have eaten there). Great seafood and pasta and wonderful service and hospitality. Prices are reasonable for the area. Lemon sorbetto at Il Porticiolo is amazing. Squid and Cuttlefish risotto at da Billy (with ink) was probably our favorite meal on our entire trip.
Steve in Tulsa, OK USA 04/05/2010
Best: Acquacotta, Za-Za, Trattoria Nella
Why: All of these places were wonderful and had great food and service. Za-Za is very popular with tourists, bustling and located right by the San Lorenzo market. It specializes in grilled meats and Tuscan soups. The other two are a bit off the beaten path (Acquacotta is a few blocks east of Accademia while Trattoria Nella is a few blocks west of the Ponte Vecchio down a small side street) and appeared to be frequented more by locals than tourists. The antipasti and pastas were fabulous!
Steve in Tulsa, OK USA 04/05/2010
Best: Dantesca's
Why: Amazing Pizza! Dantesca's own creation with speck, eggplant, and gorgonzola is amazing!
Mark Blankenship in W Henrietta, NY USA 02/19/2010
Best: self service leonardo
Why: cheap convenient and good food.
David Neely in Chicago, IL USA 01/31/2010
Best: Ristorante Guidoriccio in Sienna
Why: Absolutely delicious food and wonderful hosts. They welcomed us in even though I think they were preparing to close after lunch. We had a thoroughly delicious meal.
Karen Ferlito in Carmel, CA USA 01/21/2010
Best: Teatro restaurant in Cortona
Why: Great food and atmosphere..knowledgable waiter..friendly chef..
Tom Kieselbach in St. Paul, Mn USA 01/16/2010
Best: Trattoria la Burrasca
Why: Indeed the waiter spoke reasonable English (12/2009), which we didn't mind at all. The grilled veal was fabulous.
Bob in Saratoga, CA USA 12/22/2009
Best: Trattoria Chiribiri, San Gimignano
Why: We Stayed at an agriturismo just outside San G, and went to Chiribiri twice. Very convenient to Porta San Gimignano entrance and its nearby parking lot. Good food and service at a reasonable price, cozy atmosphere.
Chris in Cedar Point, NC USA 12/04/2009
Best: Hands down-Osteria La Congrega
Why: The best meal you could ever ask for- delicious, great wine selections, wonderful and helpful wait staff- a memorable meal. Pretty funny that out of the 3 parties dining, all had a visible copy of Rick Steves guidebook with them!!! Trattoria Za Za was good- we ate outside but after visiting the restroom inside, realized the inside is so much more fun- suggest eating inside.
Worst: La Logge Florence
Why: Near Orsanmichele- we order beer with our lunch and was dismayed to find we were served Heineken- would have preferred Italian beer and we were charged 8,50 Euros(about $12 per beer!!!!) Food was ok but definitely felt ripped off.
Maura in Stamford, CT USA 11/27/2009
Best: Trattoria Casalinga
Why: Arrived early for lunch, seated quickly, nice service. Good food and many locals. Very pleasant experience.
Albert in Clanton, AL USA 10/01/2009
Best: Trattoria Za-Za
Why: Excellent pasta, nice setting
Lori in Minneapolis, MN USA 08/20/2009
Best: Trattoria "da Giorgo," Trattoria Sabatino, & Gelateria Carabe
Why: Service and food absolutely as advertised - all wonderful. Especially enjoyed the chance to escape the tourists and mingle w/locals @ Trattoria Sabatino (though we were seated at a table with two women from Indiana, who were fascinating company!). The granite at Gelateria Carabe was outstanding.
Cecilia in Dallas, Te USA 06/15/2009
Best: Trattoria "da Giorgo," Trattoria Sabatino, & Gelateria Carabe
Why: Service and food absolutely as advertised - all wonderful. Especially enjoyed the chance to escape the tourists and mingle w/locals @ Trattoria Sabatino (though we were seated at a table with two women from Indiana, who were fascinating company!). The granite at Gelateria Carabe was outstanding.
Cecilia in Dallas, Te USA 06/15/2009
Best: Tratoria Mario, Grom,Trattoria Torre
Why: Mario's GREAT food GREAT prices fun atmosphere Grom BEST gelato Trattoria Torre simply wonderful food charming decor great service.
Maggie F in St Louis, MO USA 06/01/2009
Best: the wine recommendations;
Why: these were really helpful in a sea of options. We really liked the Rosso di Montalcino and the Nobile di Montepulciano.
Worst: Trattoria al Trebbio
Why: lackluster and fairly expensive
Susan in Kansas City, KS USA 04/09/2009
Best: Vivole
Why: Best gelato-we even went out of our way to go there a second time YUM
Worst: Trattoria ZaZa
Why: Disappointing. Friendly waiters but boring food. Perhaps we had already had too many great meals?
Suzy Pare in Cleveland, Oh USA 04/04/2009
Best: Any of the local Trattorias surrounding Via Faenza
Why: Local Tuscan fare which was very fresh, good and cheap.....real comfort food.
Malissa Lakin-Watson in Savannah, Ga USA 03/25/2009
Best: Grom Gelato
Why: Simply the finest gelato I have ever had in my life, and I consider myself to be a bit of an expert here. Whatever you do in Italy (they have many stores, including a couple in NY; www.grom.it) make an effort to get here. Prices are no higher than any place else and you WILL see and taste the difference. The pistachio, the chocolate, the chocolat extra-noir, the zabaione and the fiordilatte are superb and I recommend them heartily. I think Grom's cone is the best I have ever had; perfectly neutral.
Tim in Portland, OR USA 02/25/2009
Best: Trattoria Za Za
Why: One of the best meals I had in Italy. Great ambiance, friendly and efficient staff. I arrived early on a Sunday night at 7pm and got a table but by 7:30 there was a line out the door. But worth it.
Tim in Portland, OR USA 02/25/2009
Best:
Why: We ate many different places--really didn't follow any particular recommendations. Meals rarely hot, portions modest--no complaint, tho.
Mary Ann Bernauer in Plymouth, WI USA 01/23/2009
Best: La Mescita Fiaschetteria
Why: We loved dining here. As the only tourists in the place, when we couldn't make out the Italian on one of the dishes, almost all the diners tried to help, flapping their arms and saying "bird." "Duck?", "Goose?", we questioned? Finally the charade played out: it was pheasant. And good, too. Thanks, Rick, for the great recommendation, and just around the corner from Michelangelo's David.
David Haley in Skokie, IL USA 01/21/2009
Best: Trattoria Guelfa
Why: Their ribbolita, lemony avocado-zucchini salad (which couldn't be better even in California, which grows a number of vegetables)
RK in San Francisco, CA USA 01/14/2009