Buca dell'Orafo

"Another time-cherished eatery, this basement wine cellar-turned-restaurant is small on space but big on soul. Dive deep into true Florentine cuisine with mainstays like ribollita soup, gnudi, artichoke omelet, panzanella, maltagliati pasta, steak, and fried cow brain — plus a great wine list. Overlook the rough-around-the-edges service, and you’ll find one of the best meals Florence has to offer." - Coral Sisk

"A Delicious Hole in the Wall Located afew steps away from the Ponte Vecchio in what was at one time a medieval palace, this restaurant serves a traditional menu of dishes made with regional ingredients. Their beef is sourced from a farm in the Maremma countryside and the wine list highlights Tuscan producers. Even the restaurant’s name is a nod to the local culture— orafo means "goldsmith," and this neighborhood was wheregold workshops were once located. Start with Tuscan white beans drizzled with olive oil, with a serving of fennel salami, then move on to the pasta course. (The taglierini ai piselli freschi , pasta with fresh peas, is particularly good in season.) For dessert, try the pear slow-cooked in wine or cantucci cookies dipped into vin santo, a strong sweet wine."