Cantinetta Antinori

"Housed in the vaulted ex-cellars of 15th-century Palazzo Antinori, the Cantinetta breathes aristocratic Old Florence. The atmosphere is upscale and slightly hushed; tables are laid with crisp white cloths, and crystal glasses gleam. Menus are based on Tuscan classics with some seasonal variation. Kick off with a fettunta (bruschetta, in Tuscany) topped with cavolo nero (black cabbage) before moving on to pappa al pomodoro (a thick, bread-based tomato soup), pasta with artichokes, ossobuco, and tagliata (sliced steak) topped with pecorino cheese. It all comes with liberal lashings of the peppery in-house olive oil, and comes to your table courtesy of an old-school, deferential staff suited in cream jackets with bow ties. This place appeals to an older crowd of well-heeled tourists looking for a quiet meal with top-notch service. There are also Florentines among the diners, many of them friends of the aristocratic owners." - Nicky Swallow

"Palace Dining Via Tornabuoni, one of the most elegant streets in Florence , is lined with many imposing Renaissance palazzi, includinga 15th-century beauty owned by the Antinori family, the famed wine producers. The ground floor of Palazzo Antinori is given over to a refined restaurant with a formal dining room—think starched linen tablecloths and waiters in white jackets—suitable for the aristocratic atmosphere. The kitchen relies on ingredients from the family's estate, so the menu is limited, seasonal, and fresh. Not surprisingly, the wine list is deep, with a selection of super Tuscan blends and wines from the Antinori cellars."

"A taste of aristocratic old Florence The crowd Mature and moneyed The drinks Excellent Antinori wines The food Textbook Tuscan The service Cream jackets and dickie bows" - Nicky Swallow