Paying a visit to Florence with your partner? Other than the sites to enjoy like the famous Uffizi Gallery, there are atmospheric dining options to be enjoyed. Next time you’re in the city of Dante’s birth, here’s some very romantic restaurants you shouldn’t miss while you’re there.
Il Palagio – Four Seasons Hotel
The Atrium Bar & Lounge of Il Palagio, from morning to evening, is a classy meeting point where you can relax and enjoy Tuscan specialties prepared by Chef Vito. Enjoy the ambient atmosphere there created by the live pianist and take it all in while enjoying a drink or a delicious afternoon tea. Enjoy dining in the trattoria al fresco where by day you can enjoy fresh dishes related to the season. These dishes reflect and exalt the Italian and Tuscan tradition. Instead in the evening, pizzas and very good quality oven-roasted meats are prevalent on the menu, cooked in view of the diner in the garden which is surrounded by fragrant and beautiful trees. During the summer, diners even have the option to dine poolside at a candlelit table. A perfect place for vacation date night.
Address: Borgo Pinti, 99, Florence | Phone: +39 055 2626 450 | Price: $$$ | Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm,
Closed Sunday evening from November to April | Web: www.ilpalagioristorante.it
La Buchetta Food & Wine
Located in palazzo Bardi, La Buchetta’s story is already very romantic in and of itself. Le buchette or “little holes” can be noticed as you walk through the streets of old Florence. These little holes are placed in the facades of palaces and are small openings of about 40 cm, with a small door with an upper arch, often decorated by a frame, in ashlar or smooth style stone and closed by a wooden door. These holes are so-called wine tabernacles, an intuition of Florentine families, who in the 1500s switched from merchants to skilled landowners, investing their capital, among other things, to produce the nectar of the gods.
The hole was then the connection to the wine cellar with the road, being very low down on the facades. The winemaker avoided selling to intermediaries such as taverns, and it’s opening allowed the passage of the classic “Tuscan fiasco” covered with straw. The winemakers followed strict rules for trading of the bottles and never after the final toll of the evening bells. Other utilization of these “little holes” was that of charity. They used to leave food or a jug of wine for the needy in the small opening. Some have become mailboxes, others house the bells with the name plates of the families who live in that house. Many have been walled up and today there are approximately 80 remaining, including La Buchetta restaurant. In addition to their very whimsical story, La Buchetta has stunning courtyard views, food prepared with the freshest and highest quality ingredients and rave customer reviews.
Address: Via De’ Benci 3/3a, Florence | Phone: +39 055 217833 | Price: $$ | Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-3pm, 7pm-11pm | Web: www.labuchetta.com
I’Tuscani 2 Bisteccheria & Salumeria
Want to a enjoy a candlelit dinner for two in a meat lover’s paradise? Then I’Tuscani 2 is the place for you. This menu has Florentine meat specialties of all kinds and wine abound. Here, you can be sure the ambience will really set a romantic mood. Not only does the intimate candlelight setting create a romantic atmosphere, but waiters have been known to provide a little dinner theatre as well, dressing in costume and performing scenes from Dante’s Inferno. What could be more romantic than scenes from one of the most world-renowned and poetic writer’s opuses being performed while you dine? Very friendly and accommodating staff and a very simple and straightforward, quality menu make for an excellent dining experience. Be sure to make reservations as last minute turn-ups are not able to be accommodated.
Address: Via De’ Federighi, 37R, Florence | Phone: +39 055 906 5507 | Price: $$$ | Hours: Monday-Sunday 12pm-12am | Web: www.ituscani2.com
Good food and good atmosphere, what more could you ask for from a dining experience? For a romantic evening with delicious food, these restaurants are your best bet. Stop in to one of these local haunts next time you’re in Florence; you’re guaranteed to have an amorous evening!
#ItalyOurWay
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+
Discover More
After the most romantic places to eat in Florence you can’t get enough TRF recommendations? See our Top 5 Romantic Restaurants in Venice post to find a lovey-dovey atmosphere in the Sinking City.
