I understand that an early Christmas Eve dinner is a big tradition in Italy. Any recommendation on restaurant? And what's the typical time Italians eat on Christmas Eve?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16547 posts
Varies from region to region. You will discover there is no such a thing as Italian cuisine in Italy, but rather a mosaic of regional dishes that vary greatly not only from region to region but often from town to town, even within the same province (which are subsets of regions and comparable to US counties).
It is generally a tradition to have a light seafood dinner before going to the midnight Mass on Dec. 24. In Florence the big deal is the luncheon on the 25th.
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
If you act fast you maybe able to get a reservation at Mario's or ZaZa in Florence. Both would be wonderful, but get on it.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Marios's doesn't take reservations. Any idea how crowded it will be on Christmas Eve?
Posted by
752 posts
Is Mario open on Christmas Eve? Their website says it is open only for lunch, Noon - 3:30, closed Sundays and Holidays. If you are near Mario, i'd prefer going to Za' Za' which is next door to Mario, much better food I think and preferred by the locals over Mario.
I was at Mario in September and the food was awful. I sent the lamb back because it was so overcooked and dry, it chewed like straw. The pasta was uneventful. There was a gal from China at my table who orders Tripe at Mario because the chicken is too dry and the steak too chewy. But the young couple from TX liked their big pork chops! it's a famously busy place.
Posted by
12 posts
ZaZa is closed I already looked can anyone recommend other places to eat In Florence on Christmas eve or the 25th Dec
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2234 posts
I would suggest contacting your hotel for recommendations. They may be able to make the reservation as well.