Dining Recommendation Florence, between the Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi

Does it have to be a sit down meal?
We enjoy the sandwiches at I Fratellini
Hang out on the street with locals

Yeah, I think we need sit down. My husband has been dealing with sciatica issues the past few months (better after some PT but we don’t know how he will be doing during this trip 😬😳). I am trying to do a bit of walk, sit, walk, sit in my planning.

I will note your recommendation in case he’s doing well after climbing the dome - and don’t even get me started on that - he is adamant that he wants to do it.

LOL I understand. Not sure we'll be able to sit on the street like we used to either!
Nearby is the Leonardo cafeteria that has had good mentions here- I have it saved for a quick sit down lunch for us. We'll be there soon.

Leonardo, Via dei Pecori, 11, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

no website but here is some info:
https://restaurantguru.com/Self-Service-Leonardo-Florence

I will check that out. Yeah, it sucks not being as mobile as we used to be, which is a big part of the reason we planned this trip in the first place, kind of a “better do it now while we still can mostly do what we want”. Of course, the sciatica showed up well into the planning while we were on a different trip. His doctor gave him meds in case it gets worse, and he’s doing all the exercises daily, so fingers crossed.

And if push comes to shove, we will adjust as needed even if it means dropping stuff. It’s also why we are stringently limiting ourselves to a carryon size suitcase each, even though we are checking it. We have to be able to shlep it ourselves on trains, cobblestones, and stairs.

This one is pretty good:
https://www.ristoranteilpaiolo.it/

In the same area, “Da Pennello” is decent too. I think after Covid they have a few tables outside too.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1606672-Reviews-Trattoria_del_Pennello-Florence_Tuscany.html

Also if you want to sit outside, I would consider also the Antico Ristorante Sasso di Dante, on Piazza delle Pallottole, right next to the rock where Dante used to sit to see the Duomo being built around 1300 AD. They have a few tables in front in the little piazza.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1762780-Reviews-Antico_Ristorante_Il_Sasso_di_Dante-Florence_Tuscany.html

I would stay away from the restaurants on Piazza della Signoria or on Piazza della Repubblica. They have plenty of outside seating, but you pay more for the location and the view than for the quality of the food.

The hotel Calimala is the only restaurant I know on the rooftop between the Uffizi and the Duomo. Never been there, but I suppose you will have to pay plenty more because of the views.
https://www.hotelcalimala.com/angel-roofbar-dining

Thank you Roberto — I will add them to my review list. I think the rooftop at the Calimala is closed still (it was a while back when I was looking at their website). It’s true, you pay more for the view. We are ok with that, some of the time. As long as it’s not exorbitant and the quality and service are enjoyable

I booked lunch at Da Pennello for that day, but also booked Il Paiolo for the following day. Thanks for all of the recommendations 🙂

During my last stay (2019) I visited Buca Poldo which was recommended to me by a local artist (www.bucapoldo.com Chiasso Degli Armagnati 2R) several times...with American friends visiting and Italian friend visiting...everyone loved the food. Also, Vini e Vecchi Sapori on Via dei Magazzini (www.vinievecchiasapoiri.it) is very good! Off the piazza Della Signoria.

Just finishing lunch today at Trattoria del Pannello and it was excellent. Very good service, tasty food and quite reasonable prices. Trying one ofvtge other recommendations tomorrow :-)

You will probably have to wait until you get back since it seems like your trip is imminent, but see if your husband can find a chiropractor that does cold laser treatments. When I had sciatica, I couldn't even sit down and those treatments returned me to normal life.

@cala -- we are currently half way thru our trip. Hubby is doing ok with a physical therapy regimen (and pre trip treatment). We even climbed the Brunelleschi Dome this morning 😊