Florence fine dining

Shelley, While it may not be considered "fine dining", I would highly recommend Icche Cé Cé in Florence (hope I spelled it right). I was there a few weeks ago, and enjoyed an excellent meal! It's a bit of a challenge to find at first, but an easy walk from the Duomo and that area. Another restaurant that I dined at a couple of times was Lo Stracotto (piazza madonna degli Aldobrandini 16). Not as posh as Frescobaldi, but great food. Incidentally, I didn't dine at Lo Stracotto because of Guidebook recommendations (I didn't check restaurant listings this time), but decided to try it because it was close to the hotel. Happy travels! (*EDIT - I didn't quite get the spelling of the restaurant correct, but will try to get it right next time).

I'd recommend I 'cche c'e' c'e' for any day occasion, but it's not fancy at all, just very good Florentine food at a reasonable price. I go there all the time, also because I know Gino well. You should Go there while you are in Florence, but if you are looking for something fancy, romantic and with a view, that is not it (although the food is better than most fancy places). The best view of Florence is probably at the Sesto (6th) on the 6th floor of the Excelsior Hotel. If you are looking for expensive, that is it. I dont find their food as grandiose as the view though. The most expensive and most famous restaurant in Florence is the Enoteca Pinchiorri. However it serves 'nouvelle cuisine', not really traditional Florentine fare. But if you are looking for fancy, romantic, but also good but not overly expensive with a vista to die for, especially at night, then you should take a taxi up to Fiesole and go to the Reggia degli Etruschi. The Golden View is too touristy for me. Too many people with Rick Steves' guides on the table.

Gentlemen thank you for your suggestions. I looked both I'cche c'e c'e and La Reggia degli Etruschi on google and was blown away. We are there for 4 days so will do both. Also I found one called Casio Vino Trallalla- very small but excellent reviews. Have either of you eaten there? We want cuisine of the area and small locally run places.

Don't know that restaurant you mentioned. One more thing. Although the Sesto On The Arno (on the 6th fl. of the Excelsior hotel) is not my favorite as far as (overpriced) food is concerned, however I recommend it for a drink at the bar. The 360 degree view from there is priceless. Also the hotel La Scaletta (one of Rick Steves' recommended ones) on via de' Guicciardini (between Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti) has a terrace restaurant/bar with an amazing view. The food at the Scaletta is not fancy but it's not bad, at least it is not expensive like at the Sesto. I recommend it for a dinner, especially if you can secure a seat on top of the little tower. They only have room for a couple of tables up there, but the view is spectacular.

Shelley: Please also consider Cibreo. It is a splurge - but worth every euro. Cibreo has a Michelin star (very well deserved I might add). Have fun.

Is Buca Lapi good? Not looking for expensive or romantic. Just great food. Went there 40 years ago!