1) Papero Rosso
2) Antico Fattore
3) 4 Leoni
4) Osteria II Buongustai
5) da Nerbone
6) da Mario
7) Badiani
8) Gelateria da 'Medici
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
I've had lunch at da Mario, assuming you're talking about the one near the Central Market. It's great. Very inexpensive and you sit at communal tables. It's not 4-star food but it was very good for the price paid and a really fun experience for lunch.
Posted by
Florence
362 posts
I have always wanted to eat at da Mario - somehow it hasn't happened yet. My wife went with her mom a month ago - they thought it was pedestrian. I still have to try it for myself.
Nerbone - in the mercato centrale? It's great for what it is - inexpensive, Tuscan food. The panini are awesome - I like the lesso - boiled beef sandwich.
4 Leoni - always hear good things, on my list.
The rest I dont know - so many places to eat in this town -
Posted by
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
206 posts
Our group of 11 family members, including five kids/teens, had dinner at 4 Leoni in 2007. They had a nice variety of menu items, and everyone enjoyed their meal!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
I guess da Mario could indeed be described as "pedestrian" - that's assuming one thinks that is a bad thing. I loved experiencing a weekday lunch with a bunch of local workers and students. I had a steak lunch for 13 euros that I personally found was delicious (and I am someone who purchases only local grass-fed beef at home in the US). Like I said it is not 4-star, but to me it felt very authentic and I had a tasty, inexpensive meal along with a really enjoyable experience and of all the meals I have had in Florence, many of them more expensive and in "nicer" places, that lunch is the one that sticks in my memory the most. It all depends on what the OP is looking for.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
I echo Debra's comments about da Mario. It's nothing fancy, but they serve delicious food at reasonable prices. I've eaten there several times and have always had a great lunch.
Posted by
Newbury Park, CA
12 posts
I unfortunately haven't. However if you are looking for options I would strongly suggest Osteria All'Antico Mercato on Via Nazionale near the train station...my mouth waters thinking of their mushroom and truffle ravioli and mascarpone and berry dessert mmmmm. Was just there last week (twice) and couldnt have a higher opinion of their food.(i saw on trip advisor some people complain about service...to be honest it is sort of how all Italy is, they are not being rude, just Italian lol) Good luck on your trip and have fun!