Restaurant suggestions near Piazza Antinori, Florence

[chiaro di Luna]

I am looking for a few restaurant recommendations where the locals would eat near Piazza Antinori in Florence.
All types of menus. Open for lunch.
Anyone have some favorites to share?
Great pizza places in that area and great gelato too?

 

[Pauline]

@Ann R knows Florence restaurants and started a thread last year about Restaurants in Florence. You may get some ideas there.

 

[chiaro di Luna]

Thanks Pauline. I'm hoping to get some good suggestions within walking distance of where I'm staying this time. I will print out directions before I go.

 

[Ann R]

The most important thing you need to remember about Florence is that 7 million tourists visit every year so there are no restaurants in the historic center which don't cater to tourists. Locals will not be eating lunch in the historic center for the most part and they will be eating dinner at 9pm or later. So don't feel like you are in a "tourist trap" if you are eating in the center. Many respected places are still available -- they are just serving tourists.

Near Piazza Antinori my favorite lunch spot is Obica (name change from Obika) inside the courtyard of Palazzo Tornabuoni -- great salads, pizza and especially fresh mozzarella di bufala.

Classic spots are Procacci (next to Obica) for ladies who lunch (finger sandwiches) and Buca Lapi under Palazzo Antinori with a full menu including great bistecca (a bit pricey). And of course there is Cantinetta Antinori inside the Palazzo with a classic menu and wines by the glass (also expensive).

All of these are places locals go.

 

[chiaro di Luna]

Thanks Ann,
great suggestions. I will keep these in mind.

 

[chiaro di Luna]

http://obica.com/portal/IT/en/home/

http://www.procacci1885.it/en/florence

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d696477-Reviews-Buca_Lapi-Florence_Tuscany.html

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restauran...ews-Cantinetta_Antinori-Florence_Tuscany.html

 

[Diva]

Osteria da Giovanni is near by too-- on via del moro. on via della spada is a simple rosticciera with a 15 euro lunch and great food-- also food to go. My mom rented an apartment in piazza Antinori and didn't always want to eat out so would buy things and eat at home too.

 

[chiaro di Luna]

Thanks everyone. I've made notes and look forward to my 4 nights in Florence.