One of our favorite places to date has to be SimBIOsi (with the emphasis on the BIO short for biologico or organic in english). This place hits all the marks; awesome atmosphere, amazing food, great wine list and did I mention the setting? With brick walls and domed brick ceilings I find myself dreaming about what I would do if I could live in that space. The artwork and decor are something of an Italian Alice and Wonderland, with mismatched chairs and tables and strange paintings that leave me wondering if I could pull off the ultimate art heist and take them home with me. Seeing as the painting are about 4 feet tall it probably isn’t feasible so I will have to find another way to remember those paintings when I leave.

On to the food…Hosting daily specials and a wonderful set menu we have yet to find something we don’t like. This was our first wild boar pasta, a traditional Italian dish, and I keep going back for more. The boar is slow cooked and falls apart with your fork, served with fat pappardelle noodles in a ragù sauce I am almost drooling writing about it. We have also enjoyed their spaghetti with basil, risotto, tiramisu and an amazing cheese and vegetable plate. The best part? That is just on the pasta side of the restaurant. Next door you can dine at their pizzeria for some amazing wood fired pizza cooked just right. Keep it simple with a margarita pizza or be more daring and try their fungi pizza topped with a huge ball of burrata cheese meant to be enjoyed with each bite.

**Reservations recommended as they stay VERY busy

Find them at: Via de’ Ginori, 58/red, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy | +39 055 064 0115

We came here for Valentine’s Day in search of duck confit. As we waited for them to seat us (about 2 minutes) they gave us each a glass of prosecco. What we found is some of our favorite pizza to date and confit that tastes as though you are sitting at a restaurant in Paris.  The confit was so good in fact, that we shared another entree for dessert. We also enjoyed their tiramisu for second dessert and it did not disappoint. The pizza is wood fired and the crust was perfectly done. Our server brought out a house-made ice cream that paired with the confit. It had a sweet front and finished with a smoked spicy kick. The staff was great and willing to answer questions I had as I am trying to perfect my Italian. We had such a great chat with our server that we exchanged numbers to hang out while we are in Firenze. We will return here for more pizza and undoubtedly more confit. This is also a spot we will be sure to bring our friends and family when they visit.  They even brought us a night cap of some delicious lemoncello. Prices here are very affordable; we enjoyed 3 duck confit entrees, a pizza, bottle of wine and tiramisu for €75. This is a spot you don’t want to miss while in Firenze (Florence).  Of course, our dog Chloe was accompanying us and they offered her water and gave her lots of attention.

Find them at: Via Ventisette Aprile, 16, 50129 Firenze FI

 

If you are looking for a great spot to grab a glass of vino rosso (or blanco) then this cozy little wine bar is the place for you. Boasting glasses of delicious Italian wines for as little as €4 while you sit around tables made from old wine barrels. Included with your wine are some tasty aperitivo (best translated in America as a pre-dinner snack). Here it is included with your glass of vino and it was wonderful! SO good in fact that I purchased the Cremosa al Tartufo that was on our pane (bread). After enjoying a glass of Sangiovese we purchased a bottle for only €9,60 and continued to enjoy the atmosphere. Hosting many locals the room was a buzz with people speaking Italian and a wait staff that was very friendly and accommodating.  Making sure to offer our pup water while giving her lots of attention. This is a spot we will be sure to return to with friends and family.

Find them at: Via dei banchi 45/r in Firenze, near the Santa Maria Novella