L'osteria di Giovanni

Frommer's Review

Giovanni Latini comes from one of Florence's best-known culinary clans, whose homonymous eatery on Via del Palchetti is a household name in Florence. In the 1990s, Giovanni left Il Latini to start his own restaurant in the countryside and in 2004 made a triumphant return to his old neighborhood. He bought what was once known as Osteria No. 1 and started offering refined Tuscan cuisine at honest prices. His two half-American daughters -- Caterina, the chef, and Chiara, the sommelier -- practice their crafts while Giovanni attends to his guests. It is a sophisticated but social atmosphere, with well-dressed Italians and tourists sharing either the quiet front room or the more communal back room. For starters, try the insalata tiepida di piccione con spinaci e nocciole (pigeon with spinach and hazelnuts, dressed with a raspberry vinaigrette) or else the sautéed squid with asparagus and cherry tomatoes, and don't miss the involtini di vitello con pecorino fresco, melanzane e funghi (sliced veal wrapped around fresh pecorino, eggplant, and mushrooms). Even if you're on a diet, allow yourself just this once the pleasure of Caterina's tortelli ripieni di radicchio e ricotta con melanzane ed olive (radicchio-stuffed tortelli, with eggplant and olives). Chiara will recommend the perfect digestif to accompany your chocolate mousse.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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