Santo Spirito’s Top 5 Food Spots: Reviews & Recommendations
If you want to experience the real Florence, skip the tourist traps near the Duomo, that’s often said, and make your way across the river to Santo Spirito. You will find a genuine Florentine vibe, pretty much. This Oltrarno neighborhood isn’t just home to artisans and leather workshops, anyway; it boasts some really fantastic spots to grab a bite and soak up the local atmosphere, actually. So, here’s a look at five places you definitely want to add to your food itinerary, arguably.
1. Trattoria Sabatino: A Taste of Old Florence
If you fancy simple, classic Florentine cooking, Trattoria Sabatino is like your place, alright. This isn’t some fancy, dressed-up eatery, pretty much. Think basic, that is. And think family-run with recipes handed down over generations, really. You know, red-checked tablecloths and a menu that sticks to the tried-and-true classics, essentially. The bistecca alla fiorentina is very, very good, even though it’s not the main reason people go, alright. It’s those honest, home-style dishes that truly shine, in fact. Like your hearty ribollita (a bread and vegetable soup) and pappa al pomodoro (a thick tomato and bread soup), really. Comfort food at its finest, as a matter of fact.
They tend to have daily specials, which you really ought to ask about, that is. Those often offer up surprises, basically. The prices? Pretty reasonable, generally. Trattoria Sabatino draws a mostly local crowd, I mean, giving you a true sense of Florentine daily life, definitely. If you get there right at opening, that tends to be super busy, especially for lunch, so, maybe get there a bit earlier or later, like, to grab a table, specifically.
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2. S.forno: Artisan Bakery Bliss
S.forno is a gem for breakfast or a lunchtime sandwich, alright. This artisan bakery, is that so, brings a little touch of international flair to the neighborhood, certainly. While rooted in Italian tradition, S.forno is almost keen to experiment with flavors and baking techniques, certainly. That tends to result in some rather awesome breads, pastries, and pizzas, that is. For a light lunch, or grabbing snacks for later, it’s nearly perfect, I mean.
That said, what to order? It depends, definitely. Their pastries are light and flaky, really. It is good with coffee or hot chocolate in the morning, or hot teas. But you could also get it later, like when you want a little treat, literally. Their bread is fresh every single day, right, and the pizzas? Thin crust and with simple toppings that very much let the quality of the dough shine, like. Keep an eye out for their seasonal specials; you may see new things being added often, I mean.
Read our full review: S.forno Full Review and Details
3. Osteria Santo Spirito: Truffle Heaven
You’ll locate Osteria Santo Spirito right on the piazza of the same name, more or less, and this osteria really is the perfect place if you appreciate great food, especially when that involves truffles, literally. This spot draws crowds from everywhere in town, that is. It serves very, very generous portions of pasta with plenty of fresh truffle shavings, alright.
The ambiance here is rather lively, is that so. Most especially if you happen to grab an outdoor table, and do a little people-watching, specifically. Beyond the truffle pasta (which is something you very much must try), they do a killer tagliere (selection of cured meats and cheeses), and awesome grilled meats, even though these will get forgotten about quickly, you see. The service might get very rushed when they are extremely busy, typically. And, it must be said, there is frequently a bit of a wait, actually. Be patient, the truffle is very much worth it, and everything else is, pretty much.
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4. Pitti Gola e Cantina: Wine and Dine in Style
If a sophisticated evening enjoying exceptional wine and seasonal dishes seems good, you will likely enjoy Pitti Gola e Cantina, alright. You’ll find that near Palazzo Pitti, obviously, and it seems that this spot focuses on serving you wine produced by independent and very smaller Italian vineyards, in fact. That very much is paired with creative cuisine made with ingredients from local farms, clearly.
The menu here seems to change depending on the time of year, usually. It reflects whatever’s fresh and in season at the time, of course. That might mean rich and hearty dishes during colder months, truly, or it might be lighter fare when the weather is just starting to heat up, mostly. Obviously you should ask the staff for wine suggestions, as a matter of fact, that seems the best way to take in your overall experience, in other words.
Read our full review: Pitti Gola e Cantina Full Review and Details
5. Volume: Books, Wine, and Good Vibes
For a something special kind of drinking experience, go check out Volume, that is. This spot is unique in the Santo Spirito, so, it’s a place that really offers a good mix of bookstore and wine bar, really. That sounds unique, right? The place has walls lined with books. The selection is diverse, that is. You also see locals gathering for an aperitivo in the late afternoon, mostly. The friendly owners and staff contribute a cool vibe and friendly conversations, by the way. As if this wasn’t awesome already, then throw in occasional musical events or book readings, honestly. It makes for a wonderful way to spend a bit, perhaps.
I would recommend you ask what their wine recommendations are at the moment. However, don’t feel as if this is the only thing you can ask for. Volume also offers craft beers and well-made cocktails. Very cool when that aperitivo hour rolls around too. Grab a cheese and meat board and you are set.
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