In this article are the restaurants: Volume, Gusto Panino, and Dolcissima Firenze.
I will back track and list places I have already been and what I have learned about them, but I am going to start my Florence Food blog with what started this idea…
Last night I joined a group of students from my school and one of our advisors for a mini tour of the Oltrarno (other side of the river). She pointed out a bunch of places that locals love and shared her favorites with us. We ended up for aperitivos at this wonderful place called Volume. Aperitivo is like a pre-dinner snack to hold you up until dinner which is anywhere between 8:30-10pm.This place we went to had a great atmosphere. You only have to buy a drink (5 euro for a glass of either red or white wine) and all appetizers are free! I got the red wine which was delicious, but there were also cocktails for 6 euros and water for 1 euro. The appetizers ranged from pita chips, toast, dips, olives, mozzarella, veggies, sautéed mushrooms, pickles, and more. The atmosphere is one in which you can walk up to the bar and re-stock your supply of little munchies to eat anytime you wish; you just have to reach around the people sitting there. If you choose to sit at a table you can still go grab the appetizers from the bar, but they will bring you a plate of a few dips, olives, and some different toasted bread and some chips. Honestly, I think they had Fritos on the plate.
Today I went back to a few places our advisor had told us about. After exploring the Pitti Palace I went to Gusto Panino. Panino means sandwich in Italian, Panini means sandwiches. Unless you plan on ordering multiple sandwiches ask only for un panino. Another helpful hint: Italians tend to order a panino and walk around with it. Panini are not really a sit down food. Gusto Panino, where I went today has very fresh ingredients and they make the sandwich after you order it. This is the kind of place you want to get panini from. Don’t be fooled by the bars near tourist places. The premade panini in the glass displays are NOT always good. Sometimes they can be, but I wouldn’t risk it. Go to a shop that specializes in making panini, you will know when you see one because it will have large pieces of meat and cheese they cut slices from. It is more intimidating when you are not surrounded by fellow tourists, but if you want to eat good Italian food, which I am assuming you do, look for the special panini shops. Gusto Panino is one of these delicious places across the river in the Piazza Santo Spirito. It is delicious and well-priced. I paid 3.50 for a ham, brie, and sundried tomato panino.
After my lunch I went to a chocolate shop called Dolcissima Firenze, also near Santo Spirito. This place has a variety of beautiful chocolates and sweet treats. I got both a tiny tiramisu and a creamy fruit tart with a raspberry on top for only 1.45 euro. It was delicious and totally worth it. If you have a sweet tooth craving while you are here I highly recommend this place.
