Studying abroad in Italy brings one predominant thought to mind: food. I have yet to find myself sick of Italian cuisine, and instead find myself frequenting the same spots with each passing week. With too many options to explore, I am sharing my favorite picks around Florence:
Ristorante Nuti
Though slightly touristy, Ristorante Nuti is a crowd pleaser. We have shared our love for Nuti with other CEA students who have since added the ristorante to their list of repeated eats. An extensive menu, reasonable prices, and delicious food keep us coming back time and time again. What’s more, our favorite waiter welcomes our return with exceptional service and fun cross-cultural conversation. Nuti is conveniently located near the Duomo and offers both charming indoor and outdoor seating.
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| Ristorante Nuti's Ravioli Rosé, my go-to dish. |
Osteria Il Gatto E La Volpe
After our third visit to Osteria Il Gatto E La Volpe, it was understood that our new favorite dinner destination would need a nickname. Gatto promises a more authentic Italian dining experience – at least by our standards. Unlike Nuti, Gatto is a little further off the beaten path and offers only an untranslated menu. The restaurant excels at delicious dishes at a student budget-friendly price. It should also be mentioned that the complimentary bread is a treasure in itself.
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| My favorite gnocchi from Osteria Il Gatto E La Volpe. |
La Milkeria
This is the type of place that you walk past and think, “This is so adorable. We need to come back soon.” And then you'll come back again and again and again. (You’ll notice this is a common theme in this blog post.) La Milkeria is a small shop with a huge offering. From coffee drinks, to gelato, to pancakes and crepes, La Milkeria will surpass anyone’s expectations and leave you craving more.
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| Pancakes and crepes from La Milkeria. |
Gelateria Perché No!
Finding gelato in Florence is easier than a palm tree in Southern California (which is REALLY easy). The problem comes, however, when distinguishing the good from the great. Gelateria Perché No! has been in Florence since 1939 and is still delighting customers everyday. The gelateria has a wide selection, and offers unusual flavors along with the classics.
Gelateria Santa Trinita
There are no words to describe the happiness that comes from getting gelato at Santa Trinita. The storefront, and the gelato itself, is exquisite. Each flavor is beautifully presented and piled high in your choice of cup or cone. The taste, and the exceptional price, cannot be beat.
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| Gelato from Santa Trinita: Cookies and Caffe. |
Chandler S. is the Fall 2016 CEA MOJO Blogger in Florence, Italy. She is currently a junior studying Graphic Communications at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.