Ristorante Hosteria Il Desco- Florence

Our last night in Florence found us by happy accident at the Ristorante Hosteria Il Desco. Mum and I stumbled across it one afternoon while wandering some of the quieter back streets of Florence. While we were booked at the always delicious Parione, it was lovely to try something new. We had an early-ish seating…

Four Seasons Florence Take 2

Once realizing I’d be leading a small tour to Florence over a weekend, I knew we had to return to the Four Seasons for their fabulous brunch. It was mum’s birthday and we managed to score the very last table during a busy, rainy afternoon. This time we were seated in the dining room where…

La Forneria, Florence

Our first meal in Florence took a decidedly Neapolitan turn with the trial of the new pizzeria, La Forneria. Hotel Continentale recommended this gem, just a side step off the path of the major tourist attractions. A quick lunch it was with the flash fired pizzas. My choice of the Vesuvius resulted in a bubbly,…

Signorvino- Florence

Just a block off of the main drag of the Ponte Vecchio lies wine shop and cafe, Signorvino. While it took four employees to decide if we might have a table in a fairly empty restaurant, we were finally seated on the terrace overlooking the Arno and bridge’s beautifully ancient backside. The cute signature graphics…

Four Seasons Brunch- Florence

The most indulgent way to spend a Sunday morning in Florence, HAS to be the gorgeous brunch at The Four Seasons. The space underneath the massive sky light was breath taking and when set with the tinkling backdrop of live music of contemporary classics played acoustically…well… there really were not words and I found it…

Parione- Florence

Well, here’s the story of the good Marco. I dined alone as one does on a solo trip which seemed to confuse the wait staff thinking I was waiting someone even after confirming I was not, so by the time I ordered an hour later, I was a little ragey from hunger, but also from…

Picteau Bistro- Florence

After an incredible stay at Continentale Florence, fun apero hours at La Terrazza, and a delicious meal at Caffe dell’Oro, I was pretty obsessed with the Lungarno Collection and determined to explore as much of these properties as I could before departing. I for went the Michelin-starred for the Picteau Bistro after reading the description…

Degusteria Italiana- Florence

With only nine tables, you’d best book Degusteria Italiana early, which meant for me, a table for one for a fancy lady lunch. The service was impeccable and I really appreciated the window-view table that the hostess told me she’s selected for me so I could watch outside. While I was of course armed with…

Caffe dell’Oro- Florence

On night one, I didn’t venture too far, thanks to my 02:30 sleeplessness. Lucky for me, I’d thought ahead and booked Caffe dell’Oro at the sister property of my beloved Continentale, just next door. The set-up was so chic, with the Italian women at the neighboring table in an eclectic mix of playing card sized…

La Terrazza- Florence

If Continentale Florence wasn’t already the most perfect hotel, she also brought the gorgeous rooftop bar, La Terrazza, who absolutely isn’t here to play. (She was only here to play). Make sure to reserve in advance, either online with a card or just ring up the hotel directly. The spot is tiny and full, but…

Continentale- Florence

Wow, wow, wow, I have not been happy with a hotel in quite a long time- Continentale was absolutely next level on service, room, location, and roof top bar. I was meant to stay here a few years ago, but never made it. Continentale lingered in the back of my thoughts for years now. So,…