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ItalianSanta Croce
Gilda Bistrot in Florence's Sant'Ambrogio district runs the small-room modern-bistrot format opposite the market, with seasonal Tuscan plates.
OrderPici al ragu, the crostini di fegatini and a glass of natural Chianti.
TipClosed Monday; book a fortnight ahead. The Sant'Ambrogio market across the square opens at 07:00.
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Modern TuscanSanta Croce
Cucina Torcicoda in Florence's Santa Croce district is a three-room concept (osteria, pizzeria and ristorante) under one roof, with the bistecca cellar.
OrderThe bistecca alla fiorentina from the dedicated ristorante room, or the pizza next door.
TipThree connected rooms with different menus; the ristorante books out 2 weeks ahead.
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Florentine, Bistecca-ledSanta Maria Novella
Buca Lapi in Florence's Santa Maria Novella has cooked the bistecca alla fiorentina in the Palazzo Antinori cellar since 1880, a candlelit basement of long.
OrderThe bistecca alla fiorentina (1.2kg for two) and the tartufo pasta in season.
TipCash and card; book three weeks ahead. The cellar is hot in summer; ask for the front room.
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Florentine TrattoriaCentro Storico
Osteria del Porcellino in Florence sits a few steps from the Mercato del Porcellino loggia, with a wood-grill room and the bistecca, tagliata and Tuscan.
OrderTagliata di Chianina, pappardelle al cinghiale, the ribollita in winter.
TipOpen daily 12:00-23:00. The wood-grill room books out a week ahead for weekend dinner.
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ItalianSan Niccolo
Zeb in Florence's San Niccolo quarter runs the mother-and-son counter-seating format, a 16-seat L-shaped bar where Alberto Navari plates his mother.
OrderTortelli ricotta e spinaci to order, the daily pasta and any tagliata.
TipClosed Wednesday and Sunday dinner. Counter-only; first-come, no bookings.
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Florentine TrattoriaSanta Maria Novella
Trattoria Sostanza in Florence's Santa Maria Novella quarter has cooked the same bistecca and butter chicken on a coal grill since 1869. Priced at €€.
OrderThe bistecca alla fiorentina (1.2kg for two) and the pollo al burro butter chicken.
TipCash only; book three weeks ahead by phone. Two seatings at 19:30 and 21:30.