You can search up and down blog sites for the top 10 places to visit in Florence, Italy but they are all the same. What about the not-so-in-your-face attractions? We’ll I’ve got them for you!
After almost 4 months of being a local, I know the 4 things that you CANNOT miss in Florence. Yes, of course you cannot miss the Duomo or the Uffizi Gallery but these are the things and places only a local would know are the best of the best.
PEAR RAVIOLI: The pizza and pasta are to die for but the most amazing dish I had in Florence was the PEAR RAVIOLI. Don’t be alarmed, this dish is a signature dish in Florence and the taste is out of this world (or United States). The handcrafted, tulip shaped ravioli has a cream filling that has a sweet yet tangy taste. It is then drizzled with a creamy white sauce that creates perfection. There are a few famous and expensive restaurants that offer pear ravioli but I found a gem for you. “I Tarocchi” is on the other side of the river, where the locals go. It is a family-style, cozy restaurant with bench seating and friendly staff. The dish costs only 10 euros! The price is priceless. You will thank me once you’ve tasted heaven and your wallet is full.
Warning: You might end up ordering two… you only get about 8 ravioli per dish and you WILL want more.
MANNELLI: Doesn’t everyone want a piece of jewelry from the famous Ponte Vecchio? I know the prices can be completely out of your range so luckily I found the must-go-to store ON the Ponte Vecchio. Mannelli was a household name in my apartment. It was frequented everyday (not exaggerating) and was worth the time spent in the store that was only 5 x 10. The two magnificent women running the store were tokened as “our mothers away from home”. Not only did they remember all their customers but were the BEST saleswomen you could ever meet (even though their items sell themselves). The jewelry is unbelievable. They are mostly known for their bracelets. These bracelets are everywhere and I was told I could not leave Florence without one. But the Mannelli bracelets the REAL DEAL. You can personalize, customize, colorize and create your perfect match. And it will be waiting for you in less than a week! The bracelets are not the only big sellers. They have extraordinary bags, change purses, shoes and belts. At all times of the day this tiny store would be packed with sparkling eyed visitors. And best of all… it is ON the Ponte Vechhio. You can step off the plane in the United States saying you purchased a gorgeous bracelet on the Ponte Vecchio and it would only have cost you 15 euros!
Warning: Save some of your vacation money for Mannelli… you won’t leave empty handed, you will leave with a truckload.
BALSAMIC STEAK: I wouldn’t be surprised if you had already heard about “Aqua al Due” before traveling to Florence. This famous restaurant has superb selections and offers the famous “Blueberry Steak”. I know the sounds of blueberry steak sounds intriguing and I must say it was delicious but what I found to be the most amazing dish was not the blueberry steak but the BALSAMIC STEAK. I tasted this twice and each time I received the most tender piece of steak with the sweet and tangy taste of thick balsamic drizzle. My mouth is watering as we speak. Although I recommend the balsamic steak I understand the thrill of trying the blueberry steak. Luckily Aqua al Due has sampler plates. You can order the steak sampler and you will get a taste of 3 different steaks, two of them being the blueberry and balsamic. It is a fabulous deal and I recommend it if you want to taste the variety.
Warning: Don’t miss out on the balsamic steak, you won’t be sorry.
CONAD PROSECCO: Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, similar to champagne but not as bubbly. It is delicious! The fruity freshness of golden prosecco will pick up anyone’s bad day. My 7 roomies and I would get a big jug for 3.83 euros at our Conad supermarket across the street. That’s right! No fancy Italian wine and cheese shop here… but the grocery store across the street. I know you might be thinking I am a young college student looking for a cheap alternative. Wrong. As I have mentioned in other postings I took a “pairing food and wine” class all semester where my professor only had us try the best of the best. After tasting many different kinds of prosecco it always came down to my Conad favorite. This large, inexpensive bottle had just the right fizz. As we listened to the man playing his guitar on the Ponte Vecchio, it wasn’t complete without CONAD PROSECCO in our hands.
Warning: It might make you giggle the night away.
There are hidden gems all over Florence. Those other top ten lists you have googled are still a must do but if you want to taste the “local life”, experience these 4 delights. Back in the United States you wont be able to find anything comparable. I hope you come back tasting the most delicious food, paired with the best prosecco, with a blinging bracelet on your wrist.
Enjoy.
