Florence’s restaurant scene goes fish and EVO mad this October with a couple of new openings worth trying out: I’Lisca and Olivia.
A spin-off of the no-frills seafood success of Lo Spuntino di Pesce in Santo Spirito, chef Massimiliano Marconi has opened I’Lisca near Porta al Prato and the Stazione Leopolda. The catch of the day immediately catches your eye, lovingly presented in a glass case by the door, as too does the specials blackboard vaunting the well known and the more bizarre, and typical Tuscan constants such as insalata di mare, fried mixed fish and raw seafood platters. The wine list has a few gems, including such lesser-known labels from Marche and Liguria.
€ / Now open / via il Prato 82R / FB I’Lisca Cucina di Pesce
I’Lisca fish restaurant, in via il Prato
Olivia is your way-above-average greasy spoon in so far as it’s Mount Olympus to olive oil. Essentially the best of fried street food that celebrates Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil, it’s set to be a cute store where you can stock up on EVO and learn all about how oil is made. Gonnelli, of Frantoio Santa Tea fame out near Reggello, provides the oil, while chef Simone Cipriani is behind the recipes. Awaken your taste buds with fettunta (toasted bread with new oil), oil-based muffins, and other crispy fried delights.
€ / Opening mid-October / piazza Pitti 14R
Thai Firenze opened before the summer, but somehow failed to show up on this lemongrass lover’s radar. It’s firmly registered now. The green curry and pad Thai are worth the hike out to Statuto, while the sweet yet piquant Tom Yam seafood soup is the perfect autumn pick-me-up. The 50-sitter locale is all wood and wicker, soft green walls and exotic plants: a welcome alternative when you’ll had your fill of pici, pappa and pomodori.
€ / Open / piazza Giorgini-via Romagnosi 7R / FB THAI Ristorante – Firenze
Thai Firenze, in the Statuto neighbourhood
This article was updated on October 14, 2016, 11:01am.
