From fast food at the station to hot new restaurants downtown, spring brings a smorgasbord of new eateries around Florence.
Fast food at Santa Maria Novella
Energy is gathering around Santa Maria Novella railway station where two renowned eateries are about to open their popular doors. All’Antico Vinaio gears up for a homecoming with new panini outlets on the main concourse in the main train station, followed immediately afterwards by a place down the subway, while later in the spring American fast food chain Five Guys is bringing trademark burgers, dogs and shakes to the former Conad supermarket down the steps by the tram stops along via Alamanni.
Oltrarno openings
In the Oltrarno, Babae (of the “wine door” fame) extends its operations in via Santo Spirito with Prae right across the street. Just inaugurated, the attractive annex serves “artisan food to go”, such as beef tartare, smoked salmon and Chianti “tuna” (pork that crumbles like the fish) panini, sweet potato fries, paprika potatoes and roasted corn on the cob with yummy sauces. Meanwhile, Italian food presenter and owner of Orto San Frediano, Enrica Della Martira is set to open Wanda Caffè on March 13 in via Pisana 12-14, where a vintage cafè used to bring in fashionistas.
Pizza at Manifattura Tabacchi
Pizza lovers should plan ahead for the opening of Berberè at Manifattura Tabacchi on March 14. Noted as one of best pizza restaurants in town and fifth in the world’s 50 Top Pizza guide, the brand’s third hangout in Florence will boast 100-plus covers in the former tobacco factory. Expect light pizzas made from organic, stone-ground flour, leavened with sourdough for 24 hours, topped with seasonal ingredients and sliced into eight for enthusiastic sharing.
Small plates in the city centre
New Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Meze, opens at super central hotel Calimala the West. Led by chef Mor Micheli, diners can expect a Mediterranean-Italian inspired menu of sharing dishes, referred to as “wild dining”, and a curated list of fine wines.
Change of address: Migone
In other news, the historic sweet shop Migone has closed its shutters in via Calzaiuoli, moving to smaller and “more manageable” premises in via Santa Elisabetta. Established in 1916, the owners Delia and Silvia (one of the founders’ daughters) made the decision to change location based on their advancing years. Opening in March, the store will continue to stock traditional dragees, fruit jellies and other sweet treats.
