Once strewn with just dyed wool left out to dry on a stone structure designed by Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany towards the end of the seventeenth century, the clearing lies around the corner from the Granaio dell’Abbondanza, which was recently converted into an ideas incubator and trendy after-work spot.
Before the holidays, twin brothers Marco and Paolo Marini, who also own Viktoria Lounge Bar in the Santa Croce area, revealed their diner take on the former garage on the square. Giving an idea of the vastness of the locale, a dashing red Porsche Carrera and a vintage VW Beetle sit centre stage in the indoor/outdoor American-style Ristorante Garage, which nevertheless proudly serves Tuscan grub. Beside the plinths displaying a triptych of vintage motorbikes (Gilera, Harley and Bianchi), order a grazing board of cold cuts, cheese and crostini to share, choose from the six quintessential regional pastas or go all in 250-gram burger with homemade sauces. There’s also a pizza with lampredotto baked in the wood-burning stove, tucked behind the industrial-vibe serving counter. Perched on one of the leather upholstered stools, it strikes me how extensive the renovation must have been. From comprehensive soundproofing to giant heating and cooling tubes and a mammoth semi-open kitchen, the investment is impressive in its own right. Perfect for groups, Garage is sure to become a diehard favourite among motorheads.
Also flanking the piazza, Drinking Blues is a hybrid hangout. Brought to you in the summer of 2023 by Sicilian Davide Pispicia (the proprietor of Jazz Club), the offering is an unusual combo. Expect walk-in artsy tattoos by pros Pachamama in the onsite parlour and quality live music, including international acts, on the stage that extends across from the bar serving creative cocktails by bartenders Simone and Lara. Poetry slams and group events complete the round-up in the cavernous locale.

When all the eating and drinking has become too much, trendy Oltrarno types can be seen burning off the calories at LIFT. The personal training studio appeals as founder and physiotherapist Simone Di Mauro provides post-holiday sessions like the Panettone Killer Circuit in the attractive space (think whitewashed walls, open brickwork and motivational slogans). State-of-the-art Technogym equipment and Sidea weights complete the setup.

Don’t overlook a traditional favourite

Antico Ristoro di’ Cambi sits on the corner of piazza del Tiratoio and via Onofrio. Proudly emblazoned with the Historical Florentine Businesses (Esercizi Storici Fiorentini) logo, second generation owners Stefano and Fabio Cambi ensure that the Tuscan trattoria stays true to its origins with ribollita, fried brain and bistecca alla fiorentina.