If you go to Florence, il Latini deserves to be near the top of your restaurant list. The Tuscan food is outstanding, and the friendly atmosphere they create here will give you a dining experience to smile about long after you've left.
It's clear that this restaurant has developed quite a following. If you arrive between 8 and 9pm expect to wait outside, but don't be completely dismayed; the line moves rather quickly. They seat guests family style, so if you are a party of two you can expect to share a table with at least one other couple, but that only adds to the fun. On our first visit we sat next to two American college students; on the second night we shared a table with a local couple, and the company each night was very enjoyable.
The fixed price bottomless house wine is probably a good value if you want to drink a lot, but we asked for a wine list on our second visit and got a good bottle of Chianti at a very reasonable price.
On our first visit, we ordered all the courses, beginning with a generous plate of proscuitto. By the time it came to order the main course, we were already too full. So for our next visit we fasted most of the day in anticipation of the house special, bisteca. This is an enormous Tuscan steak, and if you like steak, this is as good as it gets. It was simply the best I've ever had. We politely declined all attempts at appetizers and ordered just the bisteca and gli spinaci, knowing full well that we couldn't handle any more than that.
The owner is so nice here, bringing you little dessert treats and a shot of amaretto to dip them in (on the house), even though you're too full and say, "No, grazie." My girlfriend and I will fondly remember dining at il Latini for years to come, and when we return to Florence I'm certain that we'll go there again.
Our 1-10 ratings:
Ken: Food - 9 Service - 9 Atmosphere - 8
Chris: Food - 9 Service - 8 Atmosphere - 9.