La Colonnine is a narrow wedge of a building between Via dei Benci and Borgo Santa Croce. It is hence pretty near Santa Croce. They advertised bistecca fiorentina so I went in to check that they could do me one around 4 or 5 etti. The bearded waiter said that the smallest one they did was 600g. I looked dubious. He could take it off the bone for me? Okay. At last, on my last night in Florence, I would get to try the famous bistecca fiorentina.

First impressions? Well for starters, over half the customers here were Italian, something I always take as a good sign. Inside the awkward space was very modern, almost like a Japanese restaurant. I took my place and scanned the menu. I didn’t have to think much about what to have as an appetizer: Tuscan sausage with porcini sott’olio. Tuscan sausage is much wider than the humble British banger, and comes sliced, showing off its fat-marbled texture. The porcini were bursting with flavour – you really can’t go wrong with mushrooms in Italy!

Then came my bistecca, a thick ol’ chunk of chianina beef, lovely and pink inside. Even better, it was not too salty. Result! If I’m absolutely 100% honest with myself, I think in terms of steak I preferred the rib I had at Da Il Latini the day before, but that should not be taken as a negative comment on the meal here. To complete the experience I had chianti – they did a half-bottle of 2005 vintage for €7.00 so I opted for that. It was smooth and peppery.

I felt that I – maybe- had room for dessert so I threw myself open to the waiter. What would he recommend? So for an additional €4.00 I got a pretty sizeable slice of chocolate torte. He seemed to know what he was about, so as I paid the bill I asked a further question – where was good for a birra? As it turned out, the place he suggested, Moyo, happened to be right across the street. And you can’t get much more convenient than that!

This restaurant was right on the corner of my street so I ate there a lot. Located near Santa Croce church. The pizza was fantastic, very thin but well done. I usually got the vegetarian pizza but the marinara was also great because their sauce is to die for. Cheap and quick.

Just down the street from the Ponte delle Grazie is Le Colonnine. A classic Italian restaurant with outside tables that serves hearty portions with great prices. Friendly waiters give you the option of either an English or Italian menu. I had spaghetti with meat sauce and Florentine steak (a local specialty). The meal was incredible! Having such a fine meal outside at sunset with the local street life passing by made for a perfect Italian experience.

Pizza, pizza, pizza!!! This caffe-ristorante-pizzeria was open when we needed it (a Sunday night) and near our hotel in the Santa Croce neighborhood. They are closed on Monday though. Their wide selection of affordable pizzas (ca. $6) were large (I couldn't make it through all of mine) and tasty.

The service is typically Italian--no staff will bother you unless you get their attention first. The place was full of both Italians and tourists--a good sign, I always think. The building is adorable (see photo). It is a rustic triangular corner setting with a tiny outdoor patio, but much more seating inside. Give it a try!