A few years ago, I had the opportunity to roller-bag around Italy. One of my favorite destinations during the trip was Florence. Though the city is small, it is jam-packed with art, culture, natural beauty, classic architecture, shopping, and of course, some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life. Don’t get me wrong: food from most parts of Italy tends to blow the American equivalent out of the water. But Florentine food somehow manages to best the best.
One of my most memorable meals in Florence was at a family-owned restaurant known as Ciro & Sons. It was recommended to my traveling companion and I by our hostel owner; he claimed the food was delicious and that he considered it as a good place to take a date. Coming from a local, I considered that to be quite a compliment. When we arrived at the restaurant a few minutes later, I understood exactly what he meant. The restaurant was super charming and borderline overly romantic for a pair or traveling buddies. A wife of one of the sons (of Ciro & Sons) seated us outside, where we could people watch and enjoy the warm weather.
To be fair, I don’t remember exactly what I ate. I know that it was the best pasta dish I’ve ever eaten. What I do remember more clearly is much more important than the details. During that meal, I finally understood what Italian food was supposed to taste like. It was a bit like falling in love: you can’t describe it to someone who has never experienced it. Nonetheless, if I had to try, I remember that it was light, rich, comforting, bursting and homey. It was satisfying physicially, flavorfully and emotionally. Though I visited the restaurant some time ago, recent reviews from other travelers confirm my experience. And as an added bonus, the food is gluten-free. If you ever find yourself in Firenze, be sure to stop at Ciro & Sons.
Ciro & Sons
Via Del Giglio 28r
Firenze, Italy, 50123
+39055289694
Currently based out of Boston, Jesal is a blogger, freelance writer, yoga enthusiast and lifelong vegetarian who spent four years eating her way through New York City and various other cities around the globe. After answering hundreds of emails and phone calls answering the question, "Where's a cool place I can take my vegetarian friend out to eat" she started Veggiewala to efficiently share her knowledge of the vegetarian food scene with curious carnivores, flexitarians and other vegetarians.