The keepers of Florentine flavors
Florentine basement bars are former basement laboratories that have been turned into wine cellars and used as restaurants. The cuisine in these very particular temples of local gastronomic tradition is simple, but has surprising flavors. The Buca dell’Orafo is one of the smallest in the city, but encloses and guards the essence of Florence which is becoming extinct. Just behind the Uffizi, a tiny glass door overlooks the street level – beyond it, expect to meet Florentines and fans of Tuscan cuisine. Established in 1945, the Buca’s Ribollita (vegetable soup), Sangiovese stew, fried chicken and the rabbit with artichokes are by now unbelievable gastronomic legends. And for a wonderful ending, don’t miss out on the candied pears – it will be a memory that will accompany you for the rest of your life.
