Our series spotlighting the best of hot new contemporary eats in the city is back. Our first article covered the dynamic San Lorenzo neighborhood, this time we are focusing on the south bank or ‘other side of the river.’ The area stretching from San Niccolo to the oltrarno to San Frediano. Commonly known as the area where locals’ reside. The hustle and bustle here is typically less touristy and crowded as the zones surrounding piazza della signoria or piazza duomo. Let’s discovery the new eateries in Florence!

Budget

Icchethai Firenze, 25 Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, Firenze, Italia. Budget Thai street food along the Arno river, close to Torre San Niccolo. While the locale is quite small and cozy, dishes like green Thai curry, crispy spring rolls and Pad Thai, all for very affordable prices (3.5 -6/7euros a platter), make this cool new spot a local favorite for those craving something a bit more ethic. Open Tue-Sun: 7:00 pm-12:00 am, they also offer take-away and home food delivery.

Gesto Fai Il Tuo,  Borgo S. Frediano, 27/red, 50124 Firenze, 055 241288. This cute new spot located in the San Frediano neighborhood is the product of young owners who wanted to bring about a more sustainable, eco-friendly type of budget eatery. Here there is no table service, you write down your orders on small chalkboards from the large menu in the dining area. Portions are mini, and very cheap, with fun fish/meat/veggie/sweet items like ‘sushi taco’ or ‘mini burgers’ ranging from around 4-6 euros, think fusion tapas. I’d tell you the opening hours but I can’t find them myself.

Mid-Range

Gecko, Via dei Renai, 11, 50125 Firenze, 055 906 4110. Contemporary bistro with a cool bar in the San Niccolo area of town. In the restaurant area they serve BBQ ribs, burgers, salads and a variety of delights — while in the bar area you can have aperitivo buffet with a drink from 8-12 euros. They also serve ridiculously large ice coffees and ‘Gecko mules’ (their take on a Moscow Mule). Open daily (we think – hard to find this info online).

Fancy Night Out

Bottega del Buon Caffe, Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 69/R, Firenze, 055 553 5677. One of the best restaurants in town, which recently (last year) moved locations to the San Niccolo neighborhood, under the helm of Michelin Starred Head Chef Antonello Sardi. The cuisine here is as refined as it is creative, we recommend the tasting menu (with wine) to fully appreciate this eclectic kitchen. Open Tuesday-Saturday (lunch and dinner), Sundays, Only lunch.

La Leggenda dei Frati, Costa San Giorgio, 6/a, 50100 Firenze, 055 068 0545. A hidden secret located in the Villa Bardini complex, this incredible restaurant is one of the best spots for a special occasion meal, also for its suggestive location overlooking the city. The young chef Filippo Saporito and his wife are extremely creative in the crating of their seasonal menu. They also offer lunch specials. Open Tuesday-Sunday, lunch and dinner.

Come back for New Eateries in Florence soon!