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Santa Maria Novella: Il Latini

Via dei Palchetti, 6R , Phone: 055.210916

Closing day: Monday

Reviewed by: colleenk from MA, review #1274

When: 2005

Fabulously fun meal!!

Directions: off Via del Moro, near the Arno

Reviewed by: SusanCV from PA, review #1048

When: 2004

Fun and Food

This was our second visit to Il Latini. Last time we had reservations, but this time we did not. The key is getting there about 20 minutes prior to the 7:30 seating and you will get in. It was interesting to watch the different nationalities jockey for a space in the line. "First come, first serve" doesn't work with many. The British couple next to us were voicing complaints about the Germans and French who felt they should be ahead! It is a tourist crowd, but who cares.

The food is solid, good, a nice variety and more than you can ever finish. We brought a couple who had never been to Italy, they loved it! You get a variey of appetizers, pasta, meat, side dishes, biscotti, dessert, red wine, vin santo and a sparkling wine for €40 per person. There is a second seating at 9:30.

Reviewed by: KenC from MA, review #927

When: 2004

You'll have fun sharing a table at this very popular restaurant!

We had reservations for dinner at Il Latini at 7:30 pm. We got to the place 30 minutes ahead of time and a small crowd started to form. Within what seemed like a few minutes there was a throng. We looked around and laughed, thinking: what is going on! Apparently, Il Latini is very popular!

There was a nice couple standing next to us from Michigan; Jeanette and her husband George. We started talking and they asked us if we had reservations. We said yes and found out that they did not. I realized that there was no chance for them to get in and asked if they would like to join us. The doors opened at 7:30 and I said, “party of four”. Soon we were seated together at a long table.

Our waiter came by and recited the menu. Everyone was offered five courses plus wine at a fixed price. Our waiter poured chilled Prosecco and then served several antipasti—all excellent. He also plunked a large bottle of Chianti on the table that was just o.k. My wife’s first course was a ravioli dish and I had pasta with mushrooms. I liked hers better. Our secondi course included a lamb dish for her and a veal chop for me. My veal was moist and delicious and her lamb was also very tasty! We enjoyed salads and later desserts with cappuccinos and Vin Santo. The bill came to €60 per couple. This was a fun place and we’re glad that we were there for our final night in Florence.

Reviewed by: Alexandra from FL, review #908

When: 2004

Tourist trap!!!

This was one of the worst meals over the course of six extended stays in Florence over the past four years. The service was rushed, the food of poor quality. I would never return.

Reviewed by: Monica Pileggi from MD, review #901

When: 2004

Excellent meal in a busy and noisy, but fun place.

The doors opened promptly at 7:30pm to a waiting, hungry crowd of about 50. Most, if not all were tourists from many countries. I had read many reviews of this place, ranging from "too touristy" to "go and enjoy the fun!" Antonio had recommended the place to me as well, so we decided to go. The restuarant is quite large and accommodated everyone quite easily. There are two sittings, with the other one I belive at 9:30pm. Reenie and I sat at a table for four and dined with an older French couple from Paris. We enjoyed their conversation. Reenie and I shared a melon and proscuitto appetizer, followed by ribolitta, and we shared the Florentine steak (1 kilo for 36 euros (or $22 per person, which I think is quite reasonable). The steak was very good! House red wine, water; Tiramisu for dessert (shared); Vin Santo with Cantucci compliments of the restaurant. Equivalent of US$84. Il Latini website

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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Santa Maria Novella: Il Latini

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