> SlowTrav > Italy > Restaurants > Reviews > Florence

Duomo: Ristorante Pennello

Via D. Alighieri, 4r , Phone: 055 29.48.48

Reviewed by: teaberry from PA, review #3237

When: 2009

Lovely little family run ristorante that we happened upon and couldn't have been happier.

We actually wanted to eat at Le Mossacce, which is just around the corner, but they were closed on account of the Easter holiday weekend. Next to Le Mossacce was a small shop, and I spoke with the owner and asked for another restaurant recommendation - she steered us to Pennello.

Our meal was wonderful, in traditional Tuscan mode. I had a hearty farro/bean soup that was perfect. My husband's veal marsala was succulent and tender. SIL's pasta dish had a wonderful meat sauce, and BIL's side of potatoes were roasted just right, not overly salted - addictive.

Service was very attentive and friendly. Clean facility, and apparently quite popular with locals and tourists alike. We all enjoyed the wines, but that's a given for us in Italy.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by: Geralyn from CT, review #1413

When: 2005

Near Dante's house. Excellent service, extensive menu, few tourists. Wonderful deep-fried zucchini flowers (among other dishes).

Vini e Vecchi Sapori was filled, so we chose nearby Ristorante Pennello based on its extensive "specials" menu (handwritten) posted outside -- and because my mother-in-law was intrigued to be able to order fried rabbit. Cloth napkins, formal waiters, house wine in a bottle (!), primarily Italian patrons; we were amazed that Ristorante Pennello was one of our least expensive meals in Florence.

The spaghetti carbonara and the spaghetti con vongole were excellent; I especially enjoyed the straciatella (a large bowl-full with lots of egg). The rabbit was alot of work (as always) but crispy and moist, as was the fried chicken. My special, Scallopini Michelangelo had a very good sauce of green beans, tomatoes and mushrooms; the same combination of vegetables appeared in the frittata, and was also very good. We ordered a mixed plate of contorni for the whole table that included patate, fried zucchini and fried zucchini flowers. All were hot, crispy and yummy. Six of us ordered five primi, five secondi, the large platter of contorni, 1 liter house white, 2 liters acqua, fantas and cokes for the kids, plus coperto for €98,50.

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

Restaurants/Cafes

Car Rental	Hotel Booking	Flight Booking	Train Tickets	Books, Maps, Events
Europe Cell Phones	Long Distance Cards	Luggage, etc.	Travel Insurance	Classifieds

* Advertise on Slow Travel | Post your travel questions on the Slow Travel Forums

Duomo: Ristorante Pennello

Restaurants/Cafes

Restaurant Reviews

About Restaurants

About Cafes

Wine Notes

Restaurant Lists

Diana - Under €40 Crowd

Giuanin - Where the Locals Go