A delicious lunch in Florence

A delicious lunch in Florence

Taking a break from the peacocking at Pitti to sit down and enjoy a bite with old friends

Trattoria Sostanza from the street

Florence, Italy

If you head toward the river from Piazza di Santa Maria Novella down the narrow street Via del Porcellana, you could easily pass by Trattoria Sostanza without noticing it. The modest restaurant has been a local favorite for over one hundred and fifty years, serving the deceptively simple food of Tuscany.

At this point Sostanza is as well known among the hashtag menswear crowd as it is the Tripadvisor masses, but after many years of traveling to Florence, this is my first visit - I'm late to the party. We sit, relax and regroup, comparing notes about the show, sharing some laughs, catching up. Lunch has been discussed, ordered and is now eagerly anticipated.

Local artichokes are cooked in a 'tortino' of beaten eggs, rich and savory, to start. The chicken served at the table in it's own sizzling pan is approximately half butter, half poultry, whilst cannelini beans in a little oil, sliced tomatoes and some spinaci saltati provide some roughage. A glass of red wine from the hills to the west of the city seems appropriate.

The walls are packed with family photos and other mementos

The company is good, the food is excellent. Sated, refreshed, we head back up the Via to visit one of the vintage showrooms, digging for treasures of yesteryear. We'll be back next time...if we remember to book a table.

Click on the links below for more details: