There are many excellent restaurants in the Santo Spirito district of Florence and below is a select list of what is generally considered to be the finest:

Caffè Pitti overlooks the stunning Piazza Pitti and is a mix of a restaurant, a tea room, a coffee-shop, and a bar. The interior décor is phenomenally elegant and contains fabulous furniture, magnificent mirrors and loads of fascinating ornaments. Astrology is a key element of the restaurant and there are Tarot card readings and various astrologers to entertain diners on Wednesdays; on Friday and Saturday nights there is good live music. The food at Caffè Pitti includes a mix of pasta dishes and a variety of grilled meats, complemented by antipasti and some outstanding desserts.

Tratorria Omero is on Via Pian dei Giullari and offers two dining areas and superb Tuscan cuisine that is complemented by the freshest of ingredients. In this delightful restaurant, there is a wonderful choice of oils, vegetables and meats that is savoured whilst enjoying magical views. To wash down the fabulous food, the wine cellar stores some excellent local wines offering a choice of two hundred labels.

Osteria Santo Spirito is located at Piazza Santo Spirito 16r and the restaurant welcomes its guests with a sparkling flute of Italian “champagne” to whet the appetite for what will be a truly delicious meal. Specialities of the house include tender steak, imaginative salads, and irresistible gorgonzola gnocchi. By this time you will be off the sparkling and enjoying a delicious local Chianti. For dessert, Tuscan sweets are second to none and a glass of Sambuca together with a shot or two of coffee is the perfect way to end what should be a magnificent meal.

Olio & Convivium is situated at 4 Via Santo Spirito, and for many it is worth the cost of the plane flight to Florence alone. The restaurant is made up of a myriad of tiny rooms that lead to the main dining area and a view through to the kitchen with its hanging hams and salamis and mounds of fresh produce. The quality of the ingredients is clear to see and the quality of the cooking is instant as soon as you place your fork in your mouth.If you just feel like the best Italian ice cream then visit the Gelateria La Carraia at Piazza Nazario Sauro 25r which overlooks the Santa Trinità Bridge, although be prepared for your eyes to be a lot bigger than your stomach.

Holiday Velvet offers family stays in Florence. Read more about Florence with a look at the Ponte Vecchio and its history.