Visit Italy: Caffe Gilli

Caffe Gilli is a busy eatery in the equally busy Florence area, bustling with tourists who want a satisfying meal, a quick bite, or a decadent treat.

We stopped in for some refreshing drinks on a warm day, and I couldn't resist buying some omiyage.

I bought all sorts of fruity and chocolaty candies to bring back home.

I really wished I had the time (or the appetite - I was already too full from eating earlier) to indulge in one of the amazing confections, but Caffe Gilli was still a pleasant stop to relax and people watch.

Cafe Gilli
Via Roma, 1r, 

50123 Firenze FI, Italy

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Visit Italy: The Sights of Florence

Our hosts took us to Florence for the day to tour the city.

It was even more magical than I ever could have imagined.

It was just incredible to roam the city and be enveloped in such amazing history, architecture, culture, and art.   

We walked the Ponte Vecchio (medieval stone bridge), viewed the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, saw the golden doors of the Gates of Paradise, and so much more.  

Ponte Vecchio

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Gates of Paradise

At every turn there seemed to be significant sculptures and intricate works of art.

It was quite crowded, as international travel had just recently opened up when we visited, and lines were long for several paid attractions.  We didn't go into any paid attractions, but just roaming the city and perusing the various buildings and other free venues was a fabulous experience.  

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Visit Italy: Mercato Centrale Firenze

The Mercato Centrale Firenze is a must-visit while in Florence.  The market offers an abundance of goods -  chocolates, fish, vegetables, pastas, balsamic vinegars, and so much more.

You'll find cured meats, aged cheeses, spices, and everything else you need to prepare a feast.

I even found some Hawaiian salt!

I sought out cookies and candies to bring back to Hawai`i as omiyage.

The second floor of the market is a food court, where you'll find all sorts of restaurants.  

We ate Lampredotto from Lorenzo Nigro's, and our friends bought anchovies from downstairs to indulge in (anchovies are an Italian comfort food).

Mercato Centrale Firenze was quite crowded, and finding a table at the food court was pretty difficult (especially for large groups - there were 6 of us), but it was definitely a neat experience.

Note - there are restrooms in the food court upstairs that are free to use, but the restroom downstairs charges a fee. 

Mercato Centrale Firenze

Piazza del Mercato Centrale

Via dell'Ariento

50123 Firenze FI, Italy

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Visit Florence: Lorenzo Nigro's The Lampredotto

While in Florence, we were taken to Mercato Centrale for a taste of authentic street food from Lorenzo Nigro's The Lampredotto.

Located on the second floor of the Mercato Centrale (where most of the restaurants are), you'll find a station where the traditional street food is being made.

The sandwich includes rosetta bread made by Chef David Bedu (who also has a bakery at the Mercato Centrale) that is dipped in a cooking broth.  The meat - which is the fourth stomach of the cow, is topped with salt, pepper, and house made green and chili sauces made from secret recipes.

The result is a super tender, super tasty filling that has been a part of Florence's food history for generations. 

Definitely a must-try when in Florence!

Lorenzo Nigro's The Lampredotto

Piazza Del Mercato Centrale
Via dell'Ariento, 50134, Florence Italy

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