Il Latini, Florence

Lot of people are waiting outside on saturday evening even with a reservation. When you are at last in the service is the worst service I have experienced since I leave the university. I would have rather spent my evening in another place even if the food is good there. I recommand the chef to find another place too.

This place was recommended to us by our concierge at our hotel in Florence. We asked him for a real authentic Italian restaurant and he did not fail us. After walking a few blocks we found the restaurant. It was a little before 7:30 and the crowd outside waiting was a little intimidating. We finally were asked how many in our party, and we were seated. From the beginning, we were amazed at the ham's hanging over our heads and our waiter was amazing. His name was Andrea and he pretty much asked us what we wanted and that was about it. No menu's. The owner Mr. Latini himself came around a few times and the ambiance was just incredible. A true experience. We were inside for almost 2 hours and it felt like five minutes. The laughter, the food, the wine, and the cool bathrooms, all made for an unforgettable memory. Warning: The bistecca is cooked pretty rare! But still delicious!

I went to Il Latini after reading all the good reviews on this page. We liked it very much but we were not prepared for the restaurant's concept. There is no menu and there are no prices given beforehand. You have a conversation with the waiter about what is available and then you pick. When you are finished eating the owner comes to your table and asks the waiter roughly about what you had and then he writes you a check for the total. You do not get an itemized check. I admit I was not comfortable at all trusting an Italian to charge me fairly but I went along with the concept. Believe me they will not cheat you. I was expecting 150-200 euros but the check was 80 euros, which I happily paid. If I had know no one was counting I would have drunken more of the great red wine in those "Il Tranini" labeled bottles, I did not get to select the wine. Maybe you can get a menu and select food and wine from it, I do not know, I just went with the concept. We got seated with another couple from Switzerland that we got to know and we shared that big bottle of wine and the bread plate. Now, regarding the food. It is good but nothing out of this world, it is a rustic country cooking. You may like it and you may not. What I think most people are raving about on this page is the restaurant's concept. No menu, no prices we will tell what we got and you tell us what you want and just trust us you will get great food at a great price with "free" extras like biscotti with sherry, glass of sparkling wine and grappa when you are finished eating. Like I said we liked it very much but when it comes to recommending it I prefer to say the same thing as the reception at my hotel said to me: "it is special". You really have to decide for yourself. But what I can say for sure is that I would definitely go there again and probably enjoy it more the second time then knowing the concept.

Loved Il Latini, we've been there twice, service is great, food is fabulous, worth the wait although we never had to...mangiare...Marguerite...New Jersey

This place was recommended to us by a local chef in Nashville, TN. We can't wait to go back! The food was incredible. The atmosphere was perfect. I would recommend this hidden gem to anyone and everyone.

It has all the charm of a local restaurant, a place you would love to have around the corner in whatever part of the world you live in. The atmosphere was great, meeting people, local and foreign, joining in the sharing of food and wine. A must for a local experience. Make sure and book by phone :-)

I will be in Florence and looking forward to my nights at Il Latini again this year. I have visited Italy at least twice a year for the last 15 years and ALWAYS eat dinner at Il Latini at least two evenings. Welcome the noise, the ambiance, the prosciutto hanging overhead, the never ending table wine and bread and you welcome Italy into your life.Very good food and a never ending cast of characters only enhance the experience. Ignore the menu and go with the standards. I always look forward to the biscotti and liqueur afterwards. Even the wait outside at the pre 7:00pm opening is enjoyable, although the second serving later is less crowded and wth more locals. Not for those looking for sophistification and elegence--go to the Ritz.

My wife and I visited Il Latini after reading reviews on Yahoo travel, and all we can say is WOW. The staff..awesome, the food outstanding, the atmosphere intoxicating. If you in Florence, this is a must see.

Anyone who finds fault with I Latini cannot be trusted in their opinions. This place is one of the best reasons why people travel to Europe. Have been twice, and "The Bull" has had to ask us to leave both times because we were havins such a good time. .

My wife and I were given this restaurant as a recommendation from the locals. The food was incredible and the wait outside was nice as we were able to speak to people from all around the world as they waited as well. The wait was a little under 1 hour, but every fifteen minutes the owners brought out wine and cheese samples for all in line. Once in, the food was amazing and very reasonably priced. After dinner we went for a short walk back to the train station, passing many vendors selling fresh fruit for the perfect dessert.... Best meal we have ever experienced......