Here are 3 places to eat in Italy, compliments of Melanie Wilson:
Ristorante Accademia
A tour director that I met in Florence was apprehensive to share this favorite spot of hers with me, due to the fact that she wanted to keep it a less-crowded spot in the bustling tourist areas of Florence. I may have promised her that I was not going to include it… However, I had to! Begin a meal at Ristorante Accademia with a local, Tuscan cheese and charcuterie or crostini board before ordering a meal that may originate from another region of Italy. Skip the pizza here for now, but definitely enjoy some vegetarian options like the creamy mushroom strudel or the flavorful stuffed basil pasta.
Website: http://www.ristoranteaccademia.it/en/index.php
Address: Piazza San Marco, 7, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
Fiaschetteria Nuvoli
An osteria through and through, Fiaschetteria Nuvoli is a casual and small restaurant, with a one page menu to delight tourists without breaking tradition. They have signs outside about their lack of AC and pizza, so prepare to be wowed with hearty plates including the traditional ribollita, Tuscan bread soup, and polpette miste con patate al forno - rice and cheese meatballs with a side of potatoes. I would not suggest this place for the hottest day in the summer, but would eagerly await for a seat on a cooler day. Fiaschetteria Nuvoli is in a lucky location being in Piazza Dell'Olio, and the prices are quite reasonable for the filling meals.
Address: Piazza dell'Olio, 15/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Aroma
Aroma is a clean and buttoned up seafood restaurant in Santa Croce. The menu is not the typical Italian menu that you will find in the city center and it changes depending on seasonal availabilities. The seafood is fresh without the potent smell of a fish market. The “Aroma” instead comes from the unique ingredients paired with the fish, such as fruits and cheeses. Some of the dishes are very simple as well, including the spaghetti carbonara with seafood, my favorite because of the emphasis on the seafood flavors without cream and firm, al dente pasta. Consider trying multiple recipes with the “taste” options of smaller portions. The bill is expensive, as can be expected with quality seafood.
Website: http://www.aroma-ristorante.it/
Address: Via Ghibellina, 67/red, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy