The Most Popular Eatery in Firenzi, Italia

Florence is a gourmand's town, but we all have our favorites. Not far from the Duomo in Florence, Italy, there's a most unique and famous Tuscan restaurant. It's called 'Il Latini' and is on via Dei Palchetti.

Reservations are difficult to obtain, and people crowd the doorway just before 7:30 each evening.

Don't be dismayed by the location. The street is so obscure, it looks like a lane. Get directions from your hotel manager. It's the find of all time.

There are hams hanging from the ceiling, and while the rooms are small, there is place for many people. I go there with groups. You might want to try it. The last time we were there, we asked for a set meal with wine. The price was set at 55,000 liras, which is about $28 U.S.

But the amount of food was almost obscene. We had melon with prosciutto, a chicken liver pate and bruschetta, two salads (one with mozarella & tomatoes), three kinds of soup, including riboletto made from truly delicious leftovers (truly delicious).

Huge bottles of red and white local wines on the table, and they kept bringing fresh ones, then the two pastas (one with cheese and one with meat). The meat was served in overflowing bowls and consisted of beef, veal, rabbit and chicken, (enough for a small army), followed by desert of tiramisu, their specialty, coffee, biscotti and Vin Santo.

There was no tipping, and the owner was paid in cash, which he happily put in his pocket.

There's a story about Il Latini. It seems it was one of the first restaurants in Florence to open after the war in 1945. The owners refused no one, knowing they would eventually get paid, and they would establish a reputation. They did. I go back whenever I'm there.

It's a feast you'll never forget…if you can get a reservation.

Ristorante da il Latini, via dei Palchetti, 6r (Palazzo Rucellai)
Tel: 055/210 916. Closed on Mondays.