Dario is a local (even international) institution, with his love of meat -- as something to…read moreprepare, something to cook, and something (in its origins) to be respectful of. Going to Dario's is an event. We did it 15 years ago while in the area, and it was a priority to revisit when we knew we were returning this year. FOOD / DRINK: So this is a meat-fest, just to be clear. There are multiple dining areas for a single-seating lunch and dinner, seating up to 250 folk at a time. The party starts in the half-hour before seating, as glasses of chianti and lard-buttered bread are served out on the street to the folk waiting. Once you're in and seated, there's bread and oil, a huge fiasco of chianti, and multiple courses of meat (from tartar to beautifully prepped steak) leavened with potatoes and beans, etc. It's all topped off with coffee and grappa or vin santo. Everything is fairly simple but high quality and tasty. Even stuff you don't think you'll like, you likely will (I'm not a tartar guy, but it was quite good). Meat is cooked rare to medium rare, and, no, you can't ask for it cooked differently. There are also kid-sized portions, and veggie meal options. Arrive on an empty stomach. If you leave hungry, you're doing it wrong. AMBIANCE: Each of the dining areas -- two floors in the main building, the back patio, and a building across the street -- are decorated differently. Seating is at common tables, to encourage conviviality over the food (we didn't interact with our neighbors at all, but that didn't bother us). The place is pretty loud, with all the talking and service going on, but not uncomfortably so. SERVICE: The waitstaff are focused on serving out courses, one after another. They are friendly and professional and efficient, which is effective for the setting but leaves little time or inclination for socializing or chit-chat. They're there to deliver good food, you're there to eat it, that's the deal. Dario makes an appearance during "cocktails" outside, and provides pre-seating a powerful, enthusiastic announcement to the crowd, getting them to cheer for eating and meat and eating meat. He also took a swing through our (and presumably the other) dining rooms, glad-handing the venerating crowd. But save for one staff member who invoked a similar crowd cheer at the beginning of the meal in our dining room, the focus of the staff and service was in getting things served out efficiently, offering seconds and thirds as available, and keeping things moving ricky-tick. That's not a bad thing, just not as exciting a thing. NET-NET: The value here is undeniable -- great food, plentiful drink, for a remarkably low price compared to a lesser meal in Florence. The place still is an excellent place to eat lunch (followed by no dinner) or dinner (followed by sleep). That said, the last 15 years have sanded down the sharp, wild edges of the experience, turning it more into "just" a great meal than a bacchanal of carnivorism. Darrio has slowed down (as have we all) and seems more focused on the butcher shop; the staff and deputy leadership are keeping things going efficiently and well, but without the same wild-and-crazy, burning passion of a decade-and-a-half ago. Again, that criticism doesn't mean you shouldn't go. It just means it's a bit more conventional a meal -- despite its dimensions -- than it once was. If we are back in Florence in another 15 years, I'll definitely be back.

Favolosa! It like a…read morefamily reunion!on with beautiful, crazy family members from all over the world. Sitting at a long family table we enjoyed meeting people from Ukraine, Spain, Brazil, Italy and the United States as we indulged in a carnivore's feast led by Dario, the patron of our new-found family. We toasted and laughed and leaned and celebrated together like blood relatives catching up after not seeing each other for a long, long time. What a fabulous culturally-bonding, life experience as we seized the day and enjoyed our new-found family brought together by Dario! Carnivore Diem and Carpe Diem!

Solociccia is the casual restaurant offering of the world-famous butcher Dario Cecchini. He…read morerepresents the 9th generation of his family's tradition, taking over the business when his father passed in 1976. His macelleria (butcher shop) "Antica Macelleria Cecchini" is located in Panzano, located somewhere along the Tuscan countryside in the Chianti region. An otherwise sleepy town, foodies, winos and foodie/wino tourists flock to the macelleria to sample their meats over a glass of Chianti. He's developed into quite the famous butcher with appearances with TV chef personalities (Bourdain, Batali) and celebrities paying top dollar for his cuts. His holistic approach to his butchery stems from his former vet school training. He emphasizes treating the animal with utmost respect throughout its life and to incorporate all parts of the animal in its preparations. This restaurant reiterates his philosophy with the standard €30 six-course meal specifically excluding any traditional steak preparations and specifically including such dishes as boiled beef's knees prepared with seasonal vegetables. Quite an improvement for a cut typically meant to be given to dogs. I was introduced to this as part of the "Super Chianti" itinerary through Grape Tours - it was advertised as one of the stops. We were first served up salumi, crostini and cups of Chianti at the main butcher shop, then our group was led across the street to the restaurant. One of the crostini toppers was lard, fat that can't be found in the US. Tables are set up convivially and meals are served family-style. The menu is peppered with references to Dante's "Divine Comedy", which Cecchini has been known to recite by heart while going about his work. We were served a modification of the standard "Menu del Macellaio". While it included the sides and dessert, we were instead served four different dishes alongside the "bistecca fiorentina", not included in the standard menu but advertised in the tour itinerary as a highlight. As a solo traveler, due to bistecca being served by gram minimums in other restaurants this would realistically be my only opportunity to try the Florentine speciality. MEATS 1. Spicy meat ragu on toast 2. Beef roast 3. Boiled beef and vegetable salad 4. Braised meats (5. Bistecca fiorentina) Emphasizing the philosophy the meat dishes are identified with a number, which is associated with a certain part of the cow. Yes, that boiled beef with vegetable dish is made using the knees. The surprising thing is that the bistecca ended up being the *least* favorite of the meat dishes. It is intentionally served plain and you season it to taste with their special salt. Being served rare didn't bother me as I knew this was the traditional preparation of the dish. The other dishes were excellent. I loved the roast, broiled and braised meat dishes equally. Even better was that I didn't feel bloated after eating the meat. It helped that my palate cleanser was not a carb but vegetables dipped in evoo/salt mixture. SIDES - Vegetables to dip in extra virgin olive oil - Our special salt - Garbanzo and white beans - Coffee, e.v. olive oil cake - Grappa and Italian Military spirits The vegetables are presented in a small bowl and are meant to be dipped in a mixture of evoo and salt. Vegetables were very fresh and served as a good palate cleanser. Beans were al dente. The salt was so good that I ended up purchasing this salt to take back home. It tastes quite different from your typical seasoned salt you can find at the grocery store. Much more fine. Coffee and olive oil cake were delicious. Refreshing dessert and went well with the coffee. The grappa is a bit strong and is an acquired taste. Think of a bitter brandy made as a digestive. With so many highlights of my 2-week Italy trip, this ended up being my personal foodie favorite moment of the trip. Being a solo traveler I am appreciative of any opportunity to eat convivially over good food. Although I didn't get to meet Dario on this trip, I am very grateful to have eaten at his restaurant as foodies would love to have a similar opportunity. Many thanks to Grape Tours for this incredible opportunity - this will go down as one of the best meals I've ever partaken.

What a hearty and gratifying meat affair! It started off at the ground floor of the butcher shop,…read morewhere we were treated to crostinis and salamis; and wine of course. We adjourned to the dining area after 20 mins for the actual meal. Full marks for the service, quality, quantity and range of meat available. Love the communal eating concept as well; a great way to make friends from everywhere! The 30 Euro option was more than enough food but go for the 50 Euro option if you want some florentine steak! What a great meal and experience!

Service and ambiance were great. The history of the business makes it worth going inside.read more

Amazing cheeses and meats. Thought I died & went to heaven w the clouds of prosciutto & salami…read morefloating over my head. It's not to be missed in Greve

This shop was fabulous compared to any meat or cheese shop I have ever visited, but then again I am…read morecomparing it to North American standards. I had never seen so many cuts of meats in my life, and although I am one to turn vegetarian at the thought of "hanging meats" sometimes my European background kicks in and I am willing to try. I sampled two salumis and one cured meat: pork sausage with fennel (my fave; think of what you would find in America but 1000 times better, Boar's salumis which was saltier but surprisingly not bad, even if the stuffed boar of which I took a photo will forever be etched in my mind, and finally the cured pork fillet which has been proven to be my least favorite. It was delicate prosciutto and a bit too "soft" for my liking. I explored the cheese basement which was luke warm and before I saw the camera I touched one; it turned out to be the real deal and not wrapped in plastic as they appeared. So I apologize to the unsuspecting person who buys this wheel. ;) My only complaint was the bathroom had zero ventilation and was very Italian. Of course, I was only there for a minute but I still prefer cleaner ones. Still, it was great that they even had a public bathroom and I was really impressed with this entire shop! Do go here if you visit this quaint little town!

A hidden gem in Firenze. A quaint meat and cheese shop, offering small bites and sandwiches…read more Alessandro the owner was so kind and welcoming. He recommended a meat and cheese board with some vino that was absolutely divine. I don't think I've ever had such a delicious and fresh off the bone charcuterie as I did today. He sat with us while we snacked sharing with us his family history and 3 generations of business, since 1924. Such a kind soul. I hope his business lasts lifetimes more. It truly is such a special place. Can't wait to get back. Highly recommend. No crowds either.

One of my absolute favorite meals I had while in Italy. Not as well known, as another reviewer…read morementioned, definitely a hidden gem. One I'm so glad my group and I stumbled upon. The family/staff that owns the market and restaurant was so sweet. We stopped by for a lunch and ordered anything they recommended. They were extremely attentive and wanted us to have the best experience. We had the Ribollita and their charcuterie board for 2. It was such a treat! I've never had Ribollita before then, but it tasted so fresh and homey. It was as if a family had invited you to their home for a meal. The eating space is a tiny, so if you find an open table definitely try to grab a bite there! The walls are also littered with post it notes from customers who have had the pleasure of eating there. Such a great eatery!

Convenient grocery store with so many items jammed into the small space. The bakery and deli offer…read morea nice selection. Try not to go during peak hours or you'll be bumping into people.

An excellent place it shop while you are in Italy. Great food bargain and had everything you need…read moreto survive.

Enoteca del Duomo is basically a food shop specifically for those who enjoy everything Italian in…read morefoods. The array of offerings are from all over Italy, rather complete, but also with regional specialties not found elsewhere. Enoteca del Duomo is the main shop which is combined with a restaurant that I found to be rather sandwich oriented. Surprisingly they usually have seating without waiting, the sandwiches which I had, prosciutto with cheese and roasted tomato were very good as was the service, Beside Enoteca del Duomo itself there are varying other shops, all of which offer shipping. On that count, if you are planning to take or have items shipped back to the United States, US Customs prohibits and will confiscate any meat products no matter how they are packed. So, if they catch you or if you are honest when questioned, you going to lose any of those wonderfully coveted salamis, prosciuttos or sausages you've purchased.

I am so happy I bumped into this place right next to the famous Duomo!…read more The cutest shop with a grand selection of wine, cheeses, meats, and oils. The products sold here are of highest quality and extremely fresh. The two ladies who assisted me in my selections where very kind and let me try so many things! I bought a couple of wines, cheese, proscuitto, and olive oil. I can't wait to revisit this shop on my next visit to Firenze!

I visit Florence frequently and this trip stopped by for fruits and vegetables- and the best eggs…read moreanywhere. Even the sign says, happy chickens.' The vegetables are fresh picked - you can smell the earth- and about 1/ 3 the price of central Florence. The place is busy. Lots of locals. Inside are local goods, meat, poultry, cheese, and fish. You can't get any fresher. Olive oils and many other DTLA acids inside. Outside there are clothing vendors, farmers, plant sellers, jewelry and antiques. I highly recommend stopping by to get a local feel. Check times.

This market is not in the city centre and it's a bit further, but still walking distance. We came…read moreby just after 9:30 on a Friday. There are fewer crowds here, probably because of its location, which makes it a prime spot for food tours. We didn't do one but we just wandered around ourselves. There are fewer options here than Mercato Centrale but the trade off is that you don't have to deal with all the people. They sell a lot of the same stuff - fresh produce, meats, and some vendors selling food. We tried the tripe sandwich here, which wasn't as good as the other market, but still delicious. We also bought some strawberries outside, which might have been some of the best strawberries I've ever eaten in my life, so definitely don't sleep on those. Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio is worth the trek!

This might have been the highlight of our Italy trip. This place is great. While walking we came…read moreacross La Bottega del Chianti and absolutely loved the place. The owner treats everyone like royalty, he passes out glasses of wine along with cheeses, meats and bread with olive oil. There is everything from wine, cheese, bread, vegetables and a hole lot of eclectic items for sale. I can't write great enough reviews for this business. If your in Florence you have to stop by for a great authentic Italy. This is our second time stopping in at La Bottega del Chianti and we weren't disappointed. This is still my favorite place to go while in Florence. I can't recommend it enough. All I can say is GO!!

Omg!!! This is just a lovely wonderful fun eclectic beautiful Italian experience. The owner is on…read moreolder very friendly Italian gentleman , pouring us a glass of wine when we walked in the door, then he poured another and another and maybe a few more, and insisted we try his cheeses, meats, olive oils and bread. He was selling wine, fresh deli, fruits, veggies, wine, olive oils, hand made wood cutting boards, copper pots and pans, vintage jewelry and so much more. I wanted to buy one of everything. This is definitely worth making a quick pop in this place just to say hi! Weirdly wonderful!

My friend had wanted to do a wine tasting while in Tuscany.This was just the place for it! This…read morespot is unique with its underground feel. Staff was nice and knowledgeable.

Truffle pasta and caprese was delicious. Clean bathroom. Nice service. Would stop here again.read more