Firstly, show up around 7PM. You can make a reservation, or you can not. We didn't, and it all worked out just fine, its more of an adventure that way. The front doors will be locked, and you will see the staff in eating dinner like one giant family. Beware, this is not a very well kept secret. People will start showing up about the same time you do. Yes, there will be tourists in the mix. We were, and we managed to survive. We found it fun to talk with some of the other travelers while we were waiting. You get insight and ideas about places you may not have seen yet, and you can share your experiences too. Be friendly and relax. If you're too hipster and cool for that, then stop reading.......now.
Did you stop? If you just read that, then the answer is no. So, congrats on not being a jerk. Well done you. They will open the doors at 730. Initially, there will be some jockeying for position, but whomever opens the front door will settle everyone down. When they say "everyone who is here will get a seat," they mean it. The place is full of nooks and crannies to sit. We sat right out front, right by the GIANT salami. That made me happy. If you are a twosome, like my wife and I, be ready to be sat next to some strangers. We were seated next to a Lebanese couple, and some folks from Japan. It definitely made for good and interesting conversation. **side note, the Lebanese folks introduced us to the app "citymaps2go." Get this app, you'll thank me when you see other people arguing while staring over a tourist map. Just do it, seriously** There was a big jug-o-red wine on the table. Yes, its meant to be consumed.
Secondly, and this is important, so pay attention. Do not order off the menu. Just tell them to bring you their set menu. Keep in mind, this is cubic ton of food. Really, you will not be able to eat it all. If you do, wow, I am humbled! They may explain what it is, they may not. I am personally a somewhat picky eater, but I abide by the philosophy of, "if it tastes good, don't ask." There will be somewhere in the neighborhood 114 courses. You have been warned. The ordering and service is fast paced. Make no bones about it. It could be a little overwhelming for some (which is another reason to just get their set menu).
After you have had cool conversations with your neighbors while cramming more tastiness in your food hole than you thought possible, they will probably bring you some biscotti and liqueur, or possibly some kind of liquor. Either way, dip the cookie in the booze. My wife and I then opted to share a desert. Because, why not? I managed to save an inch of room in my esophagus. My wife got their house Moscato (?) and I got some espresso. She liked her wine so much, we got a bottle to take with us, to drink while we admired the Duomo. Because we're classy like that.
I believe they turn the house over 1 time, so sometime between 900PM and 930PM is their second dinner seating. We finished sometime around then, but did not feel rushed or pressured at all. The entire experience was great. The food was tasty, the company was good, and I would highly recommend it. Then, the check arrived. Seriously?! For all that, they had us listed at 111 Euros, with an 11 Euro discount. I guess they know I am kind of a big deal, or maybe they just like nice round numbers. Its not required to tip there (unlike the States, where it bad form if you don't) but it was such a great experience we did. If we're ever in Florence, we will definitely be back. read more