Simon Boccanegra

124-R Via Ghibellina

Florence , Italy http://www.boccanegra.com/

39-055-200-1098

Named for a Genovese doge (who was also the subject of a Verdi opera), Simon Boccanegra occupies the ground floor of 16th-century Palazzo Salviati in the Santa Croce quarter, and the location is a large part of its appeal. The worn, wooden door leads to an intimate dining room with wooden-beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls, exposed stone accents, and antique furnishings. Served on rustic wooden boards, antipasti come includes the classic salted meats, olives, and mozzarella. The main dishes are classic, too: bistecca fiorentina is the house specialty, served with roasted rosemary potatoes.