It’s been almost three years since I moved from Florence, the magical renaissance city.

This city holds a special place in my heart as I lived there for four years and it’s where I met Tommaso. We visited Florence for two days and it was even more beautiful than I remember.

What I love about this city is that you can walk everywhere; it has that big city feel yet everything is walking distance away. We spent our first afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets and admiring the various gorgeous piazzas such as Piazza Duomo, Piazza Repubblica, Piazza Signoria, and Piazza Croce. We ended our walk at Piazzale Michelangelo during sunset where you get the most spectacular view of the city. I actually ended up going up to Piazzale Michelangelo two more times during our stay on my morning runs.

Of course we had to get an afternoon snack of gelato at La Carraia.

Our first dinner was at one of our favorite trattorias, Ristorante del Fagioli, serving traditional Tuscan cuisine. I absolutely love everything about this trattoria from the ambience to the comforting food.

A mixed appetizer plate with various crostini (chicken liver, tomatoes, and lardo), Pecorino cheese, and different types of salumi.

Ribollita is a traditional Tuscan soup typically made with old Tuscan bread, cavolo nero (Tuscan black cabbage), and cannellini beans. It’s homey, comforting, and just delicious. Of course there are numerous versions of this classic dish where other vegetables can be added.

Mouthwatering tortelli filled with creamy Ricotta cheese and pear is simply prepared in a butter sauce. I have to say my favorite pear and cheese stuffed pasta is still from Caffe Coquinarius also in Florence.

Another simple but so satisfying pasta dish with a rich meat sauce.

Braciola, pounded pork or beef, is breaded and fried and smothered in this addictive tomato sauce. Served with stewed potatoes, this is a dish we always got when we dined here.

Roasted pork loin, seasoned with rosemary and sage, is a humble dish that will satisfy your cravings.

Artichoke season is coming to an end so I have to order them whenever I can!

I’m a sucker for apple flavored desserts and the cake was moist with just the right amount of sweetness.

Tommaso’s favorite cake with Ricotta cheese, pear, and a little chocolate. We only wished the slice was bigger!

The next day we went to All’Antico Vinaio, my favorite panino shop. I used to live a block away from here and this was my hangover cure. €5 for a bomb ass panino with all kinds of amazing fillings. We got two panini; one with porchetta, arugula, Pecorino cheese, and spicy sauce and the other with Capocollo Toscano, truffle sauce, and Stracchino cheese. These sandwiches will fill you up for the entire day!

After our quick lunch, we walked around the city center and visited Enoteca Alessi, a wine shop, and Procacci where they have mini truffle sandwiches.

Our last night we dined at Trattoria Pandemonio, across the Arno river. It’s a bit further from the city center but worth the walk.

Chicken liver crostini is a Tuscan classic. It took awhile for me to like it but now I really enjoy the earthy savory taste.

These mini eggplant parmesans are so tasty, I could have easily eaten two. Tender slices of eggplant are coated in tomato sauce as well as a creamy Pecorino sauce and topped with slices of Pecorino cheese.

Thinly sliced raw artichokes are dressed in fruity olive oil and topped with nutty Parmigiano Reggiano cheese shavings.

I love long pasta and spaghetti alla bottarga is one of my favorite dishes. Bottarga, dried mullet roe, is in the sauce as well as grated on top. Soo good.

Wild boar is another Tuscan ingredient used in various pasta sauces. Its intense meat flavor pairs nicely with potato filled tortelli with a touch of spinach.

This tiramisu is hands down the best tiramisu we’ve had. When we discovered Trattoria Pandemonio a few years ago, we were blown away with their tiramisu with its creamy, airy, light texture. Years later, I’m glad that its just as good as I remember.

Even though Florence is a small city, I could have easily spent a few more days there walking the charming streets and eating all the scrumptious Tuscan cuisine. I’m sad to leave this city but I look forward to my next visit whenever that might be.