Here's a guide to my favorite wine bars and trattorias in the neighborhoods of major cultural attractions in Florence. Look for my decal in the window. And tell them Divina Cucina sent you!

Church of Santa Maria Novella Piazza Santa Maria Novella & Points West Trattoria Garga Via del Moro, 48 Tel: 055-239-8898 One of Florence's artsy hangouts. The interior has been decorated by Guiliano Gargani and his Canadian-born wife, Sharon Oddson. It's a frenzy of surrealist images and color and the food reflects the artistic touches. It's a favorite with Americans and Florentines. Great food in a fun atmosphere. Click here to visit their web site. Buca Lapi Via del Trebbio, 1R Tel: 055-213-768 Closed Sunday, Monday lunch & August. Buca Lapi is one of the oldest restaurants in Florence. There is no question that it is an Institution! It's in the basement of a building (buca: "hole") that is part of the Antinori's Florentine villa. They offer very traditional Florentine food--a must for a full dinner. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina and veal dishes are fabulous! Trattoria delle Belledonne Via delle Belledonne, 16R Tel: 055-238-2609 Closed Saturday night and Sunday & August. This old wine bar turned trattoria is hidden just off Via Tornabuoni, the big shopping street. Their tiny door seems to open up into something from a movie. The fabulous display of fruits and vegetables, the ceramic-tiled tables, all set the scene for Florence's version of a bistot. It was once a well kept secret, but has been overrun with Americans since being featured in Bon Appetit magazine. The menu is written on a blackboard in Italian. This is a real osteria where the menu is explained to you by the host. Popular with locals, it can be difficult to eat here, but have patience and you will be rewarded. The raw zucchini and avocado salad and the marinated eggplant salad with tomatoes and meatballs are great. I will return soon to try this season's best and let you know! Il Latini Via dei Palchetti, 6R (off Via del Moro, near the Arno) Tel: 055-210-916 Closed Monday. Eating at Il Latini is like being in a Fellini film. Come hungry and let them take care of you. Often you won't even see a menu, just say "Basta!" when you are full! An institution in Florence where tradition rules-Pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, as a well as great grilled meats. It is a fabulous meal as well as entertaining! It is hard to find but worth the search. Click on the sight below that you plan to visit and I'll recommend the best place nearby to stop for a bite to eat. Galleria dell'Accademia Cappelle Medicee Museo del Bargello Palazzo Vecchio Mercato di San Lorenzo Mercato di San Ambrogio Santa Croce The Duomo Santa Maria Novella Oltrarno Fuori Porta (Outskirts)