If you have ever explored the historical centers of older Tuscan and Italian cities you know that there are an abundance of curvy cobblestone streets to get pleasantly lost on.  Yes, after a couple years of living here I am still getting lost.  But I find new places to eat when I am lost, so let’s call it Research and Exploration.

So I was again Researching and Exploring my adopted Tuscan home, and surprise the aroma of food called to me.  It’s difficult here to not be called by the aroma of food, but this was in a new and unexplored piazza, Piazza Brunelleschi.  Just a few minutes north of the Duomo.

I stumbled across a place that had recently opened and was setting up for aperitivo. Zona 15.  On one of the sweltering Tuscan summer days they not only offered food, but oh, goodness was it nice and cool inside.  A further benefit is that it is new and undiscovered by the hoards of aperitivo seekers.

There were just about a dozen people there.  And the food kept coming. And coming.  The owner made sure that everyone was completely taken care of.  And the ice cold bellini in a chilled glass made for a refreshing treat after a day of traipsing around Florence.

At about 9pm more people started arriving.  The nightclub vibe was beginning to emerge.  By 10pm the food stopped and the DJ took over.  The next time I stayed for the festivities for a while, and if you are looking for a place to have a snack, a cocktail and do a little dancing later you can’t go wrong.  Pizzas, pastas and salads to begin with, delicious cocktails and a convenient location.

Zona 15

Piazza Brunelleschi