Dining
Moyo is another trendy spot for breakfast, a light lunch, or an aperitif - and unlike the recent move of nearby establishments, they do offer free WiFi (of course you have to buy something to use it though - like this €4 Coke I am nursing at the moment!)
At night it is a mostly younger crowd - and I mean crowd. Moyo is on Via dei Benci, a couple of blocks from the Arno. From the corner of Via dei Neri up until around Piazza Santa Croce, Via dei Benci is party central on most nights with people spilling out of the various clubs and restaurants, basically turning the area into a block party.
Moyo
Via dei Benci 23r
50122 Firenze
Tel. 055 247 9738
info@moyo.it
http://www.moyo.it
Rifrullo is a great place to get a coffee, an aperitivo, or a full lunch or dinner. Located in San Niccolò, across the Arno and towards the Porta San Miniato, in one of the quieter, less touristy spots of Florence - yet only a 5 minute walk from the Ponte Alle Grazie.
The bar is open all day, and they have free WiFi. There is also outside seating in the warmer months, a cozy dining room with a fireplace in the winter, and a famous Sunday brunch all year round. This is a great spot to relax, and there are several other good places to eat in the area also.
Via San Niccolò 55/r
Firenze
055 234 26 21
http://www.ilrifrullo.com
OIBÒ is a newer restaurant/bar/club at the corner of Via dei Benci and Borgo dei Greci - right next to Piazza Santa Croce. This is a great place for cappuccino and pastry in the morning, a light lunch, or an aperitivo. Owned by the Peruzzi family who have a giant leather emporium across the street, and a Piazza in their name nearby. Free Wi-fi is available too - as a matter of fact, we made this post from the bar!
OIBÒVia dei Benci 53r
50122 Firenze
tel-fax +39 055 2638611
info@oibo.net
http://www.oibo.net
What sounds like another great restaurant - Trattoria Garga:
"Trattoria Garga is a mecca for citizen food lovers and renowned chefs in their own rights, such as the Food Network's Rachel Ray, who said about Trattoria Garga: "The more I dine out, the clearer the distinction has become between good food and soulful food. Garga has a soul all its own, and the dishes I've eaten here, such as Pasta Magnifico, Veal with Avocado and the famous cheesecake, taste of love, passion and curiosity as much as they do of their ingredients. I dream of this place. Sogni d'oro. Sweet Dreams.'"An article about house wines and food - it made me hungry!
"In my favorite no-frills eatery in Florence, Trattoria Mario, you sit at communal tables with workers and tourists and they bring you Tuscan bean soup, rigatoni with meat ragu and a massive bistecca all fiorentina. They pour a sturdy red wine that goes well with the beef. I have no idea what it was, probably Chianti, but nothing could have been better with the blood-rare beefsteak."
The full article is here, and the restaurant's website is here.