Celebrated chef Annie Feolde reveals the idyllic city’s gems that are worth a visit
Chef Annie Feolde was the first woman in Italy to receive three Michelin stars for Enoteca Pinchiorri, her restaurant in the heart of Florence, Italy.
Born in France to a family of hoteliers, Feolde tried her best not to enter the hospitality business, working briefly as a bureaucrat in the French government, before a trip to Italy to learn cooking turned into a lifetime vocation.
Earlier this year, she brought her talents to Dubai and opened The Artisan by Enoteca Pinchiorri in DIFC. She spoke to GC about her favourite haunts in scenic Florence.
Coffee break
Rivoire, in Piazza della Signoria is right around the corner from the Uffizi Gallery and makes perfect cappuccinos and homemade pastries.
Rivoire, in Piazza della Signoria
Storytelling
Florence has so many secrets, because of its age and history. Every street has a story to tell. Piazza della Repubblica, Borgo Ognissanti is a great place to spot Florentine celebrities.
Piazza della Repubblica
Fine dining
Il Palagio, in the Four Seasons Hotel is my favourite restaurant. It has a Michelin star and does very creative and innovative interpretations of classic Italian cuisine.
Il Palagio, Four Seasons Hotel
Window shopping
Via Tornabuoni is a great place for high-end shopping amidst historic architecture.
Via Tornabuoni
Sunset views
The best place to people watch is on the central bridges like the Ponte Vecchio at sunset with people all around settling in for their “aperitivo”.
Renaissance highlights
There are so many historical sights in Florence but the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo has been recently renovated and reopened. It is simply magnificent.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Sweet dreams
J.K. Place in Piazza Santa Maria Novella is a lovely boutique hotel. Its rooftop bar has direct views onto the Duomo.
J.K. Place, Piazza Santa Maria Novella