Nourish the Budding Lotus

La Raccolta

A few years after I moved to Florence, I was lucky enough to discover a new store/restaurant that opened in the area of town that I lived.  La Raccolta is a natural foods store, and vegetarian restaurant that brings me back again and again.  The people that work there are the nicest people you will find in the city, and the food selection both in the store and the restaurant is fabulous!  I was so excited to return for a post-birthday lunch the other day.

Somewhat to my surprise, all of the same people work there, even after 4 years.  To me this is a testament to what a great place it is, maintaining happy customers and staff.  I sat down for my meal and everything looked delicious!  Farro con cavolo nero e carote, ceci stufati al salvia, velutata di zucca gialla…the list went on.  One of the best parts of the menu is that you don’t have to choose just one thing…they have a mixed dish option so that you can taste a little of everything.  So, of course, that is just what I did.  Everything was delicious, and I look forward to returning a few times before I leave.

If you ever make it to Florence, be sure to make the trip over to Piazza Beccaria and find La Raccolta.  The restaurant is only open at lunch time and the store is open throughout the day.  Buon appetito!