Hidden behind the leather market stalls in Piazza San Lorenzo, it is very easy to walk past Trattoria Sergio Gozzi without even noticing. This is probably one of the reasons why this eatery maintained it’s delightful authentic and old-fashioned atmosphere [the dark wood and marble-top dining tables are the original ones from the early 1900s]. If you are craving a hearty and genuine home cooked meal, Sergio Gozzi should be on the top of your list.Known by the locals as ‘Da Sergio’, the trattoria is run by forth generation owners and brothers Andrea and Alessandro. Every dining room wall showcases a collection of memorabilia telling their story: a portrait of their father cooking, framed pictures of daily regulars, a rooster shaped ceramic gift by loyal locals and of course the purple ‘Fiorentina’ flag.

As I make my way trough the lively dining rooms, I am immediately drawn to the kitchen in the far back. I walk into a world of mouthwatering aromas, steaming oversized pots filled with slow cooked delights, pans simmering on the burner, food being plated and waiters rushing out with inviting dishes. Lorenzo and Luca met each other while serving in the Italian army. Today they serve genuine food to the people at the Trattoria. Luca proudly pulls a stuffed ‘coniglio’ [rabbit] roast out of one of the ovens. It’s cooked to perfection and tempting to say the least. While Lorenzo is talking to one of the customers, to my right I notice Louisa smiling while peeling potatoes.

At the trattoria, the daily changing menu reflects the season and Tuscan tradition. Every morning, Lorenzo buys his ingredients from the local producers at the nearby Mercato Centrale. Sergio Gozzi is open for lunch from Monday to Saturday. I ask Lorenzo why he doesn’t offer dinner once a week [as I am sure he would get a full dining room every time]. He smiles and responds “ Sofie, si lavora per campare, non si campa per lavorare”. We work to live, we don’t live to work … of course, how could I forget?.

Trattoria Sergio Gozzi is located in Piazza San Lorenzo, 8r and is awarded the ‘Slow food’ label consistently since 1997. The learn more about the slow food movement: www.slowfood.com