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Florence, Italy
Paolo Basagni
Chief Concierge: Grand Hotel

A native of Florence, Paolo Basagni is Head Concierge at the Grand Hotel, where he has worked since 1967.



Food & Drink Shopping Activities Outdoor
Best Restaurant
L'Osteria di Giovanni.

This place is brimming with Italians - always a good sign. The most popular dishes are ribollita (traditional Tuscan soup), smokey gnocci (served with smoked fish), and, of course, bistecca alla fiorentina.

Best Romantic Restaurant
A private dinner on the fifth-floor terrace of the Belvedere Suite at the Westin Excelsior.

You're high enough to feel removed from it all, but close enough to take in the magnificent city view.

Best Wine
Enoteca Pinchiorri.

High, frescoed ceilings and lavish bouquets in silver vases complement the equally extravagant wine list, which seems to go on forever.

Best Bar for a Business Drink
Donatello Bar, at the Westin Excelsior.

The leather walls spiked with gold stars remind patrons that this really is one of the most exclusive bars in the city.

Best Steak
Sostanza.

This superb steakhouse's claim to fame is its bistecca alla fiorentina.

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