Osteria delle Tre Panche

Tre Panche isn't new or difficult to get into, but rather, the osteria is well-off-the-beaten tourist path and a favorite foodie address guarded by locals. Its name means “three benches” and indeed, the tiny dining room holds just that: three communal tables (each with enough room for six diners). It’s a no-frills place, with white cushions and candles flickering on each table. The menu, too, is all about local classics, like bruschetta Fiorentina, pepper steak, homemade pasta with meat ragout and large leafy salads. The specialty of the house is truffles, and the steaming risotto covered in thin shavings of black truffles is a most popular dish. It's the type of place where when you leave, the owner presses what looks like a New York City doggie-bag into your hand and says, “A little treat for later.” (During my trip, it turned out to be a warm slice of homemade cheesecake, another local specialty). Tre Panche is super local; unless you want to sit alone in the dining room, don’t make reservations for earlier than 9 P.M.