Our next lunch was a relatively light one at Olio & Convivium, the extension of the Convivium food store. Located on Via Santo Spirito, a small but very active alley across the river, Olio & Convivium is half shop, half restaurant. Walking in, we were surrounded by all kinds of Italian food products, along with a fancy deli area showing off hams, dried meats, cheeses, and other goods.
Dining tables are placed throughout the back, and you pretty much eat in the middle of the action. Fancy wines line the walls around you while waiters pull appetizers from their salad/antipasti area. It's a simple, casual vibe with a strong focus on the store.
BURRATA WITH SMOKED SALMON AND GRILLED VEGETABLES - €20We had a couple of apps to share, starting with this plate of cheese, salmon, and veggies. Excellent samples all around - creamy burrata, rich salmon, and perfect antipasti-style veggies.
GRILLED PORCINI MUSHROOMS - €15We then had an order of these beautiful grilled whole porcinis, which were on special. They had an intense porcini flavor with a good bit of char from the grill.
TAGLIATELLE WITH PRAWNS, ZUCCHINI, AND TOMATOES - €16I opted for another special on the chalkboard - this tagliatelle with prawns. Great fresh noodles, and a nice balance between the meaty prawns and the sauteed zucchini.
TAGLIOLINI WITH WHITE TRUFFLES - €25My dad, on the other hand, was craving his first bit of tartufo of the trip, so went with this truffle special. It turned out to be the best tartufo deal of the trip - perfectly done pasta with a healthy dose of fragrant white truffles, and for only €25. It was definitely the cheapest of our trip.
All in all, Olio & Convivium is a great place for a nice pasta lunch. If Florence is the last stop of your trip, it's also the perfect place to do some food shopping for stuff to bring home.