Andy Herbach wrote "Eating and Drinking in Italian".  Not only does it provide wonderful recommendations for places to eat all over Italy, but is a resource for wine shops, cooking schools and food shops.  I love the menu translator so that diners know exactly what they are getting into when they order "trippa all fiornentina".  There is also advice on restaurant etiquette and pronunciation.

Here are 3 of Andy's (and The Professor's) favorite spots in Florence:

Buca Lapi:  This restaurant is in the cellar near Palazzo Antinori.  Specialties are bistecca all fiorentina which is a large, grilled T-bone steak, Tuscan style.  A terrific starter is the authentic ribollita Tuscan soup made of leftover bread, vegetables, beans and carrots.  Delicious.

Trattoria La Casalinga:  In the piazza at Santo Spirito church.  Known for pasta dishes like pasta Bolognese but don't forget the Tuscan traditions like ribolllita.  Try the coniglio al forno (baked rabbit).  The Professor loves this place for lunch.

Mercato Centrale:  There is something for everyone here. On the floor above the working food market are a variety of restaurants serving pizza, pasta, burgers, steaks, truffles, beer, wine and even dumplings.  It's an exciting place to eat and Andy and The Professor recommend it. 

Eating & Drinking in Italian offers a wide variety of dining options all over Italy.  Buy it here.