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    Buca Lapi

    4.3 (74 reviews)
    PriceyTuscan
    Closed 7:00 pm - 10:30 PM

    Buca Lapi Photos

    BUCA LAPI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Buca Lapi

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    The atmosphere is all these iconic moments plastered to the wall!
    Hannah S.

    Buca Lapi is an upscale, frills restaurant catered toward an exceptional fine dining experience. Our favorite part of Buca Lapi was being greeted by the owner upon arrival, as well as, having extremely attentive service. We had one of the best waiters named Giuseppe. It was fascinating to watch him gracefully move around his section serving his tables. Unfortunately, I think we dined in Buca Lapi on an off night. We heard they were known to have one of the best Florentine Steaks in the city. Naturally, always trying to find the best when we travel, we made a reservation weeks in advance. Our excited anticipation quickly fell short. The steak did not live up to its legendary write ups. Maybe, if we hadn't had a perfect Florentine Steak a few nights prior, we would have been wow'd. However, I'm not so sure. The steak we were served had a great open flamed charred marking and flavor, but it was very overcooked and unsalted. Traditionally, Florentine Steaks should be served more on the rare side. This was a flat medium tip toeing on medium well side. My husband and I are not ones to complain while at a restaurant, especially one that has as much critical acclaim as Buca Lapi. For every steak served, the waiters would cut it off the bone for the customers. In our opinion, this meant that this was how they serve their Florentine Steak. Their representation. Which, let me note, was not awful. It was just not the best Florentine Steak in Florence that week. After we left, we wondered why they served it to us. Maybe, they thought because we were tourists we wouldn't know the difference? I'm not sure and do not want to pass a judgement like that, however, for the cost of our meal we did feel a bit taken advantage of. Ultimately, I'm hoping that this was just a fluke of a night! On a positive endnote, my husband loved their pici pasta and I just loved their vibe. (:

    Inside
    lis b.

    One cannot go to Florence without having Florentine steak. Do I recommend this place?? A THOUSAND YES!! I've had a lot of steak in my days. Not including wagyu, this is by far the best steak that I have had in my life! And that's a lot coming from me!! We ordered a steak FOR ONE to share and it was massive! The server doesn't ask how you want your steak and I absolutely LOVED that! One way, rare! The steak came sizzling hot, but not bloody. The first bite was heaven on earth! You can taste and feel the salt crystals (which was just the right amount) and then once the meat hits your mouth, you just knew everything inside (and outside) of you did the happy dance! We ordered the roasted potatoes and it just melted, MELTED in your mouth! But it wasn't mushy in any way. We had a nice yummy panna cotta for dessert and then ended with an espresso. We didn't have reservations so we waited until they opened for dinner in hopes to be seated. The inside of the restaurant is super lovely. This was the best meal we had in Florence! Make reservations because they fill up fast! Buca Lapi will always have a special place in my .

    Food, ambiance, and service were exceptional. You can really tell that the ownership and people who work here care about every guest's experience.

    @endoedibles on Instagram 03/07/24
    Michael U.

    Since 1880 Buca Lapi has been a part of Florence, the vaulted Palazzo Antinori cellar lined in posters while formally dressed servers play well to crowds comprised mostly of tourists seeking an "Authentic" Tuscan meal. Maintained through slow restoration, old lampshades scribbled with the names of visitors adding to its charm, diners will find white tablecloths plus an extensive Wine list from which Reds such as house Chianti are more pricey than similar local eateries. The oldest Restaurant in town, and arguably the most straightforward, all tables begin with basic Bread followed by Antipasti including Salads or Soup and Charcuterie including warm Liver on Toast. Known to make all Pastas on-site, Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu frankly underseasoned while signature Cannelloni eat richer thanks to Cheese and Cream, most tables will splurge for €70 Bistecca alla Fiorentina served Rare while Veal Meatballs are overworked and forgettable.

    The fresh pasta with veal ragu.
    Carrie R.

    I don't have much to offer that you won't see in other reviews. But, this was great food. This is where we decided to take the plunge and enjoy the steak of Tuscany. Steak for one was more than ample for the two of us, even if we hadn't also gotten appetizers! We enjoyed a veal and fresh pasta dish, a potato and squash gnocchi - both excellent. We had a side of spinach and a side of potatoes with our steak. There was no way we could eat it all but we tried our best! The interior is charming. It really is an old wine cellar, down a few steps from the street with lower vaulted ceilings. We sat in the front area so we're lucky enough to also enjoy watching them make all the food.

    Bistecca alla Fiorentina
    Maylee W.

    When in Florence, you go to Buca Lapi! This restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in Florence, opened in 1880 is located in a wine cellar- Ambiance- intimate, travel posters adorn the curved ceiling and you get to make your mark by signing the poster! When in Firenze, you must order the Bistecca alla Fiorentina - pretty amazing and way too much steak but tender, perfectly grilled, the star of the ristorante! Cannelloni Buca Lapi - ricotta cheese, spinach, veal ragu covered with a tomato cream sauce- divine! Other sides - sautéed spinach, roasted potatoes, fried mixed veggies (tempura style) - good! 5 stars for the best meal in Firenze! Giuseppe, our server was superb / efficient - he gets 5 stars for best server.. Highly recommend Buca Lapi

    Steak for 2 with spinach and potatoes

    Florentine steak!! That's the only thing to get at Buca Lapi. We ordered steak for two and the portion was MASSIVE! They don't ask how you want it cooked so we just got it as it comes. And let me tell you - it comes rare! We loved the roasted potatoes as well but honestly just the meat and complimentary bread would have been plenty. Get the house wine! Delicious, full body and smooth at only 20 or 22 euro, I can't remember exactly. I recommend making reservations far in advance because it fills up fast!

    DENISE W.

    This is a great find. You definitely need reservations. They have an amazing selection of different types of meats, rabbit, veal, etc.. We had pastas and the chickpea kale soup, which was phenomenal. The chocolate torte was very rich, but amazing. Staff was absolutely wonderful. It was our first night in Florence and a perfect, first night dinner. The restaurant is adorable downstairs and the wall murals and decor great.

    bistecca
    C K.

    Buca Lapi is an amazing authentic Florentine food experience. The staff is prompt and professional. They are truly there to make sure you have the best local cuisine. The bistecca and tripe florentine were so delicious. The table side preparation of the insalata mista was a nice touch. Everything was fresh and cooked to perfection. I do recommend reservation. Buon Appetito!

    Delicious meat pasta. But had to save room for Florentine steak.
    Aaron M.

    A visit to Buca Lapi was a special treat for me from my wife, who doesn't eat red meat. Well I do, and this place is famous for a few things (1) being an ancient restaurant with a kitschy yet cavernous dining area (2) serving a "steak florentine" that is 2 f*%^ing inches thick. (That's 5 f*%^ing centimeters.) Or at least 1 1/2 inches. They are not shy about this steak. If you are interested in ordering it, they have one of the chefs cart the whole side of beef out and show it to you. Then they cook it, "sort of." I say "sort of," because you can't really cook a 2 inch thick steak in a reasonable amount of time. So they sear it pretty well on each side, and bring it out to you. The result is a steak whose edges are magically delicious, and whose central portions are basically blue rare - like steak tar tare that has not been sliced or seasoned. I mostly enjoyed the experience, but gave up about half way through and got a to-go bag. For the next day's brunch at our shared airbnb, I found a frying pan, some olive oil, salt and pepper, and fried up those leftovers, producing the best damn brunch steak my buddy and I had had in awhile.

    Partial Menu
    Eugene M.

    Just WOW! This was recommended by a neighbor so we made a reservation in advance which was good since they were turning people away w/o reservations. We didn't know this was the oldest restaurant in Florence, but they don't rest on the past. They have the usual Florentine Steak in 2 sizes, for one person or 2. We split the single since we also wanted to try the pastas and I had the French onion soup, I guess Italian onion soup which came out boiling! It was great, once it cooled off, and was not smothered in bread & cheese, just the right amount. The steak was far better than we had had in another recommended restaurant, a bit more expensive but worth it. The pasta was also good. Once done they brought a complimentary flourless chocolate cake, one of my favorites. Highly recommend . The Restaurant is in the cellar, fair warning if you are addicted to your phone, there is NO wifi or cell service :)

    Entrance
    Sandy Y.

    Food in Florence and Tuscany is pretty outstanding, but dinner at this renowned Florencian Steakhouse with owner and Chef Luciano will be one of the most memorable meals you'll have! This restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists. Reservations are required but are available online. Easily booked several weeks in advance, especially during peak season, you will definitely want to plan accordingly! Luckily, I came during mid-May and only needed a table for 1 so I was able to squeeze in a reservation just 2 days prior. The restaurant has a lovely ambiance! The decor is simple, elegant yet homey. Not pretentious or stuffy, but still sophisticated and neighborly. It's a great balance of fine dining meets home cooking! You get a peak into the kitchen and the restaurant is divided into 2 main dining rooms and a couple of tucked away private areas. Since it's a steakhouse, food is focused on meats but there are also several other options including seafood and pasta. I highly doubt you can go wrong with any choices here. Food is prepped daily, produce is always local, and there are always daily specials. I had the handmade pasta with peas and wild boar meat sauce, steak for 1, side of fried green beans, local house red wine, and chocolate torte. The pasta was perfection! Warm, buttery, with immense flavor but not overpowering. Simple but tasty! The steak was by far one of the best I'd ever had! I clearly couldn't finish it but I ate it 2 days later, cold and could cut it with a butter knife! It was divine! I don't drink wine in the US b/c I have a severe allergy to alcohol but I was able to tolerate this lovely house red that was so smooth. Chocolate torte is a house specialty made with no sugar, flour or eggs but tasted rich like chocolate ganache without all the refined ingredients, or the guilt! Service was stellar and I was able to meet and chat with head Chef and owner Luciano to learn about this amazing restaurant but also witness his love for food! One of the tables was a return customer, 2 nights in a row and was hoping for a 3rd during their week long visit! If a group of 10 hopes to eat at the same restaurant 3 times in a week, clearly they're doing something right! After dining here, I sent several other people I met during travel to this restaurant and all reported back with rave reviews! This by far was my best meal and Florence and one of the most wonderful dining experiences I've ever had in my life! I will always remember this wonderful meal and the amazing love and spirit that makes this food so delicious! If you're in Florence, I hope you don't miss out on this fabulous restaurant b/c it has a reputation for a reason!

    Incredible!!!!!

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    7 years ago

    Amazing steaks, amazing pasta, amazing ambiance a perfect dinner spot in the heart of Florence. Worth every penny.

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    People go for the steaks which are large potions, but the pastas and desserts are good too.

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    Page 2 of 2

    Buca Lapi Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Buca Lapi

    It's a classic restaurant for Bistecca Fiorentina, excellent service and food!

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    La Buchetta - Linguine in clam sauce

    La Buchetta

    4.8(309 reviews)
    0.9 kmDuomo
    €€€

    Another excellent spot we tried in Florence. We were greeted as soon as we walked in and seated…read moreimmediately. The staff was very friendly and our waiter was Nugo. He was awesome and had us laughing the entire night. We peppered him with a lot of questions about the menu, he answered everything and also accommodated my father-in-law, who is GF. He had his own GF bread basket and was able to order almost anything on the menu. We ordered a nice bottle of Montepulciano red for the table that was $48. Others had the Hugo spritz. For app I had the anchovies with roasted red pepper, sea salt and oil over grilled crostini, very good. I skipped first course and ordered the ribeye steak for my main course. Bone in, medium rare, sprinkled with sea salt and a side of onion marmalade. The steak was very good and had way less fat than I expected. The waiter suggested a huge steak for the table, but I was the only one ordering steak that night. Maybe next time. Others ordered the fillet and it was cooked perfectly, the angels and demons gnocchi, and the veal scallopini. Everybody was pleased Really cool spot with a very good wine selection, drinks, excellent food and a fun atmosphere that you don't find at many places. Nugo was an A+ server.

    Fyi there are two locations, make sure you go to the correct one (only two blocks apart)…read more Wonderful, laid back but inviting ambiance. Waiter was super friendly, taking time to explain their wines in detail and food options. They even have a kids menu with sizeable portions for older kids. We all thoroughly enjoyed our meal, and it was definitely the best wine we had with meals in Florence. Gnocchi and wild boar taglietelle were outstanding. Had we had come earlier in our stay we might have come back again They also do a wine window which I wish I'd known about earlier because the other one we tried for fun was not good

    Photos
    La Buchetta - A gigantic cork arched walkway. All corks came from wine opened here.

    A gigantic cork arched walkway. All corks came from wine opened here.

    La Buchetta
    La Buchetta

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    Trattoria Zà Zà

    Trattoria Zà Zà

    4.2(1.7k reviews)
    0.5 kmSanta Maria Novella
    €€

    Looking for a place to eat, found this gem and realized I wanted to try it. Everyone had told us…read moredinner reservations were a MUST here, but didn't think about it. Not many places actually have yelp reviews, but this one had so many with great feedback. The food looked amazing. When we arrived we thought they were closed, but that is because they moved to a bigger restaurant a few doors down. When we arrived at the front, the gentleman asked if we had reservations, which we didn't. He directed us to the line with no reservations. The line was a bit long, but doubled in size almost immediately. It also started pouring rain during this time and we were ALL getting drenched even with an umbrella. The non reservation line was not really moving unless people left the line. We waited a good hour. As we inched closer and closer, the lines were now both outrageous and getting seated seemed like a distant memory. The staff came out and gave out Sangria and Bread bites to help those in line feel welcome. We did finally get seated and we were so glad we waited, it was worth it! We ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara, the lobster spaghettini and the chicken breast with roasted potatoes. We also ordered sangria. Everything was so good and our total was 83 €. Prices were unbelievable! We were amazed at the quality, the service and how large the restaurant they relocated to was. It was like a well oiled machine. The food coming out quickly and efficiently. I will 100% be back if I return to Florence!

    What a maze of a restaurant, super interesting decor and set up. Such a cute restaurant with so…read moremany "rooms". Definitely can tell the old building and maybe they had expanded over the years. The service was amazing and the food delicious. This is one of the places that friends recommended and it's also on the list of many influencers. Tourist trappy, maybe. But the food was totally worth it. We were in the area around 4:30PM and decided to stop in, totally not expecting much as we didn't make a reservation but figured if they're open and not busy, why not give them a try. The most memorable dish we had was the appetizer we order - fried polenta with mushrooms and chicken liver pate, the polenta fried crispy, the mushrooms creamy and the chicken liver pate so smooth and savory. We also ordered 2 pasta dishes - wild boar sauce pappardelle and spaghetti alla carbonara. So tasty and with depth of flavors. Paired well with the house white wine we ordered as well. Definitely a spot you don't want to miss when in Florence.

    Photos
    Trattoria Zà Zà - The African zoo room

    The African zoo room

    Trattoria Zà Zà - His and hers

    His and hers

    Trattoria Zà Zà - Boccalona style Spaghettini

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    Boccalona style Spaghettini

    Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco - Steak Florentine

    Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco

    4.6(365 reviews)
    0.5 kmPalazzo Pitti
    €€

    Beautiful inside, about of twists and turns and we were in the patio , at the back of the…read morerestaurant. Amazing experience ! I highly recommend this restaurant as a stop in Florence . As recommended by Stanley Tucci , we had to stop here and enjoy their amazing delicious dishes. Reservations are highly required! The staff goes out of their way to make sure you have the opportunity to enjoy your meal in Florence . Everything was delicious from the veal lombatina to the pappardelle cing, to the onion flan , to the filetto Chianti ....just delicious . Of all of Florence this was my favorite restaurant.

    Believe the hype. And trust me, I was incredibly doubtful at first, afraid it would be overrated…read moregiven the absolute fandom around this being one of Stanley Tucci's go-to. On top of the pain of securing a reservation (they only take these over the phone; no online system), the only slot I could secure even as a solo diner was as soon as they opened, at 6pm, and via a bar seat. When I arrived, I was immediately greeted by several of the staff, all warm/kind. One of them offered me a table, even though I humbly mentioned I'd be fine with whatever was convenient to them. I looked around and saw what seemed to be majority American tourists so I had very standard expectations. Well, what commenced...my god. I'm getting chills now thinking about the entire experience. Just the absolute perfect dinner my first night in Florence. Everything on the menu looked fantastic and I was even tempted to order 2 Primi (pastas) but my server discouraged it, said they were quite large. Instead she guided towards the "must" appetizer, the "onion flan with pecorino cheese and truffle" followed by their signature pasta, "pappardelle with wild boar ragù" The appetizer literally brought me to tears as soon as I took a bite. I didn't think I liked truffle but this was life-changing. And the pasta was served piping hot and also to die for. I complemented the meal with a delicious glass of white and red and ended with the utterly divine tiramisu. I will be dreaming about this meal for years to come. So epic.

    Photos
    Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco - 6pm (1st seating upon opening was only reservation I could secure)

    6pm (1st seating upon opening was only reservation I could secure)

    Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco - Pappardelle with wild boar ragu

    Pappardelle with wild boar ragu

    Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco - Delicious Vermentino wine

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    Delicious Vermentino wine

    Vini e Vecchi Sapori - Paccheri with with zucchini flower & saffron

    Vini e Vecchi Sapori

    4.6(321 reviews)
    0.5 kmDuomo
    €€

    One of the best dining experiences I've ever had. No wonder it's always fully booked here!!The…read moreowner is so welcoming and kind, taking the time to introduce himself, the menu, and provide personal recommendations. The servers check in frequently and are quick to help with anything you need. The ambiance is lively with popular music, laughter, and conversation. We chatted with the table next to us on the way out and met some fellow Texans! On our way out, the owner also remembered my name and started introducing me to other tables to make friends. What a fun place to be! The food was absolutely amazing. When we saw them slicing the salami right in front of us, we decided to order the salami plate and we were so glad we did! The zucchini flower and saffron pasta was bursting with flavor and the pasta was so perfectly cooked. I couldn't get enough! The duck ragu pasta was also hearty, rich, and delicious. The sauce was so good, my family soaked up every last bit with our bread. The ricotta spinach ravioli was also amazing!! Again the sauce was such a standout. The ravioli was so fresh with the perfect amount of bite. The green pepper sauce steak was soooo good. Cooked perfectly, with such a unique sauce that the whole peppercorns added perfectly to in texture and spice. Finally, the raspberry tiramisu. We were so full, but when they set these down our dessert stomachs were ready. They were amazing! Not the strongest raspberry flavor, but still such a delicious end to the meal. Side note, you MUST have a reservation to eat here, and they only take reservations by call. Because I didn't have a way to call them, I asked my Airbnb hosts who did it for me (also amazing people). While we were eating, there was a crowd forming outside of people waiting to get in but unable to. It's so worth it to visit Vini e Vecchi Sappori! I'll definitely have to come back next time I'm in Florence.

    If you're planning a trip to Florence, make the effort to book a table at Vini e Vecchi Sapori…read more It's a small, popular restaurant that only takes reservations by phone, and it does seem to book up for every meal. We had our hotel call for us when we checked in and were lucky to grab a 1:30 lunch slot on a Thursday afternoon. We saw the fat physical reservation book when we went, and also saw an attempted walk-in get turned away. We wanted to go for dinner, but I'm just glad we were able to get in at all. Vini e Vecchi Sapori was easily my favorite restaurant in Florence. I loved the cozy, vibrant dining room, snug and eclectically decorated. We were at a table so tiny, I worried about pulling a muscle when I crossed my legs. It was nestled amongst other tiny tables, and abutted a counter where plates were put out for service and the reservation book set down in its glory next to my husband's head. Service was warm, efficient, and attentive. Our waiter basically told what to order and we obeyed him, with excellent results. The one-page handwritten menu, helpfully available in English, presented the day's offerings and this preemptive list of disclaimers: No Pizza No Cappuccino No The Fork No Ice No Spritz No Ketchup FUCK CANCER There was a brief selection of Italian wines by the glass, and we got the Chianti Classico and the Bruno de Montalcino, both lovely. The food was delicious, starting with good bread and good olive oil. We ordered the mixed Tuscany salami and the beef carpaccio as appetizers, and they were both superb and not in the least bit redundant. There were four or five types of salami, every one of them fantastic, and I loved the thin, silky carpaccio, served with rucola, parmesan, olive oil, and black pepper. We shared two splendid pastas, spinach ricotta ravioli in a creamy rose tomato sauce and a hearty pappardelle with duck ragu. For dessert, we had the lush, irresistible raspberries tiramisu. I plan to come back to Florence one day, and will make a point of coming back to Vini e Vecchi Sapori. It's a special restaurant, the kind you hope to find in Italy, a welcoming place with lively ambiance and wonderful food.

    Photos
    Vini e Vecchi Sapori
    Vini e Vecchi Sapori - Pappardelle with duck ragu

    Pappardelle with duck ragu

    Vini e Vecchi Sapori - Peposo

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    Peposo

    Trattoria Pallottino - Chicken and potatoes

    Trattoria Pallottino

    4.4(132 reviews)
    0.8 kmDuomo
    €€

    Second time in two years and yet again a wonderful experience. This time we took our daughter who…read morewas studying abroad in Florence and her friends out for dinner. House wine, starting with a few pastas to share and then a nice thick Bistecca Florentino cooked perfectly. This is the place to go for an authentic, unrushed, Tuscan night out.

    Bad experience with rude and disrespectful owner, severe lack of customer service skills. Some…read moredishes were ok. while my meatballs were not fully cooked, the ground meat was raw/bloody inside. Filthy bathroom! Small place, nothing fancy. 1 star because there is nothing LOWER to rate this place!!! FLINSTONES ERA!!! We were getting ready to pay the bill and leave, when the owner noticed that I have not eaten the meatballs. This man who spoke English, insisted on wanting to know what was wrong with the meatballs, I said I do no eat raw/bloody uncooked meatballs. He started raising his voice very loud and stated that "that's the way they like the meatballs there and they have done it the same way over 100 years. FLINSTONES ERA!!! Other customers look scared at him yelling at us, which was a totally unacceptable behavior from this man. I stated, 'that was my preference to eat fully cook ground meat,". He continued raising his voice at all of us and said, he does not take the price off the dish off the bill, no matter what. Which we did not even ask for. Obviously, his only concern was the money, rather than offer to cook the meatballs until fully cooked and to behave in a professional and respectful manner, since he chooses to serve customers from all over the world where customer service skills are absolutely necessary and his behavior was unacceptable.

    Photos
    Trattoria Pallottino - Seating is super tight

    Seating is super tight

    Trattoria Pallottino - Lasagna

    Lasagna

    Trattoria Pallottino - Main restaurant

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    Main restaurant

    Trattoria dall'Oste

    Trattoria dall'Oste

    4.3(402 reviews)
    0.4 kmDuomo
    €€€€

    Probably the most popular steakhouse in Florence. We gotta try the Florentine steak. After…read moreconsulting the server, we got the local Italian beef (forgot its name, but the fattier one). The steak came out with great presentation. Sizzling on a hot plat. Giant piece of meat. We easily finish all the meat, so it was good. The steak tasted normal though - not as beefy as dry aged beef, or not as flavorful at some other places i have tried (Porteno in Sydney), Just regular red meat taste. A little not salty enough. For sure not the best steak i have ever eaten. Probably due to the simple way how Florentine steaks are cooked. The tiramisu was also mid. Servers were somehow all non-Italian (Indians), so that gave me a touristy vibe. But whatever lol. Anyways, it was still a good dinner date overall, so just want to leave it at a positive note.

    Trattoria dall'Oste is a popular restaurant in Florence and there are multiple locations to choose…read morefrom. Restaurant is known for its for its steaks and pasta. Since we knew we couldn't finish the gigantic Florentine steak, we opted for the rib eye steak. I was particularly impressed with the steak. It was surprisingly tough considering it was rib eye. Did not notice much marbling on the rib eye either. On the other hand, I did enjoy the Beef Ragu as it provided tender chunks of beef in a tomato and carrot based ragu sauce. Very tasty and the pasta was tender and good bite to it. The service was subpar and uneven for us. Nobody even acknowledged us for 10 min after we sat and I had to flag someone to help us. The waiter seemed disinterested and just asked whether we are ready to order. Seems like they didn't know who was supposed to serve my table. Oh well. Guess I won't be coming back give all the restaurant options in Florence.

    Photos
    Trattoria dall'Oste - Interior

    Interior

    Trattoria dall'Oste - Spaghetti with Clams

    Spaghetti with Clams

    Trattoria dall'Oste - Wagyu steak

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    Wagyu steak

    La Giostra - My steak cooked perfectly and flavored just enough to be fabulous.

    La Giostra

    4.2(797 reviews)
    0.9 kmDuomo
    €€€€

    By far one of the most highly recommended restaurants when we were making our plans for Florence…read more Highly recommend making a reservation because the wait without one would have been quite long. This restaurant is such a VIBE. Cozy, romantic and a total scene. Service was great as was the food. It was tough because there was so much on the menu that I wanted to try but we couldn't not order the pear ravioli and the Florentine steak. If I went back I would want to try the ossobuco which I saw at the table next to us and looked dynamite. If you only had one night in Florence this is the restaurant I would recommend.

    Food was good but not necessarily the best we had in Florence. Given the reviews and the price I…read morewas hoping for a supreme experience. I shared two pasta dishes with my daughter (the handmade Pappardelle with Maremman Wild Boar Ragu and the Carbonara). Both were very good but not the best we've had. Appetizers were good: Salad with pecorino cheese, oranges, pine nuts and walnuts. We ordered the Octopus appetizer as well. The Octopus was beautifully prepared and presented, but didn't have much flavor. They nailed the Espresso Martini! One of the best I've ever had! We ordered the huge Florentine steak to share between 4 of us and it was more than enough. Ultimately what knocked this review down to 3 stars and what was really disappointing was how they targeted us as tourists with the note at the bottom of the bill (see picture). It read "GRATUITY NOT INCLUDED" in all CAPITAL LETTERS. Also note it was the only thing in English on the entire bill. If it had been our first meal in Florence we might have fallen for this tactic, however it was our last. There's definitely some hostility towards tourists in Florence. Don't get me wrong, some of the people and restaurants we've visited have been very welcoming and friendly. However we recently saw tourist taxes go up significantly, and then you see tricks like this on the bill at La Giostra. This was the ONLY restaurant in Florence where we encountered this. Once jet fuel prices make flying a relic of the past I would argue that some Europeans who depend on tourists for their livelihood may not miss our presence but will certainly miss our spending. Save your money and go research the many other places to eat while in Florence.

    Photos
    La Giostra - Vibes

    Vibes

    La Giostra - Steak

    Steak

    La Giostra - Interior

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    Interior

    Trattoria Giovanni - Tiramisu

    Trattoria Giovanni

    4.6(219 reviews)
    0.7 kmPalazzo Pitti
    €€

    Cozy restaurant! I had ossobucco (lamb) and my son had fresh pasta with beef cheeks, both were…read moredelicious!! We also had dessert and white wine! Staff attended us well. We would go back again!

    We had a lovely dinner at Trattoria Giovanni. We loved how cozy, spacious, and genuinely local it…read morefelt, like eating at your grandma's house. It's close enough to the lively, bustling part of Firenze to feel connected, yet just far enough to escape the city's never-ending wave of tourists. The service was incredible, and the owner (I'm pretty sure it was the owner?) brought so much energy that he single-handedly turned the whole place into an eclectic little spot during the "rush hour" of the evening. The menu was solid, if a bit "generic" at times. While everything we ordered was delicious, nothing at Trattoria Giovanni felt like a dish you couldn't find elsewhere... and honestly, that's perfectly fine! It was traditional, comforting, and exactly what we were craving. The plate of cured meats and cheese was phenomenal, a great start to the meal. The pastas were really good as well, though one of the meat dishes had a slightly off texture, with the chunks of meat a bit overcooked. All in all, we loved our meal and would definitely recommend this spot if you're in Florence.

    Photos
    Trattoria Giovanni - Exceptional service with great music selection! Every moment in this restaurant felt like being with a party of friends.

    Exceptional service with great music selection! Every moment in this restaurant felt like being with a party of friends.

    Trattoria Giovanni - Bistecca alla Fiorentina Chianina

    Bistecca alla Fiorentina Chianina

    Trattoria Giovanni - Bisetecca Florentino YUM!!

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    Bisetecca Florentino YUM!!

    Buca Lapi - tuscan - Updated May 2026

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