In a nutshell: good food, over-priced, touristy, sneaky charges. The food itself is classic Italian. The pasta was not freshly made, but still taste decent. I ordered the lobster linguine and there was a surprisingly good amount of lobster. The sauce had a nice lobster flavor which coated each linguine noodle. I also had the veal Milanese, which is more like little veal nuggets; they were seasoned well. The saffron polenta cake that came with it was delicious. For dessert, I had the orange crepes. It had a custard cream filling which was unique. The olive oil and basalmic vinegar at the table were incredible! The restaurant is on the Piazza della Repubblica, so you can naturally expect a lot of tourists. In fact, I only heard English spoken during the two hours I was there. As a touristy spot, you can expect much higher prices. Although the food was good, expect to pay twice as much (1 star off) for similar food just blocks away. What I disliked about this restaurant is how they snuck in an additional "discretionary service charge" without telling me (1 star off). When I inquired about the charge, they told me that it was optional. I'm fine with paying gratuity in line with local practice, but don't like having optional charges snuck in, especially when local practice does not include as much gratuity as the U.S. I wonder how many tourists have paid the extra charge without knowing. Next time, I think I prefer dining at a less touristy place nearby with freshly made pastas and at least one Italian word spoken. read more

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Had a fantastic experience at Irene! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and Gemma was a truly lovely -- warm, attentive, and made us feel right at home. Highly recommend! read more

Really this is a 3.5 star review. I have visited Irene three or four times over the last several years. The location of the restaurant is convenient and the food is consistently good (but a bit expensive considering you can get better food for less elsewhere). The outside patio is lovely. Most recently, I had a delicious octopus there. The tiramisu was average. Unfortunately, the service isn't great. On my most recent visit, the server was visibly annoyed by the fact that we took up one of his tables and only ordered a couple of dishes. At the end of our meal, I asked for change (in order to leave a tip). I handed him a 20 and instead of giving me two fives and a ten, he handed me two tens/clearly expecting a 10 euro tip (which was beyond what is customary in Italy for the amount of food we ordered). We were annoyed by this, so we scrounged around in our bags and came up with 5 in change. As soon as we stepped outside, I realized I'd left my umbrella inside. I went back to retrieve it and the server didn't bother to address me. He instead haughtily informed the other server that nothing had been left behind (I heard him around the wall). Needless to say, this experience left a very bad taste in my mouth, but the food is good. read more

We were starving while in Italy! Lol the food is ummming interesting to the say the least. But when we went to Florence we saw this restaurant Irene. The BEST decision we made! Everything was delicious! The Sea Bass for hubby was so tender and flavorful! My pasta was so good! I literally cleaned my plate! The drinks were so good! Whenever we go out we just try stuff to see what is good. The bartender listened to what we had to say and made the drinks to our liking! Perfecto!!! Hands down a great place to sit and eat and listen to the beautiful Italian music! Ciao read more

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Read great reviews of this place but I was very unimpressed with this restaurant. The menu had a good variety but the food was too salty and lacked flavours and creativity. The price you're paying isn't worth it either. They even charge 7 euros for a bottle of water which just seems unnecessary and pretentious for a restaurant of this scale. The ambiance is lively as it's situated in the Piazza Strozzi. If this sort of atmosphere isn't for you I would recommend you sitting inside as it can get very noisy and hectic with the swarm of tourists and street musicians. We had a fennel and orange salad to start which was refreshing but nothing new or interesting about the dish, pretty much just put those two ingredients on a plate. Then we had the saffron risotto and the lobster linguine. Both were very average and they did not live up to the reputation this place has. For dessert we had the mint gelato with marinated pineapple. The pineapple was interesting but the texture was soggy and unpleasant. The cappuccino comes with little bite size biscuits and some roasted pecans which was a nice touch. Service was good, the servers are friendly and they do try their best to accommodate your requests. Good for a casual dinner if you're not looking for anything too fancy. However, the overall experience was mediocre. Considering that I prioritize the taste/presentation of dishes, that just didn't live up to their name. read more

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Nice restaurant at the Hotel Savoy, is great for lunch and delicious drinks on the bistro terrace outside or for a nightcap on a banquette at the bar inside. Also, wonderful attentive service. read more

Irene - Italian Near Me - Florence, FI

The team behind Irene - including Lydia Forte, her aunt Olga Polizzi (Design Director of Rocco Forte Hotels), restaurant director Paul Feakes and art director Felice Limosani - developed a very personal concept for the restaurant named after Lydia's grandmother Irene. The resulting space is a modern "Mad Men", a 1950s décor dominated by Scandinavian design armchairs with a warm lime green leather covering, contrasted with natural linen tableclothes topped with typical Tuscan "carta paglia". Hanging from the high ceilings is a mass of cylindrical lamps in the gently psychedelic colour scheme that we find behind the bar, where bottles are back-lit by a patterned wall. Vintage inspired glassware hosts signature cocktails, though the plates are a classy and local Richard Ginori white. Delicate, fresh ingredients are combined with love, everything is exceptionally light. Fish and sea-food star in many of the apetizers and primi, while meat makes an appearance amongst the secondi. Starters average 16 euro, Primi 18-22, secondi around 30 euros. Fresh desserts are a bargain at 4 euro. Full review at: http://www.arttrav.com/florence/irene-firenze/ read more

Irene - Excited to be at #irenefirenze - Italian Near Me - Florence, FI

What can i say about Irene other than it is not only the coolest name for a restaurant, ever, but i adore this new retro design and feminine take on a Tuscan menu. I had the pleasure of trying Irene out at their opening, colorful stripes and retro lighting made me feel like i was in an episode of mad men. They use original 1950's glassware and the tables are artfully decorated, you feel like you've entered a cooler new world. The food is inventive and healthy, chickpea pancakes with vegetables, raw fish carpaccio, vitello tonnato, red prawn tartare. It's all good! I especially enjoyed the fried calamari and veggies that they serve with a yummy agrodolce sauce. For dessert we had a traditional Italian zambaione with vin santo (italian dessert wine) and fresh fruits. I actually got to whisk some myself with the master Fulvio whose passion can make any dish into a superstar. Prices are on par with any nice restaurant in Florence, I think for someone looking to celebrate a special occasion or even a nice businesses lunch, this is the place to go. Well done Irene.. read more

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We saw this while walking by and thought it looked like a good place to try and boy, were we glad we did. First upon entering, we were great by Alberto who asked if we would like our umbrella and coats checked. We mentioned that someone stole one our two hotel umbrellas while shopping at the nearby Massimo Dutti store. Upon hearing this he proclaimed that he would not anything happen to it with much enthusiasm. Thorough out the night he entertained us with his subtle humor and energy. We started with the delicious octopus salad. Next we had the sand dab and the mini veal Milanese. Both very good. To finish we originally were going to share the tiramisu but it was so good we got a second. We also had a couple of nice lemoncellos. Definitely would come back on our next visit. read more

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Came here without seeing the yelp reviews and was very pleased. A beautiful outside area it was too hot (hottest day of the year I think at 35 degrees) we sat inside. The staff are very polite and attentive and the connoisseur is very talented choosing us out a great bottle of white. I had the foie gras and duck liver pate to start which was divine (I know it's French not Italian but still). I would suggest that to anyone who is a fan. I then went on to have the veal hamburger which was the strangest thing because I have never seen a veal hamburger (partly why u got it) it was very good indeed, very succulent and thick. Again if you are like me and have never had it before I would definitely suggest it. What is interesting is that the restaurant is actually part of a hotel but that is very well disguised so you do not notice it. I only know because I was told. The dress code is smart casual (for lunch) I'm not sure about dinner. There is a great opportunity for people watching especially with the beautiful view. I'm hoping I can spend a lot more time here in Florence and make sure to talk to Paul for any wine issues you may have, he is the best guy to solve your problems and tell you exactly where the best gelateria in town is. The menu is great as there is a very wide variety of food to choose from and it can suit everyone's needs. It has a really really nice vegetarian selection! Ciao read more

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Disappointing. Very expensive for the food quality. Bar is light on the pours. Sea bass was light on flavor and the Beef filet had a spiced taste. Dessert was the saving grace and the only reason I didn't give it a one. Wait staff was a mix between condescending and helpful depending on who it was. read more

Irene - Went here because it's my moms name - Italian Near Me - Florence, FI

Had a reservation at a premier steak house nearby, but it was empty and I hate that. Scanned Yelp for something else close by and found Irene. Outdoor seating is spectacular but full so I sat inside; close enough to look outside. Decor is modern, romantic, chic and a bit hip; a nice contrast to your typical trattoria that grows a little tiresome. Started with a 1/2 bottle of Antinori red. Dinner was filet of beef with olive oil mashed potatoes. Delicious. Service was superb. Atmosphere so perfect I sat there savoring the rest of my wine, people watching. (A terrific blonde American came in and sat at the bar. Was tempted to join her, but alas, my better judgment prevailed.) I'd return in a heartbeat. read more

Great staff, wonderful service, and the absolute BEST spaghetti with tomato and basil I have ever had in my entire life. Coming from two Italians, it's tough to call someone else's tomato sauce better than your own grandmother's, but this might actually top it. Definitely worth paying for their more pricey entrees compared to surrounding restaurants. You'll really get what you pay for. We will certainly be back when we visit Florence again! read more

Irene - Spaghetti with tomato and basil. The absolute best I've ever had. - Italian Near Me - Florence, FI

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My family and I discovered this place (via Yelp) on our first night in Florence. They have an outdoor seating area that is covered for shelter from the sun. I ordered some simple spaghetti with tomatoes and basil and it was the best pasta I've had so far in Italy. Right before our food arrived, a storm blew in, massive downpour. We all hustled inside and the staff continued to usher in non-patrons as well to give them reprieve. Very cool too see. Edit: We also loved the music. read more

Stayed at the hotel savoy for 4 nights and ate at Irene about 5 times :) great service. Great food. It's also in a very central location (not too far from Duomo). Would recommend to anyone coming to Florence. read more

What a great place! The food was great - we loved the steak and the wild mushrooms. The menu is creative so anyone will find something to eat. The service was great. We sat on the terrace and the ambiance was lovely. Relaxing, romantic, but also fun, as you can watch the piazza. We will go back next time we are in Florence. read more

A very good restaurant at a great spot in down town Florence. Professional staff and excellent food. The price is a bit above average.

So amazing. My favorite meal in Florence. The ravioli was AMAZING. Fantastic service and the waiters were so kind.

We were hot and exhausted and needed a seat and a spritz. 3 spritzs were 52Euros - that translates to $59.43 (USD). Overpriced to say the least. No where else in the 3 weeks we were in Italy did we pay more than 5E for a much better spritz. Go elsewhere. read more

The food was incredible here, one of the best restaurants in the square. The calamari was so fresh and light, we could have eaten multiple orders of it! The raviolis were to die for and the lasagna had the perfect amount of flavor. Portions were the perfect size, I wouldn't have been able to stop eating until my plate was clean and would have been overstuffed. The only thing stopping me from giving them a 5 star review is because we ordered the house wine and when we checked the bill they gave us one of the most expensive bottles of wine they had. Highly recommend but double check your wine before opening it!! read more

My son and I truly enjoyed our meal here - the food was first rate, the staff was very pleasant, and the atmosphere was lovely (airconditioned, American-style, during 100 degree days in Florence!). A calm, soothing setting with wonderful food! read more