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La Cucina del Garga

4.3 (76 reviews)
Closed 7:30 pm - 10:30 PM

La Cucina del Garga Photos

LA CUCINA DEL GARGA ATMOSPHERE

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

Recommended Reviews - La Cucina del Garga

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Daniela S.

Amazing amazing amazing. A short 15min walk bought us to this quaint welcoming home feeling devine eatery. We were welcomed by whom we imagine to be the owner who sat us by the window in a room filled with amazing art. Our server greeted us with a complimentary glass of prosecco and polenta appetizer which was I ordered the house special the lemony homemade fettuccini which was like no other taste I ever experienced. Loved every single bite. Everyone's dish was exquisite. And dessert...,omg dessert was, thank you baby Jesus, AMAZING. We had the mascarpone pudding, homemade cheesecake and gluten free choc cake. Nothing bad could be said. From location, to service, to meal -- everything was AMAZING! Highly recommend to anyone in the area. Not a touristy spot -- definitely a small mom and pop homemade everything kinda place.

Mixed salad with avocado and artichoke hearts. Very light but very good...obably the best thing we had all night.
Brian S.

It saddens me to have to give Garga only two stars, considering how excited we were to come here based purely on amazing Yelp reviews, but our experience was disappointing to say the least. The meal actually started off great, we were welcomed by prosecco on the house, and that was even followed up by complimentary focaccia bread as well, which was delicious. Also I asked for the chicken & avacado dish (which I had read about in a few reviews) only to learn it was no longer on the menu. However, they still have it to me. However, here are the negatives: -Mixed up our reservation, so that we had to wait to return on Saturday after originally booking a reservation on Thursday night -10% "service charge" on top of the meal (highest I've seen in Italy) -Had to wait 20 minutes after being seated to be greeted by our waiter and place and order -We waited 40 minutes between our appetizers and entrees (and even after all that time, they still gave me the wrong one!!) -As stated above, after the waitress talked about going out of her way to bring me the old chicken dish with truffle sauce and avocado that is no longer on the menu, they mixed it up and brought me the new menu item instead. Then although a server corrected the issue for our waitress, our waitress never at any point came over to apologize. -Lastly the spinach ravoli with meat sauce was very subpar (which surprised me considering how fantastic it sounded) Overall two stars: for that price (70+ euros without wine, 90+ euros with wine) you better be getting great service, and sadly it was pretty poor. Won't be coming back.

cheesecake

Can't recommend enough. We found this spot wandering for dinner around 9:30pm on a thursday and walked in seated and all no issues. Nicola, our waiter, was exceptionally kind and we felt very welcome in an all Italian place. The gnocchi ragu special was a dream as well as the codfish. The flavors of every bute were like nothing I've had before in Florence. Nicola recommended the cheesecake and he did not dissapoint. Best one we have ever had by a milestone. Nicola brought us limoncello on the house as we were ready to leave. Amazing service, beautiful food. Will be coming back. Perfect place.

Ann T.

I have to update my review simply because I went three times during my week in Florence. Yes, it's that good. The 2nd and 3rd times I ordered the strozzapreti with pistachio pesto, lime and pinoli, and the fettuccine with shrimp, calamari and clams in olive oil. Both dishes were phenomenal! The pesto dish had such a unique flavour without being overpowering as a result of the lime. The seafood dish was equally delicious, and chef Garga does NOT cheap out on the seafood. There were big shrimp, lots of fresh calamari and tasty little clams. I think there was more seafood than pasta! It was fresh and incredibly flavourful - I don't particularly like calimari so never order this at home, but I can tell you that I ate every single tentacle on my plate. I had the Tiramisu one evening and wow, simply fantastic. I also want to give a shoutout to the owner and staff for being so warm and hospitable - especially when I showed up last night without a reservation. Somehow they found me a table so that I could enjoy my last meal in beautiful Firenze. Grazie Mille, forza Garga!

Delicious mascarpone cheesecake with yogurt top.
Alessa T.

Fantastic! Do yourselves a favor and visit Garga. Whimsical restaurant with delicious food. We were first greeted with prosecco, and fried polenta with cheese. Nice starting treat! We ordered the Carciofi al Salto (sautéed artichoke with pistachio and parmesan), which was great. Large portion with great flavors. The artichoke rests on a bed of arugula. The blend of flavor between the large pieces of parmesan, pistachio, tomato and arugula was delicious! For dinner we had the "trofie con salsa di pistacchi y pomodorini" and tagliatelle de "magnifico". The trofie was light and full of flavor. The pistachio gave a nice crunch to the dish. The tagliatelle was magnificent (pun intended)! The layers of flavor were unexpected but welcomed. Lastly we ordered the cheesecake which was w a wonderful ending. The yogurt cut through then sweetness, and the crust was fresh and crumbly. Highly recommend!

Fettuccine

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Fantastic place real florentine food. I want to go back soon. Food was the best that I had in Florence.

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La Cucina del Garga Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - La Cucina del Garga

The experience of being with a local chef and learning all about the food and culture of Florence was spectacular.

Mentioned in 25 reviews

Read more highlights

La Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de Medici

La Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de Medici

5.0(2 reviews)
0.2 kmSanta Maria Novella

La Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo Medici has to be one of the top flight schools of Italian cooking…read more Everything about it is so totally impressive form its huge open modern design to its formally attired chef and master chef instructors attired in their dress whites with 52 pleated chef hats. Unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to attend any of the classes, though I wish I would have. However, I did carefully observe just about everything of their operations and the instructors left no detail to chance or uncovered. For example I noticed one student incorrectly cracking an egg against a knife edge and immediately saw two chef instructors showing him and instructing him on how to properly do it against a flat surface and they didn't leave him until he got it right. Also the instructors are constantly observing, tasting, having the students taste and advising throughout the entire process of students cooking. The instructions and classes are done in a totally "hands on" process of instruction. Furthermore you'll find that most of the students aren't comprised of armatures or wannabe cooks, but those who are already professionals and are there to improve and further hone their culinary talents. I've fortunately had the opportunity to observe many schools of cooking and culinary instruction including those of the Culinary Institute of America and have to say that those of the La Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo Medici were amongst the most impressive.

Took a cooking lass at the Central Market! What an amazing experience. Go on their website for…read morecooking class dates. €50 per person per class. You will not be disappointed

Photos
La Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de Medici - Filling ravioli

Filling ravioli

La Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de Medici
La Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de Medici

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Gigliocooking School

Gigliocooking School

5.0(7 reviews)
2.2 kmOberdan

I had a wonderful private cooking class with Marcella. Prior to the class, we planned the menu of…read morewhat to make. Marcella has a deep knowledge of food history and techniques. She is able to tell you the story of an ingredient, how it is cultivated, and how it can be applied for culinary purposes. She provided detailed instruction on how to cut, what to look out for while cooking, and even gave a lesson on how to pick a "good olive oil". I was even more impressed to find out that Chef Marcella had a deep knowledge of medieval cooking, a particular interest of mine. She was able to explain how different spices were used at the time, and how the Italian kitchen evolved over time. She has a profound knowledge of food history and the culinary arts. This being said: The class is what you make of it. If you are engaged and you ask questions, you will learn and get answers. If you attend just to follow a recipe, it may prove a less than enriching experience. I asked many questions, and Chef Marcella remained patient, taking the time to impart her knowledge upon me. I was extremely appreciative of this. My menu included: fresh pasta, stuffed zucchini flowers, filet all'aceto balsamico, and an olive oil cake with red-wine caramel sauce. Since my class I have made 3 of the 4 recipes. I took careful notes during the class and truly feel that Marcella made sure I mastered these recipes. The class can be as serious as you would like to make it. I would recommend letting Marcella know your particular goals with the class and your skill level so that she can plan the best class for you. High marks to Chef Marcella!

I went here as a class field trip with other study abroad students and had an amazing time!…read moreEveryone here was really helpful and kind to us, and we even got to take home the recipes at the end so we could show our families what we learned in class! If you're looking for an authentic Italian cooking class in Florence, I would recommend no place other than Giglio Cooking.

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Gigliocooking School
Gigliocooking School
Gigliocooking School

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Cordon Bleu - Bruschetta

Cordon Bleu

4.5(4 reviews)
0.9 kmSanta Croce

We went here with EF Go Ahead tours. We were so excited to make, eat and enjoy the start to finish…read moreproduct of Tiramisu, Pici pasta with a tomato sauce and bruschetta as a starter. We get here and they start the tiramisu right away. And ask for 2 (out of 16) volunteers. Then we watched these 2 make the tiramisu and the staff finish. Then the Pici pasta. They they asked for 4 volunteers to make the Dough. Then they called on everyone to help knead and roll out the dough. The thought that you and your partner / spouse Are actually going to eat the food that the 2 of you prepared is not accurate. The food was good, the chefs were awesome. But the description of what to expect was way off.

Upon meeting our chef Thomaso at our hotel, my wife and I, knew we were in for a real treat. Our…read morevisit to the Central Market was not only educational, but, fun and exciting. We selected florentine tomatoes and porcini mushrooms for our necessary ingredients. Upon arrival at the Cordon Blu cooking school, we were greeted by Gabriella the founder and owner. We shared a cup of coffee and proceeded to begin our class with Thomaso. Our menu included tiramisu, bruschetta with porcini mushrooms and of course, the making of fresh spaghetti and tomato sauce. The preparation was fun and with Thomaso's guidance, educational. We totally enjoyed our delicious meal and gained incredible satisfaction knowing we created it ourselves. We strongly recommend taking a cooking class from the Cordon Blu to enhance your Florence vacation, and allow you to bring home some knowledge to make some Italian meals back home....and by the way "you're welcome!"

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Cordon Bleu - Our work station

Our work station

Cordon Bleu - The cordon Bleu cooking school

The cordon Bleu cooking school

Cordon Bleu - Fresh florentine tomatoes, garlic and olive oil with a touch of bay leaf.

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Fresh florentine tomatoes, garlic and olive oil with a touch of bay leaf.

Gigliocooking School - Chef Marcella!

Gigliocooking School

5.0(1 review)
2.2 kmOberdan

The culinary school is as good as it gets!!!…read more It IS however, for serious cooks! Maria IS a serious chef and the intinery is intense. We plannned the class during the week and everyone who partisciapted enjoyed it very much AND learned. Wine was served at the end of the "prep" along with dinner. There was NO drinking doing the presentation. We highly recommend this for any visitor to Italy.

From the owner: Gigliocooking is a modern school with a professional character…read more Cooking courses of different matter and lasting times are offered over the year. We also offer private and open 1 day lessons. With us, you learn to make the real Italian food in a comfortable environment. Here you will discover the secrets and everything that will enhance your cooking techniques from true Italian Chefs. Gigliocooking is a unique experience of culture and fun, for both professional and amateur level. The school was born in 2009 with the will to create a place where Cooking is not competition, but it is taught as what it really is, everything else: chemistry, nutrition, culture, history, health, sharing, beauty, necessity. You enter the school through a small courtyard. The work space is a very well lighted large room equipped with professional instruments. It is located in the city of Florence, about 10 minutes walking from Porta alla Croce, one of the doors to enter the historical center. It is very near the gardens of the riverside Lungarno del Tempio. Walking along the river from the city center is the best way to get here.

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Gigliocooking School - Seafood risotto

Seafood risotto

Gigliocooking School - Private lessons

Private lessons

Gigliocooking School - Pizza class

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Pizza class

Trattoria Zà Zà

Trattoria Zà Zà

4.2(1.7k reviews)
0.3 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.

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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

La Cucina del Garga - italian - Updated May 2026

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