On our last day in Florence, we dined at Osteria Vecchio Cancello for dinner- we tried to go here for dinner a few years ago when traveling through the area, but couldn't make it due to a travel delay, so we are happy we could come back this time. We made a dinner reservation in advance, and arrived a few minutes before our dining time and were seated immediately. The restaurant staff greeted us warmly and the dining room is really beautiful and really nicely decorated and is very comfortable. We ordered a bottle of wine to start, and had complimentary bread to accompany it. We went in and ordered a salad to start, followed by the duck pasta, and the Florentine steak. The minimum was 1.3 kg for the steak when we were there, which was plenty big and they also bring the steak to the table on the scale to ensure the weight of the meat is ok before they start cooking. All food and service were absolutely amazing and a great meal while we were in Florence! read more

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We had a wonderful time here. My wife and I were on our honeymoon and this was our nice meal on the trip. We were seated in the back of the restaurant in the garden and it was lovely. We started with negronis, mushroom pasta, and risotto with cod and pistachios. Everything was incredible. All the dishes had very few ingredients but was cooked and seasoned to perfection. For the main, we split a Florentine steak. It was massive (1.4kg/3.1lb precooked weight) . It was cooked rare and it was served with flaky salt, pepper, and olive oil. It was very much worth the hype. The waiter also recommended a red wine to go with the steak and it paired perfectly. They also served a half bottle which was perfect to share with someone for the mains. We finished with tiramisu which was really nice. They served us limoncello (on the house) after and kept on refilling our glasses (we had 3-4 shots each) until we told them that we had enough. To top it all off, they sent us home with a bottle of their house wine. 12/10 experience, would definitely go back next time I'm in Florence. read more

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The best experience and meal of our trip.....in 2023! Thought I simply must post this wonderful picture of the wonderful owner. read more

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Great service from check in thru dinner. We were 10min early (reservation at 19:00). Waiter was nice and friendly. The food was excellent and their house red was great. We chose to dine in their covered patio which was brighter. Very nice ambiance. read more

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I had just gotten into Florence and was not aware that you needed reservations for most places. The owner was quite accommodating to me even though I walked in and interrupted his meal. It was 630 and they weren't even open until seven. He asked if I had a reservation, which I did not, but he still was able to accommodate me at seven, which was wonderful. I'm going back tonight to eat again. It's a wonderful place with a great atmosphere and service. The food is delicious. read more

WOW dinner here was amazing!!! You must make a reservation to eat here they will be booked up if you try to walk in! We were able to reserve the day prior. Walking in, this restaurant is definitely unique. Each wall is filled with unique decorative items and it feels like you are in a well established place. They are known here for the Florentine Steaks, which is primarily the reason we wanted to come here. When in Florence, trying the Florentine steak is a must! They have 2 options for the steak and opted for the filet cut. Both are big enough for 2 people as they're basically 46oz portions. We did the side of vegetables and potatoes. The bring the raw cut of steak out to you at the table to show you the cut and weight before cooking. Once being cooked, it came out quickly!! Their recommendation of temperature is medium rare, which we opted for. Service was nice, they bring out a hot plate before the steak comes and assist you in dressing the first piece. The steak is pre-sliced and the server will serve the first piece, put some olive oil and black salt on it before letting you dine. That was cool to see!! The salt and olive oil taste so good on there. Between the 2 of us we left just a little steak behind and were able to eat mostly everything. The oven roasted potatoes were so tender and well seasoned. Great side choice. The vegetables were not cooked fully and were hard but that's ok, we still ate them and everything else was amazing. On the way out we were stopped by someone who appeared to be the owner who asked us how the meal was. He stated he had a gift for us and gave us a bottle of the house wine which is made specially for the restaurant. How cool!!! I couldn't thank him enough what a great dining experience! Highly recommend Vecchio Cancello especially if you want to try Florence's signature steak! read more

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During our first night in Florence my wife and I stumbled across this restaurant and man ole man, it was an experience. Firstly, the ambiance of the space is such a vibe! (A great feeling). It almost made you feel like you were walking into someone's home so it definitely made us feel welcome. We decided to sit in their garden area and was quickly greeted by our waiter. After reviewing the menu and asking a few questions, we decided on ordering a glass of their house wine and some Ravioli dishes. I ordered the Tortello dell' Appennino - stuffed ravioli with duck meat sauce and my wife ordered the Mezzelune - ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach with fresh truffle and toasted almonds. Smh ugh both dishes tasted amazing! And they were the perfect portion size so we weren't super hungry or bloated afterwards. While we waited for the check, the waiter offered us some shots of lemoncello (alcoholic) and they had a nice kick to them! And just when we taught the experience couldn't get any better, the owner greeted us on the way out and gave us a free bottle of their house wine as a gift for dining with them! Trust me, if you're looking for a restaurant to try out, look no further, this is it! Also - random things to keep in mind: - call to make a reservation before going if you can. We caught them on a slow night (Wednesday around 8pm) so we were able to walk in. But don't chance it cause it can get busy quick! - we aren't big red meat eaters but this spot is also know for their steaks. The group next to us ordered a streak the size of my head, no lie! They even big it out and weigh it in front of you so you can know how much it is. It's definitely an experience to try if you enjoy steaks. And the smell smh amazing! read more

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First meal in Florence! Thank goodness we made a reservation beforehand because it got pretty packed for lunch. We arrived right when it opened so we were one of the first people to get seated. Everything was so yummy and cooked to perfection. We got the steak and pappardelle. The restaurant atmosphere was lovely and cozy. And the staff were super friendly. Loved that they brought out a scale to weigh the steak out in front of you. Definitely would love to try this restaurant again if I'm ever back in the city! read more

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4.5/5 - Made a rez well ahead of time, got there and service was practiced and on point. A little fast for Italy... but everybody spoke english and this place knows its rankings and is catering to tourists. Pasta and wine were legit and the steak was some of the best I've had in recent memory... rare, thick, juicy, and left the bone so I could get all the meat off. Awesome steak, I'd go back- even gave us a bottle of wine as we were leaving read more

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Great friendly staff- great food-great atmosphere- Food was delicious I wouldn't even know where to start. The black truffle ravioli I must mention as it was so special. We tried a bunch of apps, pastas, entrees - all fabulous! All around a great meal, friendly and accommodating staff - ****fabulous with allergies too- *****( allergy charts, waiter verified ingredients- couldn't felt more comfortable and at ease!) THANK YOU!!! we would definitely visit again when in town. Bravo! Enjoy! read more

The food here is delicious and the staff is so friendly. Inside feels open and intimate at the same time. It is a top rated restaurant on TripAdvisor and all of Florence, making it a little harder to snag a seat. I would definitely recommend making a reservation beforehand. There were a mix of tourists and locals. The pasta tastes fresh and is seasoned very well. They also offer a basket of free bread. I can see why this place is highly rated! The pasta is well priced for decent portions that leave you there feeling full. read more

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Outstanding We had great food. We had great wine. The service was so friendly. Even as you walk by the kitchen, all the staff say good evening. We went for the steak and we were not disappointed. Absolutely divine. A perfect evening and we would highly recommend. read more

The best restaurant we went to in italy, and the best food we had so far. The cured meats and cheeseboard came with truffle honey and fig jam, and the crositinis were simply divine! The risotto with pumpkin and cod was one of the best risottos I had, the the fillet meat came with two special salts (volcanic and lava) and both went so well with the meat. The cheesecake was very soft and light, and the perfect finish to the meal. The servers were exceptional and described every plate in detail for us. Would come here again in a heartbeat. read more

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This is an absolutely lovely Osteria! We enjoyed a late lunch here and the food and service were excellent! My wife especially enjoyed the Florentine Tripe Stew! Again, the service was excellent and as we were leaving, I was presented with a bottle of their Tuscan wine. First rate restaurant! read more

Great hospitality, impeccable service, warm atmosphere, and delicious fresh food. We ate the burata & tomatoes appetizer, mezzeluna truffle ravioli, osso buco & tiramisu. Nicola our server was fantastic, the wine was fantastic and they even offered us some homemade limoncello and a bottle of wine as a gift. They were so kind and generous and said it was an honor to be a part of our memory- adorable. read more

Osteria Vecchio Cancello - Tiramisu, fresh and light - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

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Exceptionally good. One of the best meals I've had in Italy. L'uovo Freddoloso starter was incredible. Also had an eggplant starter that was excellent. Wild boar pasta and sliced beef entrees. If they had been open the other night we were in Florence, I may have returned and tried that bistecca. Staff were excellent. Funny and friendly. Space was cozy and charming. Can't ask for more. Highly recommended. An all-time favorite. read more

Decent non-touristy spot in downtown Florence. Super hot night and this place was a bit of a refuge. A bit dark, but really nice meal and great service. Had the crostini which was nice and tried the cod with chickpeas. Fish was great as was the tomato sauce, but the chickpeas were sort of a weird add-on. My wife had the ravioli with trout. So good. Nice, if unremarkable spot with solid service and food. Good choice and we definitely enjoyed. read more

Osteria Vecchio Cancello - Trout ravioli / pasta. - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

One of our best meals in Italy, only wish we had made reservations to go back on our final night instead of thinking we had to try other places. We wanted to buy a bottle of the house wine to drink at our hotel and we were given a bottle as a gift. Amazing food and hospitality! read more

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The best spaghetti pomodoro I had in Florence (called "Lo Spaghetto" on the menu). It had the freshest-ever tomato sauce made with in-season cherry tomatoes, just bursting with flavor and a subtle natural sweetness. Also had a mixed salad with insanely flavorful and juicy melon and a really tasty reduced balsamic (ordered without the cheese). Both perfect, so satisfying vegan options. Tucked away spot with mostly locals. Excellent service and cheap wine. read more

Osteria Vecchio Cancello - Lo spaghetto (pomodoro) - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

Why this needs five stars: 1. Service was friendly and welcoming. Upon entering, I felt like I was with friends. 2. Service was passionate about what they were serving, so that I could understand and appreciate it even more myself. 3. Service was generous, eager to give a sample on anything I was curious about 4. Delicious dishes that are a perfect example to how good authentic Tuscan food can be 5. Great arrangement of the dishes by the chef, with attention to detail. 6. Great wines - all local, distinctive, and inspiring 7. Home made Prosecco, Cantuccini, Vin Santo, and limoncello read more

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Great food and service. We went three times in the month in Florence. Reservations are a must. Very laid back and so friendly. Tried something different each time. Great wine list! read more

We had no reservation, and they were going to send us to a restaurant down the street then a waiter came up and said he would make time for us! Valentino was our Angel today on a rainy day in Florence! Because of his kindness we had the best meal ever!! I had the truffle ravioli and my husband had the tagliatelle with wild boar! This meal was so incredible that it almost made me cry with the kindness shown to us and how impeccable the food was!! read more

I was honestly looking forward to eating at Vecchio Cancello because my hotel, Piazza Castri 1874 said that it was excellent. I entirely disagree with this statement. Sure, the food is OK Italian fare, but the staff is RUDE and UNHELPFUL! I started off by walking into the restaurant and no one seated me for 10 minutes even though the restaurant was nearly empty. Then, in the middle of while I was eating my bread and olive oil, and I had put all my photography equipment from shooting fashion week Florence all day down at the table as I liked it, they told me I had to switch tables for some reason. So ridiculous that they would they seat me there and then make me move! I was SO tired from shooting all day, and they honestly made my day that was supposed to end in a nice dinner even MORE stressful, rather than pleasant. the caprese and the sliced beef in morellino red wine sauce. Both were fair. Nothing special, despite what the hotel told me. They said it would be fabulous, but it the food mediocre, and the service was TERRIBLE! The decor is very traditional Italian, which I liked, but it was almost verging on peeling wallpaper and dusty antiques. Needs a fresh paint job, at the least. I give this restaurant 2 stars because the staff SUCKS and the restaurant is unpleasant. Unfriendly, impolite, and generally cannot be bothered staff! Ugh! The worst. read more

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There's nothing quite like a meal that puts a smile on your face and a sambuca on your lunch bill. I have loved Vecchio Cancello II since I first ate there and today decided to try Vecchio Cancello I, the original. Neither are in the center of town, but both are 100% worth finding your way to! The most noticeable similarity is how totally accommodating the staff is! Both places! Both places noted that I wanted water but did not want a whole liter of it, and both waiters courteously poured me a glass for my pleasure. Free! And both had the best freshest salad in the world, with fabulous pecorino, olives, and ridiculously desirable carrot strips. Both served a house red that they are deservedly proud of. The second Cancello is prettier, but the first one made me happy with an extravagant dish of lamb chops and roast potatoes, not to mention a sambuca (free!) that beat espresso for the finale. And they even gave me a doggie bag since I could not finish this all ! Unheard of in Italy! People, damn, life can be so good! read more

This place is located on a quiet street close to the train station in Florence. This was actually the best place my parents and I ate at, on our week-long trip through Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. Instead of sitting inside we sat at one of only two candle lit tables set outside. Despite being the most awesome third wheel ever to exist, our dining experience was very intimate and lovely. Our server, a young woman, spoke perfect English and gave us recommendations as her father was the cook. We shared the Antipasto del contandino as an appetizer, which came with panzanella, bruschetta, tripe salad, and pecorino cheese with honey and walnuts. The tripe was AMAZING. Almost too tender to believe you were even eating tripe and lemme tell ya' tripe is so easy to serve almost inedible. Quite the opposite here. My dad had an enormous steak that covered his plate, I had the risotto with sausage, and my mom had the tagliolini with cod in chickpea sauce. True Italian food it seems, has layers of subtlety that is completely lost in the US. They use less garlic, less salt and less cheese to make their ingredients shine. I only wish we ordered more to try. I will definitely be coming back. read more

Osteria Vecchio Cancello - Tagliolini pasta with cod in chickpea sauce. - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

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We had such an amazing experience here. The restaurant provides a nice, slow-paced meal with fast and excellent service. Our waiter was so personable and helpful with selecting wine and food. Everything we ate was simply fantastic. The ingredients were clearly high quality and very fresh. The truffle ravioli was so scrumptious I couldn't stop giggling - seriously. I'm pretty critical of steak being from Texas but the steak Florentine was cooked perfectly and exceeded my expectations. I will definitely be back next time I'm in Florence. read more

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My wife and I and our three children came back from a whirlwind tour of Tuscany and wanted a place that was close and good. Carmel at Hotel Bargellino suggested Osteria Vecchio Cancello just across Via Guelfa. It was outstanding! The ravioli with truffle, cream and walnuts was crazy good. My kids mopped up every bit of sauce with bread that was dense and made for dipping. Lo Spaghetto was fresh and delicious. The Tuna with Pine nuts and pistachios was a wonderful Italian spin on sushi grade tuna and was the highlight of the night. The wine was wonderful, the service was relaxed and never forced. We would eat here every day if we could. Bravo! read more

Osteria Vecchio Cancello - Family on the Ponte Vecchio - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

This place doesn't deserve the star ratings they have , I ordered the cod it was too salty and not flavorful at all, the mushroom tagliatelle the pasta had a chewy rough texture not fresh at all and the spinach flan appetizer was bitter and in the eggplant appetizer the eggplant was hard and not thoroughly cooked not impressed for Italy ,there are way more amazing places to try like brandolino try them they are amazing if you're traveling to Florence read more

Loved this restaurant. Had amazing red wine and I don't even like red wine. The pasta I had was delicious and the steak was to die for. I would definitely return read more

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Very nice place a little off the beaten path. Nice atmosphere and the last room in the back is an enclosed outdoor area. The food is good, a reasonable wine selection for a small place and the waiters were friendly. If you go there after a hot day it will be very warm when you walk in but as you move to the back it cools down. This place is worth going to. read more

The food was great and extremely affordable. The wait staff did a great job of explaining the menu and suggesting pairings for dinner and appetizers. Definitely try the vegetable pie- it is not something I would usually order, but our waitress highly recommended it so we tried it and it was one of our favorite dishes! Wine was great as well. read more

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Osteria Vecchio Cancello was a couple of steps across Via Guelfa from where my wife and I were staying, so we stepped in for dinner one evening, since her feet were too sore to walk too far after sightseeing all day. The place is wonderful, like having dinner in the home of a friend. It's warmly and comfortably decorated and the staff is very nice. We both decided to partake of the pappardelle with wild boar; the pasta was great, and the sauce was delicious. We shared a bottle of wine from the owner's farm, also delicious. I'm sure the other items on the menu are also delicious. read more

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Tied for best meal on 10 day trip to Italy! It was recommended by our tour guide as more local and it definitely had a more local feel but still good for tourists. Everything was great but the table on the back patio was outstanding. Call ahead for a reservation. read more

Great local place off the beaten path. Friendly wait staff. Cute interior. Reasonable prices. The bistecca was the best we had in Firenze. We had the fried potatoes and the sautéed chard, both of which were delicious. Bottle of Chianti was only 14€. Highly recommend. read more

A little bit hidden this is a very nice and typical Italian restaurant with a great rustikal and warm ambience. The food was very good also I found it hard to decide which dish to take as the card was relatively small and not everything hitting my taste. The reason why we don't give 5 stars is the fact that the wine we wanted to order was not available and the recommended alternative was not that good. Also I received my soup which was intended to be a starter together with my friends pasta so I had to eat my Pasta alone..don't know why that could happen. read more

Must have the wine and accept their guidance - it's their vintage and superb. The filet is perfect. The salads are worthy of being meals in themselves. Strongly recommended spot. I've gone back twice and intend to again. read more

Excellent in every way! The quail risotto was divine. The family-made wine was so impressive that we bought a bottle to take back with us to the hotel for another night. This restaurant was recommended to us by someone who visited here two years ago. So glad we took her up on her suggestion. read more

Fantastic food!! We, a family of four, had a wonderful last evening in Florens at this restaurant. Excellent parma-ham with melon for starter, the best T-bone-steak EVER, and a dessert of mascarpone cream (with white chocolate?) and berries. Very nice service as well. I would really recommend a visit! read more