I don't know how it is that I have never reviewed Trattoria Roberto before. I think I must have been thinking that I would contribute to its huge popularity and it would lose its cozy family atmosphere and the special attention you get from the proprietors.
I have been to Florence four times and discovered it on trip number three. I was traveling with family and after a 15 hour travel day, we were all severely jet-lagged and ravenous. We just happened upon Roberto's and thought we would give it a try. I was fairly rummy and don't remember much from the meal except that the people were really nice and I had a pasta dish that was so good I felt close to human again.
On trip number four I was traveling with my sister and as we were flying into Florence my sister asked if I had any idea where I wanted to go for dinner. I said there was that little place we went the first night last time and I kind of feel like that's where we need to go again.
Some #@$^ said my reviews are painfully long, so you can blame him for my omission of each amazing dinner and stories in the eight nights we had dinner at Trattoria Roberto during my two week stay. So I will keep it short(er).
The owners are amazing. Alessandro runs the front of the house and makes everyone feel at home. Papa is the chef and cranks out amazing meals and as we got along so well I even got a couple meals not on the menu. Mama works both the front and back of the house. I can't say enough about all the meals I had there. Oh, and do order the pate as well.
While tourists tend to try this place, most customers are locals. Thus, it doesn't start filling up until 7:00PM and then you will get families, coworkers, etc. I was paying attention to what they were ordering and asked a few times about the dishes that were being served - so glad that I did as I was able to try things I likely wouldn't have ordered off the menu.
I had planned on returning to Florence this year but COVID happened and so I will have to wait another year. You can bet that Roberto's will be a regular spot for dinner. read more