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    Trattoria Sostanza

    4.6 (146 reviews)
    PriceyTrattorie, Italian
    Closed 12:30 pm - 2:00 PM, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

    Trattoria Sostanza Trattorie Restaurant Photos

    TRATTORIA SOSTANZA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Intimate
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Trattoria Sostanza

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    Pasta with meat sauce
    Adam S.

    OMG if you are in Florence, you have to come to Trattoria Sostanza for dinner - the food and service are absolutely amazing and you see a lot of locals also dining there as well and I can see why! The restaurant opens and immediately there is a line that forms outside. You have to have a reservation or you are not getting a table as the restaurant is very small. There are two seating times for dinners, one at 7 and one at 9:30 PM, nothing else. And you are seated in large family size tables, so you will most likely be sharing the table with someone else or a couple of parties. The servers are all so friendly and offer to answer any questions you may have about the menu. We ordered a bottle of wine to start with a good selection all at good prices. We started with the Tuscan crostini (each for 4 Euros), and then got the pasta with meat sauce (12 Euros), Tortellini in Chicken broth (13 Euros) and the butter chicken to share (23 Euros). All food is very simple, but OMG the quality is amazing and everything was fresh and flavorful. For dessert we got the dessert (meringue with strawberries) for 11 Euros which is a must get as well. If you're in Florence, definitely stop in, you'll be glad you did!

    Entrance
    Vicki S.

    Two seatings a night, don't try and get in early, they open the door at 7:30 for the 7:30 seating. Everyone orders the same main dish, butter chicken and one dish is enough for two people. It's the star of the show. Maybe get some spinach or beans to go with it but trust me, you are here for the chicken... Five stars

    Front of business.

    A little difficult to find, but worth the effort. There are only six tables and three seatings per day. Make the effort to get a reservation! We were lucky enough to talk to the owner in person and obtain a reservation for two, for later in the evening. Persistence paid off! This was the best meal we ate in all of Italy. Small, nothing fancy, but truly authentic old school cooking. The staff were awesome! Like other reviews state, BUTTER CHICKEN!

    Owner
    Randall M.

    Front Desk was extremely rude given we had online reservations. He claimed that the restaurant doesn't have an email . Regardless, he eventually warmed up on us and ensured we had a table for two. I discovered later this was the owner. Servers were extremely friendly and food came out quite fast. I'm from America so the Florentine steak had something to be desired. Butter chicken was absolutely fantastic - some of the best chicken we'd ever had. It comes out in the pan sautéed in brown butter. Chef's kiss... Ambiance had a hole in the wall feeling but was quite the gem in Florence Italy. There are two sittings each night so be sure to call or have your hotel call for reservation.

    @endoedibles on Instagram 03/08/24
    Michael U.

    Operating without a website or PR for over 150 years Trattoria Sostanza is something of an institution, and although locals may gripe that the Restaurant has become overrun with tourists those with the prudence to book one of six tables will discover textbook Tuscan cuisine served by a pleasant staff. Not remotely fancy, the bar up front doubling as a prep-station for Dessert and cashier, it is surrounded by family photos that house Wine is poured liberally prior to the arrival of bread made fresh and replenished on request. Known for signatures including Bistecca alla Fiorentina, according to some the best in town, an antipasti of sliced Salumi compares favorably to many while Tortellini en Brodo split to share comes hazy but packed savory notes and a vegetal finish. Sporting an open kitchen, its small size comparable to Sostanza itself, both the Artichoke Omelette (labeled "Pie") and Chicken in Butter Sauce are highly-regarded for good reason while Meringue Pie with Chocolate Chips and Wild Strawberries is a textural masterpiece.

    Artichoke pie
    Angela L.

    I am so glad a Google search of where to eat in Florence led me to this fantastic little eatery. Unassuming on the outside but full of character on the inside. It's a small and very popular place, so I highly recommend making a reservation well in advance. From everything I read and saw online, I had to go and see what all the fuss is about behind the butter chicken and semifreddo with meringue, chocolate chips and raspberries...it all holds up! The chicken is juicy and flavorful--a nice change from noodles we'd been eating. The semifreddo is light, fresh, and not overly sweet. Perfect dessert after such a meal. So simple but so GOOD! Plus the staff is very warm and charming. Go here! You're welcome.

    Lily H.

    So happy we were able to experience Sostanza before they closed for a holiday period, literally went for dinner the night before. Someone please figure out their secret to unbelievably juicy white meat chicken. The sizzling chicken in butter was so good we ordered another order at the end! The seasoning/dressing seemed very simple, but yet the chicken tasted like it had been through an extensive marinade. I don't like white meat and was astounded by this chicken! We also ordered a veal, salad, and fagiolini verde to share. The veal was odd. Seasoned well, but came out cooked medium-well, I've only ever had veal medium rare similar to steak. The salad was quite good with yummy tomatoes, varying greens, and chicory. House wine was good. We were too full to try the dessert. Staff is very friendly and efficient. Cash only!

    Buttered chicken
    Nicole M.

    Yummmm. Was recommended this place from a random person we met and told specifically to eat the buttered chicken and artichoke pie - so we did! We were really lucky. We arrived at the restaurant about ten minutes after the opened at 7:40 pm. It was a Saturday night and the place was already packed - the lovely man at the front managed to squeeze us in at two seats he had open at a table. So, make a reservation if you're more than one or two people!! Chicken was 5/5 stars, maybe even 6/5. Artichoke pie was unlike anything I've had before - think more eggs less pie, but was also delicious. Highly recommend if you're in Florence!

    Warm bread- best in Italy
    Chi P.

    Our hotel helped us book this restaurant in advance. We were running late from our tour and asked our guide to call and let them know. We arrived 15 min late very apologetic and they were so gracious about it. The service was the best we've had in Italy though I would come back for the food itself even if they were mean! We got the chicken breast in butter and it was simply the best white meat I've ever had. I usually avoid white meat because it's bland and dry. This one was tasty and moist! For the reviewers who said it was dry, I wonder if the left it on the pan plate too long. We took it off immediately when it arrived. The tortellini and broth and meat sauce were both also good. The vegetable soup was really flavorful too, as were the mushrooms and string beans we got for sides. My least favorite was the steak- only because we had a better one the other night and because the chicken was so good. With all that aside, the steak is quite good. As I went to pay, I saw a slice of meringue cake on the counter and of course I sat back down and ordered one. It was wonderful and I usually don't care for meringue. The meal was the best we've had in Italy so far overall. We tried to make reservations again for tomorrow night but sadly they're not open. Definitely highly recommend and will come again if I'm ever in Florence.

    Floretine steak- infused with herbs

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    15 days ago

    Outstanding food. This place has been here since 1867. Highly recommend the buttered chicken. You must make reservations.

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    2 years ago

    Just delicious! Butter chicken and the ice cream wild strawberry dessert were definitely not to miss. Enjoyed every bite!

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    Page 1 of 4

    Trattoria Sostanza Reviews in Other Languages

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    La Boite - Phoebe

    La Boite

    4.9(94 reviews)
    0.1 kmSanta Maria Novella

    Really cool little spot with excellent food, drinks and decent beer selection. They had a nice…read moreItalian craft IPA on draft which made me happy. There is seating inside for maybe a dozen people but we chose to sit at one of the 3 small tables outside to enjoy the nice weather. Draft beer was $6 euro and the mixed drinks varied from $8-12 euro. We met Alycia who is one of the owners. She was very pleasant and friendly. We stopped for a drink and stayed for 3 hours. We also stopped for a 2nd happy hour on our last day in Florence. Worth checking out if you happen to be in town and want a quieter spot. We loved it.

    This small wine bar was by far one of my favorite places we visited while we were visiting…read moreFlorence. The owner and staff were fantastic, very knowledgeable and provided great recommendations. The wine bar itself is a small quaint little place. Probably seats about 12 to 15 people total and has plenty of windows so you can see passersby and people watch. The cheeseboard? Get the cheeseboard. They do a fantastic job of pairing everything together to really bring so many flavors to your tastebuds. Their house wine is phenomenal and they take great pride in finding the grapes/different varietals to make it come to life. They have a both a red and a white house wine option. The second time we went - and yes, we went more than once in the four days we were there - we enjoyed one of the sandwiches and it was absolutely amazing. The bread, I can't even explain, the bread it's so flavorful and so good and so light. That paired with the delicious meats and cheeses were 100% worth it. I definitely recommend this location to anybody who is visiting Florence regularly or for their first time.

    Photos
    La Boite - Inside

    Inside

    La Boite - House wine and complimentary peanuts. They're tasty.

    House wine and complimentary peanuts. They're tasty.

    La Boite - Big platter with house wine

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    Big platter with house wine

    Papero Rosso - Dining room of Papero Rosso.

    Papero Rosso

    4.5(40 reviews)
    0.6 kmStazione Ferroviaria Santa Maria Novella
    €€

    Wow, my sliced beef was amazing and so tender. The side of grilled veggies were healthy and not…read moredoused in oil, which I really appreciated. House white wine for only 5 euro, how can I complain? This place is super delicious. The couple to my left had come for dinner 3 times in a row and said everything they had was fabulous. And the couple to my right had the biggest most delicious looking calzone I'd ever seen.

    Service was okay, not great not bad…read more I went here based on the high Yelp reviews and I'm shocked they are so highly rated because the food was not good. Ordered the eggplant appetizer (involtini di melanza) and it was okay. The tomato sauce was good but the spinach inside tasted like the wilted frozen stuff from the grocery store. We also ordered the Vegetariana and Diavola pizzas. The Vegetariana pizza was a bit dry (it doesn't have a sauce) and the vegetables over cooked and burned to some point. We didn't finish it. The Diavola is where things go from "meh" to awful. The crust wasn't fully cooked and fell apart in the center, but that could be overlooked. What cannot be overlooked is the spicy salami they used. My girlfriend got sick from eating a piece and said it tasted old. I tried a piece and my stomach immediately turned as the the taste of expired meat hit my tongue. I bit into another piece for good measure and the same case. I absolutely love pizza and I can honestly say this is the absolute worst pizza that I have ever had in my life. We ordered 2 pizzas and left more than 1 and 1/2 pizzas on the table. I hate wasting food and I have never left pizza behind to get thrown out. I'm beyond disappointed that a pizza restaurant in Italy could mess up pizza so badly. Also, a FYI they charge a "coperto" which is a 2€ cover charge to eat at the restaurant.

    Photos
    Papero Rosso - Tagliatelle al ragù:)

    Tagliatelle al ragù:)

    Papero Rosso - Interior

    Interior

    Papero Rosso - BEST CHEESCAKE soooo smooth

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    BEST CHEESCAKE soooo smooth

    Osteria Pastella - Caprese salad. I don't even like tomatoes but these were delicious

    Osteria Pastella

    4.5(307 reviews)
    0.1 kmSanta Maria Novella
    €€€

    We made reservations at Osteria Pastella knowing it was a popular spot, and the whole experience…read morefelt like stepping into a well-run little performance. Everyone lines up outside, and once the doors open, the entire restaurant is seated at the same time. It's unusual, but somehow fun -- like the curtain lifting on dinner. We were greeted with a welcome drink, which set the tone perfectly before the main event: the famous cheese-wheel pasta. They prepared it right in front of me, swirling the hot pasta through a giant wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano until it turned silky and glossy. Then came the fresh truffle -- and I mean fresh. Easily the most fragrant, delicate truffle I've ever had in my life. Absolute heaven. For dessert, their tiramisu wasn't the classic layered version; it was more of a deconstructed, airy éclair-style creation that still delivered all the right flavors. We finished with limoncello, a bright little goodbye that wrapped the whole experience in a perfect bow. Yes, Osteria Pastella is a bit of a tourist vibe -- but the food does not miss. The quality, the flavors, and the whole tableside ritual made this one of our most memorable meals in Florence. I'd recommend it without hesitation.

    A really great dining experience. Booked weeks in advance and for our time a lot 7-9pm, people were…read morelined up 10 minutes early to be let in. They brought us all in as a group (checking reso names) and sat us at individually tables. Then the "show" began with welcome prosecco, wine orders, etc. We got the squid and pork screwers as a starter and thought the flavors were just okay. The complimentary cheese bread ball and regular bread was super tasty. For mains, we got the truffle pasta (with the famous cheese wheel) which was fun to watch. The pasta itself was very solid, but not best ever. Also got the beef/boar pasta and it was better than the truffle pasta in my opinion and cheaper. The deconstructed tiramisu was yummy. Overall a good dinner with good service and pretty good food! An easy spot to recommend to others!

    Photos
    Osteria Pastella
    Osteria Pastella - Tagliatelle pasta tossed in flaming hot cheese wheel with shaved truffles. AMAZING

    Tagliatelle pasta tossed in flaming hot cheese wheel with shaved truffles. AMAZING

    Osteria Pastella - A little show before the pasta descends into the creamy cheesy goodness.

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    A little show before the pasta descends into the creamy cheesy goodness.

    Trattoria Giovanni - Tiramisu

    Trattoria Giovanni

    4.6(219 reviews)
    0.6 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!!

    Gunè - Amuse bouche

    Gunè

    4.9(10 reviews)
    0.5 kmPalazzo Pitti

    From the beautiful space and warm welcome to the exceptional service , to the extraordinary dishes…read moreand excellent wine pairings, no detail is overlooked at Gunè. Owner Nicola, Chef Margheri and the team make it feel like you are family. Wit, whimsy and delight fill every corner of this gem. Fantastic art honoring women, each piece holds a story. The Bistro called Guné Next Door is by the same team, and offers fabulous cocktails and the same food. Great option if you don't want to do a big prix fixe meal.

    I've been fortunate enough to dine at several 1,2, and 3 star Michelin rated restaurants in Europe,…read moreAsia, and the USA. The food, service, and ambiance at Gune was every bit the equal to other Michelin- starred establishments. Suffice it to say, we simply had a wonderful meal at Gune during our stay in Florence. We opted for the 5 course tasting menu with wine pairing. A 6 course, an 8 course, and even a Vegetarian option was available. I normally don't order cocktails, but the drink menu had several tempting options. I opted for a citrus gin concoction with basil that was simply amazing, The dinning experience began with two "welcoming" appetizers consisting of steak tartare and a vegetable pastry puff. The experience similarly concluded with two "departing" desserts which this evening included seared watermelon "tataki" and fruit pastry pieces. There is an extensive selection of complimentary in-house made breads that are presented in a wooden small box with functional drawers. The food was inventive, flavorful, and masterfully prepared. High points were the complimentary bread "box", the mixed drinks, the seafood puffed rice "lollipop", the risotto, and of course the amazing desserts. I was also impressed to see the chef check on the guests at various times of the meal. Food: 5 stars. The restaurant is on the Michelin recommended list and IMHO worthy of a single Michelin star. Service: 5 stars. Superior service at all levels. Ambiance: 5 stars. Upscale, classy, refined yet not pretentious in anyway. I highly recommend Gune and would certainly come back. The chef and staff are clearly at the top of their game!

    Photos
    Gunè - Petit fours

    Petit fours

    Gunè
    Gunè - Welcoming "appetizers"

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    Welcoming "appetizers"

    Trattoria Sostanza - trattorie - Updated May 2026

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