Florence for Foodies: Four Unmissable Restaurants
Florence is home to some of Europe’s finest restaurants. Here are four dining spots in the city that we highly recommend.
For a memorable dining experience that celebrates sustainability and culinary excellence, head to Saporium Firenze, the only restaurant in Florence to hold a Green Michelin Star in addition to its Michelin Star. Helmed by Florentine head chef Ariel Hagen, the restaurant showcases inventive dishes that honour local tradition, using organic produce from its own 270-acre farm at Borgo Santo Pietro estate. The tasting menus are a joy to explore; the Frisona beef with pumpkin, and the snail with Jerusalem artichoke, garlic and hazelnut, are not to be missed. Also worth mentioning is the delightful Caterina De' Medici’s rose dessert, a modern take on the Florentine zuccotto cake with milk and Alkermes liqueur. Impeccable service is led by Blanca along with Gianluca and Marzia, while Andre, the sommelier, curates perfect wine pairings. At the bar, head barman Nicola crafts inventive cocktails that complement the menu beautifully. With refined flavours, attentive service, and elegant ambience, Saporium Firenze is a must-visit for the foodie in you.
If you crave sophisticated Tuscan dining in a sleek setting, Michelin-recommended Luca’s Ristorante at La Gemma Hotel is your place. Head chef Paulo Airaudo delivers a delectable tasting menu of crowd-pleasing dishes such as parsley risotto with red shrimp from Mazara Del Vallo, pigeon cappelletti in thyme butter, and veal with porcini mushrooms. Service in the emerald-hued Art Deco dining room is polished and welcoming; Nenad (a.k.a Nicola), the maître d’, ensures every detail of your meal is flawless, Lorenzo provides attentive and seamless table service, and Marta crafts delicious drinks at the bar.
At the bottom of Hotel Calimala, Mezè presents a vibrant experience built around the concept of ‘Wild Dining.’ The restaurant’s focus on bold, shareable plates encourages a sense of adventure, from the zesty wild ceviche to the expertly seared wild steak, each dish bursting with fresh, layered flavours. Paired with the wild salad and an energetic atmosphere, Mezè guarantees a fun and lively mealtime that is perfect if you love to graze and share.
To round off your culinary tour somewhere quintessentially Florentine, The Kitchen & The Bar at The Place Firenze centres around Tuscan flavours by chef Asso Migliore, from slow-cooked truffle cacio e pepe pasta to perfectly grilled Calvana beef, all served on chic Ginori 1735 porcelain. The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident in its collaborations with local producers, ensuring the menu evolves with the seasons. Overlooking Piazza Santa Maria Novella, it combines a relaxed atmosphere with attentive service. Whether you dine indoors or outdoors, Food & Beverage Manager Zaccaria will charm you from the moment you arrive, while brothers and waiters Paolo and Diogo make your dining truly joyful.
