Italy as we all know is very widely known for its incredible food, from pizzas to fresh pasta and countless regional specialities ad of course the delicious sweets – gelato, Tiramisu, need I go on?! But the renaissance city of Florence not only has some fantastic Trattoria style places to dine but has a whole host of fine dining establishments. This guide is a round-up of some of our best fine dining restaurants in Florence.
The restaurants range from laid back traditional Tuscan haunts that the Florentine locals frequent at to Michelin guide recommendations and even Michelin Starred restaurants. So. whatever your preference, fine dining restaurants in Florence most certainly make a special memorable night out.
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A Selection of Great Fine Dining Restaurants In Florence
IL Locale
Locale really is enviously cool with a space that is steeped in the old world charm of this renaissance city. This is without a doubt, a place where the beautiful people of Florence hang out. It’s a place where anybody who is anybody is seen and goes to be seen. It’s a place you go to for a special occasion to sample copious amounts of indulgence, both in the culinary sense and optical sense. Don’t be fooled by the modestly deceptive exterior of Locale, for beyond that door awaits an alchemist’s laboratory, and a fusion of contemporary and traditional Tuscan culinary flavours, lodged in a unique and painstakingly reinstated structure of the former Concini Palace (which began life as part of the Palazzo delle Seggiole).
The food is beautiful to look at and tastes pretty good. It’s inventive with a menu that changes and adapts to its clientele. An evening at il Locate will most definitely be a memorable. The live plant wall and the pull-back glass ceiling are a great feature, as are the wonderfully creative bar tenders.
Related Article: Il Locale: Fusing Contemporary Dining With Local Architecture
The Details
- Location: Via delle Seggiole, 12r, 50122 Florence I Tel: +39 0559 067 188 I Website I Map Location
- Reservation: Essential
- Dietary Requirements: Call to confirm at time of reservation
- Price Range: €€€
Il Barretto – Fine Dining Restaurants In Florence
Way back before the sixties, Il Barretto (established in 1959) was the location of the first Harry’s Bar in Florence. It’s prime spot a few steps away from the Ponte Vecchio, has a refined yet unpretentious ambience which lures you through the inviting arched entrance. It’s beautifully furnished in dark wood accents and dreamy low level lighting creating, a subtle romantic dining surrounding. It’s quaint and intimate and that’s just how we like our date-nights.
One of our favourite features was the restaurant’s cute little open hatch, which you can take a glimpse of the chefs preparing your dishes.
Il Barretto serves classic Tuscan dishes cooked to perfection with the finest and freshest produce, all served with professional, attentive and friendly waiting staff.
When in Italy we always start with a version of the Caprese Salad due to its simplicity.
Mains consisted of crispy cod with balsamic vinegar and lamb in a balsamic reduction
Il Barretto do some classy desserts too like the deconstructed Chantilly mille-feuille and a classic Tiramisu of course.
The Details
- Location: Via del Parione, 50. 50123. Florence. I Tel. +39 055 294122 I Website I Map Location
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian, other requirements should be enquired about at the time of booking.
- Price Range: €€
Il Parione
Literally just down the road from Il Barretto is Parione. It is styled more in keeping with a traditional Trattoria but the food and service we received, made us want to add it to this fine dining selection of restaurants
Parione, houses two quirky dining rooms split by an open kitchen as you enter. The yellow walls make the perfect backdrop adorned with wooden shelves containing randomly displayed wines. It’s a bit like sitting in a room with an open wine cellar. The dining rooms are typical memories I have of the rustic rural charm of the Tuscan region.
The food is classically styled with fresh and local produce by the chef, Giovanni Tarantino. In actual fact if you’re seeking an outstanding plate of pasta, then you’ll find it here! I actually heard someone saying that they ate the best pasta in the world here, and I thought I bet they’re just saying that but I admit I eat my words as they were so right! The pasta is the best and carb fiends this is the place for you!
When I go to a restaurant, I love seeing the passion the staff have for what they do and Giovanni definitely has this in abundance. He was personally standing at the door, supervising the dishes coming from the kitchen and organising tables as well as being the ever inviting and welcoming host. It was almost like he was inviting you into his house. He had an infectious personality and he was so attentive when we were booked in by our concierge last minute, but there were no tables available. He managed to make the wait time so bearable by giving chairs to the ladies and supplying us with drinks. The wait was obviously worth it ten-fold!!
Giovanni’s personality transcribes itself onto his staff who are nothing more than exceptional. I’m a big fan of open kitchens and Dr C couldn’t resist snapping the chefs in action!
To start we had the Caprese salad
For mains, we recommend chose the Gnocchi with truffle oil in a white sauce the Spaghetti in tomato sauce with chilli and bacon topped with cherry tomatoes.
Plan your meal cleverly so if you enjoy sweet treats you have room to accommodate one of an array of fresh desserts made on-site daily.
These guys make their own Limoncello so don’t leave without trying a glass or a few, I think Giovanni was trying to get us obscenely sloshed hence why we look a little red faced in the photo below.
Please book a table as this place is so amazingly good, we had a long wait as we had our concierge book a bit late in the day!
The Details
- Location: Via del Parione, 74/76 50123. Florence. I Tel. +39 055 214005 I Website I Map Location
- Reservations: Essential
- Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian, other requirements should be enquired about at the time of booking.
- Price Range: €€
Touch (Now The Cooking Touch Cookery School)
Please note, Touch Bistro has now moved location and have been rebranded as The Cooking Touch Cookery School) The food featured below is what we experienced at their former Bistro -Touch. Their cookery school is located opposite the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Use their details to get in touch a s arrange a cookery experience to sample of the featured dishes.
This place is most definitely the new kid on the block but by any means does that make it a compromise. It is up there on my list with the well-established. Touch was started in 2012 and is the brainchild of a trio of friends who met at hotel management and culinary college. Their original plan was to open a restaurant in Chianti but after all pursuing different international ventures they reconnected and the concept of Touch was born.
The Focus is on providing a ‘Touch’ in the sense of local freshness of ingredients with creativity and tradition intertwining Tuscan roots with modern technique. The level of service, attention to details and innovation is outstanding at Touch as well as all three friends working at the restaurant and serving in the most personable, non-intrusive way with copious amounts of old-fashioned Italian charm. Each is a true master of his craft. Max has worked in the likes of Harry’s Bar and is the very knowledgeable but friendly, Food and Beverage Manager. Stefano has recently been given the accolade of acknowledgment of the Italian Association of Sommeliers. If you read my blog then you’ll know this is one of my dream jobs! And finally last but by no means least, the man who fills your palette with a multitude of flavours, Matteo. You can read all about their expertise in the hospitality industry at Touch.
We love the contemporary nature of this restaurant which marries in quite perfectly with the interiors and neon external lighting. It’s full of clean lines and unfussy layout and the focus is very much on an uncluttered experience. After all you are here for the food and contemporary for us means showcasing the main ingredient and delicately styling it with its’ perfect accompaniments but not letting them take the limelight! Here’s a sneaky peek of what we enjoyed (menus do change seasonally as with all restaurants featured here).
To start, L’Islanda a Livorno: Fillet of cod “livornese” style with fresh tomato sauce and corn wafer and the bacon spaghetti with fresh egg.
Mains consisted of Gnocchi in autunno Homemade pumpkin gnocchi, with “taleggio” cheese sauce and broccoli and sauce as well as Tartare di tonno rosso Tuna tartare with alga nori, pistachios, ginger, soy.
The desserts were the perfect end to a wonderful evening…these were most certainly heavenly, La vera panna cotta Panna cotta…the real recipe: flavored with fresh vanilla pod, seasonal fresh fruit sauce (gelatin-free) and Marisa Un Alkermes: Tradional Florentine dessert with homemade biscuit, chantilly cream, chocolate and mint.
Touch is creative, it’s current, it’s inventive, it’s cool, it’s trendy, it’s chic and it’s most definitely the man about town. Whether you’re going to admit it or not, I guess we all want to be seen with the man about town! Plus, every dish is pristinely presented resembling sheer unadulterated foodporn!
Related Articles: A Private Cookery Class at Touch Bistro, Florence & The Cooking Lab: A Cooking Class with a Gret View in Florence
The Details
- Location: Via di Mezzo, 42r, 50121 Florence. I Tel. +39 055 246 6150 I Website I Map Location
- Reservations: Essential fro cookery classes
- Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian, enquire at time of booking cooking classes
- Price Range: €€
Ora D’aria – Fine Dining Restaurants In Florence
This former one Michelin Star Ora D’aria is situated between the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Ponte Vecchio and refers to the ‘hour of air’ prisoners in the former prison opposite the restaurant were given. Unfortunately the restaurant lost its star since our visit but is still recommended by the Michelin Guide
The Head chef Marco Stabile has a bit of a reputation for exciting, contemporary food that reimagines many of Tuscany’s classic dishes. The menu is modern, as are the surroundings. Ora D’aria does a dedicated vegetarian taster menu.
The Details
- Location: Via dei Georgofili, 11R, 50100 Florence I Website I Tel. +39 0552 001699 I Map Location
- Reservations: Essential
- Dietary Requirements: Please call ahead to confirm, Vegetarian Taster menu options available.
- Price Range: €€€
La Bottega del Buon Caffè
A Michelin starred restaurant situated overlooking the San Niccolò Tower at the foot of the Arno. Chef Erez and his team cook up a storm in the open kitchen and the theme is very much farm (they have a hotel and farm in near Siena) to kitchen. Read more about this very special restaurant in Florence below.
They do a fantastic taster menu and the vegan/vegetarian menu is simply exquisite. It changes often so it’s best to head to theri website for the latest delights.
Related Articles: Michelin-Starred Dining at La Bottega Del Buon Caffe Florence
The Details
- Location: (Borgo in the City) Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 69R, 50125. Florence. I Website I Map Location
- Reservations: Essential
- Dietary Requirements: Contact at the time of reservation – most can be accommodated
- Price Range: €€€€
Food Tours & Experiences To Book In Florence
A few foodie tours that can be booked in Florence to have a better understanding of traditional Tuscan food and drinks.
Where Are The Best Restaurants in Florence With Views?
- Golden View Restaurant – panoramic views of the Ponte Vecchia. Find it here: Map Location
- Coquinarius, Fiesole – surrouded by the beautiful Fiesole Hills and a view of Florence in the distance. Find it here: Map Location
- Angel Roofbar & dining in Hotel Calimala – A rooftop with 360 degree views over Florence. Find it here: Map Location
- B-Roof in Hotel Baglioni – Traditional Tuscan food with panoramoc views of the city. Find it here: Map Location
- Panorama Restaurant at Hotel La Scaletta – This place does exactly what it say, fantastic panoramas of Florence on their rooftop dining restaurant. Find it here: Map Location
- SE·STO on Arno – Cosy rooftop with exception view sof teh Arno and delicious Tuscan food and drinks. Find it here: Map Location
Fine Dining In Florence FAQS
Are fine dining restaurants in Florence expensive?
Surprisingly many are quite good value for money, however expect those featured in the Michelin Guide and with Michelin Stars to be the kind of price you’d pay for a very special occasion meal.
How far in advance should reservations be made?
We woudl say as soon as possible. The Michelin Starred restaurants can often be booked months on advance or have a waiting list.
Is there plenty of Vegetarian choice?
Mots fine dining restaurants will have at least 2-3 choices with their starter, main and salad sections. Our suggestion would be to call ahead or let them know at the time of reservation of your dietary requirements.
Is Florence Expensive To Eat Out?
Like most major cities, a lot of the tourist spots, close to major sightseeing spots will have elevated prices. There are still lots of trattoria-style establishments that offer very reasonably priced dishes. It’s best to ask your accommodation about these as they will have teh best recommendations. When it comes to fine dining, the name of teh restaurant, the quality of ingredients and location will inevitable mean that prices will be very similar add on occasions steep, just like most of te well-visited cities in the world.
What is the Best Fine-Dining Restaurant in Florence?
This without a doubt has to be Enoteca Pinchiorri. It has 3 Michelin Stars. It has been a Florentine establishment since 1984 adn was awarded 3 Michelin stars in 1993, which it has kept to this day. One visit, and you’ll understand why this place is the 32nd best restaurant in the world and Florence’s best restaurant. Find it here: Map Location
Where Do Celebrities Eat in Florence?
The Belmond Villa San Michele is a calm oasis in the Fiesole Hills overlooking Florence. It’s private, calm and perfect place to be away from the crowds of Florence. The also have a beautiful restaurant and it’s easy to see why with great service, food and a gem of a location, the rich and famous like to dine and reside here.
Related Article // Belmond Villa San Michele: A Luxury Hotel in Fiesole
Fine Dining Restaurants In Florence: Round-Up
This round-up aims to highlight what Florence has to offer in terms of fine dining food. Whether this be for a special occasion or a treat, there is a great selection of restaurants to choose from. Many of then require reservations in order to ensure you are not left disappointed, as tables do go pretty quickly, especially after 8pm. The locals tend to have their evening meals after 8pm, so it’s good to note this is when restaurants and bars do start to get pretty busy.
Most restaurants are incredibly noteworthy of dietary requirements but to be on the safe side, it’s best to disclose at the time of booking. This means that the chefs can prepare all the necessary ingredients with plenty of notice and therefore can put together a more creative menu for diners. This guide to fine dining restaurants in Florence should be a great accompaniment to any budding foodie!
Related Articles To Fine Dining Restaurants in Florence
- Where To eat The Best Vegetarian Friendly Food in Florence
- Michelin-Starred Dining at La Bottega del Buon Caffe, Florence
- Il Locale: Fusing Contemporary Dining With Local Architecture
- The Cooking Lab: A Cookery School With A View
- A Private Cooking Class At Touch Bistro Florence
- An Artisan Bespoke Food Tour With Florence & Chianti
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