Best restaurants to eat steak a la Fiorentina?
For those who have visited Florence at least once in their lives, the word"Firenze" evokes the vivid image of a Renaissance city, cradle of art and architecture, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. However, Florence is not only synonymous with history and culture, but also the ideal place to discover the pleasures of good food, thanks to the delights of Tuscan Cuisine.
In fact, it will not be difficult that, crossing the Ponte Vecchio to go to the discovery of the Duomo and the Uffizi, you will suddenly be seized by the desire to taste one of the Florentine specialties: Florentine steak . Steak Florentine style is a cut of bone-in veal or heifer meat prepared with an unusual cooking by grilling or broiling. Tradition has it that every August 10, on the occasion of the feast of St. Lawrence, the city was illuminated by large bonfires on which abundant quantities of meat were roasted and then distributed to the people. During one of these celebrations part of this meat was offered to some English gentlemen who, impressed by the goodness of the dish, called it Fillet of veal which was later translated into English with the term bistec.
If you say Florence at the table you say bistecca alla fiorentina.
However, finding a restaurant, possibly in the center of Florence, where to eat a bistecca alla fiorentina is not as easy as it seems. But it is possible, even without deviating from the more touristy itineraries.
Here is the map of steak Florentine style in the center of Florence and surroundings.
1. PERSEO
In first place I put Perseo, an institution in the city. Frequented by Florentines, which in itself represents a guarantee of quality and quantity, Perseus is located a few steps from Piazza della Libertà (not one of the most popular with tourists, but you can reach it on foot from the center). Specializing in meats, it will take away your satisfaction even with first courses and desserts. If you are passing through as a couple and you are near Fiesole, you can opt for the restaurant of the same name in the hills. For a change (or if you have a partner who doesn't like Florentine steak) try the sirloin steak with green pepper.
Perseo Restaurant. Viale Don Minzoni 10 / R. florence Telephone 055 588 226
2. TRATTORIA OSVALDO
In Coverciano, practically in front of the sports field where the National Team trains, is the Trattoria Osvaldo. Always open (or at least since the existence of Coverciano), Osvaldo is a guarantee of Florentine steak and more. Appreciated and frequented by more and less known personalities (athletes, but also artists and show business), the restaurant has the familiar air of a place that has withstood the times keeping intact the spirit of the past.
Trattoria Osvaldo. Via D'Annunzio 51 r. florence Telephone +39 055 602168
3. TRATTORIA DA BURDE
Burde represents another piece of the history of the city and of Italy. Open since the early twentieth century, the Trattoria Da Burde is still a must for those who want to try Florentine steak, peposo, boiled meat and other typical dishes of Tuscan cuisine, such as the most classic pasta with beans, acquacotta alla maremmana, spelt and soups. Over time, one of the heirs of the Gori family, who has always run Burde, has become sommelier, so neither the wine cellar will disappoint you. But do not expect one of those sommeliers with the stench under the nose (and luckily).
Trattoria Da Burde. Via Pistoiese 6 / R. florence Phone 055 317206
4. LA BRINDELLONA
In the heart of the most authentic Florence, or San Frediano, for lovers of Florentine steak the address is one: I 'Brindellone. Affordable prices, large portions, pleasant atmosphere. In addition to the grilled meat, are highly recommended the Florentine tripe and taglierini with truffles.
I 'Brindellone. Piazza Piattellina 10-11. florence Telephone 055/217879
5. BUCA LAPI
A stone's throw from the noble via Tornabuoni, steak Florentine style is at home at Buca Lapi. Seemingly spartan, the restaurant has the elegance of tradition. Besides the "meat", the dishes are typical Tuscan cuisine, without too many frills of TV chefs. The bill is worthy of the nearby via della Moda, but the place is always full. Book early.
Buca Lapi. Via del Trebbio 1. Florence. Phone 055 213768
6. SERGIO GOZZI
You can't go wrong: whatever you order, you won't be disappointed. Only the price can surprise you, but in a positive way. Right in the center, next to the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Sergio Gozzi is one of the few certainties left in Florence. Suitable also for quick lunches and for those who think that in addition to steak there is more: for example a pappa al pomodoro worthy of the name, as there are few left in the city.
Trattoria Sergio Gozzi. Piazza San Lorenzo 8 / r. florence Phone 055 281941
7. BOCANEGRA
Suitable for romantic dinners, post-theater snacks or even business lunches, Simon Boccanegra is in my opinion endowed with a good value for money, considering its location (right next to the Teatro Verdi ). But it's a matter of point of view. In any case, even if you are here for the Florentine steak, don't miss the ribollita (one of the best in the center of Florence) or the finocchiona (excellent quality cold cuts).
Simon Boccanegra - Via Ghibellina, 124 / r, tel. 055 200 1098
8. PALOTINO
Family atmosphere, limited seating and too touristy for the purists of the Florentine's Florence (after all, we are just a few meters from the Basilica of Santa Croce). But the steak Florentine style will not disappoint you and the price will also leave you satisfied.
Trattoria Pallottino - Via Isola delle Stinche, 1r, tel. 055 289573
9. THE LATINIANS
Il Latini is one of those historic restaurants that you have to go to at least once in your life. If you go back, you will make up your mind after tasting the Florentine steak, the ribollita and the other dishes that have made history in Tuscan cuisine. The risk with these central restaurants is to fall into tourist marketing. But the food is still good here. Don't expect a state of results.
The Latini. Via dei Palchetti 6r. florence Phone 055 210916
10. TRATTORIA MARIO
For over 60 years, a certainty in the area of the Central Market, the Fiaschetteria Mario is one of the most typical trattorias in Florence. Here you can breathe pure Florentine style: the place is small but you can always find a table, the kitchen is open and the menu is always the same: ribollita, soups, grilled meats and of course Florentine steak. To feel at home in the center of Florence.
Trattoria Mario. via Rosina 2/R. Firenze. Tel. +39 055 218550
