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One more time, Steak in Florence

I know this has been done plenty before, but my search can't find anything recent, so apologies for redundancy up front.

My wife and I are traveling to Italy in a couple weeks and we're spending a few days in Florence. Like most, we're looking to dine on Bistecca alla Fiorentina one of those nights and are looking for a place that we can expect a reliably authentic steak experience. General internet searches result in an intimidatingly large and varied list of places with very little cross over to narrow down the list, so we need your help!

Does anyone have recent intel on a place that we should consider and make reservations?

Posted by
171 posts

We have been to Trattoria Za Za twice and steak was amazing!! It can get very busy so reservations are wise, especially if it is hot and you want some air conditioning inside. It is located in the center of Florence.

Posted by
362 posts

Our hotel recommended Le Fonticine on Via Nationale in Florence which we enjoyed. On a previous trip in Radda in Chianti, La Botte di Bacco was excellent, in case you happen in that area.

Posted by
1625 posts

We love The Antico Ristoro di Cambi, been twice and both times it was melt in your mouth delicious. You do need a reservation (which we do through tripadvisor/the fork).

Posted by
7453 posts

I will be a bit contrary, just find a place that is well respected, and go there. The actual meat will be equal to a grass fed beef that you would get at any place in Texas, Nebraska, or any well respected US source. Myself, I like Corn fed beef...so there you go. You will need to get it rare, they will not sell it any other way. Probably one steak for the two of you. The meal itself will rank high due to the fact that you are in a great place, they do a great job, but it is still meat on a grill.

Posted by
5239 posts

My wife and I ate Bistecca alla Fiorentina in a restaurant famous for the dish. It was fine, nothing special, I've eaten far better steaks elsewhere. We were assured that the beef was from Chianina cattle which is the traditional breed for the dish (I'd eaten some Chianina steak in Rome previously as well) but I was underwhelmed by the taste. I've had consistently far better tasting British beef and also some great grass fed beef (I think it was finished on grain to balance the flavour) in the US (not the intensively reared feedlot beef) so I'm not sure where they hype comes from (although considering how many Italians view their cuisine as the best I can guess).

Also, because of the size, several inches thick Porterhouse it's intended for sharing and it's also served quite rare. I overheard some people complain about the rareness but I don't understand how they think such a thick piece of meat can be cooked to medium on a grill.

As has previously been pointed out, it's a simple dish, a grilled steak which any competent chef should be able to do with their eyes closed. For Bistecca all Fiorentina to be authentic it has to be made with Chianina beef which, in my opinion, is the problem, there's much better beef out there.

So to answer your question I would recommend not getting too overwhelmed by it. They're all going to be similar, it's difficult to get the dish wrong so go on intuition. Besides, Florence isn't known for its food, I've eaten far better food elsewhere in Italy, every meal in Florence was a disappointment so go in with low expectations and if it exceeds them then it's a success!

Posted by
80 posts

Second the vote on Za Zas, also 13 Gobbi and Trattoria Sostanza (both on the same street). Enjoy Firenze!

Posted by
3218 posts

Speaking as a beef-loving Texan, I thought the Bistecca alla Fiorentina was superior to anything I've tasted in the US.

My "intel" is nearly 5 years old and therefore not recent, so I won't name the restaurant in Florence where I ate the best steak I ever had in my life!

Posted by
1625 posts

Matt-Bistecca alla fiorentina is popular. Google Chianina Beef. The cows are the biggest I have ever seen in my life!

Posted by
91 posts

mfedewa8:

I am so glad you asked about steak in Florence. On my recent trip to Florence, I went to L'Osteria di Giovanni on Moro Street. It was recommended by my relatives who were at this restaurant the year before. They had many steaks and great pasta. On at least two nights, I had their filet mignon...delicious. You will have a lovely experience at this restaurant. They also have a steak dish that is meant for two -- would that be your Bistecca alla Florentina? This place does get very crowded. I would recommend reservations.

Posted by
475 posts

Trattoria Sostanza hands-down, is my favorite restaurant in Florence, every time I visit, I make it a point to get a meal here. Cash only, simple, loved by locals, it's everything that I wanted in a restaurant. Recommended by a number of restauranteur friends, it didn't fail. While they do serve a very good and incredibly tender bistecca Fiorentina (biggest I've seen in Firenze), their other specialties include their Butter Chicken (petti di pollo al burro) and their unique Artichoke Pie/Omelet (tortino di carciofi) which was incredible. Go for lunch or, one of two seatings for dinner; reservations a few days in-advance a must.

13 Gobi is next door, another solid place with a fairly large dining room so, if you're striking-out of a bunch of places, there's a chance you can get a table here.

Posted by
19654 posts

If you are not looking for some fabulous ambiance, you can get Bistecca alla Fiorentina at the upstairs food court at the Mercato Centrale.

Posted by
60 posts

Info is 2 years old, but we had some great Steak Carpaccio at the "Caminetto", on Via dello Studio, (just off the back side of the Duomo). Not Bistecca alla Fiorentina, but a good indicator that the Fiorentina will be excellent as well.

Posted by
616 posts

Chianina beef served In Florence come from Arezzo surroundings or from the Grosseto region , Maremmana beef.

If you like meat, I would also suggest that you try the Tuscan Arista di Cinto Senese pork. These pigs are elevated freely in the wood. They eat the food grown in the area. Cinta Senese pork is produced in the Siena Area ( Senese).

Posted by
1 posts

To eat a tasty dish, you do not have to buy or order it in a restaurant. You can cook it yourself.

how long to grill steak
Check out these great recipes.

Ingredients
4 4oz steaks, the cut of your choice
Salt, pepper, seasoning to taste