We are visiting in 2 weeks and I dream of these steaks. I don’t know what is reasonable price but I want the steak. Suggestions? Do I need a reservation?
Sorry for not being specific. We are in Florence September 25,26,27/2024
Here's a post from earlier this year that might help.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/florence-florentine-steak-guidelines-please
I asked the same question just a few weeks ago. Here is the link:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/recommendations-for-bistecca-alla-fiorentina-in-florence-appreciated
We enjoyed Tratoria Diladdarno, a bit off the beaten path, about 4 or 5 blocks from the Pitti Palace. We may have been the only tourists there during our visit.
Not sure how many will be in your dining party, but if you'd like smaller portions of Bistecca alla Fiorentina, you might consider Trattoria al Trebbio: https://en.firenze-online.com/eat/al-trebbio-30
I mention the smaller portion because the one and only time I dined there was when I was traveling sola, and I knew I didn't want a huge steak. Knowing this, the staff at my hotel recommended this place, and I had a lovely meal. The smaller cut may not have represented a truly authentic Bistecca alla Fiorentina experience, but it worked for me. And they will likely have the more traditional larger cut for which the region is known. My disclaimer is that this was in 2013, so I cannot speak to recent experience. There is a good description of Al Trebbio in my 2013 RS Florence Guidebook. I'm unsure if he still recommends it, but I see some recent reviews on Yelp and TA that suggest it's still worthy of consideration.
It's a short walk from the Duomo, very near Santa Maria Novella, on a quiet street. Wherever you decide to go, it's best to have a reservation.
Buon Appetito!
Probably not what you're looking if portion size and price are your primary criteria, but Trattoria Mario will give you a truly authentic Bistecca alla Fiorentina experience. I last dined there over ten years ago, but it had been in operation since 1953, so it's possible it's still around. I remember thinking at the time that no one could possibly eat that much fine (and perfectly prepared) Chianina beef, which of course I couldn't, but I expect that that's the panache of this particular dish. If you go there, go hungry.