Florence Dining News: New Restaurants

Florence's

latest crop of chic eateries and trattoria-inspired haunts is reinventing Florentine dining, making it daring and innovative enough to rival the culinary scene in Rome. Indagare contributor Ondine Cohane reports on the new restaurants igniting Florence’s dining landscape.

Contact Indagare for assistance planning a vacation to Florence. Our specialists can book you at the hotel that is right for you and plan great meals at the below restaurants.

Gurdulu’

In the trendy neighborhood of Oltrarno (Florence’s equivalent to Paris’s Left Bank), Gurdulu’ is quickly redefining Florentine cuisine. From its decor—which features a long steel bar and Art Deco light fixtures—to its extensive drinks menu, the restaurant is a favorite of locals and visitors. Seasonal specials include fish served with fennel and buckwheat ravioli filled with polenta and braised rabbit. Drop in before dinner for an aperitivo, like a Negroni made with tequila, served with delicious fried cod balls. Read more.

Related: Top Tables Florence

Fishing Lab

With all due respect to classics like bistecca alla Fiorentina and pasta, sometimes one longs for lighter fare in Florence. Fishing Lab fills that need with its raw crudo menu, which includes tuna tartare and rockfish nuggets topped with spicy mayo. The tender salmon wrapped in walnut paper and grilled is another highlight. Read more.

Related: Florence 101

Burro e Acciughe

Italians love anchovies, so it’s unsurprising that the little fish inspired its own restaurant. Burro e Acciughe is also known for its chic design, vintage furniture and handsome wait staff. Read more.

Related: Getting in the Kitchen

Bottega di Pasticerria

Florence insiders flock to Bottega for breakfast, when it turns out freshly baked cornetti, and for aperitivos, when it serves an excellent Aperol spritz that pairs beautifully with a meat and cheese plate. With its affordable prices and delicious eats, it’s no wonder this eatery is already a classic. Read more.

Essenziale

Helmed by rising chef Simone Cipriani and open since late 2016, Essenziale is already exciting Michelin-star buzz. The cuisine consists of Florentine classics with a twist: baccala comes with cacio (pecorino cheese) and pepe (pepper), and the “comfort spaghetti” mixes anchovies, chicken liver and raspberry. The Sunday brunch has become a city favorite, but the sexy space is just as perfect for a romantic tête-à-tête. Read more.

Related: A Florentine Holiday

Santarosa Bistrot

With its boho-chic outdoor space (think wooden benches and tea lights), hip bartenders and hampers of artisanal snacks, Santarosa Bistrot has become an aperitivo hotspot. The playful atmosphere and seriously inventive cocktails make it a fun place to begin or end to a night out. Read more.

Il Santino

The sister of the hugely popular Il Santo Bevitore, this wine and tapas bar has only four tables and a small bar, but regulars and oenophiles still pile in. The impressive menu highlights meat and cheese platters and classic Florentine dishes like pappa al pomodoro. The bar doubles as a gourmet deli selling to-go items. Read more.