Steakhouses in Florence: where to eat the best Fiorentina

You are currently viewing Steakhouses in Florence: where to eat the best Fiorentina
charset=InvalidCharsetId U
  • Reading time:10 mins read

There are many steakhouses are abundant in Florence and they offer an extraordinary culinary experience. They are the place where meat lovers can indulge in the famous “bistecca alla fiorentina” (Florentine beafsteak), an iconic dish of Tuscan cuisine. Finding the perfect place to savor this delicacy is essential because you can’t go home without fully experiencing the authentic taste of Florence.

The Florentine beafsteak

The bistecca alla fiorentina is the flagship dish of Tuscan cuisine, beloved and appreciated worldwide for its unique flavor and simplicity. Originating from Florence, it bears the city’s name. This gastronomic delight is prepared using top-quality beef, typically sourced from local cattle breeds such as Chianina. The meat is cut into a thick steak with the bone and cooked on an open charcoal grill, which imparts the steak with its characteristic smoky aroma and crispy outer crust. The fiorentina is cooked rare, ensuring a juicy and succulent interior that melts in your mouth with every bite. Accompanied by simple sides such as beans with olive oil, sautéed spinach, and Tuscan bread, bistecca alla fiorentina is an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates the genuine flavors of Tuscany.

Tip: NEVER ask for a well-cooked fiorentina. The Fiorentina is rare!

There are many  differents bistecca.

  • Bistecca alla fiorentina: The iconic dish of Tuscan cuisine, prepared with select cuts of beef and grilled.
  • Entrecote steak: A tender and succulent cut of meat, perfect for lovers of grilled meat.
  • Fillet steak: A lean and delicate cut, known for its tenderness and delicate flavor.
  • Ribeye steak: Also known as a rib steak, it is characterized by a high content of intramuscular fat that gives it an intense flavor and a soft texture.
  • Sirloin steak: A versatile and flavorful cut of meat, ideal for grilling and quick cooking.
  • Tomahawk steak: A steak cut with a long bone, which gives it an imposing appearance and an extraordinary flavor.

When visiting Florence, having a fiorentina is an absolute must because it is a journey into the heart of Tuscan gastronomic tradition that will remain etched in memory forever.

Here is a list of my fevorite places, where to finfd the best fiorentina:

 

Trattoria Buzzino, Via dei Leoni

The restaurant is located just behind Palazzo Vecchio and is one of Florence’s historic places: in the years of the Republic of Florence, those who took care of the lions that lived exactly close by (note that the street name is via dei leoni – lions street) would come to eat at this place! The restaurant is renowned for its welcoming and authentic atmosphere, perfect for an evening of taste and conviviality. The steak at Il Buzzino is tender and succulent, prepared with top-quality meat and grilled to perfection. Served on a rustic wooden board, the steak is accompanied by traditional Tuscan side dishes and a selection of local wines, beautifully completing the culinary experience. The service and the owner, Alessandro, offer warmth and professionalism in a perfect blend, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The steak at Il Buzzino is a must-visit destination for lovers of Tuscan cuisine and Florentine steak in Florence.

Trattoria dell’ Oste, via de Cherchi

In Florence, there are no fewer than 5 Trattoria dall’Oste: one on Via degli Orti Oricellari, one on Via Alamanni, 2 on Borgo San Lorenzo, and the latest one opened on Via De’Cerchi. Trattoria dell’Oste offers an elegant, meticulously curated environment that boasts 12 different types of beef in various cuts to choose from:

  • CHIANINA Origin: Italy Bright red color, fine moire, with high iron content. Fine cuts.
  • ROMAGNOLA Origin: Italy Tender meat, with intense flavor and fine moire, has a limited production.
  • MARCHIGIANA Origin: Italy It preserves the characteristics of tender and succulent meat, high protein level and low cholesterol content.
  • FASSONA Origin: Italy Meat with low fat content, compact to tender and sweet and delicate aroma.
  • PODOLICA Origin: Italy Rich in linoleic acid, it has a very fine fatty structure, with an intense taste, tasty and slightly sweet.
  • MAREMMANA Origin: Italy Ancient and precious race, its lean meat and intense color presents a lean moire.
  • PEZZATA ROSSA Origin: Croatia Moire wide, it has a tender consistency thanks to the infiltrations of fat while the taste is intense and decided.
  • FRISONA Origin: Germany Aromatic flavour and rich in nuances, intense moire, ideal for all palates.
  • LIMOUSINE Origin: France Medium moire, tender meat and non-coarse fibers.
  • WAGYU Origin: Japan Moire very intense, it gives the meat an aromatic taste and a decided taste, ideal for meat experts.
  • BLACK ANGUS Origin :Italy – USA Tender and with a unique flavour, it has a fine moire and a cover of the white fat which retains its nutritional properties.
  • GALIZIANA Origin: Spain Precious, tender and with a unique taste, the Galician is covered with a gold-coloured fat thanks to the proteins of the maize with which it is bred.

A delight for steak lovers!
The trattoria exudes an informal and familial atmosphere where customers immediately feel at ease. The staff is friendly and helpful, always ready to recommend dishes and wines that perfectly complement the steak. Buon appetito!

Trattoria delle oche, Via delle Oche, 21r

Osteria dell’Oca is one of my favorite spots because it’s super central: just 2 minutes from the Duomo, and because it’s a traditional osteria: small, charming, with the owner always present and extremely kind and friendly. But Osteria dell’Oca should be chosen because everything is delicious and reasonably priced (not always easy to find in the city center). All the dishes are from the Tuscan tradition, including the Florentine steak, which is very good, tender, and succulent. Definitely worth trying!

Regina Bistecca, Via Ricasoli 14 r

This is a beautiful high-level restaurant with a lot of atmosphere and thoughtful design. Tables spaced apart from each other and lots of books all around! The meat is the queen, as the name of the place, regina, suggests. Primarily, Marchigiana and Chianina beef are served, but there are also more budget-friendly options available. The meat is grilled right in front of you, and it’s a sight to behold. It is then served on beautiful wooden boards! Everything is very classy, especially the taste!

 

Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco, Borgo San Jacopo

Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco is a traditional restaurant located just steps from Ponte Vecchio. Its cozy atmosphere and rustic decor create a warm and inviting environment for guests. In addition to the renowned bistecca alla fiorentina, the menu offers a selection of classic Tuscan dishes prepared with mastery by experienced chefs. Visitors appreciate the quality and freshness of the ingredients used and the attention to detail in the presentation of the dishes. The staff is courteous and professional, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for all diners.

Buca Mario, Piazza degli Ottaviani

Buca Mario is a true gastronomic institution in Florence, famous for its high-quality bistecca alla fiorentina and impeccable service. The restaurant is located in a charming cellar in the heart of the historic center, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere for guests. In addition to the steak, the menu offers a wide selection of antipasti, first and second courses of traditional Tuscan cuisine, all prepared with passion and skill. Guests praise the tenderness and flavor of the steak, as well as the wide selection of local wines that perfectly accompany each meal. The bistecca alla fiorentina from Buca Mario is a true delight for the senses and a testament to Florence’s rich culinary tradition.

Steakhouses in Florence represent a true paradise for meat lovers, offering an extraordinary and authentic culinary experience. Enjoying the best Fiorentina becomes a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the genuine flavors of Tuscany, where the quality and preparation of the meat take center stage.

The Fiorentina is not just a dish, but a testimony to Florence’s rich gastronomic tradition, which will remain etched in the memories of those who have had the privilege of tasting it.