Florence boasts an array of luxury restaurants that blend historical charm with modern culinary excellence. Here we selected what we consider the very best Michelin-starred restaurants of the city.
Enoteca Pinchiorri ***
Via Ghibellina, 87
ph. +39 055 242777 – 242757
Enoteca Pinchiorri is a gastronomic landmark, celebrated for its opulent yet refined cuisine. This three Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its magnificent courses, each more impressive than the last, creating a crescendo of culinary delights. The focus remains on the flavor of the finest ingredients, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
At the helm is the talented chef Riccardo Monco, who continues to uphold the high standards set by the restaurant’s icons, Annie Féolde and Giorgio Pinchiorri. The impeccable service, orchestrated by maître-d’ Alessandro Tomberli, enhances the overall experience, making every visit a special occasion. The restaurant’s wine cellar is globally renowned, featuring over 4,000 labels, with separate Italian and international wine lists. This exceptional collection has been meticulously curated by Giorgio Pinchiorri, offering unique tastings that are a highlight of the visit.
Signature dishes, such as the “Sandwich of anchovies, arugula extract, vegetable giardiniera with alpine butter, and caramelized onion ice cream,” showcase the innovative approach of Monco and his team, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques.
For a unique and luxurious dining experience in Florence, Enoteca Pinchiorri is a must-visit destination.
Gucci Osteria**
Piazza della Signoria, 10
ph. + 39 055 0621744
Florence’s cosmopolitan appeal is elevated by Gucci Osteria, a vibrant restaurant helmed by chefs Karime Lopez and Takahiko Kondo, under the guidance of the renowned Massimo Bottura. Located in the elegant Gucci Garden on Piazza della Signoria, this modern eatery blends fashion and cuisine seamlessly.
Lopez, the first Mexican woman to earn a Michelin star, brings a diverse culinary perspective, incorporating global influences into her dishes. The menu offers a mix of à la carte options and two tasting menus: “I Nostri Souvenirs” and “Le Nostre Nuove Memorie.” For lunch, the “Breve Viaggio in Osteria” provides a shorter tasting experience.
Signature dishes include the Mexican purple corn Tostada with palamita and the Japanese Taka Bun, a steamed bao with pork belly. The Emilia Burger, famous for defeating Shake Shack in New York, is a standout item that reflects Bottura’s innovative approach to traditional cuisine. Dining at Gucci Osteria is complemented by the excellent service led by Damiano Barbato, ensuring a unique and memorable experience.
A visit to the Gucci Garden museum, which showcases the iconic fashion house’s history, further enriches the culinary journey, making it a must-visit destination in Florence.
Santa Elisabetta**
Piazza Santa Elisabetta, 3
ph. +39 055 2737673
Santa Elisabetta, nestled in the historic Torre della Pagliazza in Florence, is a culinary gem that traces its roots back to Byzantine times. Over the centuries, this tower has served various purposes, including as a women’s prison in the 12th century. Today, it houses one of Florence’s most intriguing gourmet restaurants, part of the Hotel Brunelleschi, where chef Rocco De Santis crafts imaginative Mediterranean cuisine that is both precise and flavorful.
Chef Rocco De Santis, hailing from Campania, infuses his dishes with influences from his native region, particularly focusing on fish and seafood. His culinary artistry is evident in every dish, reflecting a deep respect for traditional Mediterranean flavors while incorporating modern techniques. The restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a menu that showcases seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and authenticity.
For lunch, Santa Elisabetta features a unique three-course tasting menu called “Carte Blanche,” allowing guests to experience a curated selection of the chef’s creations. This option provides a perfect introduction to De Santis’ culinary style, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a concise yet memorable meal.
Given the restaurant’s intimate setting with only a few tables available, reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot. The dining room’s elegant ambiance, coupled with the historic backdrop of the Torre della Pagliazza, creates a unique and immersive dining experience that is both sophisticated and intimate.
Borgo San Jacopo *
Borgo San Jacopo, 62/R,
ph. +39 055 281661 – 342 1234710 (for reservations via WhatsApp)
Borgo San Jacopo, situated within the charming Hotel Lungarno in Florence, offers an elegant dining experience that mirrors the hotel’s exclusive style. Executive chef Claudio Mengoni, who returned to his hometown after gaining experience in various Michelin-starred establishments, leads the kitchen. Mengoni transforms carefully selected Italian ingredients into refined fish, meat, and vegetable dishes that honor the seasons and are beautifully presented.
The restaurant boasts an excellent wine selection curated by sommelier Salvatore Biscotti, featuring around a thousand labels from renowned estates and small producers. For a truly romantic experience, it’s well worth booking one of the few tables overlooking the Arno River, providing a stunning view of Ponte Vecchio.
Borgo San Jacopo offers two exquisite tasting menus in addition to an à la carte menu. Signature dishes include “Raw and cooked vegetables with tomato sorbet and fig molasses,” “Milk-fed porchetta with black salsify, port-reduced shallots, and Dijon mustard,” and “Risotto with sea urchins, colatura di alici, and fennel frisella.” Open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, 7 pm to 10 pm, this restaurant promises a high gastronomic experience in a romantic, panoramic setting.
For an unforgettable dining experience with a view, Borgo San Jacopo is an exceptional choice in Florence
Saporium*
Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 69r
ph. +39 055 212933
Saporium Firenze is a delightful small restaurant offering a blend of traditional and contemporary charm. Close to the scenic ascent to Piazzale Michelangelo, the restaurant features vaulted ceilings and brick walls, enhanced by plants and elegant furniture, creating a cozy dining atmosphere.
Young and talented chef Ariel Hagen leads the kitchen, delighting guests with his highly personalized cuisine that emphasizes seasonal produce and fermented ingredients from his own workshop. Signature dishes include fresh tagliolini pasta with elderflower, showcasing the chef’s innovative use of local and seasonal ingredients. The wine list is equally impressive, featuring excellent labels and a wide selection of wines by the glass.
Saporium Firenze is deeply committed to sustainability, earning a MICHELIN Green Star. The menu revolves around the Borgo Santo Pietro organic farm in Chiusdino, which owns the restaurant. Hagen’s dishes are influenced by the farm’s produce and the fermented ingredients from the in-house laboratory.
The restaurant offers three tasting menus: Territorial Projections, Pes-care, and Vegetable Depths, along with a lighter three-course lunch menu. In the evening, the Saporium Lounge serves tapas, wine, and a selection of cocktails, providing a perfect setting for a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience.
For a sensory journey grounded in sustainability and haute cuisine, Saporium Firenze is a must-visit destination in Florence.
All these venues offer exquisite dining experiences because their renowned chefs craft create unforgettable meals using the finest ingredients and ensure that each visit is a celebration of exceptional flavours and sophisticated ambiance.