Florentine steak
The best Florentine steak in Florence: where is it?
Our “bistecca alla fiorentina” is succulent, rare and thick. In one of the last articles I talked about the bistecca alla fiorentina and its characteristics. The cutting of Florentine steak in Tuscany is such an ancient art. The minimum thickness for a Florentine steak worthy of its name is 1.5 inches, but the perfect cut is not less than 2/2.5 inches. The weight ranges from 1.5 lb to 4lb. Here you have a little summary of restaurants personally tested… it’s a hard job, but someone has to do it! And if you want to know (and eat) more about the food of Florence, take a look at our Florence Street Food Tour!
Historical restaurants in Florence
Antico Ristoro di Cambi (via Sant’Onofrio 1R) is a little bit bigger than a typical trattoria (130 seats—a trattoria is usually smaller). However, despite its size, a lot of attention is given to quality. Their Florentine steak is matured perfectly and cooked just right, so that it’s well-done on the outside and rare on the inside. Tripe and the local dish “lampredotto” are other highlights on the menu. Just around the corner from the blazoned via Tornabuoni is the Florentine steak at Buca Lapi. This restaurant is characterized by its traditionally elegant décor. Featured also are other typical Tuscan dishes served tastefully, without the haughtiness of TV chefs. The bill is worthy of the nearby fashion street, but the restaurant is always full. Book in advance.
The best Florentine steak in Florence outskirts
Burde is another part of Florence’s history, open since the early 1900s. Trattoria Da Burde is still today a must for those who want to try their Florentine steak, “peposo” (peppery beef stew), “bollito” (boiled mixed meat in vegetable broth), and other typical Tuscan dishes, like pasta and beans, “acquacotta alla maremmana” (mixed vegetable and bread soup), spelt, and other soups. Historically run by the Gori family, the family sommelier promises to impress you with their wine cellar without putting on airs.
Florentine Steak at Perseus
First place goes to Perseus, a city establishment frequented by Florentines, assuring quality and quantity. Perseus is a short walk beyond Piazza della Libertà. This is not one of the most popular tourist attractions, but easy to get to on foot. Their specialty is meat. Here you can find really the best Florentine steak in Florence! The first courses and desserts will surely satisfy. If you’re on a romantic vacation, you can try out their “sister” restaurant in Fiesole, the hill above Florence. It’s called Perseus Fiesolano and it’s in the main piazza. Try their fillet with green peppercorns if you want something different (or if your partner doesn’t indulge in the bistecca alla fiorentina). A dinner at this restaurant could be the perfect conclusion of an afternoon spent touring Fiesole with us!