L'Antico Noè is two places in one: a sandwich (panino) shop famous for overflowing tuscan panini and a sit-down osteria offering seasonal and regional specialties.
The sandwich shop has always been popular with the student community and local shopkeepers because it's a great place for a quick, cheap, and delicious lunch. Order a sandwich from their menu, or create your own combination, and follow it with a glass of house wine.
The osteria offers Tuscan dishes with a strong emphasis on local seasonal ingredients - truffles, porcini, zucchini flowers, and artichokes to name a few. The tagliatelle ai porcini is a local favorite, and the truffled eggs are a tasty bargain.
Both locations are found in an arcaded alley off of Piazza San Pier Maggiore. You'll know you've found the place when you see the line of lunch customers forming at the door.
The namesake cracked mirror of Osteria L'Antico Noè
The name Antico Noè comes from a shop that was in this location before the restaurant opened: in 1945, the tiny storefront was home to an Italian Vermouth store called "Noè," a popular liqueur in the 1900's, with a recognizable logo. Upon taking over the shop, the only remnants of its former tenants was an antique ("antico") mirror... therefore Antico Noè!
Currently there is no functioning website for L'Antico Noè but they do have an Instagram account (below).
Update for Trattoria Il Giova: We had the pleasure of dining at Il Giova again this year for the first time in a long time and it did not disappoint! I found out that the ownership changed right around the time we left Florence (over 10 years ago!), but another family took over the business and it is running it in the same friendly way.
We enjoyed our meal and conversation with the new owners and some other diners that were obviously regular customers. The room was packed and vibrant, and the food was great - we shared a fritto misto and each had spaghetti vongole. For a fun, inexpensive, and memorable meal, I highly recommend Trattoria Il Giova!
This is our original post about Il Giova, it is quite old but still stands:
We found a great restaurant last night, Trattoria Il Giova. By great, I mean very good food, reasonable prices, and friendly service. Definitely my kind of place - much more of a bistro than a fancy restaurant. It seemed to be family run - we weren't sure but it looked liked just the dad/owner/chef was in the kitchen preparing all the hot food himself. Two more women ran the room - one was mostly the waitress, the other prepared the salads and desserts (it is just one tiny room and we did see some people turned away - calling for a reservation is probably a good idea).
The old entrance to Trattoria il Giova - I think this door is permanently shut now, and you actually enter from Borgo la Croce, 73R
The place was suggested by a friend who was meeting us there - while I knew the location (near the Mercato Sant'Ambrogio), from the outside it is the kind of place you wouldn't really notice - and from looking at the menu posted outside while waiting for him to show up the prices seemed so low that I was worried that it couldn't possibly be good. We were happily proved wrong. Everything we had was great, and some of the things we didn't try but saw at other tables looked just as good. Plus, dinner for five (most with two courses), four deserts, the most expensive bottle of red on the short list (22 € - a very nice red from San Gimignano that was an 80/20 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot), and a good bottle of prosecco - all was had for less than 130 €.
The menu staple appeared to be the filet mignon - it was offered several ways. I had the pepe verde sauce. It was a massive, tender, seared piece of very tender beef, smothered in a rich pepper cream mustard sauce. It was awesome. Ellen had the filetto alla griglia which was also great - hers came with a side of blanched spinach which was fresh and perfectly cooked. Our friend had the pork filet with carmelized onions and a wine poached pear. My first course was crostini Toscano - with the added twist of 2 little bricks of polenta that were deep fried, one topped with liver pate, and the other a razor thin slice of lardo. Again, excellent and unexpected - one of the first times I have had this Tuscan staple with any flair given to the dish. Ellen's first course was a pasta with zucchini flower and truffle sauce which she enjoyed (as did I - the dish was huge and really too much for a first course).
We were having such a good time that we all had dessert too - I would say they were good to very good. I really was too full and should have skipped it. Some of the things we saw that we must go back for - gnocchi in a cream sauce with crsipy pancetta on top, mussels, and a fritto misto of chicken, rabbit and vegetables. I would think that a couple could have dinner here for as little as 30 € with a bottle a wine. The most 2 people might spend is maye 70 €. That is pretty hard to do in this town right now, and it is more amazing at a place that is as good as this.
Enoteca Pinchiorri: A Culinary Jewel in the Heart of Florence
Enoteca Pinchiorri, now in it's 50th year, stands as a testament to the confluence of exquisite gastronomy, unparalleled wine selection, and the art of Italian hospitality. This renowned establishment is not just a restaurant; it's an experience that encapsulates the essence of Italian culinary excellence. This recent video really captures what this legendary restaurant is all about:
The Genesis of Enoteca Pinchiorri
The story of Enoteca Pinchiorri begins with its founders, Giorgio Pinchiorri and Annie Féolde. Pinchiorri's passion for wine and Féolde's culinary expertise combined to create a dining destination that quickly rose to fame. The restaurant's ethos is rooted in the celebration of Italian cuisine, elevated by innovative touches and a deep respect for ingredients.
A Symphony of Flavors
At Enoteca Pinchiorri, every dish is a masterpiece. The menu, carefully curated by Chef Annie Féolde, Italy's first female chef to earn three Michelin stars, offers a modern interpretation of traditional Italian dishes. Each creation is a harmony of flavors, meticulously plated to delight both the palate and the eyes.
The restaurant's signature dishes, such as the "Ravioli Capresi" with marinated red prawn and the "Pigeon in a Bread Crust," have become legendary. These dishes not only showcase the chef's skill but also her ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary culinary experiences.
An Ode to Oenophiles
Enoteca Pinchiorri's wine cellar is nothing short of legendary, and at one point was the largest in the world. With an extensive collection that spans the globe, but with a deep focus on Italy and France, it is a treasure trove for wine aficionados. Giorgio Pinchiorri, a sommelier of great repute, has meticulously assembled a wine list that complements the restaurant's menu, enhancing the dining experience. From rare vintages to contemporary classics, the wine selection at Enoteca Pinchiorri is a journey through the world's finest vineyards.
Here is a video focusing on the cellar and showing many specific bottles - it is a little bit older but still relevant:
The Ambiance
The ambiance of Enoteca Pinchiorri is a blend of elegance and warmth. The dining rooms, each with its unique charm, are adorned with fine art and antiques, creating a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're seated in the main dining room or one of the more intimate spaces, the setting is perfect for a special occasion or a memorable night out.
A Testament to Excellence
Enoteca Pinchiorri's commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The restaurant has been awarded three Michelin stars, a testament to its impeccable service, outstanding cuisine, and the unparalleled wine list. It's not just a meal; it's an event that leaves an indelible mark on your culinary journey.
The Quintessential Florentine Experience?
Dining at Enoteca Pinchiorri is more than just eating out; it's an immersion into the heart of Italian culinary tradition, reimagined through the lens of modern gastronomy. It's a celebration of the senses, where each bite and every sip tells a story of passion, tradition, and innovation. But please note - it is definitely not for everyone! If you are looking for typical Tuscan food, or a "value" meal - this is not the place. This is Three Michelin Star fine dining at the highest level - and the prices and difficulty in getting a reservation reflect that.
This restaurant has been around for a very long time. The cuisine is traditional Tuscan, with some creative modern updates. In the rich menu the fresh fish specialties stand out, as does their pizzas that are cooked in a wood burning oven. Dishes are based on the search for genuine flavor and the quality of the ingredients that compose them. The wine list accompanies the meal perfectly.
Among the many choices on the menu, the Tuscan appetizer is excellent (the suppliers are carefully selected for the cold cuts) and the bruschetta, the Florentine steak, the coccoli, and the excellent sea bass are also standouts.
The homemade desserts are very good, and the strawberry cheesecake is a delicious end to any meal.
Located just steps from Piazza Santa Croce, in the ancient Franciscan district of Florence.
Apparently the website is under construction for trattoria Il Francescano (no idea for how long). This was always a popular dining spot and according to various websites it still is, but currently this is all we can find online about it:
The web pages of Trattoria Il Francescano and the Bistrot are under construction. We will be online as soon as possible.
The restaurants are open throughout the summer season with more than 100 seats outside at the foot of the Basilica of S. Croce.
You can find a web page about them from the restaurant group Food In Florence: https://www.foodinflorence.com/il-francescano/. They offer Tuscan fare at a high level and in a very warm and welcoming setting right next to the Basilica of Santa Croce and very near Piazza Santa Croce, and also have many outside tables.
A newer restaurant, very near where Trattoria Leo used to be on via Torta. We don't know this place personally but it looks like a large, full service, commercial/tourist type of enterprise featuring Tuscan food and pizza (which makes sense being so close to Piazza Santa Croce).
From their Facebook page:
Ristorante, osteria e pizzeria a Santa Croce, nel cuore di Firenze 1000mq di ristorazione.
An interior view of restaurant Cucina Torcicoda
Here is Cucina Torcicoda on the map - this is not "off the beaten path" as I read on Facebook :) - just steps from Piazza Santa Croce and very much in the center of Florence.
Traditional Italian Pastries at Pasticceria Dolci e Dolcezze
Pasticceria Dolci e Dolcezze is a wonderful, old school Florentine pastry shop that has been serving up traditional Tuscan pastries for over 50 years. The shop is located on Piazza Cesare Beccaria, in walking distance from the Piazza Santa Croce. While famous for its baking, it also has a beautiful, almost antique, nostalgic feel. It is definitely worth trying something to stay just to soak up the feeling of a European cafè from the 1960s.
The entrance to Pasticceria Dolci e Dolcezze with curved glass windows and hand lettered gold signage
The pastries at Dolci e Dolcezze are made with fresh, local ingredients, some sourced from the nearby Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio. Some of their most popular offerings are cantucci, panforte, and schiacciata alla fiorentina, as well as this amazing strawberry tart above.
Cantucci are an almond biscotti that are traditionally dipped in Vin Santo wine. They are a perfect snack or dessert.
Panforte is a dense fruitcake that is made with honey, nuts, and spices. It is a traditional Christmas cake in Tuscany, but it can be enjoyed any time of year.
Schiacciata alla fiorentina is a fluffy, crispy "bread" that is made with olive oil, raisins, and pine nuts. It is a simple but delicious pastry that is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
In addition to these traditional pastries, Dolci e Dolcezze also has a variety of other pastries, beverages, and panini.
They don't appear to have any social media - if anyone comes across something, please comment below.
You can find Pasticceria Dolci e Dolcezze on Piazza Beccaria:
Moyo is a trendy, club-like spot for breakfast, brunch, a light lunch (pranzo veloce), or aperitivo (they call it "Apericena").
At night it is a mostly younger crowd - and I mean crowd. Moyo is on Via dei Benci, just steps from the Arno. From the corner of Via dei Neri up until around Piazza Santa Croce, Via dei Benci is party central on most nights with people spilling out of the various clubs and restaurants, basically turning the area into a block party.
Moyo has a reputation as a hip place for Florentines and foreigners, and their €20 "Apericena" will get you a fancy cocktail (or glass of wine) and the open buffet, which is usually enough to make a dinner out of.
Some amazing looking food at Moyo
They also are open all day, which is still not the case for many food establishments - from early (8 a.m.) to late at night (3 a.m. on the weekends).
Ruth's is essentially Florence's only kosher restaurant and located next door to the city's beautiful synagogue. The menu, which is enhanced with a number of daily specials, is primarily vegetarian but also contains many fish dishes, all at decent prices. The blends of flavor and aroma are enjoyed in a cosy environment by a clientele which is often a mix of people from all over the globe.
LOCATION: Via Luigi Carlo Farini 2a, Firenze TELEPHONE: (39) 055 248 0888 EMAIL:[email protected]
Despite their considerable skill in the kitchen, Florentines just can't make a decent pizza. It takes a Neapolitan to do that, so business has been booming ever since Naples-born Carmine opened Il Pizzaiuolo. Even with a reservation, you might have to wait for a spot at a long marble table. You've come to the right place for a pizza, but this is also one of the best places in the city for a good Southern seafood dish, like the impepata di cozze, a mussel stew, after a nice antipasto vesuviano, which comes with smoked tuna, mussels, prawns, and calamari.
LOCATION: Via dei Macci 113r, Firenze TELEPHONE: (39) 055 241171
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