Meh -1 star because there were ALL tourists there -1 star for the Blueberry steak (which I didn't order). it was cooked perfectly, but way too much of that sauce. -1 star for the pasta tasting which was very mediocre. You can find better pasta anywhere in firenze. read more

I'm giving Acqua Al 2 two stars because while edible, this isn't the type of food you should settle for in Italy if you're seeking true Italian food in your travels. When I told friends I was coming to Florence, 2 of them enthusiastically urged me to come to Acqua Al 2. "Order the pasta sampler!!" they said. So, I made a reservation for my first night in Florence, and hoped for the best despite the negative reviews I've read here. My first impression was that indeed, everyone at the restaurant is a tourist, but who cares, tourists want to eat good food too! However, I'm sad to confirm that the other negative things everyone has to say about this place is true - the pasta is unimpressive. The pasta sampler itself was a true disappointment - not fresh, I could have bought the dried pastas from a street vendor and made it at home myself. Also ordered the Truffle Ravioli based on some recommendations here - the dish was a complete joke. The ravioli itself tasted like it came from the freezer, and it was drenched in overpowering truffle-scented olive oil with a few pieces of something that reminds me of truffles lingering in the sauce. (In comparison for the same price in Rome, I was able to get fresh ravioli in where the waiter brought out a black truffle, and covered my entire plate with fresh truffle) The famous Blueberry Steak - while the steak was perfectly cooked, the quality of the steak was hidden by the sauce itself. Yes, the blueberry sauce itself was tasty, but not sure if it needed to drench the steak like that. Overall, this was a complete waste of a dinner in Florence and a true disappointment compared to all the other dinners I've had so far in Italy. read more

This place came highly recommended from a friend that owns a place in Firenze, so we chose to check it out in spite of my fellow Yelp raters . In summary, I would say it did not meet our high expectations. Don't get me wrong, the food was very good but it wasn't overly memorable or good enough for me to rave about it to all my friends. The service was ok and they seemed eager to turn our table. All that being said, let's hit the highlights. We did the chefs choice pasta sampler. The eggplant bow tie pasta and vegetarian fettuccine were fantastic and worthy of another order. The Brunelli Montalcino we had was amazing. The server was nice and decanted the wine. The bean spread and fresh bread were also super tasty. I think this might have been a case of expectations that were too high walking in. For Star gazers, their decor was cool-they have a bunch of autographed plates hanging on the wall. Extra kudos for not being overrun by tourists. We diss make a reservation same day which they were great to accommodate. read more

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All three of those stars are for the atmosphere and service. The food was only okay we thought, although a tiramisu for dessert was very good! We were a fairly raucous group of twelve and our server, Francesca, was simply wonderful; friendly, helpful and efficient. We had a very fun night with lots of good chianti in a pleasant location! Wasn't too expensive either considering how much wine we put away!! read more

Acqua al 2 - The lovely Francesca brings us limoncello! - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

Great find. Quaint and charming ambiance with nice soft jazz and awesome steaks. We were recommended to try their steak assortment plate to taste all. The best steaks that melt in your mouth! read more

Acqua al 2 - Artichoke on arugula and balsamic vinegar - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

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THE FOOD IS REALLY BAD! I don't know how this place has gotten so many good reviews. All the food we had here was horrible. Everything we had was overly salted to the point you could not even eat it, and we had a steak that had so much sauce on it that it would make you gag, and I usually love sauce. The worst meal we had on our vacation to Italy, I think this place is a tourist trap. read more

Once a much better place to eat years ago. Returning a second time unfortunately disappointed. This place shouldn't even have 3 stars. Seating is tight, menu is old and hasn't changed in 10 years, staff is miserable and wants you in and out. Since they've built a name over the years their focus is now on volume and not quality of their product, such a shame. This last visit left me regretting it the next day after having a sample of their seconds I spent the next day battling food poisoning. If you're visiting Florence I strongly no longer recommend Acqua al 2. read more

Great recommendation for a Wednesday night. Acqua is situated on a corner and is quite large. The four of us were situated at a very cozy table in the back room. Each ordered delicious pasta dishes. I had the gnocchi with red radish. We had the house chianti for 12 euros a bottle, which was a great price for a great wine. We ended with the dessert sampler which was amazing. Chocolate cake, tiramisu, and cheesecake. The server spoke English and was very helpful and patient. Great service. I would say aqua caters a little more to Americans than most others but so what. read more

Was excellent in all respects. Food was fantastic, service was very attentive and responsive, ambiance is pleasant but a little crowded. We had the pasta sampler and the chicken with tawny port reduction, both were outstanding. Best meal meal we had in the 2 weeks we were in Italy. read more

This place is not worth the walk. The steak was good but Nothing special the wines are terrible which in Italy is amazing. The service was terrible they did us a favor the waiter was more annoyed than anything else Quickly ate the steak and got out of an uncomfortable situation. Left the wine for the next people to be disappointed read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Italy, and I've been around the block a few times when it comes to good Italian food. Very fairly priced and the pasta dishes are out of this world. I recommend any of the fusilli (delicious long curly pasta) or any of the red meat dishes. This area is known for the Fiorentina steak but if you're not looking for 2lbs of meat any of the smaller cuts will do. Make sure to get the house wine when you are in Tuscany. This place is KNOWN for great wine so even the "generic" stuff is over the top good. When I found out they have a San Diego location I cried tears of joy, though it is hard to match the original. Ci tornero sicuramente, uno dei posti piu deliziosi in tutta Firenze! Grazie di cuore e a presto! read more

Stumbled across this hidden gem with my partner one night in Florence, and we were genuinely amazed by how good our experience was. The pasta sampler was exquisite, and the blueberry steak was to die for. Would recommend this restaurant to absolutely anyone - we haven't stopped talking about it since we visited! Our favourite meal out in Florence. read more

This was a perfectly fine place for lunch. A-OK is what a 3-star ranking means and this is what it was. I would go back if in the area again. It's competent Tuscan and regional Italian food. I especially like the kitchen cam they have in the corner - you can watch the chefs at work on a TV in the dining room. The service was as to be expected in Italy - if not on the better side. Good lunch option if in the area. read more

Best meal in all of Italy! Suggested by the knowledgeable staff, we had the pasta sampler and steak sampler - definitely enough food for two. The balsamic steak was some of the best meat I have ever had. Even with 1.5 bottles of house wine the bill was around 75 euro. read more

One of our favorite meals in Italy. The blueberry steak is outstanding. Not overly sweet which we feared. The pasta was extremely flavorful and the experience is great. Would recommend when visiting, but make sure you make a reservation! read more

Very cute place in Rome. Interesting approach to dining. They are super busy - try to make a reservation if you can.

Had dinner 2x last week. You will wait a bit on weekends even with reservation. Well worth it! Filet Mignon w BLUEBERRY sauce is a MUST!! read more

Not much to say about this unbelievable hidden gem that hasn't already been said... Be bold, and order the pasta assagio -- the chef brings out 5 secret pasta dishes that are always full of flavor and cooked to perfection. I actually feel like the element of surprise adds to the taste, as you have no idea which flavors to expect. The blueberry steak if an absolute MUST...savory layers of blueberry and natural steak au jus envelop this unassuming, perfectly cook piece of meat. There's a perfect, harmonious balance of flavor that will tickle your tastebuds in all the right ways. Bon Apetit, which I could eat this every day...aka, please open a Miami spot! read more

I first discovered Acqua al 2 in 1993 when I was studying abroad. The assagio di primi (assortment of pasta dishes) is my favorite dish to order. They bring you 5 different, very tasty pasta dishes (all w/out meat). The portions of each sample are small, but collectively they add up to an entree-sized portion of pasta. I enjoy the dining experience of the assagio b/c it leads me to eat slowly, serving by serving. I have been to the restaurant many times over the years and make a point to get to their San Diego location when I'm down there. If you're up for a quick story... My favorite visit to Acqua al 2 in Florence was in 1997 when I led a group of 10 high school students on a trip to Italy. Convinced that the portions were not American-sized enough, the 10 students (all boys) wagered with me that they could finish an assagio di primi order for 20 people! I took the wager and watched with amazement as the students labored through each serving. They had a ringer in the group named Ed who could really put it away. Chants of "Ed! Ed!" reached a crescendo, causing other diners to stop and spectate with curiosity. Spurred on by the encouragement of his teammates, Ed delivered, anchoring the crew to victory...only to let loose the spoils on the side of the Borgello museum a few steps after leaving the restaurant. Lesson learned: Don't bet against 11th-graders in an eating contest. read more

Best meal we had in Florence. You must try the Blueberry steak. Such a unique flavor...unlike anything you've ever had! read more

Acqua al 2 - Blueberry steak - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

This was probably the best meal that I had when I stayed in Florence for 3 nights. The pasta sampler and the steak sampler were what we got and they were amazing. Portions are a little small but that's why I felt so refreshed and not overly stuffed. The blueberry marinade on the steak was such a unique delicacy I was really impressed. Couple that with some wine and dessert and you won't be disappointed on a date night. Perfetto! read more

Blueberry steak was amazing! They did not have an English​ menu but the waitress​ was ​happy to answer any questions. Very cozy atmosphere and the staff was great! I would go back! read more

Great restaurant! Highly recommend! If you can't read Italian then do yourself a favor and bring your phone and have google translator ready. The staff is beyond helpful in telling you what things are and giving recommendations as well. We ended up having the steak with balsamic vinegar and the ravioli with avocado per what our waitress said was popular. Both were delicious. Wish we could have gone back but unfortunately we stumbled upon it our last night in Florence. They also have a second location in Washington DC. read more

This is a rustic and charming place but be warned, it is filled with tourists. There were no locals so can't speak for the authenticity of the place. I saw American families and teen backpackers. I heard nothing but English spoken from the surrounding tables. Seating was a mix of communal dining and a few smaller tables. However, since tables were so crammed together, there really was no such thing as a private table. The place was excruciatingly loud. Food was good, solid cooking, nothing exotic. My friend and I got the pasta sampling. Food was like a more authentic version of the neverending pasta bowl from Olive Garden. For a "safe" and filling meal that won't challenge the American palate, this is the spot. read more

This place is wonderful! The owner is such a nice man and is willing to translate the menu for Americans completely. The balsamic and blueberry steaks were so so good and my friends who had the pasta dishes were also pleased. This was some of the best tiramisu I've ever had. Will definitely recommend and hopefully be back before leaving Florence. read more

The balsamic and blueberry filet mignon are on another level. Our waiter was right to the point and kind of played hard to get but that's how you know your in for a treat. This place is a gem. read more

This was the most incredible dining experience I've ever had in Florence!! Not only was the food AMAZING (I had the tagliatelle with zucchini flowers) but the atmosphere was pleasant and cozy.. The owner of the restaurant made the experience even better. He took an active part in seating everyone and came around to each table to ask how the meal was and if they needed anything. There was a significant wait when we arrived, but our party of 7 was seated fairly quickly and the owner constantly checked up on us to make sure we knew he hadn't forgotten about our party. Also, I have a food allergy and when the waitress was taking our order I had to explain that my meal couldn't contain this certain food. The owner himself then came over to tell me he'd let the chef know directly and came to make sure I was okay whenever he passed our table. When we ordered another course, he did the same and came from the kitchen to tell me that this next course would be okay for me to eat. As someone with a food allergy that carries around an EpiPen knows, this peace of mind is really invaluable. All around this dinner was this far one of my top favorites of anywhere I've been and I know the rest of my party would say the same! read more

I was recommended to this restaurant by multiple friends who had dined here in years past. It seems that the restaurant has become very mainstream over the last 8-10 years, and so has the food. The service was not welcoming at the host nor from our server like we got the rest of our time in Florence. The food was also mediocre at best where the pasta tasted like a canned product (not kidding, and not harsh). We also ordered the blueberry steak and while the quality of the meat was good and was cooked correctly, the blueberry sauce didn't really taste like much - it wasn't bad, but wouldn't say it was good either. Overall, I would skip this restaurant and try another more local spot like this place supposedly used to be. read more

My wife and I ate here as part of our honeymoon. It was a great meal. You'd think it would be expensive but it was really reasonable. Glasses of wine for 4 euro, pasta tasting of 5 tastings for 14 euro for my wife, and I had the secondi tasting of blueberry steak (which is what they are known for), balsamic steak, and sliced rosemary steak. They were so nice to even bring us complimentary prosecco at the end of the meal to celebrate our honeymoon. We would definitely come back the next time we are in Florence. read more

Acqua al 2 - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

Not bad of samplers but I expect the beef (both blueberry & balsamic) to be a better cut of meat but sheesh, for the price, what else can I ask for? The house chianti is so-so...but the cheesecake is WOW!!! read more

We went here for my last night studying abroad. It was so much fun. There were so many of us we were put in the cellar and had no idea what was coming for us. The food was absolutely incredible. We did a pasta course that was to die for read more

The service at Acqua al 2 was outstanding.. I've never been treated so well in an Italian restaurant! The food was delicious, get the picci pasta with pomodoro!!!! The steak was unreal, although I think having blueberry steak once is enough for me, the meat itself was cooked to perfection. I will definitely be returning! Fun ambiance and great prices! read more

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Best meal in Florence!! Had the Blueberry steak and it was delicious. Definitely recommend it! read more

Acqua al 2 - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

If you are in Florence, you NEED to go here. We received this recommendation from previous study abroad students and it did not disappoint. The blueberry steak was definitely one of the best steaks I have ever had. Service was excellent and the atmosphere gave an Italian feel. I wish the portion was a bit bigger, but would still 10/10 recommend. read more

Acqua al 2 - Blueberry Steak with side of mashed potatoes - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

The best thing about this place is their desserts. They give a dessert sampler with 4 variety of options and every piece of the dessert was really good. I tried the pasta sampler and it wasn't pleasing. I understand its Italy and the pasta should be al dente but these pasta's were so al dente that it felt like I was eating raw pasta. Do not get the pasta sampler. I should have gotten the eggplant parma or cannelloni. The problem is that they don't have a English menu so you don't know what you are reading even though they have 2 US locations, 1 in east coast (Washington DC) & other one in west coast (San Diego). I asked the waitress that I wanted the shell pasta but she couldn't understand me. She kept saying the menu has pictures of what type of pasta you can get but the picture of the shell pasta wasn't in the menu. My husband on the other hand had the blueberry steak which he said was really good. I will try this place again but will definitely choose a different dish then the pasta sampler. read more

Dining solo can be a little awkward, but a meal for one here was fun, relaxed and made special. I had the blueberry steak and house red wine, and my waiter brought me a slice of cake on the house! There was a wait, but worth it (and not unusual for Florence drop-ins). read more

Acqua al 2 - A slice of cake, on the house! - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

This place was, unfortunately, extremely overrated. I'd heard about the blueberry Florentine steak all semester and after snagging a reservation, finally trekked out to give it a try. My 2 friends and I started out with the pasta sampler - nothing particularly stood out though it was all cooked perfectly al dente. The real disappointment was the blueberry steak. While tender, the sauce was just not my thing - overly sweet and extremely heavy and sticky. I'm surprised at all the positive reviews. My two friends also didn't enjoy it, maybe it's just a matter of personal preference. The steak and pasta, as with everything, tasted better after downing a few glasses of wine. People around me seemed to think similarly - no wonder this place is filled with only American study abroad students. The service was pretty inattentive as well. read more

Acqua al 2 - blueberry steak - meh - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

Had the blueberry steak...was awesome! There's a pesto and tomatoe sauce that comes with the complimentary bread tjat was so delicious!!! Everything else we had was average, but the steak was awesome!!! read more

Overly salty food. We got the pasta sampler and steak sampler. 1 out of 5 pastas were decent but still all too salty. Steak was absolutely mediocre. Don't understand the reviews about the balsamic steak. Blueberry steak was at best okay. Waiters were nice but to top off the bad taste in our mouth, the manager lady got angry and was giving us an attitude that HER credit card machine was broken and demanded that we go and take out cash. read more

Typical mediocre Italian restaurant. It was easy to get a reservation and they seated us as soon as we got there. I believe the woman who helped us all night was the owner because she did it all... she was answering the phone, seating people, taking our order, checking on us, and bringing our food out. She was on top of it all. We were 3 people and couldn't decide what we wanted. Luckily this place had a pasta tasting for 3! She brought out 5 different pastas. My favorite was the pumpkin pasta, followed by this spicy tomato sauce pasta. The pesto with pine nut was also great when I put chili flakes on top, and my friend loved the garlic and Parmesan one. My dad hogged the entire macaroni cheese one, so I can't judge, but it looked delicious and it seemed to be a popular dish. By the time we finished all of these pastas we were pretty full and we're all about the tasting menu...we ordered a 3 meat sampler. We had a simple tagliata, steak with a balsamic sauce, and steak with a blueberry sauce. I liked the traditional one best, my friend liked the balsamic, and my dad liked the blueberry. We finished with an excellent tiramisu! It was not expensive and was nice and quick. I wouldn't suggest this for a romantic night out as it was a little loud and crowded. read more

Acqua al 2 - Steak sampler for 1 person - blueberry sauce, traditional salt and pepper, and balsamic glazed - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI