Quite a treat Very friendly staff Makes you feel at home Outstanding food Remarkable dinner Best dinner ever Treat yourself read more

In my opinion, this is as good as it gets. With highly recommended restaurants, I always use Eleven Madison Park in NY as the bar... And Cibreo is there. The service is second to none. Wine glasses anyways filled, smiles all around, and a very comfortable atmosphere. Their pricing and menu is very simple, one price for first course (appetizer), one price for main, one for dessert, and one for coffee and there's a separate wine selection. I didn't list prices because prices may change. The menu varies everyday so the way it works is you get situated and a menu specialist sits down with you and tells you about today's appetizers and main course. She was so passionate about the food but in the end we got the potato flan and fish soup as appetizer and grilled prawns and rabbit for main. We also got complimentary small plates and as much as I dislike yogurt, their salted yogurt topped with olive oil did it for me. My wife had the grilled prawns and it was sea candy... Reminded us of the very best uni. The prawns were just barely done but when they are that fresh, you can't overcook it to truly at appreciate the fish. A wine specialist also comes and sits with you to go over the huge and intimidating menu. I had a bottle of the 2013 Chianti Rufina Reserve with my rabbit and he was right! Then last but not least, a dessert specialist once again sits down and you know the rest. Rivals many three Michelin star restaurants, highly recommended read more

This is a dining experience not to be missed. The ambiance; service and food are all impeccable. We had a bottle of Barolo with chicken meatballs and rabbit. Simply delicious. read more

One of the best Italian dining experience we ever had. Apparently this is a local institution owned by a celebrity chef. They serve seasonal food. There is no printed menu, a staff sat in our table and presented us with our options for the day. We just told her that we are carnivores, and please serve us your best food that we cannot find somewhere else. We got a really delicious braised duck and oxtail. They even made special dish for our daughter. It was the best meatballs (I meant Ragu) she ever had. read more

Food deserves a 4.5 star but is just shy of a 5. For dinner we ordered 4x €40 sets. Owner is a lively character, looks like a pirate and banters with you. Nice. appetizers: liver pate and ricotta, pickles, tripe, pickled yellow peppers, prosciutto, some yoghurt with green olive oil. For the primero, we had spicy spaghetti with tuna. Pretty good. For secondi, we had stuffed rabbit, cod mousse, beef stew, and spicy squid with watercress. Bavarian fruit tart excellent, chocolate cake slice was so rich, apple strudel was average. Chestnut meringue extremely fluffy and with perfect consistent, cheesecake with peach, good but not outstanding. Definitely worth a try. Extensive tea selection read more

Cibreo never disappoints. From the moment the menu is described to you (you don't get a menu) and the antipasti that follow (which you don't order), you know you're in for a special meal. There may be restaurants equally as good in Florence, but none better. One caution to non-Italians: don't order a cappuccino after dinner. You won't get it! read more

Absolutely the best dinner during our 9 day trip through Rome, Florence, and Venice (even while many of our other meals where at top rated Fodor's spots; as an aside, Fodor's suggestions aren't nearly as solid as they used to be, definitely do your own extra diligence). Getting back to Caffe Cibreo: we sat outside, wonderful, lively, yet relatively laid-back ambiance in their little piazza lined by their three other restaurants (see their website). We were treated like family by owner, Giulio Picchi (Son); he sat down and consulted with us to build-out an amazing dinner catering to our tastes along with his recommendations that were spot-on. Watching owner, Fabio Picchi (Dad) greet and entertain local guests was especially fun as we sat outside; this is a foodie and fun loving family run group of restaurants. We started with several small antipasti dishes featuring a variety of local flavors, including, prosciutto, herbed cheeses, yogurt puddings (lemon/turmeric & tomato/basil), seasonal vegetables, couscous, and more. We then had their seasonal yellow pepper soup, amazing. Our 13 y/o son enjoyed a perfect bowl of pasta that made him happy. We all had their house specialty, a thinly sliced roast beef with a wonderful sauce - tender and tasty; served with a small side of greens (at that point in the trip we had to have a salad). We finished with a flourless chocolate cake and a berry tart, both were some of the best desserts during our trip. All said, the staff was genuinely friendly, their little piazza is a welcome relief from the hustle of the Ponte Vecchio area, the food was truly outstanding, and the value for dinner was great. read more

I wish that I could give this place the full 5 stars but sadly the service staff was a little aloof and somewhat inattentive. But this was by the BEST MEAL WE HAD IN FLORENCE! I'm not sure where the chef trained but the presentation had an air of French technique. The restaurant is in the Santa Croce area, away from the tourist traps. We decided to have lunch which might be a good idea if you are trying to be more budget conscious. The menu is limited to what is locally available and what the chef decided to make, which can be limiting to those with food allergies and strict diet but if you're a foodie like myself then try anything they offer - it all looked good. As my first plate I had the ricotta flan. It was perfect - seasoned well, served with fresh pesto infused with so much basil you could smell it from afar and salty Parmesan cheese. The bread was soft crusty and went well with the cheese flan. As my second plate I had the chicken meatballs served with a creamy tomato sauce. Again like the flan, cooked and seasoned perfectly. Such good food!! Simple ingredients but crafted with skills and gave that feeling of something an old school Italian grandma might serve. Definitely will be back many times again. read more

NO WORDS. THERE ARE, NO WORDS. Go here for an absolutely lovely and emotional culinary experience. And pace yourself.

We always stop at Cibrèo when we go to Firenze. Actually more for the overall experience than the food. There's no written menu, but there are about 5 or 6 staff members dressed in black (including the maître d' and the sommelier) who sit at your table, and go over the half dozen (each) starters, main courses, and desserts, describe them in detail and if necessary advise and 'modify' (for instance, if you opt for rabbit but still wonder about the meatballs, she might give you one meatball with your rabbit). Then an army of staff members (the persons in black and others dressed in blue shirts) would bring you lots of amuse-bouches, followed by what you ordered, and throughout your meal keep looking out if you might need something else. The food is good, but by no means supreme. No pastas, risotto, and heaven forbid, no pizza or calzone! In spite of high prices, there's always a queue because the experience is memorable (the dining room is intimate, in line with the service). They have branched out into less upscale versions nearby (caffé, trattoria, even a Japanese fusion eatery?) but the restaurant is the real thing. read more

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Pretty tough to beat this spot in florence. Tuscan cuisine at its pinnacle. Price fixe menu with choices delivered by the owner accompanied by super Tuscan vino. Dessert was the best. I had the blueberry tart. Entree was beef carpaccio and amazing small sides read more

Cibrèo - After the vino - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

We had the new year's dinner here and it was a great experience! A well figured menu and a seamless personal service is characterisic to this place. The vine selection is extremly wide so you can fid the best match to your plate, of course if needed they will help you with that. read more

Cibrèo - Before the others have arrived... - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

We are here on vacation and went out as a big group. We had wonderful service. One of the servers Andrea did an excellent job in explaining the menu to us. The servers were always concerned with us. The food was absolutely fantastic. Wonderful Italian cuisine. Very tasty, had the rabbit and was delighted! The restaurant filled up quickly on a week night. Wonderful 5 star experience! read more

Amazing! The food, service and experience. We were made to feel like the staff was taking a personal interest in our table. After choosing our first and second plates we were served TEN apps. They were excellent and not too large to spoil dinner. There were six of us so we had a variety of starters. I had what was suggested by the manager (ricotta cheese with a meat sauce?) and it was excellent. Four of us had rabbit, one steak and I had lamb. Everyone thought their dish was incredible. The boneless leg of lamb is rolled and stuffed. There is lamb gravy and a side of roast cauliflower. I like my lamb med-rare but this was well. You have no choice. It was moist and very tasty. I ordered the raspberry torte and it was amazing! It didn't seem to matter what was ordered because everyone really enjoyed theirs. A GREAT last meal in Florence! read more

We came here on a recommendation by a friend who visited Florence earlier this year, and we are not disappointed! Very good Florentine steak! The owner Julius is so nice and friendly staffs make our dinner really enjoyable! read more

Some things are better left to one's memories. It has been a number of years since we last visited Florence and this restaurant. Our return experience was a total disappointment and embarrassment. We had invited some friends to join us for what I promised would be a night to remember. It turned out to be ,but for the wrong reason. To start, our "menu presenter", Christina was rude and condescending. Unfortunately, that was the best experience we had during our 2 hour ordeal. The food was basically non descript, served at "room temperature"small portioned and expensive. The servers who were good, seemed to live in fear of the owner chef and the menu presenter. They were terrified when I requested pepper and some grated cheese for my meal. Christina, the presenter, was quite upset that I had been given these items and pressed me for the one responsible for this "insult". I told her that I always carried these items in my pocket. The final moments of our stay were highlighted by a visit from the owner chef, who acted like a present day dictator. When he noticed our barely eaten meals he asked what was wrong. He became very upset and insulting when we gave our response. He retorted that this was our problem, suggesting that we were unable to appreciate his talents. Despite our repeated offers to pay our bill, which would have been about 400euros, as we basically agreed that we were unable to "appreciate" his food, he would not accept payment Maybe he somehow agreed with our assessment of his food and was embarrassed to take our money. Unlike MacArthur we shall not return read more

What makes this place so memorable is the experience. Never have I ever been to a restaurant where there is a person who spits off the menu to you while joining the table with a seat. VERY COOL. I was, however, a bit disappointed with the food itself. If I had a blindfold on and had to chose solely on flavor, theirs sure would not be my pick compared to some of the other places I tried while in Florence. read more

worst restaurant and even worse service. Very rude and dismissive manager. this turned out to be the nastiest food and most expensive of all the meals we had in Italy. When we asked why there was so much oil on the tuna tartar - his response was: "This is Tuscany." Do not eat here! read more

Fantastic food and service. Great fun! One of the best places to eat in Florence. No menu.

Definitely not worth the money. The service was good and it was unusual and interesting to have a verbal rather than a written menu. However while the food was good, it was not amazing. The spinach soup to start was good if a little salty. Then €40 for a small main of aubergine parmigiana which again was good but not remarkable. Honestly nothing special and a meal we won't remember. read more

Outstanding food combined with a unique style. Come hungry as the food just keeps on coming. You start with the host/hostess reading you the items of the day. Then a few special items arrive for your tasting. I had the Rabbit Roulade. I have never had anything like it - so delicious. The uniqueness of the food - the presentation and the restaurant itself make this special. On the night we were there it was a bit loud as we had a couple of tables really celebrating. It did not bother us but it was noticed. IF you want a run of the mill - traditional Florentine restaurant - go someplace else. If you want wonderful food - a fun but semi-formal atmosphere- this is a must. It is on the pricier side so be prepared but well worth it. read more

Cannot express enough how amazing and accommodating this restaurant is. I came in super late for a table of one. Accidentally came into the cafe instead of the restaurant. They quickly and swiftly got me a table. The owners - beautiful husband and wife - checked on my table more than once to ensure I was okay. The wife had said she was waiting for mw in the restaurant because the hotel had called, yet I was so happily surprised I stumbled upon the cafe. Couldn't be happier with the meal and the service. read more

This is an amazing culinary experience. A true family run business. The menu features 3 options at 40, 50 or 60 euros. Courses are plentiful and provides a unforgettable meal. Well worth the price. I especially enjoyed meeting the family, the papa acts as the maître d' and the son and daughter deliver a high level of service. read more

This was one of the best meals we had in Florence. We felt so lucky to stumble upon it. We actually went to Cibreo but learned we couldn't afford it for lunch. Dejected, we walked down the street looking to find another place to eat. Were so excited to learn this place has the same Chef as Cibreo and is right next door but the starter was around $7 and the second course around $15. The quality, however, was incredible and much more enjoyable than the $130 meal we had for dinner earlier that week. The service was some of the best we have had, such a kind, warm waiter who worked with us. The most incredible dish? STUFFED RABBIT, layers of goodness, cheese, herbs. I think it must have been only the second time I ever eaten rabbit due to, well, its a rabbit, and I'm glad I did that here. The meatballs were just OK as they were ricotta meatballs so somewhat bland for me, my friend raved about them. The classic Florentine soup, Ribollita (beans, veggies and bread), I had was hearty and healthy tasting. The side dish of mashed potatoes was divine. My friend loved her soup as well. Our waiter brought us a free slice of delicious flourless chocolate cake. It was fun to look onto the Lampredotto food cart while we were eating, watching every day life in Firenze go by, sipping good wine. read more

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Go here if you are in Florence, not just for the food but for the owner. With a face like Poseidon and a wardrobe by J.Crew, he will literally replace your polenta primi (very good) with an even better dish if he sees fit (which in this case was an amazing ragu and this creamy white molded something). This was a delightful last meal in Florence for me. read more

Antipasti was different... not good. Red sauce honestly tasted like Ragu or something not made in-house. Also Don't order the Gnocchi... Consistency wasn't good; too liquid-y :) Chairs are uncomfortable. Staff is very friendly. Chocolate sugar cake desert was bitter... Seemingly good area. read more

This was where we had one of the best meals ever, anywhere. The food was beautiful and delicious. The service was attentive and warm. The wine was...I can't find words. Especially for the dessert wine (nope, not vin santo). I will make a trip there every time I'm in Firenze. read more

Back this eve after three years... as good as ever, especially with the help of Alphonso and Christina This is what I wrote three years ago on Tripadvisor [all still true]: -------------------- "Worth every euro... perfection" 5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 3, 2010 What a heavenly experience. All was perfect: food, service, attention to detail, desire to please, et. al. The crostini were so good on the mixed appetizer plate that I asked for more: no problem, no charge. I asked the owner for some fresh fruit for desert instead of dolci. He searched and found some perfect raspberries, which were not on the menu. The wine recommendation from the sommelier was right on: not too expensive and correct with the food we had ordered. We thought of extending our Florence stay so we could eat in Cibreo again. Be aware that there are actually four Cibreos: the one I'm reviewing, a trattoria adjacent which is less expensive, a cafe, and a dinner theater. They may all be worth checking out. 5 of 5 stars Value 4 of 5 stars Atmosphere 5 of 5 stars Service 5 of 5 stars Food read more

Great Cappuccino in a cool spot. Must stop in Florence. Visit all of Chef Fabio's spots if you have time. Sold recommendation from Phil Rosenthal read more

For my money, this is still the best restaurant in Florence, the one to beat all comers. Eschewing pasta or really anything familiar from a typical Italian restaurant, Cibreo challenges diners with earthy fare and complex flavors derived from Tuscany and only Tuscany, stressing freshness and thoughtful preparation, and rewards them with an abundance of delicious food that just keeps coming. I love the negotiation with the manager over the right choices from their unwritten daily menu. It's not an inexpensive meal, nor a fast one, but no visit to Florence is complete without dining at here. read more

Amazing place (the restaurant) where we left feeling surprisingly full from what seemed like a never ending serving of delicious small plates. I had the chicken and sausage meatballs in the light tomato sauce - fantastic. I recognized at least one celebrity that came through the door. The hostess and service staff sit down and walk you through the nightly customized menu. Pricey but worth the quality and exclusiveness of this special place (make reservations weeks before). The hostess threw in a free slice of lemon meringue when we were trying decide between deserts - thanks! Top 10 best meal I've had outside of the US. read more

Cibreo is the most misunderstood restaurant in Florence. A foodie paradise, Cibreo doesn't even crack the top 400 of more than 1,000 Florence restaurants ranked by the esteemed members of one of the world's most popular on-line rating sites. Perhaps the fine dining establishment of star chef Fabio Picchi isn't for everyone -- the Olive Garden, it ain't. But for anyone who appreciates slow food, outstanding service, premium ingredients and local sourcing, Cibreo easily deserves to be ranked among top dozen dining spots in fabled Florence. It seems like the philistines who rail against Cibreo have a quartet of common complaints: Long waits for food (do you want fast service from a microwave or proper service from a kitchen that cares?) Small portions (they aren't small -- they are just appropriate size. Notice how Europeans aren't as obese as Americans? There's a reason -- normal-sized portions.) They don't serve pasta (Tuscan cuisine involves a wide area of cheeses, game meat, beans, farm to table vegetables and other items that are not based on the noodle and slathered in red sauce. High prices (Florence is an expensive city and for the record, you could easily spend more than half of what it costs to eat at Cibreo drinking horrible wine, eating crappy food and being upsold on lousy appetizers and desserts at any number of tourist traps with pretty piazza views but cruddy kitchens. In other words, you get what you pay for.) Cibreo has no printed menu. Waiters -- versed in several languages -- sit down with you and go over the fresh items the purveyors have delivered that day and how they might make an excellent primi and secondi for your palette. Though Cibreo is for foodies -- not the Cracker Barrel crowd -- our server was very conscious of not allowing us to embarrass ourselves with an order we would be unhappy with. She very subtly pointed out that a game meat would be served cold to room temperature (when an American might expect it warm and be disappointed if it didn't come out red hot.) She also subtly stressed that the roast pigeon does have lots of small bones and is to be eaten with fingers. The attention to detail is staggering -- and not just with the memorized menu with dozens of dazzling preparations. Our server noticed a wobbly-legged chair at the table next to ours. She shot a glance at an underling (apparently responsible for such things) that basically said "the next time you let this happen, that faulty piece of furniture will be smashed over your head." Again -- if you want endless soup, salad and bread sticks, this ain't your place. If you love starting off your meal with a perfectly-crafted array of Tuscan tidbits -- created by Chef Picchi, he of the mad man genius in the kitchen self-cultivated persona -- you have come to the right place. Out comes Giulio Picchi, Fabio's son, to tell you about the heavenly items spread out in tiny tasting portions for you. Our grazing included: white beans in fabulous olive oil, ricotta unlike any you've ever savored, smoked cold muscles good enough to seduce a non bi-valve eater, the best zucchini you've ever tasted, warm potato rolls, chicken liver pate spread on crostini, herbed goat cheese, tomato aspic (cold gelatin) and cold veal tripe salad. Full disclosure time. We really tried hard not to be stomach-squeamish, but could not rise above our Midwestern roots. Alas, we did not finish even the tiny taste o' trippa. Trusting the sommelier , we went with a fine Super Tuscan Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon blend that, well, blended perfectly with the wide range of delicacies brought to our table. Light on the tongue, it must of packed a bit of a punch, for we confess we forgot to note the label (sorry). Spouse Heidi's primi patti was polenta with light ricotta cheese -- light as a cloud. I opened with a brown fish stew that tasted like an upscale New Orleans gumbo. Somewhere along the way, Team Picchi shows a little levity by bringing each table a giant bread stick shaped like a bone. Despite being a fine dining joint, at least half the diners, (aka all the American tourists in the house) couldn't resist mugging for camera phone shots with the bone gritted in their teeth, Fido the hound style. For the record, the breadstick tastes great and no, we did not mug for any cameras. Now onto the fab the secondi patti. Heidi's was an ethereal deconstructed veal stew served on a plate, not a bowl, with edges defined by small homemade bread sticks. The super tender veal was enhanced with carrot coins and pureed roasted potatoes. Yours truly adopted for Cibreo's somewhat famous chicken and ricotta meat balls in tomato sauce with a side of asparagus. read more

Worst dining experience of our trip to Florence. We were seated in a ding room obviously for tourists. Service was non existent and after sitting for 21/2 hours and still waiting for entre we walked out. read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Florence, a real true foodie paradise. They do not have the usual menu items that one expects from an Italian restaurant. In fact, they do not even have a menu! The options change daily, and the AMAZING servers memorize the entire menu (and it is HUGE), describing everything down to the last herb. I don't know how they do it! Their wines are to die for, and the service is impeccable. The place is always packed, and the wait can be long, even if you have reservations. If you like tripe (and I didn't before I had it at this place), sweetbreads, and food prepared with the utmost flavor and care, veni quoi! It is very spendy, but worth every Euro. read more

We had a dinner in Cibreo that was part of our Cellar Tastings tour package. We had reservations and lucky we were. We watched several couples being turned away without reservations. This is a very popular place. It was also unusual in that we never saw a menu. A lady sat at our table and verbally reviewed what they had available and we chose from her verbal list. The food was excellent. Our meal started with a glass of spartking wine and then moved on to an excellent red wine. Very nice. The service was excellent if a bit pretentious. read more

The restaurant is a must visit if you want great food, wine, service and Italian dining experience. I lived in Florence 20 years ago, the restaurant was there then and there's a reason it's still there now...and it's not because it's a tourist stop. read more

We went to the restaurant, not the trattoria, so we were looking forward to a real treat. Meal started off nicely, with many little mise en bouche, small appetizers, all based on traditional tuscan recipes with a modern twist. Primi were OK, but nothing to write home about. Main course - for 40 euros each - was huge disappointment. Barely edible stuffed rabbit, and beef roulade. Portions were huge, given the incredibly rich sausage stuffing. Felt sick afterwards, skipped cheese and dessert and left the place as quickly as possible. Overall the worst and most overpriced place so far in tuscany. read more