By far one of the most highly recommended restaurants when we were making our plans for Florence. Highly recommend making a reservation because the wait without one would have been quite long. This restaurant is such a VIBE. Cozy, romantic and a total scene. Service was great as was the food. It was tough because there was so much on the menu that I wanted to try but we couldn't not order the pear ravioli and the Florentine steak. If I went back I would want to try the ossobuco which I saw at the table next to us and looked dynamite. If you only had one night in Florence this is the restaurant I would recommend. read more

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Food was good but not necessarily the best we had in Florence. Given the reviews and the price I was hoping for a supreme experience. I shared two pasta dishes with my daughter (the handmade Pappardelle with Maremman Wild Boar Ragu and the Carbonara). Both were very good but not the best we've had. Appetizers were good: Salad with pecorino cheese, oranges, pine nuts and walnuts. We ordered the Octopus appetizer as well. The Octopus was beautifully prepared and presented, but didn't have much flavor. They nailed the Espresso Martini! One of the best I've ever had! We ordered the huge Florentine steak to share between 4 of us and it was more than enough. Ultimately what knocked this review down to 3 stars and what was really disappointing was how they targeted us as tourists with the note at the bottom of the bill (see picture). It read "GRATUITY NOT INCLUDED" in all CAPITAL LETTERS. Also note it was the only thing in English on the entire bill. If it had been our first meal in Florence we might have fallen for this tactic, however it was our last. There's definitely some hostility towards tourists in Florence. Don't get me wrong, some of the people and restaurants we've visited have been very welcoming and friendly. However we recently saw tourist taxes go up significantly, and then you see tricks like this on the bill at La Giostra. This was the ONLY restaurant in Florence where we encountered this. Once jet fuel prices make flying a relic of the past I would argue that some Europeans who depend on tourists for their livelihood may not miss our presence but will certainly miss our spending. Save your money and go research the many other places to eat while in Florence. read more

La Giostra - Our bill - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

The service is good, but this is as overhyped as a place can get. I have never had a more bland steak in my life. It was flavorless. The pear ravioli also just wasn't it. There's a subtle pear taste but otherwise just bland. If you come here, come for the ambiance and service. Don't come for the food. read more

La Giostra - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

A friend recommended La Giostra to me before visiting Italy. I'm so glad she did because this is one of the best restaurants in Florence. The ambience of this place is just very cool. Dark inside with the walls filled with a Who's Who of celebrities who've dined here. The owner/chef, Soldano, is well known and it was awesome that he came out to meet us and take pictures. While Soldano is well known, the star of the show here is the food. After starting off with some wine, we were served a complimentary appetizer sampler platter. Delicious! I loved the eggplant. We ordered a Caprese appetizer with buffalo mozzarella. For entrees, I had one of the signature dishes, the pear and cheese ravioli. My wife had the Tagliata (grilled beef) with rosemary and olive oil. We topped off dinner with desserts of Tiramisu and an Apple Tart with vanilla ice cream. Outstanding meals! This is a very popular restaurant so we made reservations weeks in advance. If you're visiting Florence and you want to try the best restaurant in town, book that early reservation! read more

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I went with a group of 14. We had a set menu. If I was picking the menu I would have changed some things. The burrata was very good. The Parmesan cheese that was with the tomatoes was delicious. I liked the ragu. The pear ravioli was good. But I do think it had a lot of dough. I also don't know if I could have ate a whole order. I was glad to only have 2. I like something more savory. The florentine steak came out way too raw for my liking, I am aware this is how they serve it. Skip the chocolate cake it was not good. I did like the tiramisu though. The staff was great!! read more

La Giostra - Pear ravioli and ragu - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

I think because of its status we were expecting to be wowed, but it was good, not great. It's very crowded, and extremely busy so it's not a very relaxed atmosphere. All the food and wine that we had was good, but nothing stood out as extraordinary. We had a rooftop meal the night prior which was less $$$, better ambiance, and probably a better meal all around with great views. It's a very good restaurant. but not sure about the hype? read more

Had a reservation at 9:30, we were then finally seated at 10pm. We started with the servers recommended red wine, which was very good. No appetizers besides the complimentary bread and toppings - they were okay. I ordered the sliced steak with potatoes, asked for medium but it was more on the medium well side. The entree was pretty good but nothing to write home about. I've had better steaks at longhorn steakhouse back in the states. It was a good experience but was shocked that we didn't get seated until a half hour past our reserved time. This place is also very warm, I was starting to sweat a bit within my long sleeve shirt. The atmosphere is cool and the service was nice. read more

La Giostra - Steak - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

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Amazing experience. Lovely atmosphere and quiet retreat from the busy streets. Everything was delicious. Enjoyed Tommy's Margarita, pear ravioli, and the fried zucchini sticks. read more

5 stars 500 times over is what La Giostra deserves!!! Dining at La Giostra was nothing short of unforgettable. Dinner reservations were hard to find and we grabbed ourselves one for lunch. Absolutely loved the experience. From the moment we stepped inside, we were transported into a world of warm hospitality, rich Tuscan ambiance, and food that speaks to the soul. We settled in and were served a platter ( on the house) that had richness, flavors and amazing taste written across the board. The house bread is amazing as well and has a very unique taste associated with it. Post that, we ordered ourselves the Pear Ravioli and Steamed Octopus carpaccio with boiled ( finely sliced potato) which were so delicious ( big quantity served as well).We took our time to enjoy each of these a morsel at a time and they were simply sumptuous. For our main course we ordered Grilled steak with garlic, olive oil and rosemary ( which I didn't taste though got amazing reviews for it) and Baked Branzino with zucchini, tomatoes, olives and capers. The fish was cooked to perfection and the veggies added the much needed fiber alongside and as well were cooked to just the right degree. Loved the bites immensely and took our sweet time while we devoured through the meal :) After the check formalities were done and we were headed out, we ran into the man the legend, Soldano who happens to be the owner and runs a perfect culinary orchestra at La Giostra. Had a fun little conversation with him and definitely left with a lot of good feeling, vibes and felt that truly amazing customer care that they have built in the very fabric of La Giostra. It wouldn't be remiss to say that his warmth and charisma are reflected in every detail of the experience. La Giostra isn't just a restaurant -- it's a story, a tradition, a feeling. If you're in Florence, this is an absolute must. Thank you, Sandro and team , for making our lunch so memorable. This definitely has been a bright shining highlight of our trip!! Absolutely recommended!! read more

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My husband and I had just sat down to dinner at La Giostra when I got a call from our kids' school. Apparently, our three-year-old son had contracted hand, food, and mouth disease, and would have to go home and miss school for the rest of the week. I went outside and called my mother, who was watching our boys while we were on vacation. She went to pick up our diseased child and wait on him hand and foot until we returned; I went back to our dinner because after all, what could I do from Italy? We spent two nights in Florence, and La Giostra was the only restaurant I booked in advance of our trip. I don't remember how I came across the place, but I got the impression that it was notable and well regarded, if also popular enough with tourists to catch hate on Reddit (from other, more discerning tourists). The reservation was easy to make online, and we were greeted and seated as soon as we walked in, at 7:00 on a cold November Tuesday. I liked the place immediately. The atmosphere was warm and lively, the dining room cozy and bustling. There were string lights on the ceiling, framed photographs and empty wine bottles lining the walls. Service was a little fly-by but helpful and friendly, the waiters running around, attending to their many tables with good cheer. We ordered a bottle of wine right away, the Oreno Toscana 2022, a Super Tuscan recommended by one of our waiters. He poured and swirled our first glasses with an extraordinary amount of fanfare, then poured the rest into a decanter, minus a small sip that he walked away with, for no reason we could determine. Anyway, the wine was excellent, and I was happy to have ordered it ahead of the call from school. The food was great, starting with a generous spread of complimentary antipasti: celery root, red pepper, and eggplant on lettuce; tomato bruschetta and chicken liver crostini; little croquettes of cheese, spinach, and potato. There was also a bread basket with white bread and soft focaccia. We ordered the burrata stracciatella, and this was a lovely appetizer. A teardrop-shaped bowl of almost liquid milky burrata, served with pine nuts, pink grapefruit, and fig compote. We shared two pastas, and these were both delicious, the highlight of our meal. I loved the homemade ravioli filled with pecorino and Williams pear. Delicate pasta and just the right amount of salt and sweetness to that filling. A generous portion, too, very easy to share. The homemade tagliatelle with Tuscan ragù was equally superb, tender ribbons of pasta with a hearty, meaty, tomatoey sauce. This was altogether more food than we'd accounted for, and we could have gone home happy after our pasta. Unfortunately, we'd already ordered the Fiorentina T-bone steak, an entrée designated for a minimum of two people. It was massive, cooked medium rare and served in thick slices right off the bone, with some carrot and potato and frisée on the side. I wanted to try Florentine steak while in Florence, but I don't know that this was worth getting. There were good pieces, but I'd say a third of the steak was chewy and hard to swallow. We didn't need dessert, but we split a bowl of hazelnut ice cream with dark hot chocolate sauce. This was a nice way to end a big dinner, light and cold and sweet. La Giostra wasn't perfect, but I loved the ambiance and the pasta and it was 1000x better than being home with hand, food, and mouth disease. I'd definitely recommend it if you're in Florence, shirking parental responsibilities. read more

Beautiful restaurant. Excellent food and service. The pear ravioli was a must try, we had it as an app so everyone could taste. read more

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Food was excellent. Service was there anytime you needed something. There was a large party near us and they were having such a good time. It made our experience just that much more fun. read more

This place is worth the hype. The owner is super funny and interesting to talk to. I went there because of course when in Florence why not. Order the steak its delish and buy the bottle of wine with it. Pricey but the ambiance, the people, the food is worth it, Questo posto ne vale la pena, e quando sei in Italia perché non spendere i soldi? Adoro questo posto. read more

La Giostra - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

We have made this a staple to our Florence trips. We always save one night for dinner here. The atmosphere is always business casual. The service is always fantastic and the food is always delicious. We always bring our friends and family here so we definitely recommend this for your visit to Florence. read more

La Giostra - Filet with balsamic - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

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For foodies only. If you want the best, make a reservation here. What can I say that has not already been said. The house special pasta, the Bistecca alla fiorentina and the tiramisu are amazing. Get there early and order the house Negroni, relax at the bar, enjoy the vibe as people come in dressed for dinner. (Oh yeah, dress for dinner!) If you don't find this place the best, there are many pizza shops and street vendors that can make you a meal. read more

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La Giostra is my favorite restaurant in Florence. Make a reservation. Show up early and grab a drink before your dining experience. Order the pear ravioli and a steak. You won't be disappointed. This is a very special place inside and out. Buckle up, you'll kill 2- 3 hours here but just enjoy the ride. read more

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Because you can't come to Florence and leave without trying a Florentine Steak...and to be sure, the steak was what drew us to this restaurant. We did a lot of research, of course, and after scrolling through countless pictures, reviews and available reservations, we landed on La Giostra. The restaurant is quite pretty inside, filled with tons of twinkly lights that set the mood. The tables were kind of squished together, which made navigating between chairs difficult for some people and having a semi-private conversation difficult for others. The service was great, the staff was attentive and friendly, always greeting us with smiles and small bows, almost overly deferential. They took the time to answer our questions, provide recommendations and ensure we were taken care of. The steak (€130) was cooked to perfection (and to Florentine Steak standards) and, true to what is advertised, there was a lot of it. It was a challenge to finish even with the two of us sharing, but that could also be because of the sides that were included, or maybe the fact that we thought we'd also need to add the Fried Zucchini Sticks (€12) to the main meal *and* the Gran selezione di Salumi di Cinta Senese (€28) as a starter. They started us out with a plate of tiny toasts, with various toppings ranging from marinated veggies to sauteed tomatoes, stuffed mushrooms and a couple other vegetable-based items that we both missed when it was pointed out. We rather enjoyed everything that was presented. The charcuterie board came out next, piled high with meats and a handful of nuts. My husband was in heaven. The steak was presented next, and good heavens, was I already suffering from meat sweats, before I took my first bite. The steak was flavorful, I'll give it that, and simply cooked. It was served with potatoes and carrots, along with a simple side salad of greens and a creamy dressing. The zucchini sticks we (unnecessarily) added on were tasty and salty, crispy and crunchy. We both enjoyed the meal but I was full for the next two days haha. read more

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"We were visiting my college-aged daughter and celebrated her 20th birthday there with a couple of her girlfriends. That dinner was one of the top highlights of our trip - The owner, waitstaff and hostess made us (and my daughter) feel very special. AND, the food was amazing! I must for anyone visiting Florence!" read more

La Giostra - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

This was definitely a cool experience. Reservations are a must. We made the reservation a week ahead and 9:15 was the earliest available on a Sunday night. The bar is nice but drinks are super expensive, with nothing under 20 €. We ordered drinks while waiting for our table and the wait was about 10 minutes. The ambience is unique, with soft white lights strung across the ceiling throughout the dining area (this did not allow for great photos unless you used a flash, however). The tables are very close to each other since the space is small but the walls are filled with interesting photos and the vibe is great. The food is delicious and the servers attentive but the menu prices are extravagant so basically you're paying for the vibe. I might have gone 4 stars due to the high cost, but we began our experience with a complimentary starter and ended with comped Limoncello shots so I had to take that into account. Overall, if you're up for the cost, definitely worth a visit. read more

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Ambience was perfect, food was amazing and the staff provided superior service! It was also nice to meet the owner. read more

La Giostra - Filet Minion and Potatoes - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

Our second trip to Firenze and our second time eating at this amazing restaurant. One of the best dining experiences. Will be back again.

Pasta was incredible. Tried the Carbonara and the Tuscan Ragu. Service also excellent.

The food here is absolutely amazing. Everything I ate was delicious and felt really special. I highly recommend the pear ravioli!! There's a good chance you've never had anything like it before. It was unreal and easily one of the best dishes I've ever had. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. Every bite was incredible, and I will definitely be coming back. The customer service was also fantastic. The owner was walking around talking with guests, which made the experience feel very personal. We of course had to take picture with him along with our waiter! If you're visiting Florence, I highly recommend stopping here. Just make sure to book ahead it's very popular and fills up fast! read more

La Giostra - Stracciatella di Burrata - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

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We ate here our first night in Florence. It came highly recommended by the manager of our hotel. It wasn't too far of a walk from Duomo. We made reservations to ensure we got a table. The restaurant was decorated beautifully. The staff were all great. They spoke English and Italian. When they found out we were on our honeymoon, the waiter offered us free drinks and appetizers. I didn't expect it, but definitely appreciated the gesture. The food was very good. Great pasta and meat selections. I will definitely come back on my next trip to Florence. read more

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We had a fantastic experience - highly highly recommend! One of the best servers we've ever had and the food and drinks were delicious.

Wow this restaurant is so gorgeous!! Food-ambiance and service is excellent!! Valentine's Day was the extra touch with St. Valentino as our server! Werner wonderful and definitely an amazing experience!! read more

La Giostra - Papperdele Chingale - branzino and Osso bucco - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

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We had an amazing time! Met the owner who was super cool!!! the pear ravioli was incredible! read more

La Giostra - Absolutely the best raviolis in ever had!! - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

Best steak I've ever had. Got the filet and it was delicious. Wine was excellent as well and paired nicely with the steak. Excellent service and the table was perfect for our party of 8. The owner was at the front and wearing a Mickey shirt, so being from Florida, we had to get a pic. read more

La Giostra - Steak - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

It's really an outstanding place. The menu changes seasonally, so you may not be able to get what you had another time. Not a big deal. Pasta is the star there. Although, I was not that impressed with the pear pasta. It was the less fancy, more simple pastas that I enjoyed the most. The tiramisu is some of the best that I ever had, worth mentioning. read more

10/10 amazing service, food and all around great restaurant. The owner is very cool. Ambiance is neat with lighting and cool decor read more

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Incredible, perfect, Florence restaurant!! One of my friends ate here before during a previous visit and she said we needed to go back and eat here during our most recent stay. It did not disappoint, the steak was incredible and so were the sides. The owner was super nice and came over to our table to say hello, he had some crostini's sent over and they were very tasty. Overall if you're visiting Florence, this restaurant is a must. read more

The restaurant was very pleasant with good atmosphere and excellent service. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The food was delicious and fresh. I would recommend La Giostra or either a casual or formal get together. read more

One of the best meals of Italy! The owners style is really something amazing and totally matches this spots vibe. I went for the florentine steak (20/10 - it was that GOOD) and of course had to get the pasta. One of them being the pear ravioli - and let me tell you - you may have never thought you needed this, but you do. Perfection! Will be back anytime I'm in Florence (which I hope is sooner than later!) read more

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Not sure this one was worth the price. The restaurant itself was beautiful and comfortable, service was good. Food was ok but for the price we had higher expectations. Our favorite part of the meal was the complimentary apps they brought out. $20 for a spritz felt excessive. If money is no object to you, give it a try, otherwise you'd probably be able to find something just as tasty for half the price somewhere else. read more

La Giostra - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

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This place had THE best steak I've ever had in my entire life (and probably WILL have). My fiance and I have dreamed about their Florentine steak ever since we had it, all other steaks have become subpar. The ambiance and atmosphere - outstanding. So many lights, the staff go above and beyond to really make the experience *an experience.* There's a lot of Americans but that's because we know where the good eats are!! (I'm biased). Anyways, go here and you will not regret it read more

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Food was okay! Staff not friendly at all. Least favorite of all of Florence restaurants.

The menu had so many choices, but I was told the Pear ravioli is a must and any piece of beef. I ordered both items but could not finish my beef so I shared it with a couple from Australia. Service was excellent and the staff were very attentive. The ambiance was like being inside a home. Wines are located on the wall. If you're in Florence, you must add this to your list of places to go' read more

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A must try when in Florence! We made a reservation and waited about 15 minutes for our table (good things are worth waiting for!). They have a good amount of options on their menu. The food was so good, it's unexplainable, you just have to try it for yourself. The service was good. We were very pleased with our dinner read more

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In town for a couple days and eventually you'll want to sit down and have a good dinner where the food comes out nice and hot, played in front of you. After walking around town enjoying the quick bites a snacks we got tired and wanted something nicer to eat for dinner. Asked a local for suggestions and was recommended here. This place is lively and well packed for a midweek so had to wait for about a hour to be seated. That was fine as I can use another dose of gelato for the warm weather. This place shows its time and presence with nostalgic decorations and photos of many well known visitors. Some well dressed and some the casual vacationers. The menu has items that makes you want o try everything but of course that's not feasible so you have to pick and choose. We ended up with a little of every course to try. From the pear salad to the wine and of course the infamous "Steak Florentine". The meal was quite an experience where you did not want to leave. I was here in July 2024 and planning to be back in November again so I'll be back here to eat again. Come back in December for a more in depth review as I would like. read more

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This was the best restraint we've eaten at in all of Italy. It was recommended to us by a friend who lived in Florence, so I tried to get a dinner reservation a week ahead of time but wasn't able to, so instead we came for lunch. Although we didn't have a reservation they were able to seat us, and our servers were amazing - they took such good care of us! We had a salad and spinach, but what stole the show was the Filetto Normanna - absolutely scrumptious! My wife loved her ossobuco, and my son's Wiener schnitzel was larger than his dinner plate (and he finished it!) The trio of crostinis was delicious, as was the limoncello shot after our meal. This restaurant is not to be missed! read more