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Recommended Reviews - La Giostra
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Food was extremely overpriced and not honestly not that good. Service was the biggest disappointment, rude and paid no attention to us. Ambiance is nice, the only redeeming thing about the restaurant. Please go elsewhere in Florence for actually good food and friendly service.
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.
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!
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!!
I heard this place was very popular so was somewhat skeptical whether it would be any good or not... I will say it lived up to the hype. We had probably four to five staff come to our table during dinner who were all very friendly. The espresso martini was perfect, my boyfriend got the Hugo spritz which was very good as well. A little pricey on the cocktails but worth it. Not pictured was a tray of appetizer items that were complimentary (bruschetta, chicken pate, etc) which were all very yummy. Our pasta came out quick but was cooked perfectly. The carbonara had the perfect amount of saltiness and savory. My boyfriend got the ricotta & spinach ravioli which were divine. Although it is more expensive than other options in the city I would say it's worth a try at least once!
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!!
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.
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.
We had a wonderful evening at La Giostra! We saved the best for our last night in Florence. Bottle of red, bottle of white. We started with the pear ravioli for the table. Worth the hype! Two people had the seafood pasta, one had the sliced balsamic steak, and one had the tomato pasta. All meals were incredible! We ended with the tiramisu and a shot of limoncello (on the house). The server was so great - a true professional. She let us enjoy our meal without rushing us. A true gem and must try!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
3 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
What a hidden GEM! Our experience was incredibly sensual, delicious and sexy....my only regret is that we ate there once during our stay. Such a treat if you're visiting Florence, do yourself a favor...make a reservation and prepare to be swooned. read more
4 years ago
8 years ago
Amazing - finish your dinner with the Tiramisu it was out of this world! The pear ravioli is their go to! Pics of both attached! read more
4 years ago
I saw this place on TikTok and it looked so yummy and romantic. I made a reservation after contacting the restaurant via email. When I arrived with my boyfriend, there were at least 20 people with the same reservation time as us which was a little odd. Despite this, we did get in within 20 minutes of waiting. The food was very very good. We got a free glass of Prosecco and free appetizer which was nice. The pastas were very good but the Florentine steak was the highlight of the meal. I don't eat red meat very often, but this was the best steak I've ever had. It is very large so if you're thinking of ordering this, split it between several people! At the end of the meal, we were treated to some free limoncello. The environment in the restaurant was very romantic and takes you back a few centuries. Would definitely go again!! read more
4 years ago
9 years ago
We came here for Brazilian Valentines Day June 12 as my wife and my son and his girlfriend are Brazilian. It is a wonderfully romantic place. The complimentary appetizer was a great start. I loved the chicken liver and the mini bruschetta . We didn't know they would serve that so we already had ordered the Gran Selezione di salumi di cinta senese. Both were well presented and tasty. My wife had the pear and ricotta ravioli and she thought it was the best ravioli that she had in her life. I had the Branzino so Mare Al Brunnello which was the most amazing fish I have ever had. Our kids had risotto and gnocchi which they loved too. I can highly recommend the Rossi Di Montalcino - Siro Pacenti. read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
This was highly recommended and was just average. Service wasn't good which also tarnishes the experience of the food. We asked for a light red wine. We were recommended and then given a 90% cab Chianti. So heavy we had to send it back, since we'd ordered lighter food like veal with lemon. After that we never saw the waiter again and that's when service went downhill and we never got water, etc. Burrata was good but so much and the fig is very sweet so a little goes a long way. Pasta with wild boar was good but very salty. The veal was the best in my opinion but there are so many other restaurants that offer a better experience and better food like Osteria Pastella. read more
2 years ago
9 years ago
I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at La Giostra! A solid 4. The atmosphere is absolutely perfect: a small quaint restaurant just a bit off the beaten path. The hostess welcomes you with a complimentary glass of tasty prosecco. I highly recommend getting the shrimp scampi over linguine. Also, if from the US, it is good to know that the salmon carpaccio is not sliced thin and the dish somewhat reminded me of bagels and lox (served sashimi style with a chive cream cheese and crostinis)- this dish was not for me personally and I had trouble eating it. The veal osso bucco was well prepared and tender. Additionally, service was thoroughly impressive and their balsamic vinegar was the best that I had in Italy. A tip for anyone looking to eat at La Giostra: reservations are a MUST, and it is extremely inconvenient because they have two separate reservation lists: 1-email reservations and 2- in person reservations. We had rescheduled our email reservation in person while passing the restaurant, but they marked us down as "no shows"due to their confusing, inefficient reservation process. It was a bit challenging with the language barrier, however, everything was resolved and they politely resolved the issue. Stick with email reservations. read more
Simply stated, Ristorante La Giostra offers the very "Best of the Best" of Dining in Florence!! La Giostra was recommended to me before our trip by a fellow Yelper. She described it as "not to be missed" because "this is where Brad Pitt and George Clooney go when they're in Florence." (Not sure, but she might have been a bigger fan of "Brad & George" than she was of La Giostra, . . . but I digress . . ). The restaurant is located near the City Center, on a somewhat less traveled avenue, at Borgo Pinti, 10r-12r-18r. What the main entrance lacks in curb appeal is quickly overcome upon entering what is a very inviting and lively interior. You will be greeted with a warm welcome and promptly seated to your table with candle lighting. First of all, you'll find that La Giostra has a very extensive menu as well as very lengthy wine list to choose from. Plan to take your time to study both the menu and wine list. I feel very confident that regardless of what you choose from the menu and wine list, you will likely find it to be one of, if not the single finest Italian dining experience you could imagine. We began our dinners with the Insalata Greca Feta (Greek Feta Salads) -- an amazing starter. Each of us chose a different entree: the Ravioili Pecorino Pere (Cheese Ravioli with Pears) . . . Ravioli Brye Carcio (Ravioli with Brie) . . . and Spaghetti Trabacola. Our choice for wine was a wonderful bottle of Fontodi (the "heart" of Tuscan Chianti). We also enjoyed acqua and caffe. If I could give 6 stars, I wouldn't hesitate !! Service was stellar, and the ambiance was warm and romantic. As I said, this was simply Florence's "Best of the Best"!!! As a point of reference, dinner for the 3 of us including the bottle of wine was 124.00 Euros (approx. US$ 162 at today's exchange rate). This will be the 17th online review that I've posted to my "American Werewolf in Florence" list on Yelp. With this review of La Giostra I have saved what I consider to be the Very Best for the last review to add to the list. While it may be the last one I'll write for Florence, it will be posted as #1 on the list, as the dinner at La Giostra was indeed the highlight of our week-long visit to Florence in March 2012. Thank you to all of my fellow Yelpers out there who have sent me an unexpected and surprising number of "compliments" on Yelp as I have written and rolled out these reviews over the past several weeks. I have certainly enjoyed writing the Yelp reviews as it has allowed me to re-live each highlight of the week-long visit to what is truly an amazing destination. Just a final tease, however, . . . Please keep reading as you just might find a few more reviews coming over the next few weeks. There may be more to come from our day trips outside of Florence, across the Tuscan countryside, from Lucca (a walled city), . . . Venice (the "floating city" of waterways), . . . and Pisa (of 'leaning tower' fame.). Thank you very much for reading!!! read more
4 years ago
Unquestionably the best steak and pasta I've ever consumed. The more rare, the more tender. Unlike anything I've experienced. The ONLY seasoning on this steak is salt and pepper. 8 minutes in each side, 5 minutes standing up. It's a masterpiece. Pear and ricotta ravioli was top pasta for my wife in her life. We live in chicago and I will tell you that this steak makes any steak in chicago seem like hamburger. Stunned and speechless, thankful for an experience of a lifetime. read more
This place is by far my favorite Italian restaurant. I love the food and the ambiance. When I first arrived, I didn't know that this is one of the celebrities' joints. The setting is so quaint and laid back. I knew that the food would be decent from the yelp reviews but they must be pretty superior if it's sported by the rich and famous. Anyway, the food was quite excellent. We had complimentary champagne and a mixed plate of antipasti. I was very impressed with the hospitality. We ordered prosciutto and melon. You can't really go wrong with this one. We had spicy seafood pasta and ravioli with pear and pecorino filling as our 1st plates. The seafood pasta was very flavorful and spicy. Seafood portion was quite generous. The ravioli was such a nice surprise. It was sweet and rich and soft. Tasted like melted butter candy or something like heaven. By this time, we were seriously full. Our second dishes were bosso bucca (stewed veal shank). It was very tasty as well. If you are not used to the chewy texture, then this might not be the right dish for you. I loved the oven baked sea bass. I had half a fillet of sea bass with grilled veggies. The fish was very fresh and perfectly cooked, flaky and moist. I think we ordered a little bit too much. Ended up to be 6 dishes for two people. I would recommend just ordering 1 antipasti and one entree per person. This place is very generous with their portion. Ambience was very cozy and romantic. The room was lit with candles and white Christmas lights. While the food is excellent, the atmosphere is not pretentious. Prices are affordable. Service is attentive but maybe not be as warm as other places. La Giostra has a lot of characters and excellent food. Did I mention that the chef was an Austrian prince? One must need to stop by and experience the place. I can't really give it enough credit. read more
11 years ago
When I originally planned my trip to Italy I decided to find a birthday dinner spot for my step father and that was it. I figured I'd get to Italy and go with the flow, ask for local recommendations and just wing it, but then I remembered I'm a) a type A planner and b) a Yelper lol, so I started doing some Yelp research and ended up finding La Giostra and realizing it was worth making a reservation! First off, yes! Make a reservation. At 7:30pm (on a Tuesday, late in the season) this place was packed (much earlier than the standard Italian dining time) so don't come here early thinking you'll get in. Second off, the pictures do not do it justice! The place is much darker (candlelight and overhead twinkling lights only) and feels much more intimate and special than the pictures make it look! Truly special ambiance here! After looking over the menu, one thing was clear - we needed help making a decision, so our server was happy to point out his recommendations. I will note, he spoke quickly, so it was a little bit hard for us to understand, but by the end of the night he became more clear, so either the wine had kicked in and suddenly we were linguistic experts, or when we first arrived he was rushing a bit. None the less, he was personable and friendly and attentive. First up was a complimentary glass of prosecco, and then a complimentary shared app plate, so we were happy customers. I might add that the chicken liver pate bites were AMAZING and I wish I had seen this on the menu to order even more of! For our own apps we split the burrata plate (with honey and nuts) and an octopus carpaccio. This was my parents first real encounter with burrata (now they are obsessed) so naturally they were blown away. And now, almost 2 weeks later my mom is still talking about this octopus - sliced so thin it literally melted in your mouth. YUM. For entrees we tried the pear ravioli, the bolognese parpadelle? (ok can't remember exactly which sauce, but that's what it looks like in the pictures) and the filet smothered in their made in-house 15 year old balsamic. My pappardelle was amazing, but sadly I was a bit full and unable to finish. I didn't try the steak, but I do remember my step father saying "I usually don't like sauce on my steak, but that was delicious". So yes, all good reports on the entrees. Ok, so I was stuffed, but I didn't let that hold me back from trying the cheesecake which was maybe the best I've ever had! It must have been ricotta based because it was very moist and light. The tiramisu was also extra moist (still not a fan though) and the famous rosemary ice cream was a hit! Unfortunately I can't remember which wine we had since it was decanted so quickly in front of us, and the bottle removed, but really an impressive showing with the decanting process and wetting all of the glasses with the wine etc. To sum it up. COME HERE. MAKE A RESERVATION. COME HERE. Note, this was probably the most expensive restaurant we dined at on our vacation, so plan accordingly. Entrees were on average 25 euros, and average wine costs were ~50 euros. read more
13 years ago
Florence, Italy I've been in the restaurant business for 20+ years and I seldom give a place 5 stars but this place was THAT good. I love a great steak...I travel quite a bit on business and have had great steaks at most of the big name places around the US. This was the best I've ever had, #1. A filet topped with a Caramelized apple and foie gras. Absolutely great flavor. It didn't hurt that I love foie gras. I don't even recall what my wife had, I shouldn't have waited so long to yelp, but I do remember it being great as well. We also had the house appetizer and a dessert. The app is an assortment of about 7 or 8 different small items. Without exception, all were very, very good. Service was great, our table was not ready at our reservation time but the complementary Prosecco made this seem trivial. And our server was one of the owners, the guy wearing about 200 bracelets. Great guy. There were a lot of Americans there, which made it feel a little touristy, but hey, that's what Florence is. One of the best meals of my life. read more
7 years ago
I loved this restaurant. The travel agent booked me a reservation for my birthday. The place isn't high end but is very nice and is reasonably priced with a feeling of coziness. The place also has real authentic Italian food and wine . I ordered the risotto with shrimp and it was delicious. We also ordered the zucchini with cheese and tomatoes and that was different but also delicious. You have to make reservations in advance because the place is always packed . They are also very nice on getting you a cab if you need a ride back to your hotel . The menu is completely in Italian but the waiter explains everything. I will definitely come back .. read more
15 years ago
By far the best restaurant in Florence Italy, if not the best in Italy itself. Recommended to me by a work colleague, we walked up to the restaurant at 6:20pm on the first night we arrived in Florence. They don't open for dinner until 7pm so we made a reservation for that time and walked around until then. Once seated, we ordered a wonderful bottle of Chianti upon which we were treated to a presentation of such like no other. Dinner began with an appetizer plate like no other that included a rabbit / chicken combo, croquettes, bruschetta, fried zucchini and marinated red peppers and olives. The main course was the osso bucco in a marinara sauce - unreal. In addition we had the carbonra with truffles wich might have been once of the best pasta dishes I've ever tasted. Desert was the Tiramisù... sù... sù... sù... and it was perfect. The dinner here was so good, on the drive from Rome back to Nice, France we almost detoured to Florence just to go back for dinner here again...a must try for any traveler to Florence. read more
This has to be one of the best experiences of our life. So much- we went back twice. Food is beyond amazing. They warm you up with a beautiful prosecco on the house. Then a large platter of beautiful chefs selections arrive which are complimentary and almost meals on their own. Then we went to artichoke carpaccio which was a unique experience. For dinner, I had handmade beautiful spinach ravioli which melted in my mouth andky husband had truffle pasta which made our eyes roll behind our head. Then - the dolce was a beautiful semifreddo with fresh berries. For an apertif, we had muscat and they bring the whole bottle. Have as much as you want! Then on the house this massive jug of limoncello which also brought out! Also - as much you want! The thoughtfulness behind this restaurant along with the smiles and warmness of EVERY server was amazing. I want to have this restaurant at home so I can enjoy it again and again!!!! read more
7 years ago
Authentic and delicious! Order anything off the menu but if you don't order the Cheesecake, you're doing it wrong! Also, FABIO the waiter (not the 90's male model spokesperson) but the waiter here,is awesome!! SECRET PASSWORD ONLY! "New England clam chowder... the white or the red?" Hahaha!! Thanks Fabio!!! read more
Conflicted thoughts and feelings for this place. It was either between 3 or 4 stars but for the beautiful ambiance and solid food I'll lean towards 4 stars. This restaurant is a little overrated. Maybe I'm spoiled from growing up eating too many good food in New York like my boyfriend says... But this for sure isn't the best Italian or anything mind blowing out the water type food that I've ate. We got a little lost and missed this little restaurant... until atlas, we saw a door covered with Michelin stickers and recognition awards and walked in for dinner without a reservation. We waited about 15 minutes. Soon enough while we were waiting we saw many visitors swarming in to get a table for dinner as well. The inside has framed pictures of many different celebrities who came to eat here before, Will Smith along with other actors I forgot their name. PROS: -Ambiance: Everything was so romantic in here, dimmy place with the actual real tall white candles lit up on each table, wine shelfs on the wall all over, and the ceilings were covered with twinkling lights -Free antipasta starter -Free glass of Prosecco wine -Free WiFi hah. -FANTASTIC TIRAMISU!! CONS: -Portions aren't that big like some say -On the pricier side -Food was good, but not amazing. Didn't meet expectations. My boyfriends goat chops were not gamey at all, it was an average portion, cooked perfectly and tasted delicious. Their famous specialty pear ravioli is a more thick dough, I enjoyed the sweetness that you can taste from the pear with the milky cheese and light tossed sauce to it but nothing too crazy. Tiramisu was amazing though. I don't know if the price matches with the portion and quality in taste. Conflicted decision if I'll ever dine here again if I come back to Florence... Maybe, maybe not read more
13 years ago
After reading many reviews on La Giostra I tried it out. Had an amazing meal. Every course was delicious I recommend Carpaccio di melanzane Tagliatelle Bolognese Rice Milk Iced Cream with Raspberries Tiramusu This was my favorite meal in Florence. read more
11 years ago
So, the food and service at this place are 5-stars. I remove one because in Italy I prefer the trattoria's and osteria's over the ristorante's. But for a truly premium dining experience in Florence this would get my vote. It has a charming ambiance of rustic while being upscale. The service was impeccable. The pear & pecorino ravioli were great. The octopus carpaccio was really good once I added some extra olive oil. They only have full bottles of wine - no half or glasses. This was the most I spent on a meal while in Florence (except maybe Perseus) and Giostra was well worth it! read more
Came here based on yelp reviews and I'm so glad we did. We didn't have a reservation but we didn't have to wait long to be seated. This restaurant is comprised to 2 separate places right next door to each other but they look the same. The ambiance is so cozy and romantic. The restaurant is quite dark but there is a nice dim light and Christmas lights hanging around the walls is a non cheesy way. Once we were seated and ordered we were given a big appetizer plate that was on the house with different meats and cheeses and a few other small items along with a glass of champagne. Obviously whenever this happens your impression of the place elevates but it stayed that way throughout the night. Our waitress was very attentive and explained everything in detail and someone was always around to refill our glasses and take our plates. We ordered the pear ravioli which was probably one of the best things I've eaten - it was savory but sweet at the same time and melted in your mouth. We also got the Florentine steak which is popular dish there' this is a HUGE piece of meat so it should definitely be shared. The steak is typically served on the rare side but we ordered medium and it was still pretty pink on the inside but nice and crispy on the outside. read more
11 years ago
My coworker said we HAD to come to La Giostra during my stay in Florence. He described it a inexpensive hole in the wall restaurant that wowed with every dish. With his praise and raves, I'm surprised my bf and I were able to walk in and get a table without a reservation though it was a Wednesday night at 8. La Giostra is a lovely place with a very intimate atmosphere with beautiful lights on the ceiling. There are 2 separate, but next door venues that comprise La Giostra and we were seated at the right most location. The wall is filled with pictures of their previous celebrity patrons so you know this place is widely known. I showed them the Yelp Check-In voucher for a free glass of Prosecco and they graciously honored the offer for us. The menu is in Italian, beware, but the waiters are extremely patient and willing to help translate and suggest what to order. There was also some off the menu items, but they weren't told to us until we asked about suggestions. After we ordered, we were happy to see an antipasti platter for us, compliments of the chef. It was a really unique arrangement of eggplant, bruschetta, chicken liver, and other tasty bites. My boyfriend ordered the penne pasta with simple tomato sauce and I ordered the fusilli pasta with eggplant and sausage. They were tasty, but didn't blow us away. Also, the portions were pretty small and clearly, you were expected to spend $$$ here and get several dishes. We didn't want to break the bank so we stuck with just the pasta and got gelato for dessert elsewhere. Come here with the mentality to treat yo self to a lavish meal and extravagant atmosphere. TIP: There is free wi-fi, which was helpful to check in on Yelp, but who needs it otherwise when you are dining in such a cozy, romantic restaurant! read more
3 years ago
11 years ago
I spent an hour reading all the reviews and came to this. Low star reviewers, get a life. I've been around the world to countless countries, and this place is in the top 2. So much so, we actually made a reservation for the second of two nights in Florence. Yes, we only have two nights in Florence and we elected to go here both nights. Don't let the bad reviews fool you. Balsamic steak was mouthwatering, and the pear ravioli was even better than the reviews. Here are some other notes. - wine makes food taste better. Get some. - the free starter, was ok. Enjoyed the bruschetta but could do without the rest. - bread was just ok. - started with prosciutto and mozzarella, drizzled with their table balsamic. Come on people, does it get better than this? - limoncello to finish off the meal was amazing...strong but good. - desserts, you can't go wrong with any of them. Let me reiterate, get as many pear ravioli as legally possible. Disney World is no longer the happiest place in the world. Oh and the ambience...try and find me a better setting... read more
7 years ago
9 years ago
Perfect fancier spot to go, even on a budget. These guys know what they are doing. They brought out a complimentary antipasta, champagne, and limoncello at the end of the meal (I suspected this was typical of everyone but I still felt special) which really heightened the experience. In the dimly lit room, you couldn't help but feel the ambiance. The service was a little weird, and maybe our guy was a one off. But as soon as we sat down he was pressuring us to order. He told us what he recommended and when we took a moment to consider, he pushed us and said "ok so you will have that." Wait, no. We definitely felt rushed and a bit uncomfortable pushing back for more time to decide. Isn't Italy known for taking their time during dinner? We didn't let it ruin the meal. The food itself was great. We ordered a veggie carpaccio to start with tomatoes, zucchini and cheese. I had the carbonara for my entree. I'm a bit of a carbonara snob and this one was cooked perfectly! It was creamy, elegant, and delicious. I wished there was more on the plate! read more
Amazing meal. You wouldn't expect it when you first walk in. The owner is very cool and personable. He greeted us himself. Just don't ask him for Alfredo sauce because that's offensive haha. He made us a custom dish with a cream sauce (that was basically Alfredo) but it was delicious. We also got a red sauce pasta dish. Both great. read more
10 years ago
After a call to facebook friends for Florence recommendations, a number of people insisted we go to La Giostra! So many tourists lov ite, it's gotta be cheesy, right? Well, kinda, but it was great! I would say 90% of the dining room (if not more) were tourists, but it didn't matter. The service was wonderful, the ambiance super fun and romantic, and we LOVED our meal and wine. And when our 8-year-old travel buddy finally konked out, after 7 looong days of touristing, the staff was super chill about him sleeping at the table. They even made him a little pillow out of napkins! Overall i'de say we were there almost three hours, and never felt rushed. They bring you out a plate of antipasti, which was just ok, but everything else was amazing. Dare I say that the BEST part of the meal was some complimentary fresh pecorini with honey that they brought out when our steak was taking too long. For appetizers we shared the burrata (some of the best ive had anywhere) and an octopus crudo that was out of this world. We also ordered the famous Florentine steak, which was HUGE and delicious! I would absolutely recommend this place if you want a fun Florence dinner! There may be mroe local, authentic places, but this place is legendary, and for reason! read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
This place is a MUST!! Our favorite place we've gone to in Italy. Food, service, and atmosphere could not have been better. Make a reservation and enjoy! read more
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