Best place in Florence! Where do I start? The interior is absolutely gorgeous and welcoming staff. The complimentary appetizer sampler has chicken liver crostini, bruschetta, meat, and cheese - fabulous! An extensive wine list, fabulous and helpful staff, and food beyond amazing! I had the carbonara with asparagus- would never think to order but was excellent! We tried to make another reservation for our trip but they are always booked - so make your reservations well in advance! Ciao! read more

See all

IN FOOD WE TRUST Towards the eastern end of central Florence - up Santa Croce way - you will find this unique and seethingly popular restaurant oozing with atmosphere. Photo link: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd76/Textklick/Italy%20Xmas%202009/2009_1227Garden0054.jpg How the hell we got in having booked at very short notice is a mystery, because apart from our table (and there are plenty) all the others were full. The very friendly and agile staff seem to be psychic. Just think of something and they appear! On arrival, you are given a warm welcome and a glass of prosecco on the house, prior to diving into a fun and interesting menu. We both ordered raw octopus (carpaccio di pulpo). My wife ordered a veal cutlet with a rather splendid sauce (I have never seen a dish in Italy so liberally sprinkled with truffle shavings) and I ordered a rabbit dish (the Italian name of which escapes me) but which also had an amazingly subtle blend of flavours in the sauce. The Chianti Classico that we ordered was decanted with the true style and panache of a master sommelier and we slowly acquainted ourselves with this wondrous brew while waiting for our starters. Despite the fact that both of these dishes were by definition cold dishes, we were amazed when the waiter appeared 'outta left field' with this plate Photo link: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd76/Textklick/Italy%20Xmas%202009/2009_1227Garden0050.jpg uttering: Please accept this with our compliments while you wait for your starter. No further comment required Our dinner was outstanding and we rounded it off with the 'sorbetto di limone alla Moscovita'. The damage amounted to the princely sum of EUR 108, which was worth every cent. To get the feel of the place, check out the website: http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com/inglese/frameset.html This a place in Florence that should definitely be on your agenda. Great fun, an amazing atmosphere, succulent food, top-rate attentive service and good value. Have I forgotten anything? Oh I think the grappa was maybe on the house as well, but don't quote me on that read more

We didn't have a reservation but they went out of their way to fit us in ahead of the later crowd. We are so glad they did. It was one of the best meals I've ever had. The food was off the charts good and the staff were friendly and helpful. This is a must eat place in Florence. read more

After reading amazing reviews we decided to kick off our honeymoon in Florence here. Unfortunately we were both extremely disappointed in the service and food. The menu is in Italian which is completely fine but when we asked our waiter for recommendations he read three options to us and walked away (buttata tortellini, balsamic steak and goat cheese tortellini). I ordered the burrata tortellini and my husband ordered the linguini with asparagus. I overheard two other waiters nearby recommend the exact same options almost like they were trying to sell only these menu items. In addition the owner walked around to what seemed like every table to give recommendations or invite them in but never came over to ours? Very strange especially after ordering an expensive bottle of wine, appetizer and two entrees. With all of the other amazing options in Florence I would NOT recommend this place. Note : the wine list is amazing and the servers seem to know their stuff. read more

Favorite Meal Ever! Get the cheese and pear pasta, florentine steak to share! It's so big and the cheesecake! Excellent service, well worth the price! As we were leaving 5 taxis were letting ppl off to go! I wish I could go back! 5 stars! Just go! read more

See all

5-stars all the way! Great food, great vino and more importantly very cool presentation of opening wine as well as the owner of the restaurants deserves 5-stars himself. We loved it so much we had to come back for second and third dinner. I have never been to a restaurant that was able to be hip, modern yet had a cozy, family feel to it. The owner checks on tables and has a great sense of humor. I highly recommend this place whether you are in Florence for 1 night or 10 this is a MUST. It gets a little tricky with having restaurant separated into two parts and two completely different entrances. If possible ask to sit in the main room because that is where the magic happens. Lastly, make a reservation and do not expect to roll in here on a Friday night and snatch a table. ^______________^ read more

My husband and I came here for dinner on a recommendations from multiple friends and had such a fantastic experience. We made reservations at 21:30, although there was no host to greet us or check for reservations- we just got seated. The service was very prompt and friendly. We started with the complimentary tray which was good. For appetizer we had the prosciutto with melon and WOW!!!!! I have it all the time but here the melons were so sweet like candy and the prosciutto MELTED in my mouth. We then had the pear ravioli and the truffle ravioli. The pear ravioli was absolutely delicious and I can tell why there's so much rave. The truffle ravioli!!! That was my favorite of the two. Stuffed with potatoes, a light sauce, and shaved truffle- the flavor was so deep, the homemade pasta perfectly cooked, the stuffing was savory/light/creamy but not too much- THIS DISH IS DIVINE. Then our entree- we wanted the Florentine steak but we were only two and knew we could not finish it so we got the filet mignon with mushrooms. I was ready to be disappointed because we didn't get the Florentine steak, I was bummed... I typically never like filet mignon but the filet mignon here was THE BEST IN MY LIFE. It was so tender, so flavorful, so juicy.. I could chew it up with 2 bites flat. We could not believe how good it was! We thought, wow this dinner couldn't get better but then we got the cheesecake, which my friend said is a MUST. She was right, it is a MUST MUST MUST. My husband doesn't like cheesecake and he LOVED it. The BEST CHEESECAKE IN THE WORLD, trust me! We will dream about this meal until we come back one day. Price wise- This restaurant is pricier but for the quality food, the ambiance, great service it was worth it. Thank you La giostra for a nearly perfect dinner in Florence. read more

We recently came home from our 2 week honeymoon in Italy. Of the 14 dinners we had across 5 Italian cities this was hands down the worst (and frankly the only one that wouldn't warrant a 4-5 star rating). I booked it because of the glowing reviews on both TripAdvisor and Yelp and because everyone who has been to Florence said we have to go here. Well, we were very unimpressed and I'll tell you why and let you make your own decision. Firstly, the overall experience was too American (I am American). In Italy we were looking for an authentic and traditional Italian ambiance and dining here felt like I was in one of the many Italian Restaurants in New York City (where I am from). I can't say for sure but it seemed that every single patron that night was American. You know there's a problem when there are no locals present. It all started with needing to wait about a half hour past our reservation time to be seated. Of the 14 dinner reservations we had during our trip this was the only one where we were not seated when we arrived. They did, however, give us complimentary Prosecco while we waited which is why this review is 2 stars instead of 1 because that was a nice touch. When we were finally brought in to be seated, our table was hard to get to and required two other patrons moving in to help me squeeze by. We were sat so close to the table next to us that we might as well have been at a table for 4 (another thing that reminds me of NY!). To make matters worse, a party of 2 was seated at the table next to us right after we sat down and they were eating their appetizers before our waiter even came over to take our order! It was not very well run in that sense. Regarding wine, we had a long day and an early morning ahead of us so we just wanted to each have a glass of wine. The waiter was flabbergasted by the idea of us not ordering a bottle and had to go and ask if it was "ok" for us to order by the glass. Someone else then came over and poured us each a glass of (what turned out to be) Chianti without telling us what it was, how much it costs, or asking us what we wanted. It wasn't very good. Finally to the food. We ordered 1) Beef Carpaccio antipasti which was basically a platter of lettuce and tomato with little bits of beef and cheese here and there, 2) A pasta dish which was so unmemorable that I can't recall which one we ordered even as I look at the menu now to refresh my memory, 3) Veal Osso Buco which was fine but nothing special, and 4) Grilled Calamari which was the worst I've ever had. They smothered the calamari with bread crumbs totally ruining it. I have been told in the past by Italian and Mediterranean Chefs that grilling calamari is difficult and only a chef that can't handle it is forced to hide behind bread crumbs or a deep fryer. In conclusion, if you are an American who is in Florence to take in the art and want a dining experience similar to the Italian Restaurant around the corner from your home then you've found the right place. If you want an authentic Italian experience look elsewhere because Florence has tons of great restaurants. read more

Amazing staff, explains each dish, and will come over and ask you how your meal is and if you're enjoying it. Attention to detail is key - they also brought us free champagne. Atmosphere is intimate but also feels like a family establishment, and the waiters and waitresses make the experience spectacular. Last night in Florence ended wonderful at La Giostra. read more

You should know that I'm a cattleman's son, so saying this place serves one of the best steaks of my life is really saying something. And it is true. I had their filet mignon and it was without fault: perfectly cooked and wonderfully flavorful. Ditto the papardelle with wild boar which I had as a first course. The ambiance is very romantic, and the only downside was the majority of other diners were also tourists. Considering this it is odd that the restaurant doesn't offer English menus--their staff spends an unnecessary amount of time explaining the menu and dishes to non-Italian speakers. The stone walls stop phone data from getting through so there's no using an internet translation app. Staff was very efficient and the right level of friendly-to-professional. I would return. read more

Amazing, gives you processco and appetizer sampler while waiting. The pear and cheese board is delicious and the pear ravioli is amazing. Definitely get the fried zucchini as a side. Friend also had the Osso Buco that she said was delicious as well. read more

La Giostra - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

La Giostra was an absolute gem. The food was incredible and the staff was nothing short of perfection. Will return again for sure

We really loved La Giostra. You need a reservation - made one for when they opened. It was so beautiful and quiet. Service was perfect! They answered a million questions and gave us great suggestions. We started with the Carpaccio - so tender and done just right. Also had the Burrata - I would return to la Giostra just for this, a bottle of wine and leave thrilled! Perfectly served with fig jam, honey, bread, nuts & citrus wedges. Amazing!!! For entrees I had the Gnochetti with gorgonzola - pasta was so so tender and light but the sauce was a little heavy and the flavor was a bit too much for my liking. Still wonderful through and my family loved it. My mom had a cheese ravioli in a butter sauce that was amazing! I was wiping her plate clean with the bread. The best by far though was the Osobucco - so tender and the sauce was fabulous! They gave us a small spoon for the marrow - yum! I wish we'd had another person or room to try the pear ravioli - next time! read more

See all

Our favorite restaurant in Florence during our honeymoon, we came back here twice because the food was top notch. Highly recommend asking for the burrata and prosciutto appetizer (it's not listed together on the menu but they will make it for you) - we put the burrata inside the prosciutto and rolled it up like a little burrito, then dunked it in some EVOO with salt and pepper. SO amazing! The well-known pear and Gorgonzola ravioli did not disappoint either. For entrees I had the osso bucco which was very tender and served with bone marrow which is my favorite part. My husband had the balsamic steak which he thoroughly enjoyed as well. We had the cheesecake for dessert which is served warm, I found that unusual but it was light, fluffy and wonderful. Not surprised to see so many celebrities photos on the wall who have visited - it's such a romantic restaurant too, beautifully decorated. read more

See all

Looking for at least one "fancy" restaurant to dine at with your significant other in Florence? This is it. Reserve a seat. It's packed. My girlfriend and I arrived and were seated promptly, followed by complimentary prosecco. We ordered the Pear Ravioli as an appetizer after reading some raving reviews. Did not disappoint. Sure, I may not always eat ravioli, but this was on the next level. The soft interior and the hint of pear was just splendid. We also ordered the balsamic steak. The potatoes. Jesus Christ, the potatoes. So amazing. I've never had such perfectly cooked and seasoned potatoes before in my entire life. The steak was good and perfectly cooked but the POTATOES. I have never had such good potatoes before. Anyway, this place is a must if you're looking for romantic ambience and fantastic food. read more

Love this restaurant! Went here for the first time last week in Florence and the food and service was awesome. The vibe inside the restaurant was very cozy and dark. Our waiter explained the whole menu to us and was very nice. read more

La Giostra - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

AMAZING! Best meal in Italy so far. We've been to Venice, Rome, and now in Florence. For background: I'm lactose intolerant, but sometimes eat dairy anyway (was not always lactose intolerant so I sometimes crave cheese), and so sometimes I am worried the stomach aches are not worth the food. I had the tortellini with burrata and truffles which was on special and my boyfriend had the tortellini with burrata and zucchini flower... I would take a permanent stomach ache to eat both every day!!! read more

For the high ratings I previously saw, I was very underwhelmed. If you're in Florence for a few days there are way better places to go. Burrata appetizer was 20 euros and tasted like nothing :/ I wanted to like it but it just wasn't that good. Pretty atmosphere but food was highly overrated. read more

We came here thanks to a recommendation from a friend. I am so glad we were able to get a reservation bc the food was fantastic! It was different from some of the other offerings in Florence. I highly recommend you get the pear ravioli. I am not a fan of pears and was worried this would be sweet but it wasn't. It was fantastic and so unique! You would be doing yourself a disservice by not ordering it. We also got the burrata which came with honey, (fig?) jam, oranges, and nuts; it was an interesting pairing however surprisingly good. Service was also great. I have nothing bad to say. I would def advise you make a reservation. read more

The service was excellent and the wine selections are just wonderful! This restaurant is well reviewed by many, but we had an ok meal. They greet you with a glass of Prosecco, then bring some complimentary appetizers- and they were off the the charts fabulous! My pasta dish, a rigatoni, was very undercooked. My husband had penne with Gorgonzola and Pere Williams- he loved his. For the main course we had a filet with fois gras and that was excellent! The Osso Bacci, however, was not remarkable or even interesting. It's a great crowd, a wonderful setting, a charismatic chef, but inconsistent. read more

This is honestly the BEST meal I have ever ever had in my entire life. This is the best restaurant ever and I wish I could come here everyday!! I came here on Easter Sunday at night with seven on my friends and this place is so busy that we made a reservation a week in advance and we could only get in at 9:30pm. So...make sure you make a reservations far in advance before coming here. This restaurant is tiny and super cozy. The ceiling is covered in sparkling lights, making the restaurant super beautiful and feel super cozy and comfortable. The waiters and waitress here are also the best. When I came here I was with a few of my friends that live in florence and eat here often, and all of the employees knew them which was fun to see! Something that is unreal about this restaurant is that when you eat here, you get a free glass of champagne, free bread, and a free plate of appetizers!!!! I know that seems too go to be true, but oh yes, it is true. For dinner, I got the penne and it was the best pasta in all of Italy and in the whole world. I wish I could eat it for every single meal. A few of my friends got the balsamic steak and that was beyond delicious!!!! Overall, you need to come here because this is THE BEST RESTAURANT!!!! read more

To say I am disappointed is an understatement. I made a reservation for 8pm tonight, and was so excited to have any amazing experience after hearing only amazing things from my friends and family. Maybe it was an off night but this may have been one of my top worst experiences eating in Italy (and I've eaten all over Italy as I am here monthly for work). After waiting 40min I was shuffled into the overflow room and sat hurriedly at a table. After waiting another 20min we finally were able to order but it was expected we order our full meal at one. I'm going to spare you the going's on of how long it took to get our courses but let's just say I'm leaving the restaurant now, 3 1/2 hours after my reservation and I am starving. To be fair the burrata was great, but that was about the only thing.... In a €500 tab. The pasta was over cooked, the food was beyond salty (to the point where I couldn't eat anymore), the waiters were slow and rude (there was only 2 who were clearly splitting time with the main room and our tables), the owner/chef (who if you read the intro menu is a "family man") was outside across the street hitting on a woman vs. tending to his clearly under water staff/kitchen. Having grown up in the restaurant industry, and knowing what quality good food is, save your € and go somewhere else. I had a much better dinner (and wine) at a spot I walked into off a square for a quarter of the price. Don't get caught up in the hype... if you are a real foodie this place isn't for you... it's a major disappointment. read more

Most amazing place from start to finish a professional staff. Owner came around to say hello. The food was amazing from the truffle mushroom salad the melon and prosciutto to the veal and pasta finished with the Tiramisu which was amazing We spent 3 hours and they were happy to have us Highly recommend read more

Elegant, authentic food! Service was impeccable. Amazing wine list. Favorite restaurant in all of Florence. It is a must for everyone who is a foodie. read more

To whom it may concern, Just go to the restaurant already! The owner is hilarious, the food is delicious, and I am positive you will have a great experience. I have been coming to this restaurant twice a year for the past 5 years and have never had a bad meal. ENJOY! read more

This place is worth every penny. I got the pasta with wild boar sauce and have never had such a delicious and flavorful meat sauce in my life. The complimentary prosecco and appetizers were also so appreciated. The steak is PHENOMENAL and had the perfect texture. read more

This restaurant changed my life in terms of Italian food and hospitality. Thank you to the Prince and the amazing staff especially Leo. This place has beautiful decor, atmosphere, and remarkable food options. My favorite thing is the celeb spotting and wall of fame customers. If you have a chance to be in Florence , please get reservations ASAP as they are hard to come by! read more

La Giostra - La mia famiglia!! - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

This place is seriously amazing. The ambience, the food, the service, the history... You truly feel the magic when you are inside. When we went, we got complimentary champagne and appetizers on the house. Very reasonable prices for such a high-end place. read more

We had to make reservations 2 days in advance, so get on it! Free prosecco, a free appetizer, and a free digestivo! Ample seating and a very adorable atmosphere. Loved all of the twinkling lights and photos along the walls. The service from our waiter was excellent, but the service for reservations was not very friendly. We had a mixed vegetable appetizer, pasta with tomato sauce, veal with tomato sauce, roasted carrots and potatoes, and a tiramisu. The veggies were fresh. The pasta and sauce were perfect. The veal and carrots were both very good. The potatoes were my favorite thing we had the entire time in Italy!! So flavorful with the perfect texture. The tiramisu was excellent. One of the top two meals we had in Italy. Was recommended to us by a local. Did not disappoint! read more

This restaurant is magical *heart eyes*! Located in an assuming alley, the decor is beautiful beyond words - so romantic I could keel over. Perfect prosecco, pear ravioli was interesting and delicious, and foie gras filet mignon decadent. Loved every part of this place! Might be one of my favorite meals. read more

La Giostra - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

One of the most delicious places in Florence. Pros : amazing food, quick and friendly service, pleasant atmosphere. Straciatella del buffala was to die for. The bill was quite temperate in comparison with the food quality. Cons: definitely make reservations - this place is very popular. They fit a lot of people in and the tables are so close to each other, you can stretch your hand and take the food from the next table. But as long as you don't mind any of this, your taste buds will thank you! read more

Meal was delicious but, the experience was disappointing. The back area of the restaurant had no air conditioning. Getting water was a 20 minute wait each time and the food timing was almost an hour between courses. Not sure the taste of the food makes the bad dinner experience worthwhile, read more

I have to give it a solid 4 star. The service is superb, the food is very good for the price you pay. It's a celebrity spot and for that your get some good and some price to go with it. read more

La Giostra - Tuscan Near Me - Florence, FI

The quality of food at La Giostra is out of this world - the artichoke antipasti is absolutely delicious, while the seabass with cherry tomatoes is the best in the world, bar none. We would come back to this restaurant every time visiting Florence! read more

See all

La Giostra has my heart for many reasons. Maybe it was the food, maybe it was the drinks, maybe it was the ambiance...but mainly, I think it was the memories and our company:) 6 of us Chicagoans dined at La Giostra on a Wednesday evening. It was such an experience. The mood is dark, inviting, and intimate all at the same time. It's such a cozy spot. I found the wine list to be one of the most robust I've send in all of Italy. The dining menu...equally large and varied. We went with a few bottles and 6 different dishes. We played culinary musical chairs in order to try everything that was laid in front of us. While other patrons may have found us crazy, we we're happy and more than full! I would have to say my favorite was the pasta moons with cream sauce. Yes I understand that's not exactly the correct name, but it was pasta, in the shape of a moon, with cream sauce. Yum! Rich and delish! Dessert was equally yummy....the warmed cheesecake was super different, yet packed a punched. La Giostra is definitely a must see in Florence. The only thing I would say is that we heard the portions were "huge". Not sure if it's my massive Chicago appetite...but I did not find the portions to be huge. So do yourself a favor and order a few dishes if dining with a group. ;) read more

Maybe the best Italian restaurant on Earth. Actually I take that back. DEFINITELY the best Italian restaurant on Earth. The Pear ravioli & Wild Boar pasta dishes are the 2 I would recommend over anything else. read more

I went here for my birthday dinner while in Florence and it was the perfect birthday experience. They welcome all dinners with a glass of Prosecco and a sampler appetizer platter. I ordered an aperol spritz to drink which was more expensive than most I ordered while in Florence but it was a huge glass. I also ordered the Burrata appetizer which was served with fig jam, honey and walnut and it was incredibly delicious! The Burrata was creamy and the fig jam with it was a great combination. For my first course I had the pear and pecorino ravioli. After reading reviews I was told this was a must have and after eating it, I completely agree! It was a perfect symphony of flavors and the best part of the meal. For my second course I had a steak and roasted potatoes which was also delicious. When learning about my birthday the staff gave me several shots of their house-made limoncello and brought out a tiramisu with a candle. They truly made it a special experience. The owner was also very present and was walking around talking to guests. He was very kind when I spoke with him. read more

See all

A sublime experience. They provided complimentary Prosecco and antipasto. We did not have a reservation, but they fit us in ahead of the later dinner crowd. This is a must visit in Firenze. read more

Wonderful meal here!! Steak was amazing!! Appetizer plate was really good--they brought that out--what a surprise! Fabulous service here. I ate the steak with Parmesan & arugula, which I highly recommend. Definitely eat here in Florence!! read more

Amazing place! The food and the service were spectacular. Make reservations as it is almost impossible to walk in. We had the carpaccio which was delicious. The boar pasta and filet with foie gras and both were perfect. The ambiance is really nice as well. read more

See all