Where to eat: New Year’s Eve in Florence, Italy

If you’re in Florence this New Year’s Eve and don’t have plans to celebrate among friends and family, it probably means you’re wondering where to have your fill of lentils and cotechino. Here’s our guide to restaurants that are open for business and dining solutions this San Silvestro. (Please note: This is not a full list of places open in Florence on New Year’s Eve and is listed in price order. All restaurants are welcome to send their New Year’s Eve menus and information to redazione@theflorentine.net.) For more information about what’s happening on NYE in Florence, click here.

 

 

 

 

Mercato Centrale Firenze

 

 

The marvellous Mercato Centrale Firenze will be open for business as usual on December 31, with extended hours until 2pm. Enjoy your favourite food from the market’s culinary artisans and see in the New Year with midnight bubbles.

 

Mercato Centrale Firenze, piazza di Mercato Centrale, Florence

For more information, see the Facebook page or call +39 055 2399798

 

 

Eataly Firenze

 

 

Indulge in a fancy pants NYE in the comfort of your own home with a takeaway fish supper from Italian gastronomy flagship Eataly. Dine like a king with Scallops au gratin with herb bread, extra-virgin olive oil and lemon; Seafood lasagne made from Michelis fresh pasta from Piedmont; and Grilled octopus with cannellini bean cream flavoured with rosemary.

 

Eataly Firenze, Via de Martelli 22R, Florence

Full menu costs 30 euro or you can pay for individual courses

Place your order in-store or by calling +39 055 0153601 before December 28 and collect between 9am and 6pm on December 31, 2016

 

 

Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

 

 

See in the New Year on the lungarno with chef Andrea Campani’s Tuscan cuisine with exotic touches. No set menu for New Year’s Eve, so order whatever takes your fancy from speciality Spanish Joselito ham, a De’ Magi gastronomic cheese platter or beef tartare with fried capers, crispy vegetables and olive pesto to roasted octopus with potato and olive salad, Garfagnana spelt soup with pancetta or a pear, walnut, pecorino and honey salad. With wines from the Il Borro estate, naturally.

 

Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, lungarno Acciaiuoli 80R, Florence

Expect to pay around 50 euro per person

To reserve, email tuscanbistro@ilborro.it or call +39 055 290423

 

 

Dioniso

 

 

The Greek tavern on via San Gallo serves up a Southern Mediterranean special with cuttlefish and spinach, savoury pies, meatballs and vine leaves rolls, followed by mushroom moussaka and fish stew, chicken roll with artichokes with Greek salad. With baklava to finish.

 

Dioniso, via San Gallo 16R, Florence

50 euro per person (includes spumante, ¼ litre of wine per person, water and coffee)

To reserve, call +39 055 217882 or +39 055 283555

 

 

Acqua al 2

 

 

Acqua al 2, established by the current owners in 1978, continues to be a favourite with Florence lovers. There’s no set menu for New Year’s Eve and the restaurant will be turning tables (first seating 8pm; second seating 10pm onwards). Plumb for winter-warming gorgonzola topini gnocchi, porcini mushroom risotto or house speciality fillet steak with blueberries. An New Year’s Eve to remember!

 

Acqua al 2, via della Vigna Vecchia 40R

80 euro/couple for an antipasto, second course, dessert and house wine

To reserve, email info@acquaal2.it or call +39 055 284170

 

 

Fashion Foodballer

 

 

Food meets football in this slick location in piazza Strozzi. The New Year’s Eve set menus includes Herring caviar and butter crostini; Lentils and cotechino; Parmesan, butter and sage cappellacci pasta; Champagne risotto; Sea bass with artichokes; Beef fillet en croute; Potatoes and salad; Cookies, mandarin semifreddo and cake.

 

Fashion Foodballer, piazza Strozzi 14R-15R, Florence

80 euro per person (includes wine, water and coffee)

To reserve, call +39 055 0454529

 

 

San Niccolò 39

 

 

Expect a warm welcome from this stylish restaurant in the San Niccolò neighbourhood with a talented young chef in the kitchen and charismatic Paul Feakes (formerly restaurant manager at Irene Firenze, Hotel Savoy) front of house. Rather refreshingly, there’s no set menu. Start with an aperitivo platter to share: prawn cocktail on bruschetta with fresh avocado, samosas of white fish, fresh anchovies and butter (22 euro). Opt for oysters (3 euro each), fish tartare with pears and walnuts served on light seafood bisque (20 euro) and classic tortellini in broth (16 euro). For main, enjoy the catch of the day (9 euro/100g) any which way or lobster with homemade mayonnaise and chips. Desserts cost 9 euro.

 

San Niccolò 39, Via San Niccolò 39, Florence

To reserve, email ciao@sanniccolò39.com or call +39 055 2001397

 

 

Essenziale

 

 

Chef Simone Cipriani and his team conjure up a creative New Year’s celebration at Essenziale in the Oltrarno with Fried focaccina with figs and patanegra ham; Tuscan kale, salmon and goat’s cheese pancake and Peposo jerky: Suckling pig roll with fennel, lentils, red cabbage and wasabi; Mushroom risotto; Spaghetti aglio, olio and the sea; grilled pigeon with scorzonera, onion, coffee and hazelnut OR Salt cod with artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes and lentils; Truffle oreo; Coffee pandoro OR Fruit and veggie zuppetta with extra-virgin gelato.

 

Essenziale, piazza di Cestello 3R, Florence

80 euro per person (wines not included, includes 3 tasters, 6 dishes, water and coffee)

To reserve, email info@essenziale.me or call +39 055 2476956

 

 

Touch Florence

 

 

Freshness guaranteed at talented chef Matteo Giuliani’s modern Tuscan restaurant famous for its iPad menus. There’ll be no set menu for New Year’s Eve and the guys will be turning the tables (first seating 7-9.30pm; second seating 10pm onwards). A sample of what’s on offer: Red tuna tartare with nori seaweed, ginger and pistachios; Pumpkin gnocchi with broccoli, gorgonzola sauce and Mugello bardiccio sausage; Guinea fowl stuffed with San Godenzo chestnuts and served with mashed potatoes and sautéed seasonal vegetables. For dessert, choose from Hazelnut torrone semifreddo, house speciality tiramisu’ or a take on a mojito cocktail.

 

Touch Florence, via di Mezzo 42R, Florence

Expect to pay around 90 euro per person

To reserve, email info@touchflorence.com, call 055 2466150 or online at www.touchflorence.com/contatti

 

 

La Giostra

 

 

Once the winter storage space of a carousel, these days La Giostra is a local favourite when it comes to fine food in magical surroundings. The menu remains a la carte this New Year’s Eve. Start the evening with a Chianina beef carpaccio with Parmesan, rocket and tomatoes (35 euro) before continuing with Pomegranate and Champagne risotto or Alba white truffle carbonara pasta (40 euro). Main courses offer delights such as traditional lentils, cotechino and zampone or Sea bass with organic vegetables (50 euro). Desserts cost 15 euro. The wine list is quite spectacular.

 

La Giostra, borgo Pinti 10-18R, Florence

To reserve, email info@ristorantelagiostra.com or call +39 055 241341

 

 

Florian Firenze

 

 

At classy café Florian Firenze see in the New Year with a decadent set menu surrounding by contemporary art. You’ll be greeted with a Kir Royale cocktails, Brittany oysters, pumpkin soup with tempura prawns and tuna takaki and teriyaki sauce. Dinner continues with Carpaccio of Sicilian red prawns, burrata cheese foam, citrus fruit gelees and soya pearls; Variations of codfish, roasted pepper in a variety of textures and tastes, and lemongrass; Acquerello rice creamed with red turnip, smoked scallop tartare with lime and ginger; Borage and cauliflower tortello, Reggiano cheese cream and Giaveri Deluxe caviar; Line-caught seabass, saffron and Taggiasca olives, yellow pumpkin mosaic and purple potato foam; Tangerine sorbet; Veal fillet, Jerusalem artichoke cream, savoy cabbage and white truffle; Ricotta cream with candied fruit and persimmon coulis flavoured with vanilla; Pure Caribe hot chocolate flan with liquid mango heart. Traditional zampone and lentils will be served at midnight. Music and live DJ set by Lucille DJ.

 

Florian Firenze, via del Parione 32, Florence

150 euro per person (includes water, wines, coffee and petits fours)

To reserve, email firenze@caffeflorian.com or call +39 055 284291

 

Hostaria Bibendum at Hotel Helvetia & Bristol

 

 

In the historic centre of Florence, end 2016 in style and with elegance at Hostaria Bibendum, part of Hotel Helvetia & Bristol. The gala menu features aperitif with glass of champagne and finger food; Cod, celeriac, green apple and Campari vermouth; Soup of Castellaccio lentils, cotechino, beetroots and truffle; Home-made shellfish ravioli, broccoli, clams and mullet roe; Turbot, yellow pumpkin, orange and herring caviar; Beef, Jerusalem artichoke, spugnole mushrooms and balsamic vinegar from Modena; and Dark chocolate, cherry tobacco and passion of licorice.

 

Hostaria Bibendum at Hotel Helvetia & Bristol, Via dei Pescioni 2, Florence

160 euro per person (wines not included)

To reserve, email reservations.helvetiabristol.fi@starhotels.it or call +39 055 26651

 

 

La Bottega del Buon Caffè

 

 

Go stellar this New Year’s Eve with the 10-course menu by Michelin-starred chef Antonello Sardi including the traditional “cotechino” and lentils at midnight. A magical evening under the tower of San Niccolò, the menu consists of a welcome drink; amuse-bouche; Mackerel fillet, celeriac, foie gras and mandarin; Stuffed quail with spinach and its own juices, toasted pine nuts and artichokes; Cabbage risotto, Calvisius caviar, salmon eggs and bottarga caviar; Home-made egg taglierini, oysters and raw red prawns; Seared mixed shellfish (scampi, mantis shrimps, lobster), broccoli and fennel with citrus fruit; Veal cheek, cauliflower and crispy black cabbage; Festive pre-dessert; Black Forest dessert (chocolate and sour cherry); Giovanni’s little chocolate bites.

La Bottega del Buon Caffè, lungarno Cellini 69R, Florence

240 euro per person (excluding beverages); 110 euro per person for wine pairing

To reserve, email info@borgointhecity.com or call +39 055 5535677

 

 

Irene Firenze at Hotel Savoy

 

 

Central and sexy, Irene Firenze is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. This New Year’s Eve dine in style starting with an aperitif served at your table with a flute of Champagne, followed by Oysters, fried squid and courgette flower tempura, red prawns, burrata and puntarelle, and foie gras. The meal ensues with Steamed lobster with purple cabbage and soncino salad in a citrus sauce; Scallops with mortadella and apple; Pumpkin tortelli with parmesan and white truffle; John Dory with black truffles, braised endive and parsnip; Duck breast with orange, creamed potatoes and Sienese lentils; and Dessert surprise with sorbet. Midnight will be celebrated on the terrace overlooking piazza della Repubblica behind heading back indoors for Panettone, hot chocolate, chestnuts and mulled wine. Equally tempting is the New Year’s Brunch at Irene with a sublime spread for 80 euro per person drinks included.

 

Irene Firenze at Hotel Savoy, piazza della Repubblica 7, Florence

265 euro per person (drinks not included) 

To reserve, email irenefirenze@roccofortehotels.com or call +39 055 27351

 

 

Il Palagio, at Four Seasons Florence

 

 

Decadent dining is guaranteed by Michelin-starred chef Vito Mollica at Il Palagio. Be greeted at the Four Seasons with Oyster and welcome canapé and continue the celebrations with Lobster salad with traditional Italian vegetables purée and creamed cauliflower; Maccheroni ‘di Zita’ pasta filled with artichokes and black truffle; Turbot with calamaretti stew and spicy broccoli sauce; Seared venison juniper and chestnut purée; Chocolate cylinder with Champagne mousse, lychee and rose petals sorbet; and Coffee and friandises. Put on your dancing shoes for the “Cotton Club – The Aristocrats of Florence” theme and enjoy the buffet dinner and party from midnight instead.

 

Il Palagio at Four Seasons Florence, borgo Pitti 99, Florence 

310 euro per person (drinks not included) for the meal; 250 euro per person (wines included until midnight) for the party; after midnight 60 euro with one drink included, 15 euro per additional drink

To reserve call +39 055 2626450

 

 

OUT OF FLORENCE

 

Biagio Pignatta 

Spend NYE in the magic of a Medici villa at Tenuta di Artimino’s restaurant headed up by executive chef Michela Bottasso. With music and dancing as part of the fun, the menu includes welcome drinks with fried whitebait, canapés, crudités with guacamole, baba ganoush and hummus, marinated and smoked salmon, Jerusalem artichoke soufflé, red pecorino cheese and black truffle cream and squid ink cappuccino. Sit down to King prawn and artichoke risotto and Cappelletti with pumpkin and black truffle cream, Amberjack with quinoa, red cabbage and passion fruit, Beef fillet with grape jus, potato gratin and Brussels sprouts. Finish with a vin santo parfait and cantucci cookie gelato. You can also stay at nearby Hotel Paggeria – see the all-inclusive packages online.

 

Ristorante Biagio Pignatta, Tenuta di Artimino, Via Papa Giovanni XXIII 1, Artimino

90 euro per person (45 euro for children from 4 to 10 years)

To reserve, email ristorante@artimino.com or call +39 055 8751406

 

 

La Tenda Rossa

The family-run gourmet restaurant in Cerbaia in Val di Pesa serves up its usual gastronomic experience for NYE with an eight-course menu: Oyster with caviar ingot; Roasted king prawn, cauliflower and pata negra ham; White truffle tortello with mint and egg yolk; Game risotto; Zampone and physalis; Pigeon, apple mostarda and spicy chestnuts; Pomegranate straw; Zuccotto dessert.

 

La Tenda Rossa, Piazza del Monumento 9/14, Cerbaia in Val di Pesa

180 euro per person (including wine pairing)

To reserve, email ristorante@latendarossa.it or call +39 055 826132

 

 

Osteria del Borro

 

 

Nestled in the Il Borro estate belonging to the Ferragamo family, Chef Andrea Campani is serving up a 15-course gourmet dinner for New Year’s Eve. Expect oysters, prawns, lobster, pigeon, the freshest of vegetables and sorbet. Fireworks and bubbles at midnight. And even pastries and hot chocolate before turning in for the night!

 

Osteria del Borro, Frazione Borro 52, San Giustino Valdarno

To reserve, email osteria@ilborro.it or call +39 055 9772333