In the shadow of the Duomo, something is stirring on the city’s art and food scene. L’Isle Saint-Louis recently opened, featuring a French-influenced menu and even more continental atelier.
Closed for decades, the sixteenth-century Palazzo Sforza Almeni on via del Castellaccio (off via dei Servi) bears astonishing Vasari frescoes and vibrant contemporary creativity. The vast bowel-like basements are home to ateliers where artists from all over the world are welcome to create and exhibit their works. The ground-floor space, on the other hand, acts as a striking bar and restaurant serving specialties such as co-owner Geraldine’s very own foie gras beneath the gaze of Misha’s acid-colour canvasses of Michelangelo’s David. Collaborations are in the pipeline with Italy’s myriad foreign consulates and embassies. L’Isle Saint-Louis also has bold plans for nights dedicated to little-known cultures and cuisines.
Cosmopolitan art and the finest of international food: could this be the amuse-bouche the city is yearning for?
L’Isle Saint-Louis
via del Castellaccio 3r-5r,
Florence 055/212253
Open every day
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