If you have planned a romantic getaway to Florence this Valentine’s Day, you might be wondering where to wine and dine your Beatrice (or Dante) in Italy’s cradle of culture. Here’s The Florentine’s guide to restaurants this San Valentino.
All restaurants are welcome to send their Valentine’s menus and information to redazione@theflorentine.net.
Caffè dell’Oro
Michelin-starred chef Peter Brunel acts as cupid with a romantic four-course dinner menu at the bistro with views of the Ponte Vecchio: Scallop carpaccio, pomegranate, coriander and beetroot foam; Rice, lemon-scented scampi, pink champagne and gold; Veal fillet, endive, mushrooms and purple potato puree; Rose like a rose dessert and raspberries.
65 euro per person, drinks not included. To book, call +39 055 27268912 or email oro@lungarnocollection.com.
Lungarno degli Acciaioli 2R, Florence
Eataly
Treat your loved one to an aphrodisiacal cooking course led by Eataly’s chef Walter Popolizio, a hug away from the Duomo. The course is strictly for six couples only, followed by dinner (100 euro per couple).
To book, call +39 055 0153601 or email eatalyfirenze@eataly.it
Via Martelli 22R, Florence
Flora and Fauna, Ville sull’Arno
The riverside hotel, spa and restaurant will be conjuring up a six-course luxury menu for lovers, including a gift for the ladies and the possibility to use the spa as part of their Romantic Moments package. Chef Marco Offidani’s menu for the evening: a red aperitivo by barman Lorenzo; Sea bass carpaccio, pomegranate, lavender and lemon caviar; Prawn and asparagus tempura on oriental leaves and scorzonera cream; Caviar ravioli with butter and thyme; Pea and scampi risotto with shellfish air; Amberjack on celeriac cream, broccoli and rose petals; Raspberry millefeuille with pineapple gel.
70 euro per person, drinks included. Book at ristorazione@hotelvillesullarno.com or call +39 055 670971
Lungarno Cristoforo Colombo 1/3/5, Florence
La Bottega di Parigi
This romantic bistro out near Careggi serves up a touch of Paris in Florence. The menu remains a la carte for Valentine’s Day, vaunting specialities such as Snails bourguignonne, White truffle risotto and Scallop, sundried tomato and smoked aubergine millefeuille. The wine list is exceptional.
Starters start at 9 euro; entrees 19 euro. Book at info@labottegadiparigi.com or call +39 055 0944388.
Via del Terzollina 3R, Florence
Le Fate
Vegan for Valentine’s at this popular spot along via san Zanobi. Dress up for the red-themed set menu: Radicchio, stracchino and walnut crostino; red lentil and millet flan; Polenta topped with caramelized red onions and Tuscan kale; Strawberry risotto; Carrot, ginger and beetroot soup; Spicy love cutlet; Courgettes with Tabasco citronette; Cabbage rolls with mushrooms and vegetables; Red fruit cheesecake; Sacher Torte.
35 euro per person, water and coffee included. To book, call +39 055 4633414.
Via San Zanobi 126R, Florence
Hotel Brunelleschi
Think candlelight and the Renaissance at Hotel Brunelleschi. Chef Giuseppe Bonadonna’s is sure to woo: Prosecco Valdo Doc Extra dry with gorgonzola and speck canapés and Vodka Martini chupito; Soy-marinated tuna tartare, tomato and ginger sauce, chervil; Plin ravioli, roasted meat jus; Fassona beef, port sauce and potato millefeuille; chocolate semifreddo, red fruit, coulis and blood orange wafer.
49 euro per person, wine, coffee and water included. To book, call +39 055 27370 or email info@hotelbrunelleschi.it
Piazza Santa Elisabetta 3, Florence
Gilò Pianobar
Florentine fashion designer Gianfranco Lotti’s new piano bar promises fine food and live music this Valentine’s Day: welcome bubbles; Prawn tartare, avocado and ginger & curry dressing; Spicy mussel tagliolini and pink chickpea cream; Catch of the day with mango, fresh coriander and passionfruit; Chocolate cremoso, strawberries and black pepper, whisky gelee.
75 euro per person, includes wine, coffee and water. To book, call +39 055 283393.
Via dei Fossi 44R, Florence
Sesto sull’Arno, The Westin Excelsior Hotel
Seared scallops, ceviche, cauliflower and black truffle are on the menu “up on the roof” by talented Executive Chef Matteo Lorenzini at panoramic Sesto sull’Arno, followed by Ribollita ravioli; Beef fillet, tomatoes and olives, foie gras confit and mashed potatoes; White chocolate sphere, Sichuan pepper mousse and rhubarb sorbet.
87 euro per person, water and coffee included. Book at marino.sartorato@starwoodhotels.com or call +39 055 2715 2783.
Piazza Ognissanti 3, Florence
Simbiosi
The chic and casual Simbiosi is serving up heart-shaped pizzas in its popular organic pizzeria this Valentine’s, while its new neighbouring pasta restaurant will be dressing in red for the occasion: expect beetroot-tinted tortelli, etc.
Pizzas cost around 9 euro. For more information, call +39 055 2399798.
Via de’ Ginori 58-60R, Florence
Villa Cora
Live music, exquisite cuisine and a lavish location nestled in the Florentine hills at Villa Cora. The set menu by Executive Chef Alessandro Liberatore consists of Seared scallop, vanilla-flavoured cauliflower cream, blue and red shrimp tartare; Cube of tuna tataki, shellfish mayonnaise, caviar, buffalo ricotta with jus de veau; Squid ink agnolotti filled with blue crab, cream of crunchy beetroot lettuce; Concentrated beef stock, white turnip carpaccio, lobster medallion; Exotic interval; Slice of sea bass, mushroom and ginger fricassee, macadamia nuts; Passion fruit and rum cream, chocolate
and chilli pepper heart.
110 euro per person, drinks not included. To book, call +39 055 228790.
Viale Machiavelli, 18, Florence
Winter Garden by Caino, The St. Regis Florence
One-Michelin-star chef Michele Griglio serves up an exquisite Valentine’s Day menu of Triptych of prawns; Palamita tartare with Matcha green tea; Tempura oysters; Lobster, lemon and tomato tagliolini pasta; Duck breast, turnip and foie gras foam; Celeriac and ginger sorbet; Meringue-centred strawberry semifreddo.
105 euro per person, water and coffee included. Book at mirko.eutizi@starwoodhotels.com or call +39 055 2716 3770.
Piazza Ognissanti 1, Florence
Ristorante Buca Poldo
Revel in a romantic evening without breaking the bank. Guests at Buca Poldo can choose between a surf or turf set menu, prepared by chef Emiliano Chiarugi. The seafood menu includes an octopus and potato flan with a velvety basil sauce, crostini with seafood in tomato sauce, fresh taglierini with seafood, julienne zucchini and cherry tomatoes and baked monkfish on a bed of baked vegetables. The meat-fish-veggie menu includes pork leg in olive oil (tuna fish style) on a bed of salad with crispy onion and Tuscan crostini, ricotta and spinach crepe bundles with a Creamy Mornay sauce, a slice of veal on a truffle pecorino fondue with a potato and sundried tomato flan. Dessert (pear and chocolate cake) is included.
35 euro per person, with welcome prosecco and coffee included. To book, call +39 055 239 6578.
Chiasso degli Armagnati, 2/R, Florence
Irene Firenze, Hotel Savoy
Head to feminine Irene Firenze for an aperitivo with tango exhibition (25 euro) and even stay for dinner by chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Amberjack fillet served raw on Himalayan salt with a lemon sorbet or Organic beef carpaccio with almonds, pine nuts and celery; Risotto with cauliflower, scallops and fresh raspberry; Fillet of sole with saffron and lemongrass; Duck breast served with carrot cream and a hint of vanilla and mixed radicchio; Our “Florence in love” dessert.
60 euro per person, beverages not included. Call +39 055 27 351 or email irenefirenze@roccofortehotels.com.
Piazza della Repubblica, 7