If you think you’ve had excellent steak dinners in your life, just wait until you experience bistecca alla fiorentina—the best steak in Florence.
With a juicy, rare center and blackened grill marks on the exterior, bistecca is a mouth-watering must try. Finding the best steak spots in Florence can feel overwhelming, so here’s our list of eight tested and highly recommended restaurants. Hope you’re hungry!
What is bistecca, anyway?
Bistecca alla fiorentina is a T-bone style steak cut from the loin just below the rib cage and above the rump. Traditionally the steak comes from Chianina, a breed of Tuscan cattle known for their massive size and all-white coloring.
The best steaks are barely seasoned, with just a sprinkling of salt right before serving. If you don’t like your steak rare, you might be better off ordering something else. A friend of ours once asked for her bistecca to be cooked medium, and the waiter simply said no.
You’ll order bistecca by weight, and many restaurants have a 1-kilogram (2.2 pounds) minimum. Now that’s a lot of steak, so we recommend you grab a friend (or three!) to share the meal.
Insider’s Tip: Don’t be surprised if the waiter presents the raw steak tableside before they cook it. A good restaurant will be very proud of their meats so they like to show them off.
Where to Eat the Best Steak in Florence
Auditore Ristorante Braceria
Taking its name from the main character of the Assassin’s Creed video games, Auditore (Piazza del Grano 13R) serves traditional Tuscan dishes just a few steps behind the Uffizi Gallery.
With plenty of seating inside and out, Auditore is the perfect place to cool your heels after a busy day in the historical city center. Take your pick of the many pasta dishes and sides to accompany your bistecca, and don’t forget dessert!
Trattoria Zà Zà
With its many funky rooms, cupboards full of curiosities, and a huge menu selection, Trattoria Zà Zà is an experience from the moment you step in the door.
The outdoor seating overlooks the square at the Mercato Centrale, which has supplied Trattoria Zà Zà with the freshest local ingredients for over 40 years. Enjoy the famous Florentine steak with side dishes like rosemary potatoes or traditional white Tuscan beans.
Trattoria Dall’Oste
Trattoria Dall’Oste means business. In addition to traditional Chianina, Trattoria Dall’Oste offers a dozen different certified meats from around the world.
There are three locations of this incredible restaurant around Florence so your visit shouldn’t be too far out of the way. Spice up your meal with one of Dall’Oste’s unique filet preparations like truffle, green peppercorn, or balsamic vinegar sauce.
Antico Noe
Just a five minute walk from the Duomo and tucked away in an alley is the family-owned Antico Noe (Volta di San Piero 6/8/R). Don’t be surprised if yours is the only table speaking anything other than Italian as this place is usually full of locals!
Antico Noe has a rotating seasonal menu and a friendly service staff. Before your bistecca main course, enjoy an appetizer of Tuscan cheeses and cured meats or a plate of excellently prepared pasta.
I’Tuscani
With a hip vibe and heaping platters of grilled meat and vegetables atop rustic wooden tables, I’Tuscani is the place to be for a great meal.
I’Tuscani has two locations and offers bistecca combo meals. Choose your normal or super appetizer sampler, and enjoy perfectly grilled bistecca with fried potatoes and house red wine.
I Brindellone
If you’re staying on the other side of the Arno river or don’t mind a walk, I Brindellone (Piazza Piattellina 10) is an excellent choice for bistecca alla fiorentina.
I Brindellone is a favorite of local families for its large portions and friendly atmosphere. Along with bistecca, I Brindellone serves up other Florentine dishes like the traditional bread soup ribollita, pasta with rabbit ragu, and tripe.
Antico Ristoro di Cambi
The historical Antico Ristoro di Cambi is Tuscan through and through. Proudly displaying their selection of cold cuts and Florentine steaks, Ristorante Cambi also boasts a cellar with a hundred different Tuscan wines.
Located in the Porta San Frediano area, Cambi is a 10–15 minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, Antico Ristoro di Cambi is worth a visit.
L’Osteria di Giovanni
Owned by the Latini family since 1898, L’Osteria di Giovanni has been feeding people for generations.
Near the Arno river on Via del Moro, keep your eyes peeled or you might miss the small restaurant. Get your choice of sirloin or filet mignon, or tackle a supersized five-finger bistecca with your friends.
Update notice: This article was updated on July 12, 2023.
You know how to find the best steak in Florence — now it’s time to put your skills to the test and spend an evening eating like a local! Join us for our Oltrarno at Sunset food tour for a foodie adventure you won’t soon forget!
