What’s the most famous dish in Tuscany and Florence?

Bistecca alla Fiorentina – it’s the best steak in Florence of course! The origin of the Florentine steak goes back to the 16th century and the great Medici family. Every year the Medici’s would host a celebration on August 10th to honor Saint Lorenzo, the martyr. They invited the public to feasts of grilled meat prepared on outdoor fires in the city squares. Legend has it that during one of these famous feasts, a group of British aristocrats joined in. When they were ready for more meat, they shouted: “Beefsteak, beefsteak”. The Florentines adopted this foreign sounding name for their most famous dish: bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Best Steak in Florence

The Florentine steak is a spectacular cut of meat that comes from a special Tuscan breed of cattle called Chianina. Butchers hang the whole loin for 15-21 days in a cool, dry environment to cure it. Then, they take the porterhouse cut between the sirloin and tenderloin, including the T-bone. The steaks range from 1.5 – 2.5 inches thick, making them between 1.5 to 4 pounds of meat per steak! Probably enough to feed two or more people.

The most flavorful steaks are charcoal broiled over hot coals. The chef sets the steak on the fire on its bone end first to raise the internal temperature before broiling. After about 15 minutes, the chef grills the steak for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, only turning it once. Before serving, the steak rests in a warm oven for 10-15 minutes. The result is a juicy, rare steak with a gorgeous outer sear.

Tuscan chefs know how to cook the best Florentine steaks. Not only because of their experience and culture, but because they’ve grown up with an appreciation for the land and the quality meat and produce it provides.

With so many great restaurants in Florence it’s hard to know which one is the best, but here’s a list of 5 where you’ll find the best Florentine steak:

Trattoria Mario Restaurant | Steak Cooked to Perfection
Via Rosina 2r, 50123, Florence.
You won’t be disappointed here! Located near the central market of Florence, this family run trattoria has been open for 60 years. Chef Mario’s sons Romeo and Fabio will cook your steak to perfection and make you feel like part of their family.

FrancescoVini | Steak with a View
Borgo dei Greci 7/r – Piazze dei Peruzzi 8/r -50122 Florence
One of the most beautiful restaurants in Florence, located in the Santa Croce district, comes highly recommended highly on Tripadvisor from reviewers. Chef Fabio La Brusco will cook a meal guaranteed to make you smile.

Tratorria Dall’Oste  | Dinner in the heart of Florence
Via Luigi Alamanni, 3/5r, 50100 Florence
Not only does this restaurant boast a great location, but its mouthwatering steak will give you something to write home about.. The restaurant has a large variety of different delicious options on their menu including ravioli and veal, along with the famous grilled Fiorentina.

I’Tuscani2 | Cut to Perfection
Via de Federighi, 37R, 50123, Florence.
If you’re looking for technique, the  l’Tuscani2  will serve up a perfectly cut steak. The experienced Tuscan chefs know what they’re doing and the best part of it all is that they keep it simple. Expect a dish of meat and potatoes. But a perfect dish.

Trattoria Pandemonium Brogi | Tradition to a Tee
Via del Leone 50/R, 50124, Florence.
Head Chef Cecco learned to cook from the best Florentine cooks – his mother and grandmother. They all work together at this family-run trattoria to prepare delicious traditional meals with a modern twist.

When you sit down to savor the best steak in Florence, don’t forget to try another Florentine specialty, Brunello di Montalcino, the best wine to drink with your Fiorentina. Enjoy and buon appetito!