After enjoying Florence sightseeing with our friends and their family, we continued our time together over dinner.
On both the first and second evenings, we went out to enjoy one of Florence’s most famous specialties: Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
When you think of Florence and Tuscan food, beef is one of the things that comes to mind. So for these dinners, we decided to enjoy beef dishes from the antipasti to the main course.
Beef Tartare and Carpaccio in Florence
The beef tartare we had on the first evening was surprisingly delicious.
It had a subtle smoky flavor, and the presentation was fun to look at as well as delicious to eat.
It was one of those dishes that made me think, “I would definitely order this again.”
Beef carpaccio is another antipasto that I recommend trying in Italy.
Some people may not have many opportunities to eat raw beef dishes in Japan, but in Italy, they are a wonderful way to start a meal.
When you come to Florence, Bistecca alla Fiorentina is not the only beef dish worth trying.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
The famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina can look enormous when you see it for the first time.
Many people are surprised by its size.
However, Tuscan beef has a different character from the beef many people are used to eating in Japan, and it can be lighter than you might expect. So despite the size of the steak, it is surprisingly easy to enjoy.
Personally, I recommend trying it rare.
I often go out for Bistecca with Japanese friends, and sometimes they tell me that they are not sure about eating beef that rare.
When that happens, we sometimes order both rare and medium so that everyone can compare them.
In my experience, most people end up saying that the rare steak is softer and more delicious.
Of course, the ideal doneness is a matter of personal preference. But if you have the chance to try Bistecca alla Fiorentina in Florence, I think it is worth experiencing it the traditional way.
Cocktails and Spumante Before Dinner
On our second evening, we went to another restaurant for Bistecca.
We started the evening with cocktails and Spumante, almost like an aperitivo before dinner.
The restaurant prepared beef tartare and beef carpaccio for our antipasti.
Unfortunately, I didn’t take a photo of the risotto we had that evening, but it was delicious.
It was a risotto made with pesto, tomatoes and goat cheese.
I wondered whether the goat cheese might be too strong for some people, since it has a distinctive flavor.
But it was used more as an accent, and there was just the right amount.
The combination of the tomatoes and goat cheese was delicious, and it was a dish that would be difficult to find in quite the same way in Japan.
I also love how Italian cuisine can make a small amount of a distinctive ingredient add something special to a dish.
Bistecca with Black Salt and Porcini Mushrooms
The restaurant we visited on the second evening had its own particular way of serving Bistecca.
First, we were told to try the steak with only Greek black salt.
Then we could enjoy it with porcini mushrooms.
The staff explained the different ways to enjoy the steak, step by step.
Even though it was the same Bistecca, the flavor changed depending on what we paired it with.
With just salt, you can really appreciate the flavor of the beef itself.
With porcini mushrooms, you get a completely different combination of flavors.
It was a fun way to experience the different sides of Florence’s beef dishes.
After dinner, we enjoyed the beautiful nighttime views of Florence and chatted all the way back to their hotel.
If You Come to Florence, Try the Beef
If you come to Florence, I definitely recommend trying a beef dish.
If you are traveling with only one or two people and a large Bistecca is too much to order, beef fillet or tagliata are good alternatives.
Tagliata is grilled beef that is sliced before serving, so it is easier to order when you are dining with a smaller group.
And there is one more thing I recommend trying in Italy: tomato pasta.
Italian tomatoes really are delicious.
Even a simple pasta with tomato sauce can taste wonderful because of the natural sweetness and flavor of the tomatoes themselves.
So while beef is certainly one of the foods I recommend trying in Florence, don’t overlook simple tomato dishes either.
Food Is Part of the Florence Experience
After spending two evenings eating together with our friends and their family, I was reminded once again that food is an important part of traveling in Italy.
A trip to Florence isn’t only about visiting famous museums and beautiful historic buildings.
Sharing a good meal with family or friends, taking your time at the table, and discovering a dish you would like to eat again can become just as memorable.
For me, these are also part of what makes living in Florence special.
Staying in Florence for a Month or Longer?
Florence is a city you can enjoy slowly, not just in a few days.
Our furnished luxury apartment is located in the historic center, directly opposite the Pitti Palace, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and living area.
For those looking for a comfortable home in Florence for a month or longer: