What would a trip to Florence be without trying a Florentine steak? Never heard of this steak? Don’t worry – we hadn’t either, but it’s that massive steak! We are here to tell you that you must try a Florentine steak in Florence or your trip isn’t complete. To help you out, we have put together everything you need to know about Florentine Steak in Florence. We will guide you through what it actually is, how it’s prepared, and where to find the best Bistecca alla Florentina in Florence.
What Exactly is Bistecca alla Florentina?
This is the steak, if not the meal of Florence. Although Italy is commonly known for its delicious homemade pasta and pizza, if you’re given the opportunity to visit Florence, you must try Bistecca alla Florentina (Florentine Steak). Just think, a three-pound porterhouse steak, fire-grilled, and cooked to perfection that’s all yours!
To have an authentic Florentine steak, the meat should come from a specific breed of cow called Chianina. This Roman breed of cow was once used solely for heavy work. It wasn’t until the 16th century that this ancient breed of Tuscan cattle became known for its flavorful meat. Every year on August 10th, the Medici family would honour Saint Lorenzo (the martyr) by having a massive feast with all the town’s people.
History has it that English aristocrats would be visiting Florence and would shout “beefsteak! beefsteak!” demanding more. Because of this, the name was adopted, and this Tuscan steak would forever be known as Bistecca.
What Cut of Meat is a Florentine Steak?
The cut of meat itself will come from the part of the loin near the leg. The perfect cut is between 2-3 inches thick and will weigh between 3-4 pounds. It should also have very good marbling (aka. fat), which adds to the flavour of the meat.
While this cut of meat should come from the breed of cow called Chianina, this breed is becoming scarce. Butchers and restaurants are now looking to other breeds of cows to get their meat.
How is Florentine Steak Prepared?
The preparation of a Florentine steak in Florence is quite simple: the delicious piece of meat should speak for itself. When cooking the steak, they follow these directions:
- Sit the steak out for at least 20 minutes – it should be cooked at room temperature.
- The grill needs to be extremely hot. If a charcoal grill is available, it will make it that much more flavorful.
- Stand the steak up, so the bone will be in direct contact with the grill. This will allow the bone to heat, warming the steak from the inside out and tenderizing the fat within the meat. This process takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the steak for roughly 6 minutes on each side, only turning once. The grill marks should be clearly visible.
- Salt the steak with coarse sea salt.
- Let the steak rest for 10 minutes (covered) to ensure the juices come back.
Should it be Bloody?
Yes! Florentine steak is bloody. Usually, you aren’t given the option of how it will be cooked. A good Bistecca alla Florentina is cooked rare.
How Much Does Florentine Steak in Florence Cost?
The price of a Florentine steak in Florence will depend primarily on the breed of cow and the weight of the steak. The average price is between €85 to €100. Keep in mind this steak is usually shared between two people and is accompanied by side dishes – often salad and vegetables.
Don’t worry if you find that a little expensive; you will be able to find quite a few other restaurants that use a different breed of cow. This will bring the price of the steak down to something more reasonable. These meals typically average in price between €45 to €65 (shared between two people).
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Where to Eat a Good Florentine Steak in Florence?
We have put together a list of places that we recommend if you are looking for an authentic Florentine Steak in Florence.
Trattoria dall’Oste
Via dei Cerchi, 40/R, 50122, Firenze. Italia
www.trattoriadalloste.com
Open: 11:00am to 10:30pm
Offering 12 different types of beef, Trattoria dall’Oste focuses on serving their customers the best meat experience! They offer 12 different types of beef/cuts of meat if you are looking to try something a little different. They take pride in serving high-quality meat from animals grown and bred according to natural criteria.
Trattoria Mario
Via Rosina 2r (angolo Piazza del Mercato Centrale) 50123, Firenze, Italia
www.trattoriamario.com
Open: 12:00pm to 3:30pm (Closed Sunday)
This family-owned restaurant opened in 1953, serving the famous Florentine Steak. They are only open for lunch and unfortunately do not take reservations. Make sure you arrive early to get a chance to try this delicious meal. Trattoria Mario was also featured in the Lonely Planet as one of the best places to eat in Florence.
Buca Lapi
Via del Trebbio, 1r, 50123 Firenze, Italia
www.bucalapi.com
Open: 7:00pm to 10:30pm (Closed Sunday)
Opening its doors in 1880, Buca Lapi is one of the oldest restaurants in Florence. They pride themselves in using the flavours of old Tuscan cuisine. Want to guarantee yourself a delicious and authentic Tuscan meal? Make a reservation on their website!
Mamma Gina
Bg. S. Jacopo, 37/R, 50125, Firenze, Italia
mammagina.it
Open: 12:00pm to 2:30pm; 7:00pm to 10:30pm (Closed Sunday)
Not only does Mamma Gina offer delicious steak, but they also have a massive wine cellar for you to choose that perfect wine to accompany your meal. We suggest trying some of their dessert wines!
I’Tuscani 2
Via de Federighi 37/R, 50123, Firenze, Italia
ituscani2.com
Open: 12:00pm-11:00pm
A meeting place – where meat and wine never fail. What makes I’Tuscani 2 a great choice for trying Florentine Steak in Florence is that they are open every day of the week, and you can make reservations on their website. They also have two other locations in Florence (I’Tuscani 3 & I’Tuscani 4) – we’re not quite sure about I’Tuscani 1…
Ristorante Perseus
Viale Don Minzoni, 10/R, 50129, Firenze, Italia
www.casatrattoria.com
Open: 12:00pm to 3:00pm; 7:00pm to 11:00pm (Closed Sunday)
Ristorante Perseus boasts a comfortable family environment. Offering typical Tuscan cuisine, this restaurant is popular amongst both local Florentines and tourists from around the world!
I’ Brindellone
Piazza Piattellina, 10, 50124, Firenze, Italia
Open: 12:30pm to 2:30pm; 7:30pm to 11:00pm
This hidden gem is a great spot to grab lunch or dinner. It is a small restaurant, so we recommend going early and/or making a reservation!
FrancescoVini
Borgo dei Greci 7/r (Piazza de’ Peruzzi), 8/r, 50122, Firenze, Italia
www.francescovini.com
Open: 9:00am to 11:00pm (Closed Sunday & Monday from November-February, only closed on Sunday March-October)
Established in 1977 as a small store specializing in wines and deli meats, they transformed it into a neighborhood lunch spot and grocery store, with anything and everything! In recent years, the family transformed this place into one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city center. Don’t worry, wine is still at the forefront of FrancescoVini.
Florentine Steak in Florence – What You Need to Know
- This steak is cooked rare.
- This steak is massive and intended to be shared (unless you are an absolute animal and want to attempt to eat it solo).
- Florentine steak in Italian is Bistecca alla Florentina.
- Authentic Florentine steak should be from the Chianina breed of cow. Note: the Florentine steak you have may be from a different breed of cow – that will make it much more affordable.
- If you want an authentic Bistecca alla Florentina, expect to pay between €85 to €100 for only the steak.
- If you just want the experience of having a giant steak delivered to your table and cut in front of you, we suggest getting a different breed of cow. This option usually comes with sides and dessert for €50 to €65 (for two people).
