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Bistecca Alla Fiorentina is a must-try Tuscan tradition - here's where I get mine
Though you might assume it's a place where pasta rules the culinary scene, Florence is in the heart of Italy's cattle country, and it's famous for its rich, flavorful beef from the local chianina cow. (It's no surprise that the leather industry is also incredible here!) The best showcase for that incredible beef is Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, a massive T-bone steak grilled over red-hot coals and carved tableside.
It's definitely not an everyday kind of meal, but when I'm in Florence, I love to go to Il Latini for my bistecca fix. Dinner at Il Latini is always a party - tables are long, banquet-style arrangements, so you'll almost definitely be seated with strangers who'll quickly become friends. And while you can order a la carte, it's best to put yourself in the kitchen's hands and go with the set menu. You'll end up with 5-course meal served family style that is crowned by a glorious bistecca that's bigger than the plate it's served on.
Family-owned for more than 50 years, Il Latini is the kind of rustic, welcoming restaurant you don't expect to find in the big city. With massive prosciuttos hanging from the ceiling and bottles of chianti lining the walls, walking in feels like you've traveled to an out-of-the-way Tuscan trattoria. Add to that a truly exceptional piece of meat, and you've got one of my favorite experiences in Florence.
Il Latini
Via dei Palchetti 6R
http://www.illatini.com/en/
Photos from Ristorante Il Latini
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1 comment
Had a wonderful dinner at Il Latini last September, including this steak! Just as much as the steak, we enjoyed the paccheri e cinghiale (wild boar – if this dish is on the menu, please try it) and soup with farro e fagioli. It was a short walk from our hotel (we did need a reservation). It’s a warm and friendly atmosphere, and of course the staff encouraged us to enjoy ourselves as long as we wanted. One of the most memorable meals ever!