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One factor that astounds me each time I contact down in Florence is town’s incredible array of seafood eating places, one thing the Tuscan capital isn’t usually identified for.

Florence is primarily related to meat-heavy dishes like Florentine steak and pappardelle al ragu, however Florentines know a factor or two about high quality oceanic fare. In truth, town has loads of bistros that wouldn’t be misplaced amongst Italy’s southern seafood eating places.

After I was crafting my Florence meals excursions, I visited a slew of nice seafood eateries to essentially showcase the scene right here to my fish-loving clients, and these are those which have left a long-lasting impression on me.

Marina Di Santospirito

Picture credit score: Marina Di Santospirito

Marina Di Santospirito is a wonderful seafood spot south of the Arno River, nestled within the beating coronary heart of Oltrarno. I initially got here right here because of a advice from an area good friend, and it has since turn out to be a must-visit each time I return to town.

With its cool-toned concrete partitions and outdated stone flooring, the eating room right here feels virtually cave-like. The retro wall ornaments, hanging lights, and leather-based seating give the restaurant a contact of residence, and the hospitable employees amplifies the inviting ambiance inside.

Although I’ve but to discover a dish right here that I didn’t get pleasure from, the cuttlefish with tagliolini has been my favourite for fairly a while now. Coloured with black cuttlefish ink, this steaming plate of pasta arrived at my desk in minutes, and it tasted much more delectable than it appeared.

Between the agency, al dente pasta and tender cuttlefish, the textures of this dish have been very good. What was much more have been the flavors: a mix of milky tones from the fish, a touch of mintiness from the sage, and a stunning lemon zest that added a lightness to every chunk.

Marina Di Santospirito (€€€) – By way of Maffia, 1/C, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy – Open each Monday to Friday, 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and closed each Sunday

Fuor D’Acqua

Picture credit score: Fuor D’Acqua

In case you choose to tuck into some tasty seafood in a extra upscale setting, I’m assured Fuor D’Acqua shall be to your liking. Situated south of the Arno River and across the nook of Porta di San Frediano, Fuor D’Acqua is extensively thought to be one of many most interesting Florence seafood eating places.

Although it’s undisputably a high-end institution, the decor is moderately easy and oozes traditional Italian appeal. Suppose glossy ivory-colored seating and stylish copper finishes mendacity alongside purple brick archways. The key’s been out about Fuor D’Acqua for a very long time, so reservations are a should.

I’ve dined right here quite a few occasions, and if I’m with a good friend, I normally select the tasting menu. On every event, the multi-course meal has been chic from begin to end. That being stated, the risotto and king prawns have been my highlights, and I couldn’t decide between the 2!

The prawns have been offered with creamy do-it-yourself mayonnaise and fruity pink peppercorns, which introduced out their buttery flavors. A nourishing serving of savory risotto quickly adopted, which was topped with a beneficiant serving to of contemporary seafood.

Chewy, briny clams, and gentle mussels accompanied the risotto, including an extremely wealthy but balanced depth of taste to the mouthwatering dish.

Fuor D’Acqua (€€€€) – By way of Pisana, 37r, 50143 Firenze FI, Italy – Open each Monday to Saturday, 8:00 pm to 2:00 am, and closed each Sunday

Burro & Acciughe

Picture credit score: Burro & Acciughe

Burro & Acciughe is a bustling eatery whipping up pleasant seafood dishes in San Frediano. I got here throughout this place by likelihood a number of years again once I was visiting the Brancacci Chapel close by, and I couldn’t assist however really feel like I’d been lacking out all this time.

The inside is elegant and refined, but the staff right here at all times ensures the ambiance stays relaxed and unpretentious. Although it appears to be like compact from the surface, Burro & Acciughe is kind of spacious inside, with excessive ceilings, massive home windows, and a mixture of rustic and modern furnishings.

I’m an enormous fan of their appetizers, and I’ve kicked off my meal with their marinated anchovies since my first go to. The final time I used to be right here, I paired them with fried cod for my foremost course, and this may simply be my favourite mixture so far.

Marinated in a flavorful mix of pungent garlic, herbaceous olive oil, and tart vinegar, the anchovies have been an explosion of tastes. They got here alongside a handful of crunchy and candy Tropea purple onions, an Italian specialty.

Though a lot milder in style, the fried fish that adopted was equally as scrumptious. Their fantastically light-weight batter, spicy Sichuan pepper mayonnaise, and earthy artichokes elevated each chunk of delicate cod.

Burro & Acciughe (€€) – By way of dell’Orto, 35/R, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy – Closed each Monday, open each Tuesday to Friday, 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm to three:30 pm and seven:30 pm to 10:30 pm

Cantinetta delle Terme

Picture credit score: Cantinetta delle Terme

Simply steps from the energetic Piazza della Signoria is Cantinetta delle Terme, a top-tier seafood restaurant in Florence. I come right here lots, a lot in order that I even picked up takeouts from right here, because it’s one of many few locations that may present high quality seafood of their to-go orders.

Naturally, the meals is much more distinctive for those who get pleasure from it in-house of their small however slick eating space. Cozy and charming, the decor consists of a clutch of picket tables surrounded by cabinets of Italian wines and a brick-covered ceiling.

A number of months in the past, I finished by for a fast lunch and determined to pattern the seared salmon. I swung by simply as they have been opening, which meant the service was even quicker than standard. Very quickly, the waitress arrived with a wonderfully pink fillet of salmon teamed with a heat yellow sauce.

I liked how crispy the surface of the salmon was, but the inside was gentle and barely juicy. The flavors have been much more mouthwatering, with the richness of the fish complementing the tangy citrus-infused sauce.

Cantinetta delle Terme (€€) – By way of delle Terme, 14R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open each Monday, 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and seven:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and closed each Sunday

Ristorante Murales Bistrò

Picture credit score: Ristorante Murales Bistrò

These of you who discover yourselves strolling by way of the Santa Croce space have to take a look at Ristorante Murales Bistrò to your seafood repair. I got here by right here at noon for a late brunch and in the course of the night, and the meals was nothing wanting incredible each occasions.

The decor is tremendous quirky and eclectic, and I used to be struck by the murals of cartoon characters that adorned the partitions and the way they in some way labored with the fashionable, low-key furnishings. What makes this place even higher is the employees, who’re at all times educated and courteous.

I dropped in to seize one thing to eat and get some respite from the Tuscan warmth the final time I used to be right here, and the paccheri with octopus piqued my curiosity. It sounded divine in its personal proper, and when it got here out with a serving of contemporary burrata, I knew I’d made the suitable choice.

This dish was all about gentle and delicate flavors, as the octopus was a bit salty and countered the sweetness of the burrata. Not solely that, however the moist texture of the octopus and silky pasta was beautiful.

Ristorante Murales Bistrò (€€€) – By way of Ghibellina, 141/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open each day, 12:00 pm to three:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Conclusion

While you’ve had your fill of steakhouses and conventional Tuscan trattorias, take your decide from this assortment of the highest Florence seafood eating places. Town will not be near the ocean, however wherever the cooks are sourcing their catch, they’re doing an amazing job of it!