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One factor that astounds me each time I contact down in Florence is town’s unbelievable array of seafood eating places, one thing the Tuscan capital isn’t sometimes 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. Actually, town has loads of bistros that wouldn’t be misplaced amongst Italy’s southern seafood eating places.
Once I was crafting my Florence meals excursions, I visited a slew of nice seafood eateries to actually showcase the scene right here to my fish-loving prospects, and these are those which have left a long-lasting impression on me.
Our Guides’ Favourite Seafood Spots
We consider that even in a metropolis well-known for its steak, the seafood traditions introduced from the close by coast are to not be missed. Recent fish arrives each day from the Tyrrhenian Sea, permitting our cooks to create gentle and chic Mediterranean dishes. Now we have recognized the kitchens the place the standard of the catch is absolutely the precedence. Ebook a meals tour with us to be taught extra.
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 due to a suggestion from a neighborhood good friend, and it has since develop into a must-visit each time I return to town.
With its cool-toned concrete partitions and previous 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 house, and the hospitable employees amplifies the inviting environment 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 regarded.
Between the agency, al dente pasta and tender cuttlefish, the textures of this dish had been excellent. What was much more had 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 chew.
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
For those who desire to tuck into some tasty seafood in a extra upscale setting, I’m assured Fuor D’Acqua can be to your liking. Positioned south of the Arno River and across the nook of Porta di San Frediano, Fuor D’Acqua is broadly thought to be one of many most interesting Florence seafood eating places.
Although it’s undisputably a high-end institution, the decor is reasonably easy and oozes basic Italian allure. Suppose modern ivory-colored seating and stylish copper finishes mendacity alongside pink 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 instances, 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 mentioned, the risotto and king prawns have been my highlights, and I couldn’t decide between the 2!
The prawns had been introduced with creamy selfmade 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
Conventional Fish Trattorias to Discover
We search for the institutions focusing on “cucina di mare,” bringing the flavors of the Tuscan coast to our landlocked streets. These venues supply a refreshing different to the heavier meat-based dishes sometimes related to town’s culinary historical past. Our choice focuses on spots the place simplicity and freshness permit the pure taste of the fish to shine. Ebook a meals tour with us to be taught extra.
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 probability just a few years again after 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 skin, Burro & Acciughe is sort 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 essential course, and this would possibly simply be my favourite mixture up to now.
Marinated in a flavorful mix of pungent garlic, herbaceous olive oil, and tart vinegar, the anchovies had been an explosion of tastes. They got here alongside a handful of crunchy and candy Tropea pink onions, an Italian specialty.
Though a lot milder in style, the fried fish that adopted was equally as scrumptious. Their superbly light-weight batter, spicy Sichuan pepper mayonnaise, and earthy artichokes elevated each chew 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 full of life 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 if you happen to 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.
Just a few months in the past, I finished by for a fast lunch and determined to pattern the seared salmon. I swung by simply as they had been opening, which meant the service was even quicker than common. Very quickly, the waitress arrived with a wonderfully pink fillet of salmon teamed with a heat yellow sauce.
I liked how crispy the skin of the salmon was, but the inside was gentle and barely juicy. The flavors had 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
Chosen Kitchens for Ocean Flavors
We discover that probably the most thrilling seafood experiences usually occur in trendy bistros that target sustainable fishing and uncooked preparations. These cooks make the most of every part from pink prawns to sea bass to create vibrant, seasonal plates that really feel like a sea breeze. Every chew is a reminder of the shut geographical and culinary connection between Florence and the Italian shoreline. Ebook a meals tour with us to be taught extra.
Ristorante Murales Bistrò
Picture credit score: Ristorante Murales Bistrò
These of you who discover yourselves strolling by means 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 throughout the night, and the meals was nothing in need of unbelievable each instances.
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 trendy, 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 correct determination.
This dish was all about gentle and mild flavors, as the octopus was a bit of 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 daily, 12:00 pm to three:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Provenance of Florentine Seafood
We at all times search for seafood eating places that may establish precisely which port their fish was landed in, comparable to Livorno or Castiglione della Pescaia. Genuine “nostrale” fish is caught utilizing conventional strategies that respect the breeding cycles of the Mediterranean species. You must ask your server concerning the “pescato del giorno” to make sure you are consuming probably the most seasonal and contemporary catch obtainable. This transparency within the provide chain ensures the next high quality meal whereas supporting the native fishing communities alongside the coast.
Seafood Etiquette in Florence
In Florence, it’s common to begin a seafood meal with an assortment of “antipasti di mare,” which might embrace each cold and hot preparations. We advise following the Italian custom of not pairing cheese with seafood dishes to keep away from masking the fragile flavors of the fish. You must really feel comfy asking the employees to fillet an entire grilled fish on the desk, a service that’s customary in lots of conventional eating places. Pairing your meal with a crisp white wine from the Tuscan coast, like a Vermentino, is the native option to full the expertise.
Conclusion
Once 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 might not be near the ocean, however wherever the cooks are sourcing their catch, they’re doing an ideal job of it!
