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Hours
Mon
19:00 - 22:30
Tue
19:00 - 22:30
Wed
19:00 - 22:30
Thu
19:00 - 22:30
Fri
19:00 - 22:30
Sat
19:00 - 22:30
Reserve a table
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Italian, European, Tuscan, Central-Italian, Vegetarian Friendly
Menu
Bottle of water
€3.00
Coffee
€2.00
Does this restaurant serve Romana food?
Details
About
At L’Osteria di Giovanni we not only maintain strict allegiance to traditional Tuscan dishes (including many antique recipes that are not commonly used these days), but we also experiment with new flavours and combinations, whilst remaining faithful to local and season produce. Popular new dishes include smoked duck breast on rocket salad and dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, tortelli stuffed with pear and pecorino, with leek and paprika sauce, pici with sausage and kale, and lamb slow-cooked with artichokes. We stronly believe that your restaurant experience should be unique and satisfying on every front. We look forward to welcoming you one day to L'Osteria di Giovanni.
PRICE RANGE
£21.00 – £84.00
CUISINES
Italian, European, Tuscan, Central-Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
4,051 reviews
Excellent
2,754
Very good
925
Average
252
Poor
72
Terrible
50
Paul
Liverpool95 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
We had a lovely evening at L’Osteria di Giovanni and were made to feel very welcome from the moment we entered the restaurant. The food was just delicious. We both had the starter with cured meats, pate and bruschetta, the portions for this starter are very generous so I would consider sharing this one. We both went with pasta dishes for the main and I can honestly say they were both amazingly tasty, so much interesting flavours then you get in Italian restaurants in the UK. The staff were very are attentive and were happy to explain certain dishes. You pay a €4 cover per person here but you are welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and their fried bread when you first sit at your table. They also gave us a free dessert and some lemon liqueur when we paid the bill. We spent just over 2 and a half hours in the restaurant but we never felt rushed. If you want a lovely evening with great food and where you feel well looked after by the staff, I would definitely recommend L’Osteria di Giovanni.
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaterinaLatini
Paul we are absolutely delighted that we were able to create a great memory for you. That is our main goal. We hope that you can be back one day to create some more.
Thank you so much.
Written 17 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stefan G
Washington DC1073 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Made reservations a few days in advance for dinner on a Friday night, though it probably wasn't necessary during COVID times.
The restaurant is located in a somewhat unassuming building on a side street and is clean, well-decorated, and the lighting is perfect.
The Staff were so, so nice. The owner and his daughter would come around to our table often to talk to us, inquire how we liked the food, where we were from, etc. It was a pleasure speaking with them, they were so friendly.
As for the food - oh it was delicious. A party of four, we ordered the Florentine steak, appetizers, a couple bottles of wine, pastas in family style portions, dessert... I believe they make their own pasta and all food is of a Tuscan tradition. All food was exquisite!
We really enjoyed our dining experience here and I for sure recommend this restaurant to anyone.
Written 18 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaterinaLatini
Ah you chose well - a Florentine steak! Our pasta we don't actually make ourselves but we buy it from local artisan producers who just make small quantities - and make it really well! Pici we actually go and buy from Siena (it's where they make the best ones).
You are right that our food is all Tuscan (there is no such thing as "Italian food"!).
We are so glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you again one day.
Written 18 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim S
Indian Harbour Beach35 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
We stopped in here without reservations and were lucky they could seat us. The food was delicious, paired with the local Brunello wine, with incredible service and great suggestions from our waiter, who brought us cookies to bring back to the room. We were treated like royalty and greatly appreciate that as much as the food. This was absolutely the best meal of our 11 day trip to Rome, Florence, and Italy!
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaterinaLatini
We are delighted! Thank you so much and we really do hope that you can come by again one day.
Written 16 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AndyH
Tuscany24 contributions
May 2020 • none
This was my sixth lunch at Osteria Giovanni and it was great to find them open just three days after the end of Italian Lockdown 2020. Whether our visit was during a busy summer weekend or, in this case, an exceptionally quiet Saturday after being closed for two months, they have had their full menu available and the quality: exceptional. The welcome was warm and enthusiastic and the service attentive; we have found Giovanni's to have the best of Tuscan food and hospitality, which is why we return there each time we are in Florence. English is spoken so telephone first to ensure seating availability: they have two large rooms plus a bar area for dining with appropriate social distancing.
To find Giovanni's, walk two bridges west from the Ponte Vecchio and 1/2 block north from the Arno River on Via del Moro. Alternatively walk seven minutes south from Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station.
Written 7 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaterinaLatini
Six visits! We are proud. And we are so pleased that we have managed to hit the spot each time. Thanks so much for these kind words. In these especially tough times, they are much appreciated.
Written 17 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James
London2 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
We had a lovely dinner here, staff incredibly friendly and the food great. We shared the porcini mushroom pasta to start and it came already split into two plates, which was a nice touch, and it was great. Simply prepared by someone who clearly knows what they are doing in the kitchen. For main we had the steak which was spot on, charred on the outside and nice and rare in the middle. Wine was very easy on the wallet and slipped down very easily. All in all a great evening out and would thoroughly recommend.
Written 20 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria B
Guisborough12 contributions
May 2022 • couples
We have been coming to Florence for 30 years. Each year we try somewhere different to eat. Giovanni’s place takes first place for us. I can’t believe I’ve not seen it before….Quite literally the best meal we have ever had in Florence.
For three reasons, firstly the food is authentic,full of flavour, the steak was perfectly cooked and full of flavour. The veal so tender and the sauce left me wanting more. You can see through to the kitchens and they are spotless. I had the fried zucchini flowers as a starter. The batter was done just perfectly-crisp and melt in the mouth.
The experience is amplified by Giovanni himself, a wonderful man who welcomes you like you are family. The waiters are equally attentive and happy to help with recommendations. What I really loved is that Giovanni suggested the wine but he didn’t try to upsell us. He recommended a very reasonably priced bottle of red. Again explaining the benefits and viniculture. Which brings me onto the price for the meal… in the UK this meal would have cost upwards of £200. Let me just say it was a nice surprise at the end of the evening. This will definitely be my go-to place in future!! Thank you Giovanni and family. You made our evening so special. Hand on my heart, the best food I’ve ever had in Florence.Needless to say, we’ll be back!!!
Tip: the place was packed so it is worth booking.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fromthededpths d
Nicosia5 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
There wa nothing negative about the whole experience. From the moment we entered we were taken to a quiet little table at the back. Excellent ambience and romantic lightning. We had the pistecca a la Florence. And for dessert the mascarpone. Our waiter kept bringing us free bites like fried bread and some seasonal salad. Excellent behavior. The chef came and we met her. It is a family run restaurant tha i really appreciate.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaterinaLatini
We are so delighted that you had a good time. We love to introduce people to new flavours, to maybe give a little taste or two of something that you never have ordered. We really hope to see you again one day.
Written 16 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martyn P
London195 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
We were welcomed into the restaurant and immediately served witha potato/pasta appetiser - simple but delicious. The service was attentive, but not overbearing, and the waiters offered excellent advice on dishes and quantities. We are not big eaters and they were quite happy for us to share (an excellent) ravioli starter. Our main dishes - a steak and a seafood pasta - were excellent and the wine delicious. Recommended!
Written 7 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andyww2018
Savelletri527 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
The owner makes a point of coming around . Good choice of lovely winter dishes with lots of flavour .Nice complimentary savoury doughnut nibbles to start , of course the obligatory amoretti with vin santo after .A good wine list thats good value as is the food
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaterinaLatini
Those savoury doughnuts are called "coccoli" and it is deep fried bread dough. Evil! But very very good!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Written 16 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
K8SvD
11 contributions
Mar 2023 • family
I have had several wonderful memorable meals at this restaurant. Tonight was a disappointment.
The waiter got the order wrong - I ordered one entree to be split between 2 children and instead received 2 entrees -way too much food for small stomachs. I asked for wine 3 times, received none even after the entree was served. I had to get up and talk to the manager before any was served. There were several bones in my fish. One of which I almost choked on.
This was far from the relaxing special meal to which I was looking forward.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Watsson
Annapolis467 contributions
Dec 2021 • couples
Nothing wrong with our meal at di Giovanni but these ratings are comparative so... My wife and I had basically the same meal we had at di Giovanni at another restaurant two nights ago - starter, steak, dessert, half bottle of Chianti. The steak two nights ago was a bit tastier. We got more meat at restaurant X than we did at di Giovanni for 10 fewer euros even though the price per kilo on the menus was the same. All in all,a better meal at restaurant X for 30 fewer euros than at di Giovanni. If you’re looking for bistecca alla fiorentina you can do better than di Giovanni.
Written 7 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angloitaliana
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • friends
Simply delicious! Great food, excellent value for money. You get what you pay for here. It may seem pricier than other restaurants but you are paying for a quality of food and service I have not seen beaten in 30 years of coming to Florence. From adults to teenage children, all our tastes were catered for with the varied choice of menu, excellent local wines, and the best ribollita in town (offered as a sample by our hosts). This is now a must to return to on my next trip
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheCulinaryCrusader
Melbourne162 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We had a really lovely meal here. They offer local dishes which gives you a little glimpse into Florentine culture. The staff were also very warm and accommodating and the atmosphere was great. A good choice for Florence.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaterinaLatini
We are so pleased you enjoyed your time here with us and we hope to see you again one day.
Written 27 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tan1415
Amsterdam232 contributions
Feb 2022 • family
The best quintessential Tuscan classic dinner. Everything was perfect.
From the food, to the atmosphere to the excellent service.
As the lady owner is from NY, English overal was perfect.
The waiter who I forgot to ask the name again was truly excellent with great recommendations and also how to set up and order the perfect amount for our party.
Maybe with our knowledge in the future with party of 5/6 we will consider ordering two portions of anitipasta, a few pasta dishes( highly recommend the pear and ricotta tortelli, the pici (had it last time) and 2 portions of ribolitta to share.
For secondi we simply get the bistecca. They will get the size appropriate to your group, but 1,8 kg (about 4 fingers high) is recommended. I suggest getting this and choose the other courses to match your group size. The friend artichokes and potatoes are amazing.
We were so stuffed we wanted to end, take a walk and get a gelato elsewhere. Luckily we didn’t. The tiramisu is simply perfect, the warm apple pie is so delicious and like nothing we tried before. A combination of bread pudding and apples. The chocolate cake is a must for chocolate lovers.
We were offered a choice of limoncello , sorbet or amaretto…but we were so full. Btw by this time we got so many complimentary items from amaretto biscuits, to dessert wine , to ribolitta.
One of the great foodie experiences and the go to place for bistecca and classic Tuscan cuisine for me. Perfection everywhere.
I don’t quite understand why they don’t achieve 1 Michelin star. Still glad they haven’t yet, because it was the most expensive dinner we had in Italy.
But price quality…imho is still amazing. Must try and highly recommended
Written 21 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary T
California120 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
We had made a reservation & then had to change it to the following evening because of a delayed flight. They were very accommodating with the change which was lovely of them. We were a party of six celebrating several special occasions & were placed in a quiet, back room. All was fine until a large (local) party was also placed with us who were very loud! I guess just bad luck for us. We appreciated the dough bites which arrived as a surprise & were tasty. My husband & son had the wild boar steaks which were both tender & tough in spots. Two of us had the pasta with toasted bread crumbs & cheese (can't remember what it was called) which was okay but lacked any flavor. The chicken entree was supposedly wonderful. Overall it was good. The friendly couple who sent out their special dessert at the end tried very hard to please. Would go there again but just order differently.
Written 14 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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