L'Osteria di Giovanni

Best truffle pasta we had in Florence! Warm hospitality, everyone was very attentive and kind. Outstanding family dining experience! Delicious meal.

Amazing experience! The staff were so friendly and attentive, service was super fast, and the food was delicious. We shared a pasta and they kindly split it into two plates, which was such a nice touch. The steak was incredible and we were so full, but they still surprised us with sorbet and cookies. Truly one of the best meals we had in Italy!

I really wanted to try a T-bone steak while in Firenze, but it was hard to choose the right place. I ended up at Giovanni, avoiding spots that are already popular among Korean tourists. Until the bread came out, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But once I tried it, all doubts disappeared. It was a fried-style bread—chewy and tasty—and I kept reaching for more. The truffle ravioli and seafood oil pasta that followed were also flavorful and suited my taste well. The main dish, the T-bone steak, was especially delicious. I’d heard that T-bone can be quite tough, so I was worried, but this one was tender and far better than expected. We ordered the smallest portion, and it was enough for our family of four. The cantuccini they served at the end was so good I still think about it Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. I’m not sure if they make it themselves, but if they sold it, I’d definitely buy some.

Visited in March 2013 — Giovanni himself greeted me at the door and took my early booking with warmth. This is a family affair (his brother runs Il Latini around the corner, and their father’s portrait watches from the wall), with much of the produce coming from nearby farms. Antipasti were a highlight: varied prosciutti, finocchiona, and fresh ricotta (9.0–9.5/10). Crostini with liver patè and lardo captured Florence’s cucina povera at its best. Off-menu baccalà alla fiorentina with beans was hearty if slightly oversalted (8/10). Pear and pecorino tortelli were rich, lifted by leeks and almonds (8/10). Desserts like panna cotta with strawberries and cantuccini were competent closers. Service was attentive and genuinely hospitable throughout. Bookings are essential, and it’s clear why: this osteria balances tradition, quality, and welcome in equal measure.

Loved our dinner at Giovanni. Friendly staff, amazing coccoli, tasty ribollita, and a perfectly cooked Florentine steak with great potatoes. They finished it off with biscotti and vin santo on the house. Would definitely recommend.

The service was spectacular.. plenty of restaurants can learn from them. My partners bistekka was overcooked and they offered us something else, then offered us a free dessert and complimentary biscottis. They were very apologetic. The food was delicious and they had a great selection of dishes

Ok only giving this place 4 stars because of our server. We walked in to this place and they had no seating upstairs so we were seated in the wine cellar/basement. Our server (I believe his name was Antonio) was so patient and answered all our questions! Somehow we ended up staying 3 hours just chatting but he was in no rush to kick us out. I only lowered the stars because our meals did not meet our expectations. My rabbit entree was overcooked, was like eating dry chicken breast and my friend’s personal preference is for the pasta to be more cooked (it was al dente, not restaurant fault just her personal preference). The creme brûlée was the best! And we ordered cappuccinos to wrap up the dinner and omg it was better than most cafes we’ve been to.

Best meal we had in all of Italy. Was highly recommended by a friend and indeed wonderful memories were created. Every dish was fabulous. Steak was superb and the potatoes roasted in beef fat was the bomb. We found the steak better than another highly rated more touristy place. I asked if the steak came w a sauce and they did a sautéed mushroom sauce for me, wonderful service. Not that it needed a sauce but is a personal preference.