Agricola Toscana — Restaurant in Florence

I needed to sit down because I had a video call and this was the restaurant I found nearest by. I sat down and order something to drink while I was on my call. I asked the woman if she could lower the volume of the music just a bit since I was near it and it was loud. The woman answered me in a rude tone and told me this wasn’t a bar and that I couldn’t sit there if I was not ordering anything to eat. Another waiter came later…he was much nicer yet told me the exact same thing..that if I wasn’t consuming food, I couldn’t sit there. I felt extremely bad considering I’m alone, the wifi from the Starbucks in front wasn’t working, I had no signal and I needed wifi just for a second and wanted to sit and drink something. I ended up crying bc it was just not my day overall and plus that, just got too overwhelmed. Btw: the restaurant wasn’t full nor anything. There were only to tables occupied. I understand the fact that maybe in Italy you just can’t have a drink in a restaurant but there was no need to be rude, anything can be communicated with respect. It was not only overwhelming but also an embarrassing experience. This is the first place where I have felt this vibe of rejection here...

We had dinner at Agricola Toscana on 21 July on the recommendation of Sabrina at the Hotel Maxim Axial. The experience was outstanding from the moment I first spoke to Sabrina (who even called Adriana at Agricola Toscana to assure our reservation and a special warm welcome) to the conclusion of a truly memorable, authentic Florentine meal, complete with Adriana’s homemade cantucci! On our arrival, we were greeted like family one is actually happy to see, and shown to a cozy, comfortable table “in fondo” that was perfect. Our waiter (regrettably, I did not get his name) could not have been more patient or kind in indulging our questions as we made our selections. He recommended the perfect wine (and as a bonus, it was very reasonably priced!) He presented our bistecca for our approval before it was cooked and delighted us with the presentation once carved and accompanied by perfectly roasted potatoes. If we had had more time in Florence, we would return again and again. Cenare a Agricola Toscana e stata una delle migliore esperienze di tre settimane in Italia. Non vedo l’ora di ritornare....

Authentic and old school. Solid quality food in a reserved setting. The owners seem austere at first but don't be fooled. They are very nice and caring. I ordered a primi piatti of a clams and bottarga pasta that on a whim when it arrived I ended up asking for it to be a takeaway for my older son who was back at the hotel and then ordered another different pasta with pork jowl that came after my secondi of lamb. They don't typically accommodate takeaway (many restaurants don't) but they found containers to make it work for me. They even did a prosciutto and melon takeaway for my son as well. So great service keeping up with my curve balls despite not their practice. And all with a smile. The food was quite enjoyable too. Thanks for a great meal and experience. Give them a try when you're in Florence and say hi...