Al Tranvai — Restaurant in Florence

✨ Al Tranvai – A Hidden Gem in Florence

We first discovered Al Tranvai completely by accident during our first visit to Florence. We had planned to dine at a nearby restaurant that turned out to have an impossibly long wait, and my husband — taking charge of his wife’s hanger emergency — stumbled into Al Tranvai instead.

The restaurant was cozy and bustling, but managed to seat us without too much of a wait. We sat outside, close to neighboring tables filled mostly with locals. Two Italian gentlemen at the next table struck up a conversation with us, and we soon learned that one of them was a chef at another nearby restaurant. That was our first clue that we had landed somewhere special.

They were so gracious, helping us navigate the handwritten Italian menu and even sharing some of their dishes with us. We bravely sampled a local specialty — kidneys — not quite to our taste, but when in Rome (or Florence!), right?

My husband and I shared a few Tuscan classics: ribollita (a hearty white bean and bread soup with vegetables), arrabbiata linguine, and peposo, a slow-braised beef with black pepper and red wine. Each dish was simple yet full of soul — proof that great food doesn’t need to be complicated.

We decided to secretly pay for our new friends’ meal along with ours. When they found out, they surprised us in return with a bottle of their favorite wine to take home — a gesture we’ll never forget. It was a truly magical evening.

A year later, we were lucky enough to return to Florence. I chose Al Tranvai as the place to meet my Italian cousin for the very first time. The restaurant was just as warm and charming as we remembered, and the meal just as wonderful. I hope we can keep coming back to recreate the incredible memories...

Chanced upon this little gem on a stroll by Giardino Torrigiani. While it was late in the afternoon (14:30) and the kitchen about to close, we were told we could dine on condition of prompt ordering. While the service was typical 'Firenze charm', the staff were kind enough to aid us with the English they knew - considerably better than our poor Italian. The bruschetta was the best we've had, with bright, fresh tomatoes and local olive oil. The gnocchi al ragu was served with tender beef; the al arabiatta as a classic dish with only onion, garlic, tomatoes, parsley. Tiramisu was the perfect complement....

LOVED our dinner here the other night! Traditional Tuscan cusine, small, cosy resturant with great atmosphere. The waiter was super helpful and friendly and gave us great recommendations. I had the fungi pasta (cant remember its name) and I literally cant stop thinking about the mushrooms they were the best I have ever had - seriously!

My partner have the red wine sausage pasta and my mother in law had the chicken which were both delicous. Food came quick and super fresh We will be back here when we are in...