Crown of India, Ristorante Indiano a Firenze — Restaurant in Florence

I visited the Crown of India, a family-run restaurant establishment, during my current visit to Florence. I was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem as it offered a space to try Indian cuisine in Italy with an upscale, modern, and welcoming environment. As you enter the door, you are immediately greeted by the staff at the front with a big smile, ready to take you to your table in a couple of minutes. The staff are fluent in multiple languages, including Italian and English, making the ordering experience easier for a native English speaker like myself. The menu also offers English translations, making the ordering process easier. They are also open to accommodating dietary restrictions and adjusting spice levels according to your taste if you ask. They have a vast menu showcasing many different North Indian dishes - given the selection, I opted to ask my amazing servers, Radika and Palwinder, for suggestions. I tried a few things like the tandoori non-veg appetizers, daal makhani, chaat papri, and Amritsari kulcha. All items were brought to the table quickly, made with quality ingredients, and were delicious! If you are interested in having drinks, they have a large selection of alcoholic drinks (lots of wine selection as well and even off-the-menu cocktails if you can’t decide) and many options for mocktails/non-alcoholic drinks. If you do not feel like dining in, then I would recommend placing a takeaway/takeout order - they are very well organized in that aspect as well. Aside from the food, it is important to point out the importance the restaurant puts on cleanliness in the dining room, kitchen, and washrooms.

I want to reiterate that the customer service of this restaurant definitely makes it a must-stop in Florence. The staff prioritizes kindness and hospitality as they go the extra mile to ensure guests are satisfied and have a wonderful time at the restaurant. The owners/family are often on the property and very hands-on, ensuring the operations run smoothly, supporting staff, and ensuring a healthy work environment that further translates to a great dining experience. They are open to feedback and questions and even offer local suggestions regarding your visit to Florence/Italy, as they are native to the area. Their admiration and passion for bringing their Indian culture to Florence is evident as they have created a space where diasporas/immigrants in Italy, locals/natives, and tourists feel at home. If you want to find a small piece of India in Florence, I recommend stopping by the Crown of India for a lovely and fun...

We were recommended this spot by the manager and owner of Firenze's famed La Giostra. If that isn't the best co-sign to come here, I don't know what is.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a smiling Sonika. Do yourself a favor and make sure you sit in her section when you're here. Making our way to the table, we got to admire the layout of the restaurant, which embodied a mix between old school Italian Renaissance and modern flares seen throughout the building.

We had already had a late lunch and had a drinks reservation waiting for us afterwards, but that did not stop us from stuffing ourselves. Before our order arrived, we were greeted by some delicious papad and 3 different types of chutney. Once we cleaned that up, 6 pani puri shots showed up. Each shot was full of flavor, transporting us back to the streets of India. Next up we had the samosas. Do yourselves a favor and if you ONLY order one thing, please make it the samosas. They were so soft and warm on the inside and had a crisp crunch on the outside - my favorite way to cook a samosa. Finally, we ended our starters with such a great chaat. Okay, I lied... make sure you order the samosas AND the chaat. Our mains consisted of a health portion of lambchops, anda buttery tandoori chicken that was falling off the bone (which didn't matter, since I gnawed off half the bones since I wanted more).

We did not have room for drinks, but no matter - Sahil (who I think was the culprit behind the delicious food) convinced us to have a drink at the bar before we left. We had a great time chit chatting for several minutes as we downed our drinks and left on our merry way.

If you're looking for Indian food in between shoving loads of pasta, pizza, and gelati down your gullet, look no further. It's well worth the 10 minute stroll from city center and wonder how some of India's best flavors found themselves in the middle of the heart of...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Crown of India, and it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. Located in the heart of the city, this gem of a restaurant offers an authentic culinary journey through the diverse flavors of India.

Ambiance: The moment you step inside, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is a perfect blend of traditional Indian elements and modern aesthetics, with vibrant colors, intricate artwork, and soft lighting creating a cozy yet elegant environment. The seating is comfortable, and the layout allows for intimate dinners as well as larger gatherings.

Service: The service is impeccable. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly. Our waiter took the time to explain the menu and make thoughtful recommendations based on our preferences. The food arrived promptly, and the staff frequently checked in to ensure everything was to our liking without being intrusive.

Food: The star of the show is undoubtedly the food. Each dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of India, prepared with the freshest ingredients and an exquisite balance of spices. We started with the Garlic Chicken and Papdi Chaat, both of which were bursting with flavor. For the main course, we enjoyed the butter chicken, and a variety of vegetarian dishes including the dal makhani. Every dish was cooked to perfection, with the right amount of spice and an explosion of tastes.

The naan and parathas were freshly baked and complemented the curries beautifully. The portions were generous, and the presentation was delightful.

It is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine in a delightful setting, whether you're a longtime lover of Indian...