Il Gusto di XINGE — Restaurant in Florence

We learned about XINGE from a Lonely Planet Guidebook of Florence & Tuscany (2023) however it only mentioned their other restaurant which would satisfy the appetites of those looking for takeaway bites whereas IL GUSTO DI XINGE is a place that I would firmly classify as a fine dining experience. My wife and I booked a table for lunch on a Saturday last week and it now stands as one of the most memorable meals I’ve eaten in Italy since moving here last year. As you can imagine, this praise is not given lightly. The decor is playful, the furnishings and accents are clearly Asian though the colours selected have the charm and harmony of the exteriors of so many Italian homes. Instead of ordering the tasting menu we decided on a selection of dim sum on the a la carte menu since we had already seen several dishes we had wanted to try before booking our table. This is what we ordered : ‘Dream of Red Chambers’ (shrimp and mozzarella balls) Shumai goldfish (turkey / prawn / mushroom) Har gow (prawn / salmon roe) Zen Bao (pork / artichoke / dashi ) Chicken Curry Bao (chicken / potato) Canton Cheung Fun ( prawn / cashew ) It’s far too hard to pick a favourite dish when every single one was exceptional but I will make special mention of the ‘dream of red chambers’ and the har gow. The former because it was incredibly presented and unexpectedly delicious yet whimsical, the latter is traditionally quite a simple dish which is why I am so impressed with how this chef has chosen to elevate it. Honestly, bravo. The head chef has outdone herself with this menu. I’m always weary of fusion cuisine as it can be difficult to strike the right balance but this menu has clearly come from the mind of someone who understands how to harmonise delicate flavours and diverse textures. Only a true gourmet can accomplish this to a standard this high. I’d also like to mention the quality of the service and attentive care we received from our server and sommelier Dario, who recommended several dishes and drinks that made this lunch so delightful. Treat yourself by ordering some of the Kodakara Yuzu and/or the Mushroom Whisky if that’s more to your taste. This restaurant is a place to take someone who can appreciate how truly unique it is, it is Chinese but the flair is all Italian - I’m just so glad I got to try it before...

A Culinary Journey

As a restaurant photographer who dines out often, few tasting menus have left such an impression as the €90 degustazione at Il Gusto di Xinge. Chef Xin Ge Liu, young and exceptionally talented, has crafted an experience that’s not just a meal but an artistic journey across Asia. Each course reflects her passion and precision, with cocktails inspired by chapters of a beloved book setting the tone for the evening.

Among the standout dishes was the bao filled with pork and authentic French foie gras, elevated by a delicate perlage of Modena balsamic vinegar. The rich foie gras and tender pork offered a luxurious, layered experience in every bite—you begin by savoring the flavors, sipping the broth, and then enjoying the rest of the bao, which balances richness with the perfect touch of acidity.

Another unforgettable course was the black pepper filetto: a Shanghai-style beef tenderloin, marinated in a five-spice sauce, and beautifully steamed with black pepper, cardoncelli mushrooms, and Cantonese-style asparagus. The dish was bold yet refined, with layered flavors that lingered, leaving an earthy and subtly spiced finish.

The restaurant itself is spacious yet intimate, designed with a warmth that feels both welcoming and thoughtful. Modern yet accented with traditional Chinese porcelain, it presents dishes in innovative ways—like two half-plates fused together. Balancing tradition with innovation, it isn’t afraid to break from the classic, and this contrast works beautifully. The attentive and friendly staff reflect Chef Xin Ge’s open and generous spirit, making each guest feel at home.

This tasting menu is a true exploration of Asian cuisine, with Chef Xin Ge’s dedication to both authenticity and creativity shining in every dish. For those seeking a meal that goes beyond flavor to offer an experience, Il Gusto di Xinge is an absolute must...

This place lacks substance but trying way too hard to be Pop… I definitely appreciated the attentive service, but my overall experience was deeply underwhelming. The restaurant’s aesthetic leans heavily into trendy, "pop" sensibilities, but the execution lacks cultural authenticity and culinary finesse—resulting in dishes that feel gimmicky rather than thoughtfully crafted.

Bao: The dough was unacceptably thick—reminiscent of pizza crust—completely overpowering the filling and betraying the delicate texture expected of proper bao. Dong Po Rou (东坡肉): A shocking misstep. The braised pork was dry and choking, lacking the melt-in-your-mouth richness this classic dish demands. Even a humble Hangzhou eatery’s version (my previous benchmark for "worst") was vastly superior. 烤麸 (Braised Wheat Gluten): Overwhelmingly salty, with the artificial aftertaste of canned preservatives—no depth or balance. Misguided "Dream of Red Chamber" Theme: As a person who once dis a PhD in Hong Lou Meng, I was baffled by the inclusion of lychee (a fruit, not a cooking ingredient in the text) and lobster (never mentioned in the novel). This feels like a superficial attempt to capitalize on literary prestige without genuine understanding.

The service team deserves praise, but the kitchen and concept need urgent reevaluation. Authenticity isn’t about ornate decor or name-dropping classics—it’s about respect for technique and tradition. Currently, this feels like a...