La Bistecca - Osteria Fiorentina - Piazza della Repubblica — Restaurant in Florence

Don't normally post negative reviews, but this place was surprisingly mediocre.

TL:DR Better service, value and quality control elsewhere. Location is nice. 3/10

Service: Very Poor, server pretended to not understand English and was rude/curt and did not say "prego" (you're welcome) once. Also weirdly stood right by our table after payment completed and motioned to the "gratuities not included on the receipt"

Price: it is pricey but not outrageously so for the location. 6 Euro for a water, 20 Euro for Pasta, and about 70 Euro for the Steak Florentine. There is a 20% discount if you reserve via the restaurant website (does not include drinks)

Food: Cover Charge bread was actually pretty good, the balsamic vinegar at the table is terrible and should be replaced. Food was very under-seasoned. Steak Florentine did not have any salt and was not cooked to correct temperature. We asked for medium rare, it was medium on one side and rare on the other, I understand it's a T-bone but this should be done right especially by a place calling itself a steakhouse. Pasta was also under-seasoned but within acceptable range. The potatoes that came with the steak were actually lovely and the highlight of the meal, would recommend, well seasoned and cooked perfectly.

Atmosphere: The location and vibes of the restaurant are quite nice, you have a direct view of the plaza and if lucky there will be live music. Service was quite slow and we noticed several couples playing card/dice games while waiting, was kind of charming. Very lively but touristy.

I think this place is coasting off of location. Unfortunately because the place has potential just too many mistakes and missed marks. Would not recommend unless you cannot get a reservation elsewhere, temper expectations and expect to pay 50-60...

Horrible experience! We thought we were going to taste this famous t-bone for 2 in a warm decorum among people of good society, in a restaurant that was nevertheless well-known in Florence.

The disappointment was absolutely TOTAL!

Only one charming brunette lady who smiled in all circumstances but overwhelmed because the rest of the team was absolutely unprofessional.

A gentleman who seemed to be a waiter passed us by, when we called out to him, he signaled with his index finger a clear « no » and we then waited for someone else to come. No waiter smiling or reacting to "Buena cera signore", taking the order was difficult (even though it was for the very simple 1,2kg t-bone), finally the order was taken.

Long wait then the t-bone arrived… followed 20 minutes later by the ordered aperitif (!).

Throughout the rest of the meal, the waiters grimaced and the staff, visibly tense, incredibly argued in front of all the tables, on a sort of central point in the middle of the room (did they think they were invisible???)

At the end of our meal, we asked for a doggy bag which was again the subject of a tense exchange between the charming brunette lady and one of the waiters (unbelievable).

We btw had asked for the dessert menu which never arrived after 20 minutes and we then decided to ask for the bill and get up to leave. No response of course to our "Grazie mile" and "arrive derci".

Totally disappointed, even if the t-bone was not that bad, I suppose it must be the same quality everywhere else.

In short, many other "Ostreia" with 1000x more sense of service around this one but... you can try your luck 🤞… or avoid such experience and lunch or have dinner in a more...

If you’re in Florence and craving the real deal when it comes to bistecca alla fiorentina — without the tourist markup — La Bistecca Osteria Fiorentina is a total gem.

📍 Location? Smack in the city center, right in Piazza della Repubblica. You’d expect tourist trap vibes, but instead: quality, transparency, and heart.

🥩 The meat selection is impressive. From Prussian ribeyes to Rubia Gallega to the prized Chianina I.G.P., they lay it all out clearly on the menu — breed, age, and pricing by weight. No guessing games, no hidden costs. I went straight for the Chianina Fiorentina with filet, and honestly? Worth every euro. Perfectly charred outside, juicy and rare inside, served with that Tuscan confidence that lets the meat speak for itself.

🍷 I paired it with a chilled Rosatello rosé by Ruffino while people-watching from their outdoor seating — pure Italian cinema.

🌟 Service was superb — warm, attentive, and helpful without being pushy. You can feel they actually enjoy what they do.

💸 Fair prices for central Florence, especially considering the beef quality and location. You can build your experience depending on your budget and taste.

In short: if you’re meat-curious, steak-serious, or just want that authentic Fiorentina bite with proper hospitality — this...