La Grotta Guelfa — Restaurant in Florence

Strongly not recommended! 1: We came here on the 27th and ordered two steaks, specifying al sangue. As shown in Picture 1. Today, the 29th, we returned to this restaurant and ordered a filet mignon. When the dish was served, it included both parts (effectively charging us the price of another filet mignon). 2: When we finished the filet part, we found that the other side was overcooked to the medio degree. We didn't touch the other half and immediately called the waiter. When he took it away, a manager came and told us that in Florence, this is al sangue. But the color of the meat had turned white instead of red, and the texture was dry.

Later, they told us they wouldn't replace it, claiming that there was no problem with the cooking. It's impossible for one side to be fine and the other to be bad. But when we asked them to check the state of the meat, they said it had already been disposed of. Moreover, when the waiter took it away at first, he didn't raise any questions. We were able to get a replacement smoothly on the spot, so we didn't have time to take a photo. Therefore, they didn't think they were at fault later on. 3: They told me that the 27th was bleu, not al sangue. Funny, we have the receipt and reservation record. Then when we were checking out, they changed their story and said that because we ordered a three-person portion, the middle part would be raw.

I've been to this store no less than four times. I won't come here again, nor will I bring my friends here.

I'll comment right after I leave, so if you have any objections, please go to your kitchen and take a picture of the steak that you threw away but wasn't taken away by the garbage...

Long post…

What a horrible experience. My wife and I had tours all day long and were looking forward to such a well rated restaurant for dinner. We were seated and ignored for 10 minutes before we were given menus. We waited another 10 minutes before a waitress decided to come by. They were busy and I understood. She walked up with her phone and said hello, not another word. We awkwardly ordered our drinks, meals, everything. She left never to return. Our food came quickly and I enjoyed mine. My wife thought it was odd that there was no pepper on the table and I waived down a different waiter to ask for pepper. He looks at us both and says may I ask you why? To put on my wife’s dish I reply. He goes on to tell me that she would ruin her dish with pepper and that I have already ruined mine by adding cheese. He went on to belittle us while getting in my wife’s face to ask again why she would ever put pepper on this dish. Where are you from? We are Americans and when he was told this he tossed up his hands and told us we were a lost cause. We sat there in disbelief, pepperless. 55 euros for a horrible experience. We paid and left and said not...

I had a wonderful dinner at La Grotta Guelfa. The atmosphere struck a great balance — located just one block off the main thoroughfare, it had enough people traffic to feel lively, but it was much quieter than the busier parts of the city.

I started with the Crostini Misti, which were very good, and paired them with a glass of Chianti Classico that was excellent. For my main course, I ordered the Filetto alla Prataiola — the beef fillet was tender and cooked perfectly, with mushrooms that added just the right hint of flavor. Dessert was the classic Torta della Nonna, creamy and light, the perfect finish to the meal.

What made the evening extra special was when a group of talented singers came by and performed for the restaurant — an unexpected treat that gave the night even more charm.

The service was warm and attentive, and the overall experience felt both relaxed and polished. One tip: definitely make a reservation ahead of time, as the restaurant fills up quickly.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for an authentic Tuscan dinner in Florence! This was one of the best...